GASTONIA — More than 400 cars drove through St. Michael Church’s "Parade-a-Palms" April 5, stretching all the way down to Jackson Street from the church parking lot.
Each car received blessed palms and a St. Joseph Prayer Book created by TAN Books for the Year of St. Joseph.
Father Lucas Rossi, pastor, encouraged the faithful to wear red and bring items to be donated to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteers from the parish and the Knights of Columbus collected the items from the trunks of parishioners’ cars as they drove up.
As the cars departed the parade, Father Rossi blessed each one.
The parish collected an abundance of food donations for people in need during the unique and fun Palm Sunday event.
The Palm Sunday event was preceded by a special livestreamed Mass by Father Rossi. The parish has begin livestreaming its Masses thanks to an "Angel Cam" recently installed inside the church.
— Photos provided by Reine Smirz and Patrick Sery
