OQUOSSOC — A day to celebrate the Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, while also rejoicing together after a long pandemic apart, is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 22.

The “Welcome Home” celebration, to be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, on 43 Rangeley Ave, in Oquossoc, involves the parishioners and community members in the parish (Our Lady of the Lakes Church, Oquossoc; St. Luke Church, Rangeley; St. John Church, Stratton; Bell Chapel, Sugarloaf Mountain).

“Our celebration will begin with an outdoor Mass followed by a picnic at the Mary Shrine in the field across from the church,” said Fr. Anthony Kuzia, pastor of the parish, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “The parish will provide the music, and all participants have to do is bring a picnic lunch and a lawn chair.”

Attendance is expected to be strong in this small, but close-knit community. The population of greater Rangeley, of which the village of Oquossoc is a part, numbers less than 2,000.

Those interested in helping set up, clean up, and organize the celebration can call 207-779-7502 or 617-957-6776, or email ricdodge271@gmail.com.