On Sunday, September 14, 2025, Saint Anselm Parish held its “Welcome Back” Sunday Social. A “Welcome Back”, after the summer break, for both our parishioners and for our grade school students of Bay Ridge Catholic and our parish’s Religious Education Program.
The day began in church with the students bringing their backpacks to be blessed by Fr. Kevin during the 11am Mass. Fr. Kevin asked the students to hold up their backpacks and asked two of them to take out and share with the congregation something important – the two items were a dictionary and a lunch box. Fr. Kevin spoke about each item and how it was important. He then asked all the children to come to the front of the church, where he blessed the backpacks and the students with holy water, asking God to guide them in their studies and keep them safe and ever mindful that they are Christ’s disciples. Then prayer cards were distributed to the students as Fr. Kevin thanked the teachers and parents for their role in encouraging the intellectual and moral growth of the young people. He encouraged the students to keep a cross in their backpacks (the day was the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) as a reminder that our faith makes the cross into a symbol of victory, which must guide our lives.
At the conclusion of the Mass Fr. Kevin led the congregation outside to the corner crucifix to remember all those lost as a result of the 9/11 attacks, the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “God Bless America”.
There then followed our “Welcome Back” Sunday Social in which school students, parents and parishioners had the opportunity to enjoy delicious donuts, coffee and tea while chatting about the summer and plans for upcoming autumn events.
Our thanks: to the young ladies of Troop 18G – Amy, Annie, Katelyn, Chloe L., and Sophie; to a wonderful committee – Shirley Chin, Sanjin Fabris, Bob Kassenbrock, Peter Loughlin, Linda Naradovy, Esperanza Ramos, and Judy Savarese; and to Chairs – Barbara Fabris and Eileen Loughlin for making the Sunday Social happen.
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee