St. Nicholas of Tolentine parish in Jamaica opened its 100th anniversary year by celebrating the parish feast on Sunday, Sept. 18.

Father Thomas Pettei, episcopal vicar of Queens, and former pastor of the parish, was the main celebrant of a 12:15 p.m. Mass, which as followed by a cultural celebration in Tolentine Hall. Clergy and parishioners enjoyed a barbecue lunch and entertainment. Members of the Filipino Group and Spanish Society performed dances, while Father Pettei sang Beatles tunes.

A different event has been planned for each month of the centennial year to bring the parish family together to celebrate, pray and work toward building the Kingdom.

Among the scheduled events in the coming months are:

Oct. 22-23: Ministry Fair after all of the weekend Masses;

Nov. 12-13: Art Show and Museum in Tolentine Hall; and

Dec. 18: Lessons and Carols, 3 p.m. Also in December, Vespers on the four Sundays of Advent.

A spring concert and parish picnic are being planned for the warmer months.

The parish will close the anniversary year on the feast day of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Sept. 10, 2017.

(Images courtesy Rose Ruesing)