Church Leaders
Homewood’s Our Lady of Sorrows (OLS) Catholic Church’s 71st annual Independence Day Festival continued giving after the event. Left over grilled meat and side dishes, including baked beans and slaw, were fashioned into plates for Birmingham’s homeless. The teamwork by the Knights of Columbus Council 4304, some of the ladies of the parish, and the Food For Our Journey nonprofit food truck provided 200 plates so the less fortunate could enjoy a Fourth of July weekend barbecue meal.
Birmingham’s oldest Independence Day celebration, the 71st annual festival took place with modifications due to Covid-19. The event featured the renowned food and a raffle, both which raised funds for charities. Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 4304 coordinated the event and grilled several thousand pounds of meat that could be pre-ordered and bought in bulk July 2 through July 3 or as part of a variety of plates on July 3 and July 4. Ordering and payment were made via drive-up service and curbside delivery was facilitated by volunteers in masks and gloves. The grand marshal of the fest was OLS Pastor Rev. Msgr. Martin Muller and parishioner Bo Lovell was awarded the Ernie Eltz Volunteer of the Year Award. †