Southern Nebraska Register
The ‘Funraising’ committee at St. Mary Parish in David City sponsored a “Parade of Churches” for the community Sept 17.
A group of about 60 participants journeyed together to five of the area’s Catholic churches. The parade began at Immaculate Conception in Ulysses, where Greg Fiala and pastor Father Raymond Jansen presented a testimony on the generosity of past parishioners who provided the current generation with beautiful art that enriches worship today.
“It was edifying to realize the sacrifices made by others to enhance the future for those of us today,” said Connie Novacek, a member of St. Mary Parish in David City.
The group then traveled down the road to Assumption Parish in Dwight where Julie Krenk and Shannon Novotny spoke about the parish’s grottos and gardens.
“It was easy to see how one could contemplate God’s goodness while relaxing on the garden’s bench and taking in the beauty of his creation,” Novacek said.
The next stop was hosted at Holy Trinity Parish in Brainard. Caroline Dvorak and Sharon Bruner enlightened the group with the history and living witness to the many church and community parish activities. There were scrapbooks on display, depicting the parish’s involvement in quilt-making amongst many other philanthropy projects. The women of the parish refreshed the group with water and treats, as the stop marked the halfway point along the trail.
Presentation Parish (Marietta) in Bellwood was the next destination along the journey. Dan Hilger, a lifelong parishioner, spoke of the dedication of the parish community founders. The early settlers overcame many adversities to sustain their newly-founded parish, including raising the funds to build the present church when the previous wooden structure burned just hours after its dedication.
The final leg of the parade ended at St. Mary Church in David City where Mark Holoubek gave a presentation on the restoration of the beautiful gothic church. He explained how beautiful art and architecture can enhance the prayerful experience of worship.
St. Mary Church is also one of the featured churches on the Eucharistic Passport Pilgrimage, and all are welcome to come visit the restored church and perpetual adoration chapel for a Passport stamp.
Upon completion of the Parade of Churches route, a meal was served under the trees in the back yard of the church grounds. The pilgrims were seated at tables adorned with fresh garden flowers on the parish lawn.
The meal, prepared by pastor Father Brian Connor and the Funraising Committee, included grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, baked pies, kolache, and strudel, provided by the parish.
“It was a fun, informative and inspiring afternoon and evening of fellowship, beauty, prayer and worship,” Novacek concluded. “So much so, that there is talk of doing another ‘Parade’ featuring other neighboring parishes next year. Be watching the Register for future event details!”
