We the people of St. Mary's Parish of Swormville, believe the word of God, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Eucharist are the focal points of our lives. To demonstrate these beliefs we will strive to:

• Promote active and joyful participation in the sacraments.
• Enthusiastically help others, especially the less fortunate.
• Accept and appreciate how everyone is different.
• Help to form Christian values and morals by our word and deeds.
• Be good steward of the Lord's gifts to us.
• Develop and use our gifts and our talents.
• Create a warm, welcoming sense of family within our parish.

The 14th annual golf outing will be held on July 10 at Willowbrook Golf Course in Lockport. This year, the proceeds will benefit the church building fund. Cost is $85 and deadline for registration is July 1. The tournament is a scramble format with tee off at 11:15 a.m. Lunch, dinner and prizes are included. Contact Tim and Ellen Webster at 741-2974.

For the past 160 years, the St. Mary’s Community has come together to celebrate summer at the parish picnic. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, July 19. One of the highlights is the famous chicken corn chowder, available for take home or to enjoy during the picnic. Also featured are traditional children’s games, raffles, beer tent, inflatables and a homemade chicken barbeque.

Festivities begin at 11 a.m., and the beer tent will remain open until midnight.

NEW THIS YEAR! Enjoy a pre-picnic, adults-only evening at Summerfest on Friday, July 17 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will feature a live band, outdoor “Tiki Lounge,” appetizers, pizza, blackjack and more. Click here for details.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – Picnic organizers are in need of many new helping hands. Please consider spending a few hours helping your parish community. Help is needed at various booths and desserts are needed for the chicken dinners. Cash donations are also needed to defray the cost of the theme baskets and wine and liquor donations are gratefully accepted.

Contact Jerry Haas at 688-8607 or fill out the volunteer form in the bulletin.