When we started, (the bazaar) was only in the (church) lobby," said Barbara Augustine, one of the organizers of the St. Philip the Apostle Church holiday bazaar. "It has grown," added Augustine, who noted that the event now utilizes the entire gym and many upstairs classrooms. 

The 30th holiday bazaar, which will feature craft vendors, prize drawings, homemade baked goods, and food for purchase, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Millersville. Free parking, including designated handicapped-accessible spaces, will be available. 

Augustine reported that at least 65 vendors offering handmade crafts for sale will participate. Among the many items for attendees to peruse will be Christmas ornaments, wreaths, jewelry, knitted and crocheted items, quilted and fabric items, soy candles, purses and wallets, centerpieces and home decor, and woodcrafts. "We will have woven goods and ceramics, pet items, gift baskets, and candy," said Augustine, who added that a vendor who creates gourd birdhouses is new this year at the event as is a maker of soup and dip mixes. 

Along with bringing in crafters for the bazaar, members of the St. Philip's Women's Auxiliary prepare a variety of items and baked goods for the sale. "The items for the auxiliary table are handmade," explained Augustine, who shared that church members originate craft ideas and teach other members over the summer. Among the items on the auxiliary table will be ornaments, throws, holiday towels, and other donated handmade items such as baby blankets. 

The auxiliary also works ahead to make baked goods to sell, including cookies and miniature loaf breads in flavors such as zucchini, banana, and pumpkin. Some gluten-free and sugar-free items will be among the baked goods as well.

For the last few years, members of the church's Knights of Columbus have prepared the food for the event. "The women did all that for many years," said Augustine, who has researched the history of the bazaar. She reported that in 2022, the Knights were approached to take over in the kitchen. "They were happy to do it," she said. This year, food that can be eaten at the bazaar will include chicken corn soup, Italian wedding soup, and barbecue sandwiches, along with hot dogs and hamburgers. 

The bazaar is the church's largest fundraiser each year. A spring bingo event also raises significant funds. Augustine noted that much of the money raised is used to support church projects, such as a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community, which also includes Meals on Wheels recipients. "Last year, the church provided 850 meals on Thanksgiving," shared Augustine. 

The auxiliary donates to a Knights of Columbus production of "The Last Supper" and to a community baked goods distribution. The bazaar also benefits the parish Poor and Needy Fund. 

Outside the church, contributions are made to organizations such as A Woman's Concern. "We have an annual baby shower, where parishioners donate new baby items for clients of the organization," stated Augustine. Another project involves serving community meals for the homeless at St. Mary's Church in Lancaster a few times a year. "We host the meals, and we served about 200 last year," noted Augustine. Loft Community Partnership also receives support, including items from a "Warming Bin" placed in the church lobby during the month of October. "(Church members) donate new items for the homeless, including socks, gloves, and caps," shared Augustine. At Christmas, the church gives poinsettias and other gifts to residents of St. Anne's Retirement Community in Columbia who are alone during the holidays. 

In the case of inclement weather on the day of the bazaar, readers are asked to search for "St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church" on Facebook.