Web Extra: Painted Churches

Painted Churches: Picnics and More

Like many Catholic churches in Texas, Fayette County’s painted churches welcome visitors to the picnics and other events they host throughout summer and fall. Each church adds its own character to the music-filled, family-friendly gatherings.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville holds its picnic every year on Father’s Day. This year’s festival takes place on June 17 at the Ammannsville KJT Hall, right across from the church. Guests can participate in bingo and a live auction, eat lunch, and enjoy music that starts in the early afternoon. Children’s activities include a fish pond and other games. The lunch includes fried chicken or sausage and costs $8 for adults and $4 for children.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville is northeast of Schulenburg, near the intersection of FM 1383 and Mensik Rd. From Dubina, follow FM 1383 about 5 miles to Mensik Rd., and turn left. Call 979/743-3117.

The Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina hosts its Fourth of July celebration on July 1 this year. The day begins with an 8:45 a.m. Mass at the church, one of the first Czech churches in the state. Activities range from an antique tractor show to all-day polka dancing to the sounds of area bands until 9 p.m. Lunch features fried chicken, sausage, green beans, and sauerkraut over mashed potatoes.

Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina is northeast of Schulenburg, near the intersection of FM 1383 and FM 480 (Piano Bridge Rd.). From Schulenburg, go east on US 90 about 4 miles, turn left on FM 1383, drive about 2 miles to Piano Bridge Rd., and turn left. Call 979/725-6714.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha holds its picnic on August 15 every year. The day begins with a Mass at 10 a.m. to honor the church’s patron, Mary. A lunch follows from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes Praha stew and fried chicken. Plates cost $8 for adults and $4 for children. Activities include children’s games, a cakewalk, a ring toss, live music, and dancing all day.

On November 11, St. Mary’s offers its 9:30 a.m. Mass to all veterans and hosts an 11:00 a.m. Veterans Day memorial service for all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The day continues with guest speakers on patriotic topics and music from the Schulenburg Secondary School band. A fried-chicken lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Adult plates cost $7.50 and children’s plates $4.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha is west of Schulenburg, on FM 1295. From Schulenburg, go west on US 90 about 10 miles, turn left on FM 1295, and drive about a half mile. Call 361/596-4674; http://stmarys-praha.com/default.aspx.

On September 2, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill hosts its annual Labor Day picnic. The day starts with a Polka Mass at 10 a.m. A lunch immediately follows, and includes fried chicken, stew, vegetables, and peaches. The meal costs $8. Local businesses and parishioners also donate various items for a live auction. In 2011, the church auctioned off around 7,300 items. Activities include bingo, train rides for the kids, a raffle, and music all day. The day finishes with a bang—fireworks begin at 10:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill is northwest of Schulenburg, near the intersection of High Hill Rd. and FM 2672. From Schulenburg, go west on US 90 less than 2 miles, turn right on FM 2672, and drive 2.5 miles. Call 979/743-3117 (Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville takes calls for this church, too); http://www.stmary-highhill.com.

—Claire Ronner

From the June 2012 issue.

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