The annual Summer at the Oratory event last Sunday, August 22, was a great success!
Weeks of planning culminated on a bright sunny day. By Sunday morning, the empty courtyard bounded by the rectory, the church and the convent had been transformed into a festive little piazza. A large covered tent provided a cozy outdoor room for visitors to shared their meals and visit. Against the brick backdrop of the buildings were various booths set up for games and prizes, a country market, “cake walk,” silent auctions, live jazz band, and, most important of all: the Bar-B-Q stand and the refreshment station.
The crowd poured into this outdoor festival as soon as Mass ended, ready for lunch and an afternoon of family fun. Smiling faces of all vintages soon filled the festive scene. Until 7:00 PM, this celebration in honor of King Saint Louis, patron saint of the city of St. Louis, rolled through the summer heat, lubricated by live jazz music, plenty of cold beer, a full menu of quintessential summer foods, friendly conversations, and terrific deals from the country market and the auctions.
Friends of St. Francis de Sales Oratory is deeply indebted to many volunteers who organized and ran this great community-building event, especially to the young adults who helped in various ways throughout the day. We are also grateful for the many individuals and businesses who provided auction and raffle items and donated the proceeds to the restoration effort. In particular, we wish to thank:
~ Business Contributors to the Silent Auction ~
Two Mikes Catering ~ JoAnn’s Greenhouses, Inc. ~ Five Bistro ~Niche ~ Catholic Embroidery ~ St. Louis Symphony Orchestra ~ Kakao Chocolate ~ O’Connell’s Pub ~ Vin de Set Rooftop Bar & Bistro ~ St. Theodosia’s Icon Shop ~ V.J. Coffee & Tea Co. ~ Quincy Medical Group ~ Monk Rock ~ Moonbeams ~ Bommarito Estate Winery ~ Vincentian Press Catholic Books & Gifts ~ Square One Brewer & Distillery ~ Papa Murphy’s (O’Fallon, IL) ~ Chris’ Pancake & Dining ~ Phil’s Sewing Machines ~ Hodak’s Restaurant & Bar ~ Gus’ Pretzels ~ FirstWatch ~ Cornucopia
~ Groups and Individuals ~
Knights of Columbus, Council #14067 , Knights of Columbus Council 14067 Ladies Auxiliary, Benevolent Society, Mothers of the Visitation, St. Francis de Sales Co-Op, Gardening Committee
Mr. and Mrs. Brandwein, Mr. and Mrs. Breidecker, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton & Family, Patricia Cornell, Mr. and Mrs. Haller & Family, Mr. and Mrs. Hayworth & Family, Mr. and Mrs. Holland & Family, Larry and Elaine Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt & Family, Mr. and Mrs. Serafino & Family, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Stephens, Kathy Voss, Dr. and Mrs. Zivnuska, Natalie Zivnuska
The following photos courtesy of C. Unseth:
