St Gerard’s, Mirrabooka, has a long his history of parish picnics and on Sunday October 14 the parishioners came together for a moment of communion and friendship on the grounds of St Charles Seminary, Guildford, on the banks of the Swan River.
Around two hundred people turned out, enjoying the day’s perfect weather. St Gerard’s provided meat for the BBQ and the parishioners brought salads and sweets.
Younger members of the church fed the seminary dog, played soccer on the oval and explored the riverbanks.
St Gerard Majella Parish Council cited the Year of Grace as their inspiration to bring parishioners together and back to Christ.
The picnic at Guildford was only the beginning of community celebrations. On Sunday, October 21 celebrations continued to mark the Feast Day of parish’s patron saint, St Gerard Majella.
The multi-ethnic community of St Gerard’s sang an original hymn to their patron saint, composed by a former, Vietnamese assistant priest. The Prayers of the Faithful were multi-lingual.
After Mass, parishioners were treated to food from a dozen different countries and entertainment courtesy parish line dancers.