Holy Family-St. Lawrence Parish, part of the Essex Catholic Community, celebrated the feast day of St. Lawrence on Aug. 7.

The feast actually takes place on Aug. 10.

There was a festive liturgy at St. Lawrence Church at which parishioners Linda and Bernie Hemond were awarded the annual Steward of the Year recognition for their service to the parish.

The recognition, established in 2007, is given to parishioners for their outstanding service through their sharing of time, talent and treasure.

The pastor, Edmundite Father Charles Ranges, commented that “Bernie and Linda organize and serve at Mass making sure that I am on the right page and all goes smoothly.”

He said they especially are helpful as he celebrates more than 50 funerals each year.

Linda is on the Pastoral Council, and both of them are “constantly around working at parish events, often working in the parish kitchen,” he said. “They are unassuming and have a definite Christ-like spirit in all that they do.  I depend greatly on them and think that they definitely deserve this recognition.”

After the Mass, parishioners gathered for a pig and turkey roast and an evening of games organized by John McMahon, the parish faith formation director.

This year the focus was on the family as the parish welcomed back parishioners after the pandemic.