The Paw Print

feature article

by Aida

The tent is up, the silent auction baskets are wrapped, and the auctioneer is ready to go. “BINGO TIME!” is announced as you enter the front door.

You’re just entered a school carnival, right? No, you’re at a church fundraiser. The Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church festival held on Saturday was a huge success. Students from our school attended.

It has not been disclosed how much money this fundraiser brought in, but the live auction included all kinds of sale objects including tickets to the New Disney Live, a football signed by Colt McCoy and Mac Brown and a mosaic cross made by the middle school Vacation Bible School.

“The live auction was pretty slow last year,” said Sharon Harrison, a member of the festival committee. “I’m glad we finally have people bidding.”

The church needs the money to build a new sanctuary. They are currently meeting for masses in a multipurpose building where Religious Education, choir practices and other groups convene. The new building will include seating for 1,400, a separate choir chamber, a bridal room and most importantly, more parking. They need $4 million to begin building. They have 142 pledges, for a total of just over $2.5 million.

“We’ve come a long way from St. Deerpark,” said Fr. Danny, referring to when the church held Sunday morning services in the cafeteria of Deerpark Middle School.