ABOVE: Lisa Scott (right), the adult spirituality coordinator for the linked parishes of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII in Liverpool, welcomed guests last year. Lisa passed away suddenly last November and will be celebrated in song and prayer at this year’s event.
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
“Mostly sunny skies. High 79F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.”
That’s Weather.com at press time describing Friday, August 23 in Liverpool where “Praise in the Park” will take place starting at 6:30PM at Johnston Park in the heart of the village. And, just by some stretch of the imagination that the forecast could change, the rain location is Epiphany Parish on Tulip Street.
This is a free event for singles, couples, families with kids and anyone else who enjoys praise, music, fellowship and faith. Ice cream will be available to top the evening off.
“We started it last year as a Liverpool Catholic Community event (LCC),” explained Terry Wellenzohn. She is the adult faith formation coordinator at Epiphany Parish, one third of the LCC along with the linked communities of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII. “It was driven by the year of the Eucharist,” she added.
Wellenzohn said that the parishes were hoping to host an event in 2023 that “demonstrated public worship and demonstrated our faith in the Liverpool community.” She added that “our focus for 2024 is How Great Thou Art.”
Praise in the Park is a perfect family outing as witnessed here in 2023.
Wellenzohn observed that in year one; there were those who sat back in their lawn chairs, enjoying the music, sprinkled in with the more enthusiastic attendees who dance and move to the music.
“But there were two situations that we had that were just wonderful,” she recalled. “We had this one young man had traveled with his family from out of town, and he was visiting local relatives in Liverpool, and he danced through the entire concert.”
Later in the concert, a couple arrived, a gentleman and a woman who appeared to be suffering from dementia. “She came in with her teddy bear and went right over to the front of the stage,” Wellenzohn said. “And she started dancing along with the children … enjoying the music, and it was just so beautiful.”
Margaret Ostaszewski is the Pastoral Associate of Volunteer Ministries for Christ the King and Pope John XXIII. She says that the formula of “food, fun and fellowship” is a model for reaching out to our youth, but it can be applied across the board.
“That’s basically what we’re offering here,” she said, adding that readings of the day we shared were all about Jesus feeding the multitudes. “We’re feeding them ice cream,” she laughed but quickly added “I’m hoping that ultimately, families in particular, but all people will have an opportunity to celebrate how great our God is, the wonder of God outside of the church building, so they can realize there’s not [just] one place to recognize his glory.”
When asked what she might to say to someone as an invitation to attend this year’s event, Wellenzohn said “You are welcome, you are loved, you are precious,” to which Ostaszewski added “Come and enjoy an evening of great music and an opportunity to celebrate what you have.”
