Did you know there is an organization in our parish that has no membership fee, no boring meetings, not even a membership list and for which, the parish arranges several wonderful lunch and mass events through the year?
Its unofficial name is “The Prime Timers of St. Joan of Arc.” This reporter could not find anyone to verify the age requirements of this group, but most of the unofficial members are retired or semi-retired; some have silver hair or little hair; some use canes on occasion and all lay claim to living a life of five decades or more.
That week's Advent theme of “The God Within”, focusing on “Light,” was vividly evident at the Christmas Mass and lunch to honor these faithful elders in the “prime” of their lives.
To see the light in the eyes and the brightness of the smiles of the St. Joan’s young at heart parishioners as they entered the church in anticipation of attending mass and meeting friends on a chilly Friday in December was verification enough of the meaning of the featured theme mentioned above.
Our new pastor, Fr. Jim DeBruycker, presided at the 11:00 am mass. With his strong presence and resonant voice, he welcomed all. Fr. Jim seemed very much at home in this small and somewhat casual venue.
At the Offertory of the mass the old and oft requested Advent song, “Lo How A Rose ‘E’er Blooming” was sung. The closing song was an English traditional hymn sung and played by Dan Chouinard on his accordion. Dan’s song, “This Is The Truth Sent From Above” was new to our ears and his wonderful interpretation of this song was a joy to hear.
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| Members of a Small Christian Community prepared the meal for the PrimeTimers |
The luncheon was ‘made ready’ by a very ambitious crew. They are members of a Small Christian Community. These generous volunteers arrived early to create a festive and warm ambiance. They have been long-time friends and they worked well together to prepare for the guests about to arrive. They stayed till the last utensil was properly stowed.
A feast for the eyes as well as the palate was on the serving table which was packed with steaming trays filled with tender pork slices, backed salmon, and carrots. A green salad and rolls completed the main course.
A dessert tray consisting of various bars and cookies decorated for the occasion followed. A beverage table with offerings of coffee and wine was available. A good sign of this meal’s success was the many who returned for refills.
Dan Chouinard announced the opening prayer to be offered by Fr. Jim and then Dan began to play many Christmas carols. He accepted requests and one could tell that Dan was enjoying this wandering minstrel gig.
People lingered - which was another good sign that they had a good time. One of the last to leave was Jim DeBruycker who seemed to enjoy the lunch and the many people who took time to personally welcome him as the newest member of our parish.
Echoes of laughter remained in the hall and many guests were heard to remark that this was the best luncheon ever and they were looking forward to the next Prime Timers’ event, which would be the St. Patrick’s Lunch in March. Watch for it, folks. All you need to do is to be in the prime of your life and tell them you are coming. It is not to be missed!
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