2021 Carnival Information

A few weeks ago, after some significant discussion, the Carnival committee and parish leadership met to try to chart a course for this coming summer. While we are, I believe, turning a corner when it comes to case numbers and guidelines for the state of NJ in this pandemic, the uncertainty of the next few weeks/months, and the fact that the traditional scheduled dates for our Family Carnival are only eight weeks away, the decision was made to cancel the carnival for June of 2021. The current amusement guidelines for the State of NJ would make it impossible to safely have a successful, primarily volunteer organized event that we could be proud of.

I know this is disappointing for many, especially those who enjoy attending and working with us every year, as this is the second year in a row we have had to make this decision. However, all is not lost: while the pandemic restrictions are still uncertain, if we have in fact turned a corner in NJ, the end of the summer may look very different from its beginning. For that reason, we are pursuing some possible back-up dates toward the end of the summer (August/September), where we could still hold a parish event. The details and dates are not ironed out yet, and of course would be contingent on the easing of the pandemic case numbers and restrictions, but we are very hopeful that we can have a community and parish event, in lieu of the June carnival, that could be both a fundraiser for our parish and Academy, as well as a celebration of our ability to be together once again. There are a number of options on the table at this time, up to and including nearly our full carnival setup. As the details and dates are ironed out, you will hear about it from me, the parish, and the Academy. Let’s all hope and pray that we can do this, and celebrate in a safe and fun way.

Also, as was the case last year, we are still planning on having a June Super 50/50 with a drawing occurring during what were the carnival dates. This, you will definitely hear about in the very near future, so please plan accordingly to help support our Academy and our parish, while also having a chance to take home some prize money for yourselves.

As I’ve been saying a lot recently, we are still dealing with the pandemic, we are still praying for those who are ill and those who are struggling….we are still in the tunnel, but the light is getting brighter. As we approach that light, I think it is time to start planning for the things we want to and hope to accomplish when we finally emerge into it. I am excited about the possibilities that might be in front of us over the next few months, and I hope you are as well. God Bless You.

Fr. Mike