MADISON — A diocesan celebration to mark the close of this Year for Priests will be held Sunday, June 20, at the Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, 702 S. High Point Rd., in Madison. This will be a Sunday afternoon “family picnic” format with Mass beginning at 1 p.m. followed by food, games, fun, and fellowship.
A potluck-style picnic will begin at 2:30 p.m. Main meal, side dishes, and drinks will be provided. Each family is asked to bring a dessert to share. No refrigeration or heating facilities will be available, so plan accordingly.
The Bishop O’Connor Center’s gym and fields will be open from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. for families and their children to enjoy. The pool (with several life-guards on duty), will be open from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Families are asked to bring such things as balls, bats, gloves, and Frisbees, as well as swim suits, towels, water toys, sunscreen, and bug repellent as necessary. Also consider bringing folding lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
Parents are responsible for any necessary supervision of their children at all times and should accompany small children (under eight years old) who use the pool.
At 4 p.m. some formal games will begin. The pool will be closed at this time to encourage kids to participate in these games.
Parishes are encouraged to “field a team” of kids 14 and under to participate in these classic picnic games (balloon toss, three-legged races, and such). Bring a banner and show parish spirit.
Priests will be honored at 5 p.m.
Pastors are being notified directly and are encouraged by the bishop to join the festivities. Parishes are encouraged to come up with creative ways to honor and thank their priests.
For more information on the picnic celebration June 20, visit www.madisondiocese.org and click on the “Year for Priests” logo at the top, left-hand side of the page.