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Festival raises funds
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Although technically on vacation, a group of St. Christine teachers happily donated their time to the parish festival. Handling the bake sale were teachers Stacey McClelland (left), Cathryn Thomas, Maria Gentile, and Marilyn Lordi.
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Students from St. Christine School never miss the fun of the Parish festival. Visiting before school starts in September were, from left, Bridget Walsh, Elizabeth Philibin, Madeline Keffler, and Isabelle Savich.
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St. Christine teacher Wendy DelBoccio (left) manned the kielbasa station and happily served a hot sandwich to patron Elaine Gromada (right).
By SARAH FOOR
In 1953, St. Christine Parish opened for worship.
For just as long, the parish has reached out to the community, congregation and the staff and students of St. Christine School with its annual Parish Festival, which was held this year from July 7 to 10.
The Parish Festival fills up the St. Christine’s parking lot with thrilling games and rides, food, prizes and bingo games. On the closing day of the festival, St. Christine’s offered a fireworks display.
Debbie Esbenshade is currently on the planning committee for the festival, but has been helping out in many different jobs for the last 38 years.
“I’m part of this team every year because I truly love my church and the work that we do. All the money we raise is for the parish and the students at the school, but it is also a great way to build fellowship with our community,” Esbenshade noted.
The funds raised from the festival benefit the parish and school, and are held for any emergencies that arise at the facility. In the past, the festival committee has loaned the funds for school repairs and events that benefit student life at the school.
On July 7, the first day of the festival, teachers and students from the school hosted a Kid’s Night with games and events to supplement the festival. School officials offered a Go Fish game, football toss and face painting station free of charge for guests.
St. Christine student Madeline Keffler donated her time at the face painting station and was excited to visit her academic home.
“It’s been really fun to help. I definitely love the summer, but I’m also excited to head back to school in a few weeks,” Keffler shared as she painted.