Webster County parishes hold spirited event

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
September 11, 2003

FORT DODGE - Community spirit was alive and well in Fort Dodge on Aug. 23 when parishioners from the eight parishes in Webster County gathered for a Summer Spirit Celebration at Holy Rosary Parish.

Father Ed Girres estimated that about 750 to 800 people attended the outdoor liturgy that was celebrated on the parish grounds and about 1,200 people participated in at least a portion of the celebration that included a dinner in the gymnasium, dance, children's games and more.

"People really stepped forward. It was amazing how many people were willing to help or bring things." He added, "It was also great to see how many people were in the combined choir."

According to Father Lynn Bruch, one of the main organizers, the event was a tremendous success.

"The great success of this team event means that we will do this on an annual basis," said Father Lynn.

He added that the success for him was two-fold as it brought people together from all eight team parishes, and it raised money for the religious education of youth.

Liz Becker, a parishioner at Christ the King in Dayton, said the celebration was wonderful and described the liturgy as beautiful.

"It was great to see so many people, knowing they are from a variety of parishes," she said. "It was a wonderful community experience. Visiting with other people was the most fun part for us."

The Beckers socialized with a variety of people they knew and didn't know.

"Whenever and wherever you can build a community spirit, it is a good thing and that is what this did," she said. "I hope that we have this every year."

Kathy Forsythe, a parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Dodge, said, "I thought it was wonderful and the turnout was great - even better than what I had expected."

Forsythe and her husband worked at a booth selling tickets for part of the time and then had an opportunity to enjoy some of the festivities. She mentioned that one of their three children, a 7-year-old, also attended the event. She noted that her daughter danced the whole night.

"I hope they offer this again and other activities for all eight of the parishes," said Forsythe. "It helps to unify everyone. The more people get together, the better."

Mark Good of Fort Dodge, who headed up beverage ticket sales, said, "The turnout was spectacular. The weather was perfect for this event and the Catholic community was very supportive. It was a fabulous time for people of all ages."

He added that with all of the very positive feedback from people that attended, at this point they would love to make it a yearly event.

Chris Markert, a parishioner at St. Matthew's in Clare, attended the Summer Spirit Celebration with her husband and six children.

"I think it was fun for everyone," she noted. "Our oldest is 14 and we kind of had to twist her arm to go, but when she got there she had a good time. With the games, there was something for all of the kids to do."

Markert would like to see even more events for the team parish to get to know other parishioners better.

"There were a lot of people who put it together and they did a really good job," she added.

About $20,000 was raised through the efforts of ticket and raffle sales. Grand prize winners in the raffle include: Mary Rickey; $5,000; James Spiegel, $2,000 and Kelly Harvey, Mike Bianchi and Jim Kesterson all winning $1,000.

"The event was very successful," said Father Girres. "The positive spirit - people enjoying getting together and being with each other from all of the different parishes - was the best part."