IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The grounds of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church saw a transformation today, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. This morning, the church hosted a lively planting party, with about a dozen volunteers and a half-dozen vehicles arriving, each loaded with vibrant red wax begonias from Larson’s Pine Creek Greenhouse.
With everyone pitching in, the flowers were quickly planted, adding a splash of color for all to enjoy. Father Mike Chenier, the priest of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, shared his thoughts on the significance of the event:
“We always welcome people to come by our beautiful church and our beautiful grounds, take pictures. A lot of people do, for weddings or for prom or just for senior pictures. So we’re happy to kind of be that place you know in town here where a lot of people come and just rest by our fountain and stuff. We love it when we have people hanging out here.”
Volunteers mentioned that people often donate flowers to the church in memory of their loved ones. Father Chenier added:
“There’s about eight or nine volunteers here right now, more will probably show up in a bit. All it takes to get it together, I just had to make an announcement at mass saying today was the day, and a lot of people came out of the woodwork. So it’s easy.”
Looking ahead, the church is planning to maintain the beautiful new garden with the help of dedicated volunteers. Father Chenier explained:
“We are going to have a few people volunteer together with our groundskeeper, Randy. We do have some volunteers who’re going to come and help and keep it weeded and keep them watered. If anyone wants to help, we’d be happy for the help. They can just reach out to the parish office. We’d be happy to plug them in.”
The community’s collaborative effort has not only enhanced the church’s appearance but also reinforced its role as a cherished local gathering spot.
Group photo courtesy: Maria Johns
