HOPFEN CHURCH PACKED FOR PATRONAL FESTIVAL MASS 
(Pfarrfest Hopfen am See:unsere Deutsche Schwestern-Webseite)
The Feast of St Peter & St Paul was celebrated as usual on the 29th June here in Germany.However in Hopfen on Sea,which is part of the Füssen Parish partnership,they held the Patronal Feast on Sunday 1st July
.
The Church of St Peter & Paul is situated at the top of a hill in the middle of the "Allgäu Riviera",Hopfen on Sea.Its about 5 kilometres from Füssen.
At 0930hrs Mass was celebrated by Father Michael,Head of the Franciscans in Füssen.The church was packed for the occasion.At the same time as the Mass was being celebrated the children of the Parish were holding their own Liturgy.
The Children had their own service which did not fulfil the Mass Obligation.It was lead by the Pastoral Assistant for children in the Parish,Brigitte Böck.
The children were taught about the meaning of water.First,they had to go into the Church porch and make the Sign of the Cross in the holy water stoop.They then went into the Church graveyard and watered the graves.
On the meadow by the Church carpark they found a paddling pool filled with water.This was for bathing and washing as well as playing in.
Then they were told that water is very important for drinking!So all had a drink of water.
The children then joined Father Michael on the Altar.He gave them all a blessing.Unfortunatly the Extra Ordinary Ministers of Communion failed to give Holy Communion to some children who were able to receive it.They had attended a Mass of Obligation the previous evening.
Christian Filo,aged 18 played the organ and the choir were conducted by Georg Rehm.Some beautiful music helped to lift the hearts and minds of the congregation,in praise of God.
It was a wonderful day for the Patronal Feast with the sun beating down and temperatures in the 30's.The "Hopfen on Sea Music Chapel" played for the hundreds gathered to enjoy the feast.The Germans really know how to put on a good party!
The Children played on the bouncy castle.
All could eat and drink to their hearts content!
The children even had the chance to practise being real life "Bob the Builders" thank to local Hopfen Builder, Michael Keller,whose son shows us the ropes below.
Father Michael,Fransciscan priest in charge of the Franciscans in Füssen who celebrates weekly Mass at Hopfen.(Photo Below)
The children making differant things with nails and wool.
Parish Priest of the Churches in the Füssen Partnership,Monsignor Karlheinz Knebel joined in the festivities,even downing a few beers in typical Bavarian fashion.He brought his mother along to enjoy herself.
The photo below shows Frau Knebel and her son,Monsignor.
