Grandparents, grandchildren invited to ‘Pray and Play’
By Dan Russo
Witness Editor
DUBUQUE — Fun and faith will unite the generations at the first ever “Pray and Play” slated for Nov. 3 at St. Raphael Cathedral.
“This is a way that grandparents and grandchildren can come together, and grandparents can help form their grandchildren in faith,” said Mary Pedersen, director of adult faith formation for the Archdiocese of Dubuque. “It’s also designed to be a fun day for grandparents and grandchildren.”
Grandparents from across the archdiocese are invited to bring grandchildren to the event. During activities from 9:30-11:30 a.m., parents who may wish to tag along are welcome to explore the city of Dubuque and then come together with the rest of the family afterward to continue the adventure.
The Pray and Play will start with snacks and a tour of the cathedral, followed by activities. The archdiocesan Education Resource Center designed a book to help guide participants on how they can get to know each other better and learn about their faith.
“We’re going to give grandparents and grandchildren the tools for praying together in simple ways,” Pedersen said.
The event is aimed at engaging children from kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants will also receive a travel guide with suggestions for fun locations they may want to visit in Dubuque such as the National Mississippi River Museum and Fenelon Place Elevator.
The inaugural Pray and Play grew out of a new effort to initiate a ministry for grandparents in the archdiocese. The first conference on this topic, titled “Grandparenting: Leaving a Legacy of Faith,” was held at St. Mary Parish in Waverly Aug. 25. Organizers are hoping to offer more conferences and other events.
Those interested in attending the Pray and Play are asked to register at dbqarch.org. There is a fee of $5. Volunteers who want to be involved in future conferences and other grandparenting ministry efforts are also being sought. For more information, contact Pedersen at 563-556-2580 ext. 298 or dbqcaf@dbqarch.org.
