Southern Nebraska Register
St. Peter Parish in Bellwood held its first “Spring Fling Fun(d) Raiser” June 11.
The event included a cornhole competition, Olympic games, a cooking contest showcasing parishioners’ skills at chicken wings, and a potluck dinner.
Pastor Father Benjamin Holdren said the parish thought and prayed for a long time about the purpose and need for establishing an annual fundraiser.
“It’s tough,” he said, “because obviously the parish needs money to survive, but at the same time, families are so busy these days with activities that pull them away from the home. We wondered what a new community-builder and fundraiser looks like.”
He said the first priority was bringing the parish together.
“That was the most important thing to us. We wanted a day just to be together as a parish family, having fun, activities and games, great food, and we prayed for beautiful weather, so we could be outside.
“We told the parish that if anyone wanted to catch up on tithing, they certainly could,” he continued, “and we talked about the importance of having a need to give back to God our Father, he gives us everything we have.”
The prayers for good weather were certainly answered.
“It truly was a great day,” said Kim Kobza. “We could not have asked for better weather. It was so nice to enjoy visiting with parishioners and meeting new parishioners!”
Father Holdren agreed.
“The parish got together and had a wonderful time, building new friendships with some, and strengthening friendships with others,” he said.
The event was held in conjunction with the farewell reception for Father Holdren as he prepared to begin a new appointment June 19.
Father Holdren, ordained in 2007, has been pastor of the parish of approximately 100 families for the past eight years – as well as the mission parish, St. Joseph. He was also the chaplain and a theology teacher at nearby Aquinas High School in David City. He is now directing the “propaedeutic year” of formation at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward.
“The parish is very grateful to Father Holdren for his faithful service over the last eight years,” Kobza said. “He will be missed dearly.”
Father Holdren’s parents came to the celebration, as well as one of his brothers with his family.
Father Stephen Graeve was appointed to succeed Father Holdren as pastor of St. Peter and St. Joseph parishes, and as chaplain at Aquinas Catholic in David City.
Courtesy photos
