PrimeTimer's St Patty's Day

Can’t you tell? We are not in Kansas any more. In fact, we are not even in Duluth or Dublin, but we ARE at St. Joan’s annual celebration of Prime Timer’s St. Patrick’s Day Eucharistic Mass and Luncheon. Parishioners who are 55 years of age and older are invited to attend this tribute to our seasoned wizened members of St. Joan of Arc.

This annual event was held on March 16th to honor and show appreciation for some of our parish family. Many have been faithful members, some, for longer than this author’s membership of nearly 40 years. Staff member, Steve Friedrichs and many old sod volunteers were on hand to help make the party a success.

The pictures taken by Patrick ‘O’Stevens’ as well as myself, tell the story of this event better than words. One look and everywhere is the color green. The feel of an Irish party was evident not only in the extensive decorations provided by parishioner JoAnne Parsons, the generous food table catered by our own Kathy Myers but also by the many varied ways one can do the…

‘Wearin’ of the Green’

It may be in a hat or a scarf or a pin,

Or it may be in a sweater with a stripe of orange.

Perhaps to wear purple to remember St. Uhro

Is how to tease green clad lassies and lads.

Others remained so non-committal

Rather than let be known their non-Irish heritage.

One or two, to be dressed to the nines

Including shoes of the greenest of greens.

The picture of that pair will tell it well.

The food that was offered was Irish stew

Tastin’ a bit o’ the flavor of ale

Cabbage aroma was strong - as it should be

And the crowning glory - the tender corn beef

And O my, don’t ye forget the Irish soda bread

A’ fore all that was a Eucharistic Mass

And you know ‘tis always joyful here.

‘twas enjoyed by all who were present there

Led by our own Fr. Jim O’DuBruycker.

Then came the Irish Tenor, J.P. Fitzgibbon

(though he did confess to a Fargo beginnin’)

Accompanied by our own, Joe O’Chouinard

Tickling so well those fine sounding keys

J.P.’s glorious notes along with his Irish lilt

Encouraged the best of the singers (along with the worst)

To sing along with all their might.

As echoes rang of “When Irish Eyes are Smilin’”.

It seems there was a lot o’ that grinnin’ goin’ on

As we said goodbye with some waves and some hugs

These words were heard , “See ya next year”!

So, YOU be sure to attend when it comes ’round again

In two thousand eight and be sure to wear green!

and

JoAnn Potts is a retired teacher, music/English/choir director and 35 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, poetry and SJA web articles; keeping up with family and friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 54 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren. Wanna see pictures?  JoAnn can be reached at joannpotts@gmail.com.