VOTF
Best Practices, February 2003
Collaboration
Key at Celtic Night in Canton
Saint Gerard
Majella Parish hosted "Celtic Night in Canton," in their church
hall on Friday, February 21, 2003, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM. The event
was a benefit for members of the Survivor's Network for those Abused
by Priests (S.N.A.P.) Bill Gately, a former Canton resident and
current NE co-coordinator for S.N.A.P. was on hand for the festivities.
Bill was raised in St. Gerard's Parish and is a past president of
the youth group at St. Gerard's
Celtic Night
in Canton was a collaborative effort begun by Director of Music
Ministry, Greg Pare. He was later joined by members of St. Gerard's
Parish Voice and St. Gerard's Youth Ministry.
The strains
of "Macushlah" and "Kathleen Mavourneen" as sung by Parish Voice
member Frank Mahoney signaled the beginning of an evening of Irish
festivities, and the "craic"* was off and running! The older members
of the audience were thrilled to hear Frank's rendition of these
favorites of long ago. Musical accompaniment was provided by "Mad
To Go" with Mike Reynolds on the guitar and accordion, Bob Ryan,
bass guitar/vocal and Brian Queadley, flutes and whistle.
It should come
as no surprise that the highlight of the evening was the presentation
of Irish Step Dancing by six lovely colleens of the O'Shea-Chaplin
Academy of Irish Dance, Aisling Nally, Emily Ponte, Bridgit Ponte,
Hillary Sussek and Maeve Sussek. A lively program of group and individual
dances thrilled the audience as the young ladies showcased their
beauty, talent and their traditional costumes in designs drawn from
the Book of Kells.
Storytelling
by Joe Keane from Co. Kerry by way of Medford and a marvelous selection
of Gaelic songs sung by Mairin Keady of Co. Galway by way of Dorchester
completed the evening's entertainment.
Additional attractions
were Art of Ireland provided by Aisling Gallery of Hingham,
a gift shop operated by Celtic Revival of Medford, and a wide selection
of raffled gift baskets taken home by the lucky few. This writer's
usual streak of luck prevailed and he went home with green and white
balloons defined, as he usually is, by being filled with hot air.
Face-painting,
bean-bag games and snow-globe making were some of the Youth Ministry
sponsored activities enjoyed by the very young in spaces set aside
especially for them.
Given attendance
of over 130, and proceeds in excess of $1,500.00, the evening would
have to be considered very much a success. A repeat performance
next year would indeed be appropriate and appreciated. The gauntlet
has been thrown down for other PVs to come forward with new, original
ideas to keep the survivor support ball rolling.
Many parishioners
and friends of St. Gerard's are to be congratulated for a job well
done and a fine, innovative fundraising effort. They include:
Fr. Mac, Anne
Semler, Claire Maranda, Jim and Mary Moran, Peggy Simons, Dave Keyo,
Matt and Debbie Wellslager, Joe and Denise Thornton, Kathy and Bernie
Donahoe, Maureen Hynes, Rosemarie Nally, Nora and Obie O'Brien,
Stacia Hanlon, Paula Hanlon, Megan Keyo, Julie D'Agostino, Krista
Cash, Erica Fletcher, Mary Rita Bustin, Sheldon Daly (South Region
VOTF Coordinator) Debbie, Erin, Sean, and John Hynes
*craic - a good
time
|