St. Joseph Offers Fun for All at Winter Picnic

St. Joseph Parish will host a community event on Saturday, January 24 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout St. Joseph gymnasium and school located at 17949 Dixie Highway in downtown Homewood.

The Parish has focused its social media efforts on reconnecting past and present alumni and parishioners and offers an opportunity for all to meet up face-to-face at the Winter Picnic. Homewood-Flossmoor residents are invited to attend also, as St. Joe’s has served the community since 1912 through 23 unique ministries. The event serves as a fundraiser to help the Parish continue the work they love – sharing and caring for the community for over one hundred years.

“Residents of Homewood have all benefited in some way from the presence and ministry of St. Joe’s on Dixie Highway for over 100 years,” said Allisa Opyd, event volunteer. “We want to say thanks, come on in, and how can we help in the future? We want those who are occasional parishioners to experience the sense of community and service we provide year-after-year.”

Doors open at 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to dig out their summer clothes and enjoy the summertime festivities—indoors. Each room throughout the school will be transformed into an activity destination for all ages: A delicious Cake Walk (Rm. 101), Kids Games (Rm. 102), ‘Trip Down Memory Lane’ Memory Books (Rm. 103), Bar & Lounge (Rm. 104), and Bingo (Rm. 109 + 112).

The raffle will range in cash prizes from $100 to $10,000. Tickets are encouraged to be purchased in advance through the Parish’s website: Raffle tickets may also be purchased after all Masses, at the Rectory, and at the entrance doors of the event. Event and winner details are announced on the parish’s Facebook page only.

The silent auction will take place from 7:30 to 8 p.m., during the intermission of Midnight Band’s performance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A few highlighted items for bidding include: a pair of Blackhawk tickets with seats just 11 runs up from the Hawk’s bench; two front row passes for the NPR Chicago radio program, “Wait Don’t Tell Me”; and four at White Sox U.S. Cellular Field with a parking pass and waitress service. Credit cards, checks and cash will be accepted from bidders.

This event will also be fun for children. The Kids’ Game Room will feature activities and prizes throughout the day, including video game contests (Madden Football & 2k Basketball), checkers and chess, loom bracelet crafts, and two movies on the big screen shown at 5 PM and 7 PM: Big Hero 6 & Frozen, respectively.

For more information about the event, visit the St. Joe’s Facebook page. All are welcome. All are invited. Plenty of free parking in the St. Joe’s lot located next to the School.