Friends and strangers met for dinner at Immaculate Conception Parish in Watertown.
Every fall you know it’s coming. You’ve seen the list and probably circled a couple of them in the back of The Bishop’s Bulletin.
It’s the return of the church bazaar.
They have lots of names: bazaar, supper, soup kitchen, fall festival. No matter what you call it, you look forward to the wonderful food, friends, games, and of course the cake walk.
Why do we do this every year?
Church suppers and bazaars have been a staple for generations. They’re a chance for parishes to gather for a meal, converse with friends, comfort the lonely and meet someone new.
It can also be a way for parishes to raise money for good causes or feed the hungry in their community.
Father DeWayne Kayser, pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas in Madison, said his parishioners have theirs to “get people together to meet new people and celebrate our Catholic heritage.” This year they served over 230 people.
“My favorite part of our bazaar is the outdoor Mass at our lake property,” Father Kayser said. “It is right on the lake shore, and we hear the water crashing on the shore and the birds singing and the sun in our faces.”
Many, including Father Kayser, enjoyed live music playing during the festivities. He feels like the event was a success.
“I have heard many people say they were able to meet new people and forge a good friendship because of that day,” Father Kayser said.
Find many more suppers coming up listed on page 23 of the October edition of The Bishop’s Bulletin.
