Catholic Church Diocese of Las Cruces
Sacred Heart Mission Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Feast Day Procession through the Village
St. Francis de Paula Folkorico Dancers from Tularosa led by Jennifer Gaston.
Sacred Heart's Fiesta in the Clouds 2016
Saturday morning June 11th started off like most quiet mornings in Cloudcroft, shop owners and restaurants prepared for the business of the day, tourist and motorcyclists rolled into town, the sun was shining and a slightly cool breeze made for a pleasant Summer day. Meanwhile a group of slightly more than 100 people gathered at Sacred Heart Mission for a 10am procession through the Village as part of a daylong celebration of the Sacred Heart Feast Day. The "Fiesta in the Clouds" was started in 2013 when Father Christopher Williams became the mission's full time Pastor. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, merchants, local restaurants and artists it was a success. In 2014 Father Chris suggested we add a giant Piñata for the children. The Piñata was also used as a tool to teach the seven deadly sins. Father Chris, also a fine carpenter would design the 15 ft Piñata and with his guidance volunteers would make it. Fast forward to 2016 and the fourth Fiesta, the Piñata was now 17 ft. in diameter and filled with over fifty pounds of candy. Each Piñata has been better than the previous year, and is truly a labor of love for the Mission and community.
A Mass officiated by Assistant Vicar Father Theo Okafor followed the procession. Father Alex Urena also presided at the Mass and will become the next full time Pastor of Sacred Heart Mission in July. Father Christopher Williams is currently studying Canon Law at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.
The Fiesta transformed the quiet little Village on the mountain top into a fun filled "happening" of colorful folkloric dancing, traditional foods, raffles, games, and plenty of fellowship. The much anticipated main attraction was the Piñata bash at 3pm, it did not disappoint. Intermittent waves of rain didn't stop the cooks from grilling and dancers from dancing in the street. A good time was had by children of all ages and memories were made in the mountains.
Photo and story by Lourdes Blette Blessings from the 9,000 ft mountain top. Photo Gallery 2016
Sacred Heart's Fiesta in the Clouds 2015
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday June 13th to take part in a huge 16ft. Piñata Bash and enjoy the cool festive atmosphere in Cloudcroft, at the Sacred Heart Mission."The little rock Church" in the Mountain Village was filled to capacity to celebrate the Sacred Heart Feast Day. Many parishioners helped to make the event a fun filled afternoon of Faith and Fellowship. This was the third annual "Fiesta in The Clouds.
"This year, Folklorico dancing added a "New Mexico" flare to the gathering. Participating troupes were: St Francis De Paula Folklorico Dancers from Tularosa led by Jennifer Gaston, Alamogordo Ballet Folklorico led by Lina Guzman and Sangre Latina Folklorico Dancers from Ruidoso led by Angie Davila. Bea Smith and The Dog Canyon Line Dancers showed off their crowd pleasing skills and got everyone up and in the groove.
It takes more than a Village to throw such a big party. Our Lady Of The Light Church in La Luz helped provide extra tables, chairs, games, tents and not only an extra grill but four good cooks, Steven and Carleen Moquin and John and Helga McDuffy. Patsy and Ray Baca of High Rolls cooked their mouth watering barbecue, while Mario and Noel Romero flipped burgers and cooked the hot dogs. Elsa Montoya along with a hard working bunch of volunteers added tasty enchiladas to the menu. "DJ Rico "Andres Montoya, not only played the tunes but ran the cake walk at the same time. Father Alex Urena stood in (complete with a sombrero) for Pastor Christopher Williams who is currently in Washington DC. Deacon Andy Weiss from Alamogordo and Father Juan Carlos from Ruidoso were also in attendance .
The Church members hope to continue this event with the generous support of all the merchants, artists and private donors and help of so many "Faith-full" volunteers. Blessings from the Mountain Top. Fiesta 2015
Pictured above:
Sacred Heart's Fiesta in the Clouds
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday June 13th to take part in a huge 16ft. Piñata Bash and enjoy the cool festive atmosphere in Cloudcroft, at the Sacred Heart Mission."The little rock Church" in the Mountain Village was filled to capacity to celebrate the Sacred Heart Feast Day. Many parishioners helped to make the event a fun filled afternoon of Faith and Fellowship. This was the third annual "Fiesta in The Clouds.
"This year, Folklorico dancing added a "New Mexico" flare to the gathering. Participating troupes were: St Francis De Paula Folklorico Dancers from Tularosa led by Jennifer Gaston, Alamogordo Ballet Folklorico led by Lina Guzman and Sangre Latina Folklorico Dancers from Ruidoso led by Angie Davila. Bea Smith and The Dog Canyon Line Dancers showed off their crowd pleasing skills and got everyone up and in the groove.
It takes more than a Village to throw such a big party. Our Lady Of The Light Church in La Luz helped provide extra tables, chairs, games, tents and not only an extra grill but four good cooks, Steven and Carleen Moquin and John and Helga McDuffy. Patsy and Ray Baca of High Rolls cooked their mouth watering barbecue, while Mario and Noel Romero flipped burgers and cooked the hot dogs. Elsa Montoya along with a hard working bunch of volunteers added tasty enchiladas to the menu. "DJ Rico "Andres Montoya, not only played the tunes but ran the cake walk at the same time. Father Alex Urena stood in (complete with a sombrero) for Pastor Christopher Williams who is currently in Washington DC. Deacon Andy Weiss from Alamogordo and Father Juan Carlos from Ruidoso were also in attendance .
The Church members hope to continue this event with the generous support of all the merchants, artists and private donors and help of so many "Faith-full" volunteers. Blessings from the Mountain Top. Fiesta 2015