From many parts, one Church: Outdoor Mass unites parishes in rural family

On a comfortable 75-degree day and with a backdrop of a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, five parishes came together Sept. 8 to celebrate a Mass of unity and thanksgiving in Tarnov.

Father Stan Schmit, pastor of Rural Family G Parishes, presided at the 10 a.m. outdoor Mass, held on the grounds of St. Michael Parish.

Father Dan Wittrock concelebrated, with Deacons Dennis Anderson, Louis Dohmen and Eddie Fischer assisting.

The Mass brought together parishioners from Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Clarkson, St. Mary in Leigh, St. Francis of Assisi in Humphrey, St. Michael in Tarnov and Holy Family in Lindsay.

It was a picture-perfect day, worshipers said, with sunlight dappling through leaves rustling in a gentle breeze and about a dozen monarch butterflies dancing near the grotto. 

Mass servers wore vestments from their parishes as a symbol of unity: from many parts, one Church. Those serving were Shayla Gall of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Sydney Messerlie of St. Mary, Brenna Wieseler of St. Francis of Assisi, Joel Brandl of St. Michael and Justine Reichmuth of Holy Family.

Others participating at Mass were lector Bruce Pfeifer of St. Francis of Assisi; gift bearers Monica Fisher of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and Rita Reichmuth of St. Mary; ushers Kendal Brandl of St. Michael and John Wiese of Holy Family; and greeters Mitch and Barb Dohmen of St. Michael and Mary Helen Fuchs of St. Francis of Assisi.

Singing in the choir were Rita Reichmuth; George Keller and Stan Wemhoff of St. Francis of Assisi; and Cindy Klassen, Tom and Sue Korus and Joyce Krings of Holy Family.

During his homily, Father Schmit reminded the congregation that God calls his people to live in unity and to make every effort to live together in harmony. Regardless of beliefs and differences, God commands us to do all in love, Father Schmidt said.  

In honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Birthday, a rosary made of helium-filled balloons was set aloft by members of each parish. Toni Konicek of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Rita Reichmuth of St. Mary, Mary Helen Fuchs of St. Francis of Assisi, Tim Sliva of St. Michael and Brock Wiese of Holy Family each held onto a decade of the rosary balloon as Rose Wiese of Holy Family prayed aloud.  She spoke about how Mary intercedes for families and is a model of faith and a witness to grace for each person to follow.

When Wiese finished, the crowd sang “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” and the gold and white rosary slowly lifted above the treeline. 

TINA SCHUMACHER

Because September 8 marks the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, the congregation also sang “Happy Birthday to You.”

Following the rosary, families and friends gathered for birthday cupcakes decorated in blue frosting with a small white rosary placed on each. St Michael religious education students made and decorated the cupcakes. Parishioners were invited to bring a picnic lunch and share time together.

There they had an opportunity to sing in celebration of Father Schmit, as September 8 was his birthday as well. 

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