JEFFERSON — The parish community of St. Francis of Assisi (St. John the Baptist and St. Lawrence Churches) in Jefferson kicked off the annual Fall Festival in a very special way this year with their first Eucharistic Procession, bringing the church communities of St. John and St. Lawrence together for the celebration.
The weekend event started on October 2 with the Eucharistic Procession led by Fr. Thomas Coyle, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
The procession began at St. John the Baptist Church with about 50 parishioners following a truck carrying Father Tom, who raised the monstrance for all to see.
A trailer followed the procession, carrying the Hispanic Choir, Hispanic Minister Lizzett Perez, and Religious Education Coordinator Jodi El-Beri, who led the praying of the Rosary on the journey to St. Lawrence Church.
Once the worshippers arrived at the church, they were led inside to prepare for the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass.
After this Eucharistic celebration, everyone enjoyed music provided by a mariachi band and dinner prepared by the Hispanic community of St. Francis of Assisi.
On October 3, the annual Fall Festival was held in the gym at St. John the Baptist School.
The event was coordinated by parishioner and school parent Heather Komas, and carried out by many volunteers.
Popular offerings included food booths, games for children, a folk band, photo booth, and raffle prizes.