On the first of this month, about a dozen people from Saints Peter and Paul Parish brought faith and friendship to Turnersville’s National Night Out.
Clergy and laity alike engaged hundreds of passers-by at Washington Lake Park, answering questions about their parish and the Catholic faith while passing out tote bags, rosaries, booklets, bulletins and pretzels.
“[They] opened their arms to people new to the neighborhood … provided a welcoming environment for people who have been away from the Church and are looking to return,” said Deacon Anthony Cioe, who serves in the parish. He said the group also shared information, ranging from those wanting to have children baptized and marriages convalidated, to others seeking more about the Anointing of the Sick and Catholic funerals. They even comforted a family facing the death of a parent.
Held every year on the first Tuesday of August across the country, National Night Out is an opportunity for building ties between neighbors, police and the community at-large through games, parades, cookouts, block parties, exhibits and more.
“It’s worth our time and effort,” said Father Stephen Rapposelli, parish pastor, who worked the parish table the evening of Aug. 1 and mingled with the masses.
Praising his volunteers who brought “the joy of being a Catholic Christian” to all they met, he was optimistic that the seeds planted would blossom, especially in this time of Eucharistic revival. “For some, it’s the beginning of coming to experience Jesus,” he said.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
