Gulf Pine Catholic

16 Gulf Pine Catholic • September 3, 2021 St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Pascagoula holds reopening celebration Thirty parishioners teamed up to organize and implement the “Reopening Celebration” to bring the members back to the parish on Saturday, June 26. The event was a huge success under the theme “Family Reunion” , where two hundred visited the property to fellowship during the day. The parishioners prayed the Nine-Day Novena during the preparation and imple- mentation of this project to celebrate the “Year of St. Joseph.” The parish families arrived to setup tents for Saturday’s festivities which included the waterslide, bounce house, technology video van, dunking booth, basketball, three-point shoot-off, volleyball, dadmin- ton, cupcake walk, ring toss, ping pong, Bingo and the bake-off. Bryce Crossley was the winner of the basket- ball three-points shoot-off. The winners in the bake-off were Juanita Glaude, pound cake; Bertha McClammey, sweet potato pie; and Joycelynn Lett, cookies. The taste of St. Peter the Apostle desserts was enjoyed by all participants. The Pascagoula Police, Fire Department and City Manager were on site to talk with children/youth. The Fire Department used this day to discuss fire safety and demonstrate the components of the fire trucks to the families. Parishioners visited with the owners of forty antique cars and toured the motorcoach RV. A golf cart was provided to transport parishioners from one site to anoth- er. Jack and Melva Seabron donated a 5-piece outdoor cook set; the winner was Cheryl Wright. Lunch was available. As the day ended, the parishioners met at the prayer garden for the blessing of the Gazebo. The Gazebo was dedicated in mem- ory of those who lost their lives during the pandemic. This was a great way to end the day in the prayer garden at the cross. The Parish Unity Mass was Sunday, June 27. Rev. Joseph Benjamin, SSJ,’s homily discussed how “Our God is a giver of life and well being” and stated that it takes faith for us to see these things. He shared stories from the Bible to preface that God gives life, good health and well-being. After the meditation, a candle was lit in memory of those who have passed away since January 2020 from the parish. The Saint’s Praise Team rendered a liturgical dance, entitled “It is something About the Name, Jesus.” After Mass, the parishioners had lunch in the Rev. Charles E. McMahon Parish Life Center. Thank you, Catholic Extension Donor, Indian and Negro Mission, the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, Unit 4, parishioners, and guests who dedi- cated their time, talent and treasurers for all to enjoy. As a result of the weekend festivities, fun activities are held on the third Sunday for the children/youth of the parish. Our pastor Rev. Joseph Benjamin, SSJ stat- ed that we will host a similar event every year.