So many people volunteered their time and their talents (and their boat!) to make the day so memorable, from our altar servers to our choir to the young men who carried the statue. (If you happen to see Daniel and Dylan Shea, Michael Hanks or Kevin Hulverson, give them an extra pat on the back. The statue is heavier than it looks! I think you’d all agree, though, they looked quite impressive as they carried it down A Street.) Our festival committee had very little time to organize the festival. I think you’ll agree, they did an excellent job! (The committee was led by Eileen and George Boylen, Susan and Richard Armenia, and Judy and Mike McConnell.)Several local establishments generously donated food. I would like to publicly thank Beach Food Market, Daddy’s Beach Club, Hull House of Pizza, Pizza Box, Schooner’s and Weinberg’s Bakery for their generosity. Please see the list I’ve posted in the gathering space for a more detailed list of those I was hoping to acknowledge, including you, not only for bringing salads and desserts to the celebration, or for helping to clean up afterwards, but also for being such faith-filled and supportive members of the Body of Christ. It is a privilege to be your pastor.

Finally, I would like to the most important person of all: Mary. Our Blessed Mother has been good to us, hasn’t she? (I credit her intercession for making the rain stop one hour before the procession and for holding off until one hour after the picnic!) On one level, our procession was meant to be very symbolic. There was a reason we ended the procession, literally, at the altar of Christ. It was to symbolize Mary gathering us together and leading us to her Son. May God bless our efforts as we, in our own little ways, lead others to Him, too.