The Swenson melon farm and St. Wilfrid Catholic Church, Woonsocket, will be the host locations for the 125th events honoring the role of farming, ranching and agriculture on Saturday, June 27.
This family friendly day will include farm tours and presentations, a petting zoo, a blessing of land, animals and machinery, Mass and a meal.
This is one in an ongoing series of events which began last fall and will culminate Aug. 14-16 with a large diocesan event in Sioux Falls.
The Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls was established in 1889 and is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and particularly in this gathering is recognizing the role agriculture has and continues to play in the lives of so many Catholics.
“People of faith will be joining together to celebrate their legacy, both what they inherited from those who shaped the faith on the prairie and what they will be leaving to generations yet to come,” said Bishop Paul J. Swain, who will celebrate the Mass.
The Swenson farm is located on the south edge of Woonsocket – 23020 397th Ave.
As one of the 125th events being held around eastern South Dakota, this one will also recognize the people of the central portion of the diocese.
“We will pay tribute to the pioneers who nurtured and nourished the land, and the farmers and ranchers who continue to do so today,” said Jan Feterl, director of Special Events for the diocese who has worked with a dedicated local committee on details for the day. History boards will be on display to provide a glimpse of all the parishes that have made up the central part the diocese over the past 125 years.
“This summer Saturday afternoon will be a great time for families to connect or reconnect with the rural roots of our diocese,” Feterl said.
Registration is requested to help plan for food. Visit www.sfcatholic.org/125thAnniversary/ for more details and to register. Or stop by your local parish to sign up.
Event agenda:
2:30-4:30 p.m. – Farm Tours/Petting Zoo/Diocesan Exhibits;
3-3:15 p.m. – Presentation: Life on a Melon Farm;
3:20-3:35 p.m. – Presentation: Life on a Family Farm;
3:40-3:55 p.m. – Presentation: Life on a Ranch;
4:30-4:45 p.m. – Blessing of the land, animals and machinery;
4:45-6:15 p.m. – Mass with Bishop Swain;
6:15-6:30 p.m. – Moving of the crowd;
6:30 p.m. – Meal/Tours of the Church.
All guests will receive a commemorative prayer coin honoring the 125 years of faith.
Other events remaining as part of the series of celebrations:
July 12 – St. Paul, Marty, honoring the Legacy of Faith through the Native American community. Sunday Mass, speakers and food.
Aug. 14-16 – Sioux Falls – LEGACY – a diocesan gathering featuring nationally known speakers and musicians, great opportunities to pray together and great fun as well at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center.
Details on all events may be found at www.sfcatholic.org/125thAnniversary/.