“An event better than imagined”, said Msgr. Thomas Kenny, pastor, of Christ the King’s first Festival of Ministries held Aug. 18 and 19. Hundreds of parishioners filled the parish hall to learn of ministry options for using their talents to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to others.

“It is the involvement of parishioners that brings Christ the King church alive,” said Msgr. Kenny.

Keri Allen, director of evangelization, outreach, and adult education, also expressed her opinion that the event has gone well. “Festival of Ministries is truly a festival. All can see how many ministries there are to get involved with.”

Brightly colored banners hung from the ceiling marking the seven major areas of Christ the King’s ministries and services, including administration, evangelization, outreach and adult education, liturgy, music, parish life, pastoral care, youth, and Hispanic. Blue, orange, green and yellow balloons anchored the rows where volunteers stood, staffing the over 100 ministry areas answering questions, talking about their ministry experiences, and informing festival participants on what their ministry involvement included.

As a first-ever accomplishment, the parish also developed a database system for tracking the many completed sign-up forms parishioners filled out, volunteering to be a part of one, two, or several ministries.

Festival organizers worked hard to create an event where all felt an invitation to belong. Advance publicity and communication the day of the festival was offered in both English and Spanish. Leading the Cathedral’s event was Linda Jones, who gathered her team regularly for several months in advance of the big event where many details were planned and discussed.

Planning focused on creating a welcoming and community-based environment. They had an area within the festival for children, enabling parents to comfortably walk-around and learn about ministry options. Children enjoyed face painting and a clown for entertainment. After the Sunday evening masses, teens, young adults and adult attendees enjoyed musical groups.

While completed registration forms are still being entered into the new system, those still discerning their call to be involved can still sign up. Jones noted, “It isn’t a one-time annual event, the opportunity to get involved is on-going.”