On Sunday November 11, 2007 the Loyola School community united for the Annual Family Day event for Loyola students, their families, and the extended school community. This year Loyola School invited Mercy Center families to share in our day of fun. Mercy Center is a community center for women and their families located in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. Father Katsouros, S.J. celebrated Mass in the Loyola School Gymnasium. His homily was directed to the sixty Loyola student volunteers as he reminded them of his confidence in them on the five aspects of a Jesuit education; highlighting the fact that their involvement in Family Day was the true meaning of “men and women for others.”

The theme for this year’s event was “A Carnival under the Big Top”. “Knights Took Action” as parent and student Volunteers transformed the Loyola School gymnasium into a carnival. Colors of red, yellow, blue, green and orange adorned the tables. Clown and popcorn balloons waved through the air. Games on the perimeter of the gymnasium included Space Jam basketball, Candyland bean bag toss, juggling and the favorite Roger Rabbit Sponge Toss. The craft table was very popular for creating hand puppets, paint your own yo-yo or paddle balls. Parents mingled as they drank cider while enjoying a luncheon of sandwiches and salads. Don’t forget the desserts, especially the cotton candy!

Families had their photos taken, colorful caricatures made by a caricaturist, creative balloons made by a balloon maker. A piñata swing was enjoyed by all, especially the youngest members of our community. Favorites among boys and girls from age 9 and above included Free Throw Shootout, NBA timed Three Point Shots and "Loyola – Horse”.

The most inspirational part of the day came at the end when the Mercy Center families thanked the Loyola community for creating such a wonderful event for them to enjoy. The children presented us with thank you notes. Their thanks were truly heartfelt and brought a tear to more than one eye in the room. We became a part of their circle of friends.

As the Mercy Center families left, with balloons, goody bags, treats, flowers and more, we were left with the greater gift of smiles from little children, happy with the memories of a wonderful time.

PHOTO GALLERY

Last updated: 11.14.07
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