GOULDSBORO – With the leaves in the Poconos a mixture of reds, oranges, and golds, the faithful were recently invited to not only enjoy the vibrant colors, but immerse themselves in a weekend of faith, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
On the weekend of Oct. 19-20, 2024, the eight parishes of the Stroudsburg deanery joined together to host the second annual ‘Living Water Trail.’ On both days, each parish opened its doors to parishioners and visitors by hosting special events and activities.
“It is nice to have people travel around to see the different churches that are near them that they never get to,” Amanda Proch, business manager of Saint Rita Parish in Gouldsboro, said. “This way, we get to meet people from all the churches around us.”
Saint Rita Church hosted several events during the ‘Living Water Trail’ weekend. Throughout the weekend, parishioners recited the rosary together, hosted tours of the church and its 104-year-old stained glass windows and showcased its traveling statute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We’re such a small little parish and we’re on the outside of the deanery so we don’t get a lot of traffic,” parishioner Diane Negri said. “Being Catholic is about sharing your faith with the community and what better way to get to meet other people from other churches.”
As the weekend unfolded, each parish contributed unique elements to the trail, allowing for a variety of experiences.
From presentations on church architecture and the Eucharist by clergy, to prayer rock painting, sing-a-longs, campfires, Visio Divina (Praying through art), Lectio Divina (Praying through Scripture), there were plenty to participate in throughout the weekend.
One of the favorites of young people quickly became a faith-based soccer clinic hosted by Father Paschal Mbagwu at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines.
“Our eight parishes always have something great going on,” Desiree Schulz, who helped to develop the idea and organize the ‘Living Water Trail,’ explained.
Schulz believes getting parishes familiar with one another only strengthens our faith collectively and allows for greater collaboration.
“To have us work together as one deanery family, instead of eight separate parishes, is a comfort,” she added.