Celebrating

Parishioners from St. Joseph Parish in Dale, Mary Help of Christians Parish in Mariah Hill and St. Nicholas Parish in Santa Claus enjoyed Mass and a celebration in honor of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, St. Francis’ Feast Day.

Bishop Charles C. Thompson has approved a request that the new parish coming to life on July 1, 2015, through the merger of St. Joseph, Mary Help of Christians and St. Nicholas become St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Following Mass at St. Joseph in Dale, members of the three parishes released white doves. Festivities continued in the St. Joseph Parish Center with a simple meal of soup and tacos, and a short video on the life of St. Francis. After dinner, parishioner Ron Balbach provided a hayride, and other parishioners displayed donkeys and sheep to help everyone appreciate and share St. Francis’ love for animals and all God’s creation.

Submitted photos by Emily Herr