HIGH POINT — We often speak with affection of the “IHM Family,” a warm community of faith that is known for its welcoming manner and generous sharing of blessings. On Sunday, May 14, the family of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish celebrated the dedication of the Holy Family Courtyard, an expansive space between the church and St. Edward’s Hall that is now graced by a beautiful statue of the Holy Family.
The gathering of parishioners and guests on a beautiful Mother’s Day confirmed what a wonderful space the courtyard has become for prayer, a gathering space for children and a peaceful place for parents to wait on their children who participate in the parish’s many programs.
The statue is a gift of Eleanor Ilderton in honor of her husband, T. Carey Ilderton (1920-2016), a lifetime member of parish. Throughout the decades, Cary and Eleanor Ilderton have been known for their commitment to and gracious support of the parish, and they have served as an inspiration for others. Their dedication to their family and the High Point community is well known and this courtyard serves as a fitting tribute to those values. Their daughter Beth and son Steve were fervent in their efforts to find a statue that not only honored the Holy Family, but complemented the spiritual life of the community and aesthetics of the courtyard. The women of the Bethany Society and men of the Knights of Columbus sponsored the pedestal.
Adding to the joy of the celebration was the donation and gift of several patio tables to the community in memory of Ben and Mary D’Apollo, Angela June Iott-Galacia, Wanda Ilderton, Per. R. Kalstrup and Danny Noll.
In addition, the parish was grateful for gifts from Marilyn and Joe Deering, the Dilloway family, the Tony and Yalonda Hernandez family, Patty and Regis Kline, the Michelli family, Tom and Elizabeth Walsh, and Chet and Floss Zukowski and family.
The installation and ongoing renovation at the parish has been a collaboration involving the time and talent of a number of parishioners, particularly the Cowan and Wilson families and Boy Scout Troop 26, who worked on the site preparation; Suzanne Quinn, who designed the garden; Rick Boedicker, contractor; Tom Fatyol, who designed the plaque; and Pat Leonard, Jose Ruvalcaba and members of the Knights of Columbus, who worked on table assembly.
— Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Vince Smith, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church