Queen of Heaven Chapel celebrated its 70th anniversary Sunday, September 10. The chapel has always been a big part of the 14 Wing Greenwood community, as well as the local civilian community, and 2023 marks a milestone.
Church members celebrated with a special blessing and post-service celebration, including pizza, cake and coffee. In addition, a special blessing for grandparents was given to acknowledge their time and dedication to the parish, and their special role in creating future generations of the chapel.
The chapel has always played a big part in many military families’ lives, especially with its children’s programming. The Sunday School program, which takes place before Mass Sundays, is well-known for welcoming and inclusive teachings. At its largest, Sunday School served more than 180 youth from the military and local communities. During COVID-19 times, weekly lessons were recorded online and supplies were delivered to families. In addition to Sunday School, the chapel also hosts Children’s Liturgy during Mass. This program invites youth to enjoy the readings of the day at a level they understand, with crafts and songs; and also gives parents the opportunity to fully engage in the liturgy while their children are learning elsewhere in the chapel.
Queen of Heaven has also hosted annual “Sunday Fundays,” inviting families and the community to enjoy carnival-like activities: games, face-painting, balloon animals, bouncy houses and wagon rides around the community. In addition, popcorn and movie nights have been a big hit.
Queen of Heaven Chapel is known for giving back to the community, and has supported local school breakfast programs, provided coats and boots to local schools, sponsored hamper programs and has made donations to keep graveyards clean and tidy. The Sunday School program has its own practice of fundraising for children’s charities and organizations (including Camp Brigadoon, Ronald McDonald House, Rowan’s Room and others) through bake sales, pumpkin raffles, food drives and other events – all hosted and run by the youth.
Queen of Heaven is active online, with a well-visited Facebook page. During pandemic-impacted years, Queen of Heaven immediately began streaming its services online – and continues that practice today. Online streaming allows military families who have been posted to continue to stay connected with their faith community here in Greenwood, and welcomes families of our parishioners to join from afar.
The Knights of Columbus (KoC) and Catholic Women’s League (CWL) are both active in our parish, and take turns helping to plan and host weekly Masses. The CWL was established at Queen of Heaven in the same year the parish was created, and also celebrates its 70-year anniversary this year.
