The 38th Annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place on October 1 and 2, 2005 on the grounds of the St. Clement’s Island Potomac River Museum in Colton’s Point, Maryland. The event is sponsored by the Seventh District Optimist Club. Festivities will include live entertainment for adults and children, boat rides to historic St. Clement’s Island, a parade, local crafters, southern Maryland style food, and fireworks.
On Sunday, there will be a parade at noon and the Blessing of the Boats will be at 2:00 p.m. from the Dove ship. All boats are welcome and will be blessed by His Excellency, Edwin F. O’Brien, Archbishop of the Military Services, USA and the Rev. Dr. Kathleen Vermillion Price, Rector of All Saints Church.
On Sunday, at 3:30 p.m., the Living Rosary will be held on the mainland around the Mother of Light Shrine by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Assembly #377 with prayers for Respect for Life, America, especially the victims of Hurricane Katrina and relief efforts, World Peace and God Bless our Troops!
On Sunday, at 4:00 p.m., the concelebrated Mass will be celebrated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edwin F. O’Brien at the Mother of Light Shrine. Representation of all military, in uniform, both active duty, retired and veterans are all welcome! Music will be led by International Recording Artists, Maureen and Bill Hayes from New York, Holy Angels and Sacred Choirs, the Gloria Dei Singers, Port Tobacco Players Adult Encore and any other interested choir. Contact Millie Huseman, Coordinator, 301-769-3167 for more information. Priests are asked to bring their albs and stoles. In case of inclement weather, the Living Rosary and Mass will be held at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD
Several parking lots available including Holy Angels Church in Avenue, Maryland. Shuttle buses will begin picking up people beginning at 1:00 pm every half hour to transport you to the Mother of Light Shrine.
The admission price is $5.00 adults and children under 16 are free. Gates open at 10:00 am. For directions or further information, call the St. Clement’s Island Potomac River Museum at 301-769-2222.
PHOTO: A water taxi transports visitors from Colton's Point to and from St. Clement’s Island. More photos are available at http://photos.somd.com/showgallery.php/cat/15.