As in past, the Saturday, 5 P.M. Mass attracted a major turnout of parishioners and guests. A booming "Spirit Day" took its Fifth Anniversary in stride at Saint Anne's on Saturday, Sept. 15 with a major turnout of parishioners and guests and one of the highest responses in "Big Bucks Bonanza" returns since the inauguration of the charitable sweepstakes in 2002, according to Co-chairs John Parks and Marie Fischer.

They shared the good news with "Father John" Gilmartin, pastor, that 720 tickets had been sold! He thanked the parish participants and was pleased that the drawing had produced a parish prize of $45,000 to help support the design and furnishing of the Saint Therese Chapel in Saint Anne's School, dedicated in loving memory of Msgr. William F. Costello.

Winners of a Grand Prize of $22,500 were Paul and Brittany Ambrose. Five Second prizes of $4,500 per wining ticket were won by Pat and Jim Hall; Linda O'Connor; James and Geraldine Pratt; Michael & Elizabeth Van Praag; and Brian, Megan, Moira and Mary Liz Cosgrove.

Altar servers run a candy booth: Beth and Greg Krammer, Jonathan and Gregory Krammer, Marie Wicks and unidentified asociate. As in the past, the 5 P.M. Mass out-of-doors attracted an overflow crowd. It heard Fr. John in his homily stress the selflessness and hard work of parishioners in re-creating "Spirit Day" each year. He cited, in particular, the work of the recently deceased Dave O'Connor who had approached him years ago at a "Spirit Day" and offered his continuing service in helping to make it a success. He carried out that promise. Dave's widow, Pat joined Fr. John at the altar and thanked those who had personally supported her in her loss with praise of Dave's work and his devotion to the parish.

One of the real surprises of the day was a late program addition: a raffle of Mets personal souvenirs such as an authentic Mets shirt worn by All-Star third baseman David Wright, donated by Liz and Ed Conroy.

The Spirit Day Committee, and its many helpers were thanked for their efforts by Co-Chairs John Parks and Marie Fischer at a traditional festive get-together in McCloskey Auditorium on the eve

Group welcomed questions on the many services offered by the Parish Ministries, one of the more comprehensive units of its kind in the Diocese. of Spirit Day. Also, on hand to offer his thanks and congratulations to the group was Father Rudy Pesongco.

Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this annual nine hours of fun and blessed memories in a parish that really cares.

On hand for the Craft Fair Committee were Trish and Dennis Grieco. Flashy hats and flashing smiles were on display at the popular Teen Night Club. Beaming parish family getting kids set for "Sesame Street" ride. Past "Charter" Grand Knight Ed Bauer of "Msgr. John's Knights" welcomed thirsty visitors to Bud Lite booth. (Knights' Past Treasurer Frank Califano and "Andy Cooney's Coming to Town!" display to Ed's rear.) Co-chair John Parks holds raffle prize souvenir of uniform shirt worn by Mets All-Star third baseman, David Wright. Long-time Mets fan, "Father John" thanks Liz and Ed Conroy for generous donation of Mets' souvenirs. Peter and Timmy O'Hanlon enjoy a day with the community. "Mums" the word for "Moms" --the latter a parish society selling the hardy plants from the group's attractive and patriotically-designed tent. Pastor "Father John" Gilmartin, in his homily, cited the selflessnes of late parishioner, Dave O'Connor. Having fun at the popular "Night at the Races" for these youngsters. Families pause for refeshments at lively "Night at the Races." One of the more popular rides at Spirit Day named after familiar PBS-TV favorite, "Sesame Street." Handling tickets at "Night at the Races" were Mike Fischer (standing) Tom Sproat and Bill Leone.