Warm temperatures and cool breezes provided the backdrop for a picturesque summer night as Residents, Sisters, employees, family, and friends gathered at PNC Field for our second annual “Little Sisters of the Poor Night.” We were very grateful to be invited once again by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders’ Triple A baseball team to be honored as the community organization of the night during the August 19 game. We were also pleased to have Resident Jack Roche honored via the team’s Military Appreciation Program.
Prior to the 7:05 p.m. game time, Sister Kathleen, l.s.p., and Jack participated in on-field interviews in front of home plate. As they stood on the lush green grass, Sister spoke to an entire stadium of people about Holy Family Residence and the Sisters’ mission of serving the elderly poor throughout the world. Following Sister Kathleen’s interview, Jack told the crowd all about his Navy service as a Torpedoman’s mate when he was stationed on the USS Icefish Submarine during its first war patrol in the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea. When Jack finished his first-hand account of the war, the crowd applauded him for his service to our country.
Following Sister and Jack’s captivating interviews, Sister Theresa Louisa, l.s.p., and Jack walked out to the pitcher’s mound and launched two missiles as they threw out the ceremonial first pitches of the game.
Before we knew it, it was game time and we all settled into our seats to watch our RailRiders take on the Syracuse Chiefs. During the game, our group of nearly 150 people adorned in the newest apparel from the Little Sisters’ spirit gear line enjoyed snacking on hot dogs, potato chips, popcorn, ice cream, and soda. As happy as we were to see the RailRiders defeat the Chiefs, we were more delighted to get a surprise visit from the team mascot, Champ! Champ visited each of our Residents and even teased our chaplain, Father E. Francis Kelly, and the Sisters!
It truly was a night filled with good family-fun that will not soon be forgotten. If you missed out on this year’s game, check out the photo slideshow below that captures the highlights of the night. It’s the second best thing to having been there.
Until next time,
Jackie
