Iowa outreach celebrates first Pascha, organizes Pentecost retreat

Iowa outreach celebrates first Pascha, organizes Pentecost retreat
By Laura Ieraci
As published in Horizons, May 7, 2017
 
Caption: Father Andrew Summerson blesses the Pascha baskets of the families that attended the Eastern Catholic outreach in West Liberty, Iowa, April 16. (Photo: Laura Ieraci)
 
WEST LIBERTY, Iowa —  The Byzantine Catholic outreach in Iowa, sponsored by the Eparchy of Parma, celebrated its first paschal liturgy April 16.
The community began worshipping monthly at St. Joseph Parish in West Liberty in September 2014, but was not able to secure a priest to celebrate Pascha until this year.
While on sabbatical to complete his doctoral dissertation in the Chicago area, Father Andrew Summerson was assigned to celebrate the monthly Divine Liturgy with the Iowa community. He was available to celebrate Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday as well; 42 people attended. Father Summerson blessed the families’ Pascha baskets before they shared a paschal meal in the parish hall.
The outreach has also planned a one-day retreat for Pentecost June 3, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It will be held at St. Wenceslaus Parish, 613 East Davenport St., in Iowa City.
Deacon John Evancho will lead the adult program; Father Thomas Loya and Catherine Baranko will lead the youth programs. The day will end with Vespers for the vigil of Pentecost. Admission is free. Free-will offerings are accepted. Registration required at http://www.eceia.org/retreat-2017.html.