Everyone who is Irish, even if only for a few days, enjoyed the Prime Timers St. Patrick's Day Mass and Luncheon.

Approximately 55 people attended the 11:30 AM mass, celebrated by Fr. George Wertin in the church on Wednesday, March 16th. Anna Vagle and Joe Chouinard provided music for the Mass. After a warm welcome by Fr. George, wearing a green stole with his vestments, all sang the first hymn "Here I am Lord". Phil Schmidt gave the first reading from the book of Genesis. The Gospel reading was from the book of John. Fr. George's homily concerned the need for peace between nations and between individuals. That goal can best be achieved by getting to know more about each other.

Everyone joined in singing "Prayer of Peace".

Fr. George offered the following blessing:

A New Irish Blessing
May there be spring enough in our life to outlast the winters.
May there be guitars (and drums) enough to lift your spirits whenever you need it.
May you be gentle enough to comfort those who are hurting,
But revolutionary enough to bring 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.
-Tom Gilsenan, former SJA parishioner

The final blessing was the traditional Irish Blessing and the song "I Danced in the Morning" provided the energy to make way to the Hospitality Hall for lunch and entertainment.

While the mass was going on Julie Madden and volunteers were busy getting the hall and food ready. The hall and tables were festooned with green and shamrock attire. A spread of corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots and stew skillfully prepared by Kathy Meyer's TLC Catering filled one serving table. Another table featured a tossed salad, Irish soda bread, rolls, buns, marble rye bread and butter. Also, deserts of brownies and small chocolate eggs. The third serving table had coffee, apple cider, wine, and a large bowl filled with iced Irish Harp lager. Jim Potts and Harriet Horner served up the beverages to thankful participants.

JoAnne Parsons provided decorations of all things Irish. Her collection spans years of acquiring Irish themed decorations and greeting cards. A little green leprechaun sat on the beverage table, and I swear he kept a sharp eye on the beer! Entertainment was on after enjoying the fine meal. JP Fitzgibbons, an Irish tenor from County Cork, thrilled the energetic crowd as he sang old and newer Irish tunes. The very talented Joe Chouinard accompanied him on electric piano. Selections included "Cockles and Mussels", "Star of the County Down", "An Irish Lullaby", "McNamara's Band", "The Wild Rover", "When Irish Eyes are Smiling", and others. Fitzgibbons' rendition of "Danny Boy" brought a few misty eyes to the crowd.

The Prime Timers are just that. A chance to socialize and enjoy good food and the spirit of friendship provided at today's Mass and luncheon caused the day to go by too quickly. I hope to see all that came today at next years St. Paddy's Day celebration. 'Sláinte go saol agat. Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!'


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


Back