Ever thought of having dinner on the tomb of a relative?

            You might be surprised at some of the interesting traditions that have led to our modern-day celebration of the Mass, says Father Alex Zenthoefer, associate pastor at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

            Intrigued? You’ll need to attend Faith Day 2010 at Holy Rosary to learn more. Faith Day is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning with registration at 8:15 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m.

Almost a dozen workshops will be offered on a variety of subjects with a common goal. The sessions are designed to enrich your faith and heighten your spirituality – and in doing so to help you learn more about the Catholic Church.

One of the sessions, an explanation of the Mass, will be hosted by Father Alex. He offered the tidbit about dinner on a tomb and promises to take participants “below the surface of certain Catholic customs and into the depths of Jewish and early Christian traditions.” He also will lead tours of the church.

Faith Day resulted from a brainstorming session held during Holy Rosary’s annual Day of Planning and Preparation for 2010. Two parish commissions, Spiritual Life and Worship and Faith Formation, joined forces to prepare the day.

“We wanted to offer parishioners an opportunity to learn more about their religion and how to deal with today’s life issues and complications while maintaining a Christian attitude,” said Marilyn Doyle, who heads the planning. “Everyone will gain by attending this day, or half-day, or even a session or two.  We guarantee a lifted spirit and a brightened soul!”

Catholics community leaders will join Holy Rosary clergy and laity in presenting the workshops. The hosts include: Father Ted Tempel, Little Sisters of the Poor chaplain and retired priest; Mike Blake, TV personality and Holy Rosary parishioner; Sister Jenny Miller, hospice chaplain for Visiting Nurse Association and a longtime pastoral associate; Matt Miller, director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Evansville; Sister Jackie Kissel, pastoral associate at St. Anthony Catholic Church; Deacon Joe Stofleth of St. Mary Catholic Church; Holy Rosary Deacon Chris Borowiecki and his wife Mary Jo; Sister Mary Mundy, pastoral associate at Holy Rosary; Christina and Dr. Peter Rosario, Holy Rosary parishioners; Father Bernie Etienne, Holy Rosary pastor; and Father Alex.

Father Bernie’s session, titled, “Why Catholics Do,” may be of particular interest to those with questions about their church or their faith. He will explore Catholic customs and traditions and will leave time for questions.

Exhibits from religious entities and businesses will be on display in the Parish Hall during the day.

For information about Faith Day 2010 or to register, call the Holy Rosary parish office at 477-8923. The registration cost of $10 until Feb. 17 and $12 after that date includes morning refreshments, lunch and printed materials.

The complete tentative schedule follows:

8:15- 9:00 a.m. – Registration; refreshments; exhibits open.

9:00-9:20 – Welcome; opening prayer.

9:30-10:15 – “Why Catholics Do,” Father Bernie Etienne; “Catholic Social Teaching,” Sister Jackie Kissel; “Faith in Sports and Employment,” Mike Blake.

10:30-11:15 – “Mass Explanation and Tour,” Father Alex Zenthoefer; “Theology of the Body,” Christina and Dr. Peter Rosario; “Grief: Hard Work, but Worth the Effort,” Sister Jenny Miller.

11:30-12:15 – “Vocations,” Sister Mary Mundy, Father Alex Zenthoefer, Deacon Chris and Mary Jo Borowiecki; “Paschal Mystery-Holy Week,” Matt Miller; “Catholic Social Teaching,” Sister Jackie Kissel (repeated); “Prayer: Walking and Talking with God,” Deacon Joe Stofleth.

12:15-1:30 – Lunch

1:30-2:15 – “Champions of Faith” (video); “Mass Explanation and Tour,” Father Alex Zenthoefer (repeated); “Why Catholics Do,” Father Bernie Etienne (repeated).

2:30-3:15 – “Paschal Mystery-Holy Week,” Matt Miller (repeated); “Our Lady of Guadalupe,” Christina Rosario; “Care-giving,” Father Ted Tempel.

3:15 – time for exhibits; closing prayer.