CRYSTAL LAKE—The Fox Valley Filipino American Catholic Ministry (FVFACM) sponsored a Sportsfest and Picnic at St Thomas the Apostle Parish on July 16. 

 

Father Andrew Hernandez, parochial vicar at the Crystal Lake parish, organized the event with the help of the Filipinos in the parish and members of the Fox Valley ministry.

 

A group from the Greater Rockford Filipino American Catholic Community (GRFACC) played volleyball and basketball against the Fox Valley group. Additionally, an exhibition game was played between the Filipino priests against a team of lay people. The priests won by one point. 

 

After the games, everyone enjoyed a potluck picnic on the St. Thomas School grounds. The community then played traditional Filipino parlor games including karerang sako, hep-hep, sambutang itlog, Maria Went to Town, pasahang Bola and hilahang lubid. The event brought together the two Filipino communities in a spirit of sportsmanship, fellowship and cultural celebration. 

 

St. Peter Parish Joins Swedish Days Parade

 

GENEVA—Members of St. Peter Parish, led by their pastor, Father Jonathan Bakkelund, marched in Geneva’s annual Swedish Days Festival parade June 26.

 

Along with banners inviting the Geneva community to come and see the faith opportunities at the parish and school, walkers carried signs declaring “We love our Catholic faith” and “We love Pope Francis.”