Rev. Dan Fiebelkorn

SILVER CREEK — The fragrance of freshly harvested grapes greeted those in attendance for the Blessing of the Grapes at Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Silver Creek on Thursday morning, Sept. 13.

The Rev. Dan Fiebelkorn led a prayer of gratitude for the local grape harvest over crates of grapes grown by parishioners. The grapes were a reminder of the many vineyards surrounding the village, and the workers who care for the vines.

Thursday was also the first day of the season for such local processors as Welch’s. Harvesters will soon be seen in the fields around the clock for the next five weeks, and trucks will crowd the roads bringing in the year’s hard work.

“We pray for the safety of those harvesting the crop and for a bountiful harvest for the families who make a living growing the grapes,” said Rev. Fiebelkorn.

The blessing of the grapes followed a daily mass at Mt. Carmel that was in remembrance of Karen O’Keefe, a local resident who passed away earlier this year. She held positions of responsibility for quality control at Welch’s for many years, and later at Cliffstar.

Rev. Dan Fiebelkorn

The Rose Ensemble