St. Rose Kermes

Intermountain Catholic

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Courtesy of Kevin Cummings

Saint Rose of Lima parishioners leaving Mass on Sept. 13 were greeted by the sounds of Latino music and the aroma of Latino food from fund-raising kermes put on by the parish’s Hispanic community. The kermes provided the opportunity to sample a wide variety of traditional dishes, including pozole, carnitas, chicharróns and assorted dulces. Crafts such as handmade rosaries were on offer as well. Parishioners dined in the food tent, enjoying their meals and taking advantage of the opportunity to get to know one another better. Parish member Mariano Mendoza led the effort, organizing a team of more than 40 volunteers. “We do it because it is helpful to God and the community,” Mariano said. The volunteers included many children. “It is important to have them involved; it introduces them to participating in the faith and it’s exciting for them,” he said. In addition to their time, the organizers of the kermes donated all of the materials and supplies. Proceeds from the kermes, more than $2,400, went to the parish’s special projects fund and to cover costs of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration in December.