ST. MARYS -- The Archbishop of Cincinnati will be leading the celebration for Holy Rosary Parish's 150th Anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, September 8, 2002.
Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk will be the main celebrant for the special 2:30 p.m. Mass in Holy Rosary Church at the corner of Spring and Pine Streets in St. Marys.
"All parishioners and their families, area Catholics and friends of Holy Rosary are invited to take part in this special celebration," said Dave Helmstetter, General Chairman for the Anniversary.
The Mass, which fulfills the Sunday obligation, will include music from the parish's adult, folk, youth and children's choirs.
Later the same day, the parish will be holding an anniversary dinner in the Union Hall. Reservations for the dinner and program are available by contacting Jeff Ahlers (jahlers@bright.net) or Anna Katterhenry (katte@bright.net).
"It's important for anyone interested in attending the dinner and program to get their reservations in as soon as possible," said Helmstetter. "Please contact Jeff or Anna."
Hors d'oeurves will be served beginning at 4 p.m. with the meal at 4:45 p.m.
Swedish meatballs, shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, fresh fruit, cheese and dip highlight the reception. The meal will consist of tossed salad, marinated chicken breast, savory sliced beef, vegetable lasagna, twice baked potatoes, green beans almondine, glazed peas and carrots, dinner rolls, coffee, ice tea, lemonade and anniversary cake.
The parish's musical director and organist Brian Rutter will provide entertainment along with parishioners Adam Uhlenhake and Lori Triplett.
"In addition to an outstanding meal and entertainment, those attending will receive a special anniversary goblet that should be a keepsake for our anniversary celebration," said Helmstetter.
Cost for the dinner, entertainment and gift is $20 per person.
Also, as part of the yearlong anniversary celebration, Parishioners George Neardarder and Dan Uhlenhake are busily preparing an extensive history of Holy Rosary Church.
"This is a real once-in-a-lifetime offer. It's very important for parishioners to place their orders now. There will only be one printing," notes Helmstetter.
The hard-cover books are available for $35 with a delivery date expected to be by December 15.
This historical look at the parish should be a keepsake. They can be ordered by contacting Neargarder (gneargar@bright.net), or by sending your check to Holy Rosary Church, 511 E. Spring St., St. Marys, Ohio 45885. Order forms are also available in the church.
In January, the parish began their 150th anniversary celebration with a candlelight concert and prayer service. Holy Rosary has also conducted a parish mission, family picnic and is also working on a directory featuring parish families, said Helmstetter.
For more information, contact: Dave Helmstetter at dhelmstetter@woh.rr.com.
ST. MARYS -- The Archbishop of Cincinnati will be leading the celebration for Holy Rosary Parish's 150th Anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, September 8, 2002.
