St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, kicked off its 50th anniversary year with an outdoor picnic at Pine Park in Lakewood. Parishioners, both young and old, families and friends joined in the celebration in a day that truly was one of friendship and a community coming together.

The picnic committee gathered early that morning to transport all the necessities for an outdoor Mass and a picnic, an event that drew more than 400 people.

The Mass was celebrated by Father Kevin Keelen, pastor. Concel­ebrants included Father Fernando Lopez, parochial vicar, and Father John Bambrick, parish adminstrator. Deacon Frank Jackson assisted at the Mass and the altar servers were Kyle Boyce and Sammy and Randon Shapiro. The St. Aloysius Contem­porary Band and Choir, under the direction of Gina Corrao and Ken Perry, led the congregation in song during the Mass. The afternoon mu­sical entertainment featured Sibling Rivalry, the group led by brother and sister duo, Justin and Alina Zimmer­man, who kept the crowd enter­tained as they relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine.

The picnic-goers enjoyed barbe­cued tasty treats prepared by the Knights of Columbus.

Other events are planned for the anniversary year include: a gala din­ner on Nov. 22 in Eagle Oaks Coun­try Club, Farmingdale; a potluck dinner in January; an art show, and a parish mission. The anniversary year will conclude with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in June 2014.

For more information about St. Aloysius Parish and its 50th anniversary, visit www.saintaloysiusonline.org. To see more photos from the outdoor picnic, visit the parish Facebook page.