2 minute read
Meet the Fun Raising Committee Building Essential Parish Family Ties
In everyone’s life, at one time or another, there is a fundraising committee that we serve, or to which we contribute.
But here at St. Ben’s, we dropped the “d” and have an active Fun Raising Committee that makes sure there are fun events for all ages in our parish family.
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Patti Hall chairs the committee, and even though COVID-19 restrictions put a halt to our gatherings, she turned to email to stay connected to others and see how they were faring. At this point, it is hoped that activities can continue the rest of the year.
All ages truly are considered when the Fun Raising Committee plans events. In the pastyear, for example, we had a bowling night, parking lot parties that included hula hoops and food trucks, and a movie night. There was an Advent crafts party for families after Mass. The Pickle Ball League proved to be very popular, as was Swing Dancing.
“We have about a dozen to two dozen on the committee,” Patti says. “We plan a little bit of everything. Some have younger kids, and some older. We have older members who plan activities for that group. It’s kind of nice. Different people on the committee take on their events. Everyone doesn’t have to be in everything.”
And while “fun” is indeed in the committee’s name, there is much more going on with the activities. By bringing us together at different events throughout the year, our parish members can become more of a parish family.
“We find that if you participate, you’ll connect with someone you haven’t seen for a while, or you might meet someone new,” Patti says. “You find you have things in common and when you see them at Mass or at different parish events, you have those things in common and you build friendships that way.”
The best thing about renewing old friendships and starting new ones is that each is an opportunity to encounter Christ and grow closer to Him.
“Jesus asks us to be there for one another,” Patti says. “The better you know someone and talk about the issues they are having, you feel like you get to know and help them and pray for them. You can reach out in a different way.”
Not only does the Fun Raising Committee plan events, but it also helps other ministries with their planned events — not only by taking part, but by talking with others about the different events planned, to encourage attendance.
“It all goes hand-in-hand with wanting to be part of the community,” Patti says. “God calls us to use our talents and some are doing this by reaching out to others and having fun.”
Patti has been writing down ideas for activities, and she encourages others to offer their ideas to a committee member or the parish office.
“We encourage you to be an active part of the St. Ben’s family,” she says. “The spiritual side is important, but the social side helps build a spiritual relationship.”
