HIGHLAND – As the rain passed overhead, parishioners carrying food items and folding chairs, settled onto the southeast corner of the church grounds for the annual parish picnic at St. James the Less.
“Keep praying the rain stays away. I think God is testing us,” Father Gregory Bim-Merle said jokingly as he welcomed everyone on Aug. 18.
The pastor and musician in his own right, fittingly began the entertainment portion of the parish event by performing “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and then “Blackbird” by The Beatles.
Members of the church were then invited to come forward to perform in an open mic atmosphere. Among those awaiting their turn was seven-year-old Eadie Beaulieu who looked forward to singing as her sister Tessa, 12, played the ukulele and guitar.
“I think everybody really tries to do things together and Father Greg is great,” said their mother, Erin Beaulieu, as she reflected on what she likes most about St. James.
“There’s fun stuff to do,” added Tessa. “We had a parish festival and we have snow cones and donuts after Mass sometimes. Teen Adoration Night was really fun too.”
Attendees like the Beaulieu family listened to the performances as they had their fill of traditional picnic foods including hamburgers, hotdogs, sides and desserts that were made available throughout the early afternoon. There was also fresh corn on the cob and a vat of melted butter in which to dip it.
“It creates a sense of community,” said parishioner John Matulewicz, referring to the day’s events as he helped prepare the ears of corn.
In addition to the food, music and several yard games that were set up outside, the parish’s women's guild conducted a gift basket raffle.
The women's guild started hosting the parish picnic three years ago as a way for the members of the parish to come together and enjoy a day of fellowship and entertainment.
“It has been growing every year; everyone looks forward to it,” said member Janis Theil.
Theil joined the guild a little over 10 years ago because she wanted to express her ideas for future events and help in a variety of ways. She became guild’s president in 2020 and is excited to see the group starting to regain some energy since the coronavirus pandemic.
“I enjoy the friendships I have made with the ladies in the guild. Some of us even meet outside of the parish,” said Theil. “Our ladies all work well together; some have the same ideas, others have different (ideas) but we all work together. Our main focus is St. James, our parish”
Treasurer Mary Shelton became involved with the guild once she retired. She teaches faith formation and said her aid who was involved with the women's guild would talk about the wonderful things the group did for the parish community.
“I felt with retirement, I would have the time to become involved with the guild,” said Shelton. “I joined and wished I had sooner! Going to the monthly meetings was not a chore, but relaxation. The fellowship and care amongst the members is invigorating. Our reward from the profits of the events goes back to our church community.”
The guild, which meets the second Tuesday of the month, contributes to the faith formation program, St. James Food Pantry and various other charities and church needs. The women organized included a parish rummage sale (Aug. 27-30), and plans are in the works for an Adult Halloween Dance (Oct. 26) and Craft and Vendor Market (Nov. 9).
For more information about St. James the Less, call the parish office at 924-4220 or visit stjameshighland.org.
Caption: Members of the St. James the Less Women's Guild set up a table of gift baskets for a raffle during the parish picnic on Aug. 18. The guild works together in a variety of activities at the church and assists with fundraising events. (Erin Ciszczon photo)