Carnival at St. Lawrence O'Toole Lifts Spirits in Southeast

Parishoners at St. Lawrence O'Toole Church joined forces last week to sponsor an old-fashioned carnival that not only raised money for the church but also helped to mend relationships among community members in the wake of a tragic crash earlier this month that claimed the life of a young woman and her eight-year-old daughter.

The tragedy was caused by an intoxicated man who authorities said had been in the U.S. illegally.

Many parishioners at St. Lawrence are of Central American heritage and the carnival's intent was to welcome them and not paint all immigrants with the same brush.

Richard Grasso, a 2008 graduate of Brewster High School and parishioner of the church, who lost his dad in a tragic crash last month, coordinated the community festival with volunteers from the St. Lawrence Church Teen Club, Catholic Daughters, Knights of Columbus, and other groups.

Tina Grant of Southeast, a lifelong parishioner at St. Lawrence described the carnival as "everything you wanted and more."

The usual activities, consisting of large blow-ups where children bounced like the man on the moon, games with prizes, dance contests, a penny social, Respect Life tent, a variety of food, and special visits from Shrek and Sponge Bob kept the carnival goers busy for hours.

The focal point of the evening centered on the dunking booth with a sign reading: "Dunk the Deacon."

St. Lawrence Deacons Mark and John were good sports while being dunked repeatedly into a pool of chilly water when balls were thrown at a target.

St. Lawrence Pastor Robert McKeon waited his turn to toss the ball. Deacon Mark smiled as did the priest before perfect aim resulted in the deacon being dunked again.

Grant, who attended St. Lawrence O'Toole School as a child, reflected on the past: "How ironic! St. Lawrence provided us with wonderful memories growing up. The school, although closed, remains filled with spirit, fun, and unity—attributes exhibited at the fair."