WESTFIELD -“Treasures” can be found when we least expect them, and Rev. Daniel S. Pacholec, pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, is hopeful that area residents will relish some of the valuable and sentimental items that will be for sale this weekend.
The church’s fourth annual “giant indoor tag sale” is a major fundraiser for the parish on Holyoke Road. Sale hours are Sept. 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“We use the term ‘treasures’ for the items from the old rectory since they represent memories of time gone by when the rectory was the home for the priests of the parish and our parish office,” said Pacholec. “Many people visited the rectory over the years and will remember some of the items.”
Tag sale items from the old rectory including pictures, Christmas decorations, religious images, crystal and kitchenware, as well as tablecloths and linens, will be highlighted among the many tables of “treasures” to peruse.
“Many of the priests over the years, Fr. O’Connor, Fr. Kroyak, Fr. Crean, Fr. Sullivan, and Fr. Sorrano, among others, were beloved by the people and having something they may have had or used in the rectory, might bring back happy memories,” said Pacholec.
A raffle is also planned for two “special” items – an original framed watercolor of the former church by Mike West, and a glazed ceramic tabletop nativity set that was displayed in the rectory for many years.
Pacholec noted that the old rectory is still standing – opposite the 9/11 obelisk on North Elm Street.
“The old rectory is the former Atwater House, owned by Dr. Atwater, the first CEO of Noble Hospital in the early 1900’s,” said Pacholec. “It served as the rectory and parish office since 1920 when the old church was moved by mules and oxen from the corner of Princeton Street just across from McDonald’s.”
Pacholec added with the tearing down of the old church to make way for the Great River Bridge Project, and with the building of the new church on Holyoke Road, a small house was purchased by the parish just behind the new church parking lot. At that point, the old rectory was put up for sale.
“The sale of items from the old rectory is part of an effort to market the sale of the old rectory property which comprises about three acres between Union and North Elm streets,” said Pacholec. “The parish is actively seeking a buyer for the property, to sell this beautiful building and adjacent property which is such a part of the history of Westfield.”
Pacholec noted the asking price is “very negotiable” at this point.
The tables of treasures will also include donated new and antique items, as well as gift raffles of donated items and services by local businesses. Highlights also include a grand lottery tree raffle, food and refreshments, and the Rosary Sodality members will conduct a bake sale.
Pacholec also thanked Westfield Bank and Advance Manufacturing Company Inc. for being “gold” sponsors.
“As a part of the Westfield community for almost 110 years, our parish church appreciates the support of its members and the local community as well,” said Pacholec, noting the church was founded in 1910.
Funds raised from events including the tag sale support educational subsidies for students in Catholic elementary and high schools including St. Mary’s in Westfield, the annual Vacation Bible Camp, and the annual Lenten Speakers Series on topics of faith and hope which is open to the public.
“Funds also support our outreach to the local community through our ‘Helping Hands’ program and the meals our church serves at both the Samaritan Inn and Westfield Soup Kitchen, as well as food baskets donated each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas to the families of students in need in our local schools,” said Pacholec.
Pacholec and the many parish members who are putting the finishing touches on the event encourage area residents to stop in and check out the rows of sale items.
“It’s a great opportunity to pick up some fine items and take a chance on some great prizes,” said Pacholec, adding, “All are welcome, and we thank everyone for their continued support of our parish.”
