FOREST CITY — Approximately 150 people from Immaculate Conception Church took part in the fifth annual Cross A Thon Aug. 12, a fundraiser and public witness by parishioners through the streets of Forest City.
Carrying wooden crosses of various sizes, parishioners walked the one-mile route on West Main Street from Immaculate Conception Church to Grace of God Rescue Mission in Forest City.
Father Herbert Burke led the Eucharistic Procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament, along with Deacon Sigfrido Della Valle and altar servers. Afterward, Deacon Della Valle conducted a 30-minute service in the church with Benediction and a bilingual sermon on unity in the Church through the Eucharist. Parishioners enjoyed food and entertainment afterwards on the church grounds.
Musicians included the group “Sweet Harmony” (composed of Grace, Emily and Charles Rybak), guitarist Eligio Hernandez, and the parish’s Spanish choir. Michael Daigle organized the first Cross A Thon five years ago as a public display of parishioners’ willingness to follow Jesus, and as a fundraiser for various charitable organizations.
Proceeds from the Cross A Thon will benefit the Hands of Hope for Life, (Help Offered in a Pregnancy Experience), the Knights of Columbus Disaster Relief Fund, and the Knights of Columbus L.A.M.B. (Least Among Our Brethren) program.
— Photos by Giuliana Polinari Riley | Catholic News Herald
