By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer
All members of the Diocesan family are invited to share faith, fellowship and fun at the “Diocesan Family Festival” hosted by the Diocese of Allentown Sunday, Sept. 30 at Bethlehem SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
A fun-filled day for the whole family is on tap in the Christmas City for everyone in the five-county Diocese.
Bishop Alfred Schlert will open the day celebrating an outdoor Mass at 11 a.m. in the shadow of the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces, which created steel for America’s skyscrapers, bridges and U.S. Navy ships for nearly a century. The Diocesan Choir will enhance the liturgy with music.
The festival, which began with a Papal Viewing Mass when Pope Francis visited the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September 2015, will continue from noon to 3 p.m.
“The Diocesan Family Festival allows us as a Diocese to celebrate and give thanks for all our families no matter their make-up. Families today come in all shapes and sizes, and this event, held just once a year, celebrates that,” said Monsignor Victor Finelli, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown and a member of the planning committee.
After the Mass there will be games, activities, music and food for family members of all ages. Carnival games and activities will include bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, cornhole game and art activities. The Island Time Band will provide live music on the TD Stage.
Delicious homemade ethnic foods will be provided by local parishes, including haluski (cabbage and noodles), tacos, macaroni and cheese, potato pancakes, chicken fingers, desserts and more.
In addition, specialty craft vendors will be on hand. Vendors including the Diocese’s three special learning centers will have items for sale.
“All are welcome and encouraged to attend this fun-filled day to celebrate with our larger “Diocesan family” from Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties,” said Monsignor Finelli.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether they be young or not so young, as well as plenty of wonderful homemade foods from parishes across the Diocese.”
Be sure to bring lawn chairs as outdoor seating is not provided.
For more information, call 610-289-8900, email cle@allentowndiocese.org or click here.
