Great Deanery Gathering - more to come...

Deanery Gatherings – what are they? Well if you want to know, ask the people of the East Central Deanery. Last Saturday over 500 people gathered for a great day. God provided the wonderful weather and a group of people organized the rest of the day. Since the Mass is the source and summit of our Catholic faith the day began with Mass at 10 am. Praise and worship music filled the church as the group filed in. Bishop Ricard and most of the priests of the deanery concelebrated Mass. The deacons of the area were there to assist. April 25th is the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist, a most appropriate feast as the Faith Engaged! year and the Deanery Gatherings are all about Eucharist and Evangelization. Parishes and diocesan organizations shared how they share their faith through displays that were around St. Dominic’s Hall. The second way of evangelization was the outreach to Catholic Charities of Panama City. Participants brought baby items and nonperishable food and the collection at Mass was for Catholic Charities.

Having been fed spiritually through the Eucharist we then fed our bodies. Take your pick – Korean, Filipino, Mexican or good old hamburgers and hotdogs. Add chips, cookies, popcorn and snowcones to complete your meal. Well nourished the fun began. Volleyball, face painting, egg hunts, sack races, playground for the toddlers, cake walk, talk on the Eucharist, and bingo abounded – something for everyone. Time too, to just sit around and visit.
The day closed in thanksgiving with some quiet time for prayer and Benediction.

Was it a success? If so, that’s because we had a great team that brought all the pieces together. The planning paid off. At least some enjoyed it very much as they want to do it again next year!

If you are not in the east Central Deanery, you still have a chance to gather. West Central’s is coming up on May 16th at St. Mary’s in fort Walton Beach with Northwest/Southwest following on May 30th at Pensacola Catholic High. The following Saturday, June 6th is the East Deanery Gathering at John Paul II Catholic High.

If you came to the East Central Deanery Gathering, share your thoughts and reactions. If your Deanery Gathering is still on the horizon let us know what you would like as the planning is still in progress. Hope to see you at one of the gatherings!

God bless you!
Sister Margaret Kuntz, ASCJ