by Jill Ragar Esfeld
jill.esfeld@theleaven.org
LENEXA — “It’s a time to enjoy yourself and be with your friends, to get together and do something different,” said Jeremy Heinen, director of adult faith formation and evangelization at Holy Trinity Parish here.
Heinen was addressing a group of 25 couples equipped with canvases, paints, chocolates and wine.
As French music played in the background, they were beginning an evening of “Pinot & Picasso” — creating their own works of art.
Wives seemed enthusiastic, husbands were hesitant but willing, and Father Gerard Alba, a talented artist and pastor of St. Pius X in Mission, was on hand to coach, demonstrate and cajole.
He was also willing to share laughter, which ended up being a main outcome of the evening.
“Pinot & Picasso” is one of many events sponsored by Communio, a ministry supporting marriage and families in its third year at Holy Trinity.
“One of my other titles is Communio coordinator for the parish,” Heinen explained. “So, this is one of the activities we came up with to draw in those on the fringes.”
“They might not come to just your normal everyday Bible study,” he explained. “But they might be interested in having a glass of wine and painting while making a connection with some topic that is relative to their spiritual health.”
Julie and Dan Melchior have been married for almost 29 years and acknowledge their relationship is always a work in progress.
They enjoyed this unusual event.
“It provided a relaxing date night in a setting that fosters the community and fellowship the parish is trying to offer parishioners,” said Julie.
Father Alba started the evening with a prayer inviting God into the moment, saying, “You are the great creator and you invite us to be co-creators with you.”
“If there is any fear, anxiety or sense of wanting to have control,” he continued, “may we be truly free of it starting with the canvas in front of us, but also in our life and in our relationships, trusting it to your Spirit.”
Father Alba had prepared two examples of paintings to inspire the evening’s artists. Each was an enlargement of a portion of the Our Lady of Guadalupe’s tilma.
“I love the Blessed Mother,” he said. “She has always been a mother to me. Since I was little, my mom presented her to me as a mother to have; her own mother did the same.
Father Alba explained that his grandmother passed away when his mother was only 6 years old. On her deathbed, she promised her young daughter that the Blessed Mother would watch over her.
“And so, my mom is always turning to our Blessed Mother to be a mother for her,” said Father Alba. “And so, she taught us how to turn to her.”
In June, Father Alba visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
“So, she’s been in my imagination, really, and in my heart since then,” he said.
Father Alba gave some brief instructions and then demonstrated the process of creating each painting as his work was projected on a large screen above him.
“I wouldn’t say I have painting skills,” said Julie. “But I can follow instructions. So, I did exactly what Father Gerard did.
“I enjoyed the way he walked everybody through the process.”
Some participants chose to do their own thing and Father Alba encouraged that, suggesting they use his examples as inspiration.
Holy Trinity pastor Father Mike Koller took part in the event as well, creating a piece of art parishioners might see in this year’s fundraising auction.
“I think he had a good time,” said Heinen. “He likes these events that are community builders.
“He likes reaching out beyond our normal congregation to try to get people in to experience Holy Trinity.”
To achieve that community interaction, participants were encouraged to walk around and view works in progress.
“It was fun to see the variety of couples there — every age,” said Julie. “And there were so many people we did not know, and we’ve been at the parish for 14 years.”
Heinen said that’s exactly what he finds special about these Communio events.
“I see people here that I’ve never seen before, which I love,” he said. “It really reaches beyond.”
As couples left with their artwork in hand, they were already asking about the next event.
“I told them we may do a courtyard concert this fall when the weather is nice and cool,” said Heinen.
The Melchiors are already looking forward to it.
“We want to keep striving to live our vocation and be the married couple God intended us to be,” said Julie. “And it’s a lifetime effort.”
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