To say that football fever is running rampant at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston would be an understatement.
The message from the Rev. Peter J. Gower, priest at the Roman Catholic parish located off George Waterman Road in Johnston, is simple: “Go Pats!”
Sometime around 10:30 Tuesday morning, Gower excused himself from a meeting with Our Lady of Grace staffers Donna Lussier, Joanne Burley, and Joe Quartino and scooted out of his office into another part of the spacious parish center.
Several minutes later, he returned and was wearing a New England Patriots jersey – Tom Brady’s famous number 12 – as well as his priest’s collar.
Gower, the staffers, and others like volunteer Pontarelli are hoping the Patriots come out on top this weekend as the visit the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game. That would make the celebration the parish is planning for Super Bowl Sunday an extra-special occasion.
“We’re having a Super Bowl 50-Mardi Gras Party on Sunday, Feb. 7,” Gower said. “The festivities will start at 5 o’clock … the Super Bowl will also be shown in Fioretti Hall.”
When asked to explain the Mardi Gras angle, Gower noted that Ash Wednesday is Feb. 10, and Mardi Gras starts on Feb. 9.
In keeping with the Mardi Gras and Super Bowl theme, the party will have what Gower said will be “a large variety of delicious food. Of course, football fans will be happy to know the game will be played on a big screen for everyone’s viewing enjoyment.”
The party will also include a number of interesting raffles, including two autographed NFL footballs.
“And they’re not the least bit deflated,” Gower joked. “One is signed by former Patriots and New York Jets running back Curtis Martin and the other, well, it’s signed by a big, big name All-Pro MVP.”
After a brief pause, Gower said the other football features star quarterback Tom Brady’s signature, and has been donated to Our Lady of Grace by a person who asked to remain anonymous.
People who’d like to have a chance to win either of the two footballs or unique raffle prizes must be present to win.
Admission to the event is only $10 per person, and tickets are available at Our Lady of Grace following masses or at the rectory. For additional information, people are urged to call the rectory at 401-231-2220.
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