LAPORTE – “The Mass was so beautiful. To see all the people surrounding the amphitheater- it looked like a great big sea of parishioners,” was how Jennifer Feeney, parish communications director, described Holy Family Parish’s Mass in the Park.
The Mass in the Park and parish picnic was held in LaPorte’s Fox Park at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater on June 25. Bishop Robert J. McClory presided at the Mass with Father Nathaniel Edquist and Father William O’Toole as concelebrants.
“It’s beautiful to see so many people gathered together for this Mass,” said Bishop McClory. ‘This parish community continues to grow. It’s a great opportunity for everyone to come together.”
An altar was set up under the shelter of the amphitheater with a picturesque Clear Lake as a backdrop. Mature oak and maple trees provided shade for most of the approximately 500 faithful who dotted the lawn and hillside.
“LaPorte is a beautiful community. To see so many people out here as a family celebration, shows the beauty of LaPorte, the beauty of the Catholic faith, particularly in this gorgeous setting,” said Bishop McClory.
While the day included a celebration of the Holy Mass and the parish picnic, Bishop McClory officially installed Father Edquist as pastor of the LaPorte parish. “It made sense to have the installation of the pastor take place while the bishop was here and not necessarily in any one of our three churches, but in a place where everybody could fit and attend. That was extra special,” said Father Edquist. “I’m blessed to be here and to have the support the people have shown.”
The three LaPorte Catholic churches, Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and St. Peter were officially combined into one parish, Holy Family Parish, in July 2021.
Father Edquist explained that plans for the event began nine months ago and was happy that the bishop’s visit coincided with the Mass in the Park.
“It seemed like a big family gathering. It's great to see everyone come out for it and have a big ‘natural church’ for everyone to come celebrate,” he added.
Father Edquist and Feeney shared their appreciation for all the volunteers who helped plan and organize, set up, assist during the events, and cleanup afterwards.
“It was an adventure. It was lots of people coming together to put together a big event that was really beautiful,” said Feeney.
She detailed how the volunteers basically had to move a whole church to the park including an altar, ambo, flowers, backdrops to mention just a few items. “This is a great venue. It was worth it, and I’d definitely do it again,” said Feeney.
The picnic which followed Mass included food trucks, a corn hole tournament, music and lawn games. Feeney explained that because it’s difficult to estimate the number of people who will attend, the food trucks, which offered pizza, hot dogs, authentic Mexican food, and shaved ice provided a way to have food available with a big investment. People could purchase the food they choose.
Nervous eyes kept looking at the weather radar throughout the morning as storms were forecasted. Soon after Mass ended, the tell-tale signs of imminent bad weather could be seen quickly approaching. Rain, lightning, and thunder soon sent people scattering for shelter.
While the early afternoon storm may have driven several people home, some returned to join those who weathered the storm under the amphitheater’s roof.
Lacey Medina and Yadira Aduilar enjoyed an afternoon of dancing to the music of a live Mexican Band. “It was very nice to celebrate Mass in the park and to hang out with church family,” said Medina.
Aduilar was impressed with the turnout and feels the Mass and picnic is a great opportunity for more people to get together.
Aduilar and Medina both felt the rain was refreshing and didn’t dampen their spirits.
“It was a beautiful day. It rained, but people are still here,” said Raul Dominguez.
Dominguez shared how the day felt like a family gathering. “For me it’s like a family. It’s a blessing. I was able to see my church family. There are no words to describe the feeling,” he said.
The day’s crowd was made up of more than just the faithful from the LaPorte parishes as non-Catholics joined in. “This is a great evangelization opportunity. I’ve seen some people here who I’ve never seen before. A lot of people wandered through the park and had some interest,” said Father Edquist.
Feeney echoed Father Edquist’s thoughts. “When you’re trying to evangelize, when you’re living your faith in the world, you have to be public about it,” said Feeney. “If you’re going to live your faith out in the world, sometimes it’s good to worship in a space outside the church.”