PrimeTimers St. Patty's Day Mass/Luncheon Wednesday, March 14th, 2003

Even the "help" has fun at this delightful annual St. Patrick Mass and luncheon hosted by St. Joan of Arc for the "Prime Timer" members and guests on Friday, March 14, 2003!

The Prime Timer's Organization used to be called the "Senior Citizens" group of St. Joan's, but no one could call this active and lively bunch that antiquated name anymore. It no longer fits!

There were many willing volunteers ready to help Julie Madden with this lunch and I guarantee that no one went home hungry after this traditional Irish feast including Irish soda bread on which to pour your hearty Irish stew, along with a generous portion of corned beef with its companion pal of cabbage with potatoes and vegetables. A green salad and a pan of interesting looking green gelatin were offered along with some very tempting desserts of bars and cookies iced with green shamrocks.

But, the most crowded table was the beverage table with its iced bucket-filled bottles of Lager beer and tempting bottles of wine to accompany the meal. One almost felt sorry for the lonely coffee servers on the other side of the room.

JoAnne Parsons, Julie Madden and friend

Ah yes, the room was candy to the eye with its round tables topped with alternating green and white tablecloths with a centerpiece of small shamrocks or daisy plants surrounded by Irish themed glitter. The decorations that were most admired belonged to JoAnne Parsons who brought her now famous collection of "everything Irish you can think of".

To set the tone, there was a three foot cuddly Leprechaun that sat on a table to greet everyone entering. Green ribbons hung from various Irish decorations throughout the room, but the item that the ladies fussed over the most was a pair of lovely green gloves gracefully dangling from a LARGE green handbag filled with many, many St. Patrick cards sent to JoAnne over a period of many years. Thank you, JoAnne for sharing some of your beloved collection with us all today.

But the festivities were only beginning. I'll come back to that after I tell you about the Eucharistic celebration that preceded the lunch.

All gathered in the Church area at 11:30 AM where the sun of this lovely warm Friday in March shone through the stunning stained glass windows that surrounds the entire church nave, seeming to give a three-dimensional illusion as one gazes at them. I could have meditated on those lovely windows for a time, but George Wertin, St. Joan's Pastor and today's presider, was right on time and wearing his special green stole with his vestments. Green is your color, George, I thought I heard someone say!

Dan Chouinard strolled in with his bright red accordion in tow. We were to be charmed by Dan's expertise on this versatile instrument to lead our worship music today.

After a warm welcome by George we all sang with Dan and his accordion "Morning has Broken". His choice of song said to me that perhaps Dan too, had noticed those striking windows bringing in hope and promise with the morning light.

The celebration of the Eucharist continued with lovely prayers and readings including Matthew's Gospel of The Sermon on the Mount, which spoke heartily of this year's Lenten theme of Discipleship in our lives. George spoke of St. Patrick's vision of peace, which he brought to the people of Ireland where so many had experienced hardship and famine yet kept their enthusiasm and faith.

Members of today's congregation focused their petition prayers on the subject of peace; for children who go to bed hungry; with prayers for our leaders, our military and our enemies. The offertory music solo by Dan was a thoughtful "Simple Gifts" instrumental. George ended the celebration with a special Irish blessing, which follows:

"May there be spring enough in your life to outlast the winters

May there be guitars and drums (and accordions) enough to lift your spirits whenever you need it

May you be gentle enough to comfort those who are hurting, but revolutionary enough to being heaven to those who need it now

May there always be a leprechaun near you To bring out laughter and dance and the child in you

And may God always have room enough for you in the palm of Her hand.

During the mass the volunteers and Julie Madden were scurrying around making sure that all the food had arrived safely from Kathy Meyer's TLC Café. Julie's "kitchen help" included Pat McLaughlin, JoAnne Parsons, Jim Potts, Jolene Madden, Rosie Rogers and many other helpful hands standing ready to do any task that was afoot.

It was a festive time and everyone seemed more than ready to celebrate, but several surprises awaited the Prime Timer's this day. Staff member, Steve Friedrichs, spoke to the group about his task of being in charge of the nursery at St. Joan's. Even though most of the attendees today do not have children in the nurseries, it was a good bet they might have some grandchildren to make use of this spectacular service offered here at St. Joan's and were delighted to learn more.

After all had eaten their meal (they earned good marks for the clean plate club), another surprise was awaiting them. Julie announced that Dan Chouinard would continue playing some Irish music on his "squeeze box", as it is sometimes lovingly called.

Dan O'Chouinard and JP Fitzgibbons

At about that time, Julie announced another surprise. She introduced a delightful guest musician, J.P. Fitzgibbons, a man of many vocal talents willing to share his reputation for being a real live Irish Tenor. J.P. sang some Irish tunes that delighted the ear and blessed the soul. His high note in the song, "Danny Boy" emitted a few screams and applause and some loud "bravos" from members of the crowd. J.P. accompanied by Dan, made the occasion a memorable one by taking requests and playing and singing for this very satisfied group.

At one point, Roseann Rogers requested a song called "McNamara's Band". Those "young" musicians hadn't heard of that one, so brave Rosie got up, hummed the peppy easy melody and next thing, we were all singing or humming this song. Rosie knew every word of this many-worded song! Kudos to you, Rosie, our very own Irish Rose of St. Joan's!

St. Joan annually invites members from a local charitable organization called, "Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly", to the St. Joan's Prime Timer luncheons. They expressed their thanks for this wonderful party and some of these delightful folks were having such a good time they were reluctant to depart. This sentiment was echoed by many other "regulars" as well as those well fed happy volunteers.

JoAnn Potts is a retired music and English teacher/choir director and 30 year member of St. Joan's. She enjoys volunteering to assist Anna Vagle with music tasks one day each week; singing in the choir; writing her memoirs and poetry; keeping up with friends and family via email; visiting the North Shore and entertaining friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 50 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren.

JJ Jackson is a new member of the webteam and is involved in real estate.

Is it really going to be a whole year before the next St. Patrick’s party? Its like that old saying that I just made up, "You must have had a good time if you don’t want to leave!" This might tell the story better than I can express in mere words.