In 2021, Our Lady of Lourdes parish in New Holland rented a tent and held a welcome back picnic at the church for the purpose of gathering together after many months of adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. This year, the event has become a tradition.

"Last year we rented a huge tent and filled it with people," said Amy Spina, one of the organizers of the event. "It's for the parish, but everyone is invited."

Last year, nearly 200 parishioners attended the picnic. This year, everyone is invited to the backyard behind the church, 150 Water St., New Holland, for a parish potluck picnic on Sunday, Sept. 11. Religious education classes for the fall semester will begin that day at 9 a.m., followed by family Mass at 10:30 a.m. and the picnic, which will last until 3 p.m.

Food will be served inside. According to organizer Colleen Greer, the church will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages, and the rest of the food will be potluck. "Everyone brings something," said Greer, who noted that in 2021, food items brought by attendees ranged from empanadas to pizza. Cotton candy will be available as well. Those who plan to attend are asked to sign up at http://ourladyoflourdesNH.com by Sunday, Sept. 4. "Just so we don't get 10 of the same (dish) and so we know what we need for supplies," explained Greer.

A variety of activities have been planned to delight people of all ages. Garden Spot Fire Rescue will be on-site to give bucket rides and help out with a candy drop. Special games and relay races will also be held, including a pick-a-rubber-duck game, parachute games, guessing games involving jars filled with candy, bingo, cornhole, and a game called cross net that is played with a volleyball. "We will have a DJ who will keep the crowd laughing and entertained," said Spina.

Last year's picnic gathering bestowed some permanent blessings on the church. First, it coincided with the implementation of the prayer tree located in the church vestibule. Attendees are invited to write a prayer request on a leaf and hang it on the tree. The leaf may be hung so the request is seen or hidden. "Every Mass we say a prayer for the intentions on the prayer leaves," said Greer, who noted the leaves are changed seasonally. Green leaves adorn the tree in summer, orange in fall, snowflakes in winter, and dogwood blossoms in spring.

Second, attendees at the 2021 picnic painted bricks that became part of a colorful walkway leading to an outdoor altar located in a grove on the east side of the church. Some of the bricks were painted elaborately, and some used a more simple design. Themes ranged from paintings of saints to crosses, rainbows, outdoor scenes, and stained glass. Although most were painted at the picnic, some were finished after. The layout of the walkway was designed by a parishioner who is a landscaper.