* Second Annual OktoberFest, October 14, 2007 (see Photo Album)

We opened our doors to share the warmth of our parish with all our guests who came out this past Sunday in the rain.  Our gym hosted the Bears game (who lost) but reminded us they could still make the playoffs!  Our upper/lower halls had crafts of all kinds and provided some of us with purchasing our first Christmas gift for the season.

Our children shared their creativity with Art & Craft activates, bobbing for apples, the Witch’s Toss and some other fun activities.  Our raffle booths provided many winners a trinket or two, Ray our DJ had the children dancing, singing, enjoying a limbo and hula hoop contest and the opportunity to wrap their parents and Fr. Dennis in tissue.

The grill was hot with brats, kraut and other specialties and the spirits were chilled.  A huge thank you to Bob and his crew for a job well done.  Congratulations to Miya who won the 25.00 Gift Certificate from St. Barbara and Bianca who also won a gift certificate, both first graders! Congratulations to our Split-the-Pot winner of $400.00, Ed.

Thank you to all the school parents who on Saturday participated in the Annual Fall Clean-Up.  The grounds looked great!  Congratulations to each of you who served on the committee for a job well done, a huge thank you.  Thank you to all the school parents and many parishioners who joined us to keep things running as smoothly as possible.  Thank you to all of our guests, we hope you had a great time and we hope to see you soon.

Mary Murray, Oktoberfest Chair

* Sisters of St. Joseph-TOSF Thanksgiving Mass and Appreciation Dinner, September 30, 2007, (see Photo Album)

On Sunday, September 30, St. Barbara paid tribute to the many Sisters of St. Joseph-Third Order of St. Francis who served at St. Barbara Parish and School and who entered the community of sisters from St. Barbara Parish. A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated at 11:30 a.m., followed an Appreciation Dinner in the parish hall.

As St. Barbara Parish was being established, founding pastor, Fr. S. Nawrocki, invited the Sisters of St. Joseph to teach in the new parish school. Over the years, more than two hundred sisters have lived, worked, and taught at St. Barbara. St. Barbara welcomed with gratitude nearly 40 Sisters of St. Jospeh-TOSF. Twenty-five of these sisters either ministered at St. Barbara or entered the religious community from St. Barbara Parish.

Pictured on the left is Sr. Ester (Therese Spychalski) who was present for this celebration. Sr. Ester grew up in St. Barbara and is 100 years old. She entered the religious order in 1928, and so has been a Sister of St. Joseph-TOSF for 79 years. The sisters were presented spiritual bouquets and a gift bag of goodies from the children of St. Barbara Elementary School. When Sr. Ester received her gifts of appreciation, the 200 people in attendance sang to her, Sto lat, sto lat, niech zyje zyje nam, Good luck, good cheer, may you live a hundred years.

* Sr. Evelyn Konkol passes away into eternal life, September 8, 2007

* PICNICFEST 2007 - July  21 -22, 2007, (see Photo Album)

PicnicFest 2007 was a wonderfully successful event.  Many would concur that this was one of the best ever.  We had some great free entertainment: Network on Saturday evening, playing the oldies of the 50's, 60's, and 70's; Nino Folino on Sunday afternoon, spinning and singing the favorites; and the Tony Alvarez Band on Sunday evening, playing Rock of the 80's, 90's, and present.

Sunday began with an outdoor Polka Mass, with the Good Times Polka Band leading all in prayerful song.  Bob Pickert and crew grilled up some very tasty delights.  Our children had a fund afternoon in Kid's World.  Our adults enjoyed games of chance and BINGO.  Both Fr. Francis and Fr. Dennis took turns in the Dunk Machine, though it could be debated who got more wet.

Thanks to Marry Murray and her sidekick, Gladys Kaminski, who worked so hard throughout the year in preparation for our summer event.  Thanks to our sponsors for their financial support.  Thanks to all who helped with setup, working the PinicFest, and with takedown.  Finally, thanks to everyone who came out with their families and friends to enjoy the two day event.

PicnicFest 2007 Photos

Theology-on-Tap, July & August 2007 (see Photo Album)

TOT was a four-week summer program for young adults, women and men in their 20s and 30s, married and single. It was a weekly opportunity for parishes in a particular area to gather young adults for a speaker, conversation, and theology.

At 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 8th, Theology-on-Tap closed with a grand finale. Mass was celebrated in Holy Name Cathedral for all the Young Adults who attended the program. And, from 4:30-7:30 p.m., a lawn party complete with music, food and dancing, took place at the residence of Francis Cardinal George.

Visit Photo Album to view photos of all four weeks, Mass at Holy Name Cathedral, and Picnic at the Cardinal's Residence.

Theology on Tap Website