NEWARK — Residents of Marydale Retirement Village joined Mass Dec. 19 at the village community center with celebrant Bishop Koenig of the Diocese of Wilmington.
It was the bishop’s first Mass with the community since his installation as bishop in July. Bishop offered blessings to residents after Mass.
“It was wonderful,” said Cathy Weaver, Marydale administrator, who said about 50 people attended Mass.
“I was delighted by the number. Multiple residents told me this was the first time they were able to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion since the start of COVID, and just to have the bishop here so close to Christmas, they were thrilled.”
Weaver said residents of nearby Summit retirement community also attended and had knitted, crocheted and sewed little gift bags to hang on the tree with gifts for residents. She said Bishop Koening blessed the tree.
Some students and faculty from Saint Mark’s High School Zee Club and Key Club also attended, Weaver said.
Weaver thanked those who helped, including Father Michael Carrier, pastor of Church of the Holy Child, who helped with supplies for Mass.
Marydale has 110 residents in its 108 units. There are two married couples; everyone else lives in his or her own unit, each with its own kitchen and laundry. Marydale serves low-income seniors, with 80 percent of its residents under the poverty level.
