The countdown ticker at the bottom of The FEST website indicates it’s almost time for “Homecoming,” the theme of The FEST 2022.
The free day of faith, family and fun begins at noon Aug. 7 at the Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe. Thousands of people of all ages are expected to return “home” to the CPL, which has hosted the event during most of its two-decade history.
“After a few long and difficult years, we need The FEST to stir a vision of God’s people alive, together and renewed. We need The FEST so God can strengthen the bonds of faith, family and community. We need The FEST to come together as one around the table of the Lord in a moment of community and prayerful solidarity and support,” said Father Bob Stec, FEST founder and pastor of St. Ambrose Parish. “We need to come ‘home’ so we can find the comfort, inspiration and peace we need.”
The event’s faith component will include opportunities to pray the rosary each hour, confession, adoration, a family blessing tent, a rosary tent and Brown Scapulars. Members of the diocesan Vocation Office and representatives of religious orders will be on hand to answer questions about religious vocations.
The highlight of the faith portion of the event will be the closing Mass, scheduled for about 8:15 p.m. on the main stage with Bishop Edward Malesic as the celebrant.
Families can spend time together visiting displays, vendor tents, trying out the inflatables, visiting the petting zoo, watching Dr. U.R. Awesome, a bubble artist and entertainer and watching the Lake Catholic high School cheerleaders/dance, Jasmine Dragon Acrobats, Hispanic dancers, Djapo Cultural Arts, Wickliffe High School drumline and more. The Man Cave for dads and Marc’s Moms’ Station will return with resources, prizes, giveaways and more.
Nationally known Christian bands Crowder, Phil Wickham, We The Kingdom. Micah Taylor and Rhett Walker will be featured throughout the day, as well as local entertainment.
Nobody will go hungry because there will be a variety of food available for purchase including burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and brats, fries, funnel cakes, sub sandwiches, fresh fruit, water, soft drinks, lemonade, smoothies, kettle corn, roasted nuts and more.
FEST attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets and plan for the weather. Be sure to bring sunscreen, too.
The FEST raffle will have 22 cash prizes ranging from $250 to the grand prize of $15,000. Only 3,000 raffle tickets will be sold and winners need not be present. Tickets are available until 5 p.m. Aug. 7. Raffle proceeds help defray the costs of The FEST. Tickets are $100 each (suggested donation) and can be purchased online. Winners will be announced at 7:45 p.m. Aug. 7.
The closing Mass, which features many priests and deacons from throughout the diocese and a choir, will be the highlight of the celebration Father Stec said.
For a complete list of FEST activities, sponsors, parking locations and more, click here.
“We are ramping up for FEST 2022 and we are returning ‘home’ to the CPL this year,” Father Stec said. “Our hope and prayer is that thousands from across the region, good people like you, will join us for an amazing day of faith, family and fun.”