|
Published: July 27, 2008 11:31 pm
Feeding the flock: St. Rochus' annual festival could be its last
BY RANDY GRIFFITH
The Tribune-Democrat
Although it may have been the last St. Rochus Catholic Church Summer Seafood Festival, Sunday’s event was not a time for laments.
“It’s all about having fun,” church member Gary Vitko said at the barbecue booth.
Illustrating his point, the Johnstown attorney spent the afternoon working in the food booths and working the crowd with his face painted like a tiger’s.
“People come out for a good time – to eat, to drink, to see other people, and to have a nice community together,” he said.
There was plenty of talk about the decision by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to consolidate five Cambria City churches into one congregation in one building.
In March, the diocese said St. Columba, Immaculate Conception, St. Rochus, St. Stephen and SS. Casimir and Emerich would be merged. A study will determine which existing building should be home to the combined parish.
Local historical leaders and church members are working to reverse the decision or, failing that, to preserve the church buildings.
Those involved in the St. Rochus festival share that vision, church member Charlotte Crissey said in the church’s Tanneryville picnic grounds, 926 Cooper Ave.
“I think we are all very, very hopeful,” Crissey said. “I see frustration in not knowing what’s happening, but overall, we are just happy to be here.”
When Crissey agreed to co-chair this year’s festival, some people wondered why she would bother raising funds for a church that won’t exist.
“My answer to that is I don’t do this for money,” Crissey said. “I do this because of camaraderie. St. Rochus is about loving family, and that’s what we do here. This is just another extension of being together.”
• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
Discuss this story
