September 25, 2022

Ware parishes join for faith and fun at second annual picnic

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Carolee McGrath

WARE –All Saints and St. Mary parishes in Ware held their second annual picnic, Sunday, Sept. 18 inside the St. Mary Parish Hall on South Street. More than 300 people from both churches gathered for food and entertainment.

“The main idea was to be a social event,” said Father Piotr Pawlus, the pastor of both parishes. “It was a fundraiser for two parishes, a 50/50 split.”

Admission was free for parishioners. However, there was a bake sale and people were able to purchase tickets for the many raffle baskets which were donated by parishioners and local businesses. 

“All Saints and St. Mary’s function as separate parishes under one pastor,” Father Pawlus said. “It’s great when people come together to work on a project like this. It brings them closer to God and to each other.”

Father Paul Norman, the former pastor of All Saints and St. Mary Parishes, provided entertainment, playing a mix of praise and worship, Johnny Cash, and James Taylor. Father Norman is currently the pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Adams. Last year, under Father Norman’s direction, the Ware parishes came together for a joint picnic.

“Last year we decided to have a get together because the pandemic was easing up and we thought we’d like to do something for parishioners,” said George Staiti, a member of All Saints Parish. “Both All Saints and St. Mary’s, the parish councils are meeting jointly and we wanted to have one big picnic to bring everybody together. The goal was to bring both churches together in a social event only. Last year went so well that we thought we would do it again this year,” he said.

Father Paul Norman (left), pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Adams and Father Piotr Pawlus, pastor of All Saints and St. Mary Parishes in Ware posed for a picture at the annual picnic Sept. 18.

The Knights of Columbus Ware Council 183 provided hamburgers and hot dogs for free. Dance Unlimited, located in Ware, also participated again this year.

“I think it does build comradery between the two churches in Ware. There was often a disconnect between the two. And having one shared priest now and parish councils that are reinforcing joint efforts, I think the comradery is gaining and gaining, so I’m happy about that,” Staiti said.

Daily and weekend Masses are as follows:

Monday, Tuesday, 8 a.m. at All Saints Parish; Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. at St. Mary Parish.

Saturday 4 p.m. All Saints Parish; 5:30 p.m. St. Mary Parish.

Sunday 8 a.m., All Saints Parish; 9:30 a.m. St. Mary Parish; 5:30 p.m. All Saints Parish