Our Lady of Providence is prepared for a yearlong celebration to commemorate its Jubilee Year.

The vibrant parish in Crestwood began planning several months ago by establishing a Jubilee Committee, which is led by the pastor, Rev. Dave Rauch. Besides the pastor, the committee is comprised of parishioners and friends and is chaired by Scott and Kathleen Hummel.

Many special events are planned for the next 16 months beginning with the “Opening of the Jubilee Year” Mass Sunday, May 9, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of Father Vincent Duggan’s celebration of Mass in an old farmhouse on Pardee Road, the site of the parish today.

Other special events include a Jubilee Mass with Archbishop Raymond Burke, pilgrimages to Rome and the Our Lady of Providence Shrine in Indiana, several family oriented parties, lectures, a choral concert and organ recital, a school reunion, service projects and a dinner dance.

“We hope that in celebrating these events our parish community will be invigorated and grow in pride and purpose,” Rev. Rauch stated in a news release. “As we reflect on God’s blessings over these 50 years, we can celebrate these blessings on us all.”

A vital theme running through each special event is that of welcoming.

“We hope to welcome the entire community to experience the Spirit of Providence; to welcome those who have shared their talents and time to reflect on where our parish has been, is, and wants to be; and, to welcome all to step back and experience the special place this parish holds in our lives,” stated Scott Hummel, co-chairman of the Jubilee Year.

“And in so doing to welcome Christ more fully as we meet him in the midst of this community which we believe is centered in our faith in him” Rev. Rauch stated.

For more information, call the pastor at 843-3570 or Scott Hummel 533-2229, Ext. 224.