Bellevue Immaculate Conception marks 150th anniversary of parish |
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Written by ANN CAVERA and BRENDA HICKEY, Bellevue Immaculate Conception
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Thursday, 12 March 2009 01:00 |
BELLEVUE—The year 2009 marks 150 years of praise and thanksgiving at Bellevue Immaculate Conception.
“Faith Through the Generations” is the theme for the yearlong celebration that officially began with special Masses Jan. 10-11.
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| These sketches show the original church, at top right, second church, at top left, and present day church at Bellevue Immaculate Conception. (Sketches courtesy of artist Jim Andrews) |
A reception in the parish hall following each Mass provided an opportunity to review memorabilia from years past. Music, which had been recorded by the parish ladies choir 25 years ago, provided background during the receptions. Food and fellowship rounded out the opening ceremony to make for a great kick-off for the rest of the year.
Many priests, women religious and generations of families have passed through the doors of Immaculate Conception since the parish was founded in 1859. Parishioners began meeting in homes before the first church building was purchased. A school soon followed, along with two larger church buildings over the years. Today, the congregation is filled with parishioners who continue to give thanks for God’s grace and blessings.
Speakers are scheduled throughout the year to mark the anniversary. The first was Father Charles Singler, who gave a presentation Feb. 22 on the topic, “150 Years of Praising God: Catholic Liturgy.” Fr. Singler served as pastor of Immaculate Conception from 1992-1995.
Father James Brown, a past associate pastor, is to speak March 29 at 7 p.m. on the topic, “Faith Alive: The Cursillo Movement, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” Precious Blood Father Joseph Miller, a native son of the parish, is to present, “A Journey: Responding to God’s Call in the Past and Open to God’s Call in the Future,” April 19 at 7 p.m. Former pastor Father Keith Stripe returns to Immaculate Conception Sept. 20 to speak on “What We Believe about Jesus.” Father Timothy Hickey returns to his hometown to conclude the talks Oct.18 at 7 p.m. with a presentation on “Prayer, A Journey with God.”
Each presentation is to last 30 to 40 minutes and be followed by a reception.
A business fair is scheduled March 15 to showcase the gifts and talents of Immaculate Conception parishioners.
Parishioners plan to participate in the Bellevue Memorial Day Parade with a decorated float carrying veterans from the parish, and they are to have a decorated float in the Bellevue Community Days parade in June. The high school youth group is to help with the design and preparation of the floats.
The festivities continue June 14 with an old time picnic at Harmon Field, home of the Immaculate Conception School football team. Old-fashioned games are to be played, along with contests, prizes, a potluck-style picnic, music and fellowship.
Parish children are invited to a 150th birthday party event Sept. 13, with games, cake, ice cream and prizes for all.
The highlight of the anniversary year is a Mass Bishop Leonard P. Blair is celebrating Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Former priests, sisters and brothers of the parish are invited home for the Mass, which is to be followed by a dinner.
The celebration year concludes with a closing Mass Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. on the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Other celebrations and events throughout the year include the annual Reverse Raffle April 25, followed by the annual parish Summerfest from July 31 through Aug. 2 and Bakery Bingo Nov. 22. All are invited to join the celebration of 150 years of faith, fun and fellowship.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 06 May 2009 09:07 |
