Families find Eucharistic Congress exciting, educational, fulfilling
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor
Among the crowds of people who gathered at the BOS Center on Oct. 28 it was encouraging and delightful to see those parents who brought their children to the Eucharistic Congress. Holding little hands, pushing babies in strollers, and hauling diaper bags, they demonstrated the importance of parents bringing their children on pilgrimage.
Suzanne Halbrook, wife of Deacon Michael Halbrook, said she and her husband thought it was important to come to the Eucharistic Congress as a family. “I think we have been excited and looking forward to hearing the speakers, especially Dr. Scott Hahn and Sister Karoline,” said Suzanne. “It is neat to see how excited people are to be together and celebrate the day together.” Here Suzanne is shown with her two younger sons, Andrew (11) and Joseph (14). Matthew (16) and Thomas (18), and of course Deacon Halbrook were also in attendance. The family lives in Granite City.
Jacob and Kate Pruemer, members of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Teutopolis, made the trip to Springfield with their six children. Their oldest son, John, brought his first-place award winning Lego project from the (from last year’s Catholic Times Build a Church Lego Contest) to display in the lobby of the BOS Center. “We brought the church, but we would have come anyway,” said Jacob. “We came to listen to the speakers, watch the videos, and of course to go to Mass. This is a big thing for us, and we wanted to bring our family.” Jacob and Kate Pruemer are pictured here with their children, John (13), Joshua (11), James (8), Clara (6), Maria (5), and Sophia (2).
Mike and Moira Lawless, from St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Springfield, spent the day with their large family at the Eucharistic Congress. “We are here because we are excited about the Eucharist, we love God, and we want to grow even more in our faith,” said Moira. In this photo, taken while Mike parked the car and the family got settled in at the BOS Center, is Moira (who is expecting another baby) with their six children: Anna (14), Carol (12), Brendan (9), Natalie (6), Ariston (4), and Edmund (1).
William and Kathryn Heffernan, who live in Springfield, came to the Eucharist Congress with their three young children in tow. “We see this as a great opportunity to connect with people of our faith and to learn more about our faith,” said William. They are shown here in the Catholic Marketplace with their children, Ellia (4), Phin (2), and 8-month-old Colette.
