A Sunday Stroll in the Park...or a Church

Children and parents stood together, attending one of the kids monthly family mass. This entailed that the children played a large role in the church that day. 

Located in the heart of Old Town, these community members made it obvious how much their care about one another. Everyone greeted one another asking about their family members, showing how close the community truly is. 

They also had a raffle going on that a mom and daughter were running to raise money for the Immaculate Conception School. While the tickets were price, costing fifty dollars a piece, all different members of the church purchased them knowing it was going to help out their friends and family in the community. 

One of the many that this raffle will help out was Andy, a father of two girls that attend the Immaculate Conception School. He explained that "the school is trying to build up a grade a year" and "the school currently runs through sixth grade right now, but we would like to make it through eighth." 

Andy said that "the school was brought back eight years ago after being shut down for twenty years because of the bad environment, gangs, and violence that use to be in the area."

As Andy sat with his daughter at church, you truly could tell he was part of a community.

Andy said "we are very close in the community, it is what helped us get this school back for my kids and everyone else's."

This week the church and school will be celebrating catholic schools week.

Andy said "it is a great way to involve our children in education at school and in the church."

As the school and church continue to grow in members, Andy commented "it truly is a great school with a committed group of parents and the archdiocese works closely with us as well."

Knowing the economy is taking a toll on the church and school, Andy said "the archdiocese is working to match the money raised to help fund the school and its expansion."

The church and school have grown in numbers since reopening eight years ago, that they are looking to expand the school and church. 

This community was so inviting and truly did feel like a stroll in the park. Many people were eager to say hello to me, which just goes to show that there really is a very friendly vibe in Old Town.