Celebrating Saint Camillus Sunday, September 7

By Richard Knott

When the closing of Saint Camillus Church was first announced earlier this year, several parishioners met and wanted to explore the interest that instead of mourning the closure of the beloved church, we celebrate its existence!

Saint Camillus Parish has been serving the community since 1908.

This ad-hoc group of parishioners past and present, along with former band members of the “greatest band in the land” and alumni of Saint Camillus School formed a committee to make it happen. After several meetings and numerous discussions, the “Friends of Saint Camillus” was officially formed, and the committee is pleased to announce that their ideas have now become a reality.  So far more than 250 people have confirmed their attendance.

On Sunday, September 7, the 11:30 am Mass will be concelebrated by Bishop Raymond Chappetto, Father James Rodriquez (the current Pastor of Saint Camillus Saint Virgilius), along with Father William Sweeney, Monsignor Alfred LoPinto and Deacon Michael Pearce.

Immediately following Mass, the Saint Camillus Band will lead a procession from the church up Beach 100th Street to the schoolyard.

After gathering in the schoolyard, the band will play the National Anthem and school alumni will line up by the year they graduated and the “The bell will be rung” to start the festivities.

Tim Henning, a long-time parishioner and stalwart supporter of Saint Camillus, will serve as the Emcee and DJ for the reception. Light fare and soft drinks will be served (BYOB). Admission for adults is $20 and kids are free.

Please attend for a day of camaraderie and reflections on the many fond memories of our beloved Parish. Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that Saint Camillus had on all from its inception in 1908 ‘til the present.

If you wish to attend, please RSVP to stcamilluscelebration@gmail.com

Thanks for the memories and may God Bless us all!