by Michelle Carshalton

On the eve of All Saints Day, St Peter Chanel Parish, Waimakariri, hosted a carnival style Saints Party. We wanted to celebrate the saints of our Church, and offer a fun, Catholic alternative to other Halloween type events running in the community.
Held at St Patrick's School, Kaiapoi, Juanita and Ben Kearns led a team of volunteers who ran fun games and activities from 4pm-6pm. There was a slew of arrows fired at balloon dragons, as the children celebrated the heroism of St George, fires fought in honour of St Florian, gold panning in recognition of St Barbara, cookie decorating, hook-a-duck, and much more! Children received prizes at each carnival stall, which included child-friendly saint cards and a special treat related to the saint.
Over 200 people from the parish, schools, and general community attended the event, with many walking in off the street, having never encountered the beauty and joy of the Catholic tradition of celebrating the saints.
While the children were engaged in activities, the parents were treated to a cup of tea and a spread of food put on by the St Vincent de Paul Conference of Kaiapoi.
As the evening wrapped up, it was clear that this celebration did more than honour the saints; it clearly showed how faith, fun, and community could weave together, to create something beautiful and worth celebrating.

Published in Inform Issue 147 - Advent 2025

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