Some of our children’s favorite childhood memories are the All Hallows’ Eve Parties we had at our old parish (up through 2010) and hosted at our old home (from 2011-2017). When we moved last October they were so disappointed that we wouldn’t be hosting our annual All Hallows’ Eve party… and I was relieved since, with our last baby (and now another!), I just haven’t had the energy to host it anyway!
One of my dear friends was asked by Father Gordon to put together the parish’s All Hallows’ Eve/All Saints Party this year and she did an AMAZING job! We had a little planning meeting (just three of us!) at my house, but other than putting together some posters to advertise the party (above) and taking on the All Saints Guessing Jars game, I did very little. She did an incredible job and put in a lot of time and hard work into coordinating, preparing and pulling it all together. On our way to the party I told my kids, “I’m so glad this parish has a Geneva!”
It was a lovely evening beginning with outdoor games before it got too cold and dark. After that we moved inside for the Litany of the Saints and then Dinner. After Dinner there was more indoor games, including the All Saints Guessing Jars and a Pumpkin Carving Competition.
There ended up being OVER 400 people in attendance!
I didn’t get as many pictures as I would have liked while holding my little two month old (plus all I have is my iPhone camera now after a recent accident with my camera…sob… so some of the pictures are pretty blurry), but here are some that I did take to share.
Giving some instructions to the Maiden’s of St. Joan who were helping for the evening!
.: Costumes :.
St. Lucia, St. Cecilia, St. Pio, St. Zelie, The Little Flower, St. Louis and St. Philomena – All Saints in Heaven, Pray for us!
My favorite costume of the evening? … Father Gordon!
It took a little convincing to get my husband to show up at the parish party dressed as his brother, but he did it and it was so much fun to see the reactions! #yetanotherfathergordon #fssp
I don’t think they look that much alike, but even in regular church clothes (slacks/white shirt/tie) Sean is often mistaken as his brother (who is always in his cassock). Last Sunday he held the door for someone and they responded “Thank you, Father!” and he’s even been thanked for “his” sermons.
I missed seeing Father’s original reaction, I wish I would have been able to get it on video, but according to my 14 year old, “It was SO great!! Father said “WHAAATTT!” while pointing at Dad and then doubled over laughing!” She also said all evening she would notice some of teens *almost* say something to Sean and then realize he wasn’t Father Gordon! So funny!
.: Outdoor Games :.
The Slay Goliath game was AWESOME! This is a larger version of the David & Goliath game we came up with back in 2007. The couple from our parish who put this one together did an incredible job. Definitely one of the highlights of the outdoor games, especially for all the teens!
Geneva came over and picked up some of our leftover moving boxes to put together this game.
Our little “St. Cecilia” spent a lot of time in there with her little friend but eventually emerged.
The children were provided everything they needed (including 30 pieces of candy!) to put together their own Ora Pro Nobis Candy Bags for the month of November.
All the kids loved “Feed My Sheep” … Though it might have to do with how much candy St. Philomena was handing out to each of them after playing! 😉
.: Pumpkin Carving Contest :.
There were so many entries for the pumpkin carving competition! Every table had a couple pumpkins on the center and there was a whole other table for all the overflow. Next year we need to line them up outside so you can better view them lit up with candles.
Geneva’s carving of the Immaculate Heart which was outside and not included in the competition – So beautiful!
The three parish priests choose the three winners from all the anonymously carved pumpkins. Second and Third place went to carvings of the Sacred Heart and Nativity.
I only carved one pumpkin this year, helping my frustrated twelve year old finish carving the design he had chosen for St. George Patron of Knights, and we surprisingly won first place!
I absolutely love your “little flower” and St. Zelie matching costumes idea! We are having a baby in May and we might have to steal that idea for next year, especially since my oldest is named after St Zelie. The party looked amazing. I so wish I lived in this parish.
I showed my kids the picture of your husband and his brother and asked them to guess which one was the real priest and which was the ‘imposter.’ They figured it out; the wedding ring was a dead giveaway! We all had a good laugh about the ‘priest’ with the wedding ring!
Can you make those guessing jar sheets available? For all of the ones you have made so far? The slips of paper are sometimes difficult to manage with a lot of kids. The sheets would make things SO much easier. Thank you so much for putting them together! They have been a big hit at our parish/homeschool group ASD parties!
Ave Maria!!! Thank you for all your wonderful ideas. I absolutely love to learn and see different ideas and ways to make our faith more a part of our daily lives. I am the mother of two small children both under two and I hope and pray that through God's Grace I can raise my children with that love for the faith that I see in your children. Thank you and if you have any tips for me that would be great. Your family is truly an inspiration. God bless you!
Such a special Saint's party! The games looked like such great fun! It would be wonderful if all Catholic parishes celebrated like this! Loved your children's Saints costumes especially your new Baby Girl Lily as Saint Therese. She reminds me of Bud when he was a baby. Amazing carved pumpkins! Congratulations on winning first place with your son!
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (blog nicknames)
A Little About Me
Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.
God be praised!! What a wonderful celebration of the church triumphant! May We all be saints!!!
2019-11-06 02:02:33
That is hilarious people are thanking him for "his" sermons 😂😂
2019-11-06 05:39:48
Thank You for sharing your Hallow's Eve party. Wonderful costumes and beautiful carvings of the pumpkins. Joan
2019-11-06 19:09:59
Looks like a great celebration!
2019-11-06 20:41:21
A great job was done on the pumpkins and costumes. Marion
2019-11-06 21:40:08
I absolutely love your “little flower” and St. Zelie matching costumes idea! We are having a baby in May and we might have to steal that idea for next year, especially since my oldest is named after St Zelie. The party looked amazing. I so wish I lived in this parish.
2019-11-07 00:08:16
Wow! Amazing!
2019-11-07 01:10:05
Thank You for sharing this special day. The costumes are lovely. The carved pumpkins are amazing. Every one did a great job. God Bless. Marilyn
2019-11-07 01:55:48
I showed my kids the picture of your husband and his brother and asked them to guess which one was the real priest and which was the ‘imposter.’ They figured it out; the wedding ring was a dead giveaway! We all had a good laugh about the ‘priest’ with the wedding ring!
2019-11-07 19:50:06
Congratulations it looks like it went very well. Absolutely beautiful pics and wow y'all did so much.
2019-11-07 19:58:11
Can you make those guessing jar sheets available? For all of the ones you have made so far? The slips of paper are sometimes difficult to manage with a lot of kids. The sheets would make things SO much easier. Thank you so much for putting them together! They have been a big hit at our parish/homeschool group ASD parties!
2019-11-08 12:16:38
Ave Maria!!! Thank you for all your wonderful ideas. I absolutely love to learn and see different ideas and ways to make our faith more a part of our daily lives. I am the mother of two small children both under two and I hope and pray that through God's Grace I can raise my children with that love for the faith that I see in your children. Thank you and if you have any tips for me that would be great. Your family is truly an inspiration. God bless you!
2019-11-08 23:50:44
Here you go! https://www.showerofrosesblog.com/2019/11/all-sai…
Hopefully I can get around to making the rest sometime 🙂
2019-11-09 17:29:22
Such a special Saint's party! The games looked like such great fun! It would be wonderful if all Catholic parishes celebrated like this! Loved your children's Saints costumes especially your new Baby Girl Lily as Saint Therese. She reminds me of Bud when he was a baby. Amazing carved pumpkins! Congratulations on winning first place with your son!
2019-11-09 21:26:03
Your new parish must be such a joy to you.
2019-11-12 07:40:49