FOREST CITY – Hamburgers, hot dogs, games, and face painting helped bring families together before the start of the new school year on Aug. 22, 2026, as Ascension Parish hosted a Family Fun Day at Saint Joseph Church in Forest City.
The gathering welcomed children and families from Ascension Parish, Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, and the surrounding community for an afternoon of food, fellowship and fun.
“We are very excited for the whole parish to see the children of our parishes and community and to bring them together to share joy and fun before they go to school,” Father Arun Lakra, Pastor, explained.
In addition to games and free food, school supplies and other necessities were distributed to help local students prepare for the year ahead.
Parishioner Kathryn Pavlovich said the event also provided an opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another.
“There are a lot of people that really don’t know each other in the community, and I think a gathering (like this) will help them communicate with each other,” she said.
Madison Franckowiac, a young parishioner who was volunteering to get community service hours for the National Junior Honor Society, helped to distribute hygiene supplies to those needing them.
“It was a nice fun day before school starts,” she said. “It’s a get together for the community.”
Parishioner Jennifer Pearson said the event reflected the parish’s desire to support local families while strengthening connections between generations.
“We want to bring more young people into our community,” Pearson said. “I like to see the connections between the kids and the adults.”