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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

 
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In the Vineyard
VOTF One-Year Anniversary

Page One

Reflections of
Dr. Jim Muller

Jim Post Looks Back with Gratitude

Convocation Reflections

VOTF- Hope in Action

National VOTF Office Staff

Book Review
The Prophetic Imagination

Say What?

VOTF Q & A

VOTF Best Practices, February 2003

Announcements and Events of Note

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