For more than 30 years, the St. Francis Xavier Parish Festival has been a time of celebration and time together as a community. This year’s festival will be held around the parish campus on Saturday, Dec. 2, the day before the feast of our patron saint.
“It’s always a great time,” says Fr. Brian O’Brien. “We start with Holy Mass, have great food, activities for the kids, and lots of items for people to purchase for Christmas gifts.”
The event exists to bring our parish community together, to raise funds, and to donate to local charities. Mass begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by food available throughout the day, activities for kids, and shopping opportunities.
“The food is always the best,” says Fr. O’Brien. “Some people just come for lunch and others stay all day for the Mass, activities, and shopping.”
The proceeds benefit a variety of charities important to the Xavier Women Ministry and our own parish efforts as well. In the past, the money has been raised for Birthright of Stillwater, the early childhood development center, Stillwater Catholic Charities, the high school youth program, and our parish’s Spanish ministry.
The Xavier Women put lots of time and effort into making the festival a success. Centering the event around our patron, it is a special highlight every year.
“It’s first and foremost, a celebration of the life of St. Francis Xavier, our patron saint,” says Fr. O’Brien. “He was a great missionary and worthy of our admiration. We want our parishioners to share their zeal for souls! This festival is a celebration of his intercession in our lives.”
In addition to food and shopping, this is also a great way to connect in fellowship and community.
“People want to know each other. This gathering is an opportunity to make new friends, celebrate our parish patron, and get some good food,” says Fr. O’Brien.
Interested in volunteering to serve at the festival and help make one of the biggest celebrations at our parish even better? Please contact Margie Ponce at margarita.c.ponce@gmail.com.