Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! Here are a few snapshots from the festivities in Mandan.

Fr. Phillips and I walked downtown to watch some of the parade.



At "Art in the Park," our Knights of Columbus council has a burger stand every year.



Fr. Phillips helped out by cooking up some dogs.



While I flipped some burgers.



Here is a snapshot of some of the volunteers.

I know firsthand how hard the Knights of Columbus work for the good of the community and for the support of religious vocations. I helped out for a couple of hours, but these guys and their wives do this all the time. It means a lot to us seminarians.

After Fr. Phillips and I were done with our shift at the food stand we browsed the art and craft stands in the park. I introduced Father to "Dippin' Dots," chatted with some of the people in the park, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. For supper some parishioners and employees of the parish gathered at a home in Mandan for supper. It was an enjoyable evening.

The fireworks tonight were absolutely amazing. The view from the church parking lot was unlike anything I've ever seen. Fireworks were banned in Bismarck and Mandan last year, so people more than made up for it this year.

God Bless America!