One day ahead of his 40th birthday, Father Christopher P. Christensen, pastor of St. Rita Church in Alexandria, was surprised by students with, a surprise party, singing and ice cream sandwiches May 6.
What really brought down the house and left the school hall ringing with laughter was a firecracker spiritual bouquet. Before the party, students from each grade filled balloons with prayer intentions and pledges to attend an extra Mass for Father Christensen written on small pieces of paper. Then students took turns popping the balloons, one grade at a time, showering the petitions over Father Christensen as he sat in a chair in front of the assembly.
On top of a good time, students were rewarded when the pastor granted a dress-down day.
