By Diane Drobka, Contributing Writer
Seventy years have passed since St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Safford was designated as a parish in 1937. Church members are celebrating this 70th anniversary with a week of family activities, and they invite the Gila Valley to join the fun.
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The highlight of the festival will be Saturday, Aug. 25, with food, games, mariachi musicians and folklorico dancers that begin at about 7:30 p.m. after a 6 p.m. church service. The Holy Mass will be presided over by the Most Reverend Gerald Kicanas, Bishop of the Tucson Diocese. The entire Gila Valley is welcome to attend.
The weeklong celebration begin s with a thanksgiving mass each day at 6 p.m., followed by entertainment and activities. Sunday, Aug. 19, will include a hamburger cookout and karaoke singing. Monday will feature a talent show and hot dogs, popcorn and sodas. On Tuesday, a country-western music concert will feature local groups; tacos will be sold. Wednesday night will be an ice cream social with more karaoke music.
Thursday is an opportunity for Gila Valley choirs to show off their talent. If local churches or school choirs would like to perform, contact Claudia Rios at 428-5130. Burritos will be sold throughout the evening.
Friday will be dance night. Not only will there be music, but local dance groups are also invited to perform. If a group class or organized group would like to participate call the church office at 428-4920 to register.
The big event on Saturday, Aug. 25, will be the culmination of the week’s activities. Games for all ages will begin at 10 a.m. in the church lawn and will continue through 2 p.m.
Registration for the horseshoe and volleyball tournaments begins at 9 a.m. Other games include egg toss, whiffle ball, three-legged and sack races, hula hoops, bean bag toss and basketball shooting contests. Participants will be grouped by age.
On Saturday evening, a potluck dinner can be enjoyed in the church hall — everyone is asked to bring a favorite dish. Mariachi musicians and folklorico dancers will perform until midnight. Fireworks will punctuate the excitement at 9 p.m.
“The entire week is sure to be fun for the whole family,” said Father Ariel Lustan, pastor of St. Rose of Lima. “I hope the entire community will join us.”
The St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church is located one block north of Highway 70 near Central Avenue in Safford.
The schedule of events is posted at www.saintroselima-safford.com/.
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