For Rev. Tadeusz Gorka, keeping Sacred Heart Church active means creating opportunities for people to gather — whether that's through worship, community celebrations, or special blessings.
Throughout the year, the Royersford parish hosts a steady stream of devotions, seasonal events, and activities. Next weekend, that tradition will continue when Sacred Heart welcomes residents to a two-day block party celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
"We are a part of this country, this state, this community, and we would like to be a part of this beautiful celebration," Gorka said.
The "Kickin' It Back Block Party" is scheduled for Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 838 Walnut St. in Royersford. The event is free to attend, with food, soft drinks, games, and entertainment provided at no cost. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for adults 21 and older with identification.
Organizers said the celebration is intended to honor both the nation's semiquincentennial and Father's Day weekend.
"There will be events Friday and Saturday, but it's close to Father's Day," Gorka said, noting the holiday is June 21. "We will commemorate our fathers, give them honor and praise — living or deceased — and the Founding Fathers in America."
The event will include free hot dogs, hamburgers, kielbasa with sauerkraut, soft pretzels, tomato pie, popcorn, ice cream, and more. Families can also enjoy traditional games such as kickball, ping pong, jump rope, and hopscotch.
Special activities are planned both evenings. A petting zoo will be available from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, a magic and juggling show is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by balloon making from 7 to 8 p.m.
There will also be a mini casino for adults on Friday evening.
Attendees are encouraged to dress patriotically and decorate their strollers, wagons, or walkers, with prizes being awarded for "best red, white, and blue spirit."
Christine Klag, Sacred Heart's Safe Environment Coordinator and cafe manager, said the parish wanted to create an event that would welcome both church members and the broader community.
"Everybody here is our neighbor," Klag said. "And we just want to welcome them here."
Organizers are also planning opportunities to recognize local veterans. Several veterans from the nearby Southeastern Veterans' Center in East Vincent Township are expected to attend Saturday's festivities. Gorka serves as clergy for the facility and regularly visits residents there.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to write prayer intentions that will be placed in a community prayer box. According to Klag, the intentions will be brought to the altar and incorporated into parish prayers following the event.
While the block party will be festive, organizers say Sacred Heart's spiritual mission will remain at the center of the weekend.
At 6:30 p.m. Friday, the parish will hold a Litany of the Sacred Heart devotion inside the church as part of its longstanding June observances dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Visitors attending the block party are welcome to participate.
The event is being organized largely by parish volunteers, with support from local sponsors including Handel's Ice Cream and Giant.
Klag said the parish is grateful for the volunteers who will be cooking food, running games, serving drinks, and helping coordinate activities throughout the weekend.
"It's very nice that we have that support of our community," she said.
The block party will be held rain or shine. If necessary, activities will move indoors to the parish gymnasium.
More information about the event can be found on Sacred Heart Church's Facebook page. To keep up with all Sacred Heart activities, visit the church's wesbite.
