Father Dan Fleming, pastor of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, gives a homily to parishioners during the outdoor 10th anniversary celebration. The parish was a mission of Peachtree City’s Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Photo/Special.

Nearly 1,000 people sprawled over the grounds of Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church for the 10th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 27.

It was the actual date of the founding of the “Sharpsburg Mission” which celebrated its first Mass in Thomas Crossroads Elementary School 10 years ago with some 68 people attending.

The church was a mission of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City.

Father Daniel J. Fleming, pastor, celebrated the outdoor Mass beneath the huge oak trees that provided shade for hundreds of parishioners gathered for the Anniversary Mass that began the day of festivities. He was assisted by Deacon David Sandlin.

Music was provided by the parish musical group under the direction of Paul Bauer.

At the end of the Mass, the parish’s liturgical dancers presented an original presentation that included the use of American Sign Language. Their dance effort earned a round of applause.

As Mass concluded, Fleming called forward all the “firsts” of the parish, from baptisms, to first communions, to weddings and confirmations. He added the leaders of all the parish’s ministries, now numbering in the 40s.

The group was soundly applauded by the crowd.

A massive picnic followed with Knights of Columbus members providing the traditional burgers and dogs, accompanied by huge tables of other foods carried to the site by parish families

There were blowup, ride’ em and chase ‘em specials for the younger set, plus junior golf.

A Coweta fire engine was a favorite spot for exploring and for pictures.

The parish has more programs upcoming for the anniversary observance including a gala Nov. 1 “Parade of Saints” with parishioners dressed in costumes of their name saint or favorite saint.

That event will conclude with an ice cream social in the parish halls.