Parishioner Kevin Gavin shares a laugh with a statue of Lucille Ball while visiting the National Comedy Center in Jamestown. (Courtesy of Toni Drzewiecki)

Travelers from St. John XXIII Parish eagerly awaited and planned for their first ever Mystery Trip. The day they all anticipated finally arrived on Thursday, Aug. 9 as 55 brave parishioners boarded a luxury coach at the parish to an unknown destination. Father John Stanton, pastor of St. John XXIII Parish, planned a special day to a secret destination. He wanted to build community, enjoy time together, and celebrate summer in the parish. Throughout the month of July, he published hints about the location in the parish bulletin, which heightened interest in the trip. It was the conversation of the parish, and Catholics from nearby parishes even joined in the fanfare and participated.

Tickets quickly sold for the trip, and there was excitement in the air about the fascinating excursion. After a long drive through the picturesque Southern Tier, the travelers finally arrived in Jamestown, where they visited the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the brand-new National Comedy Center which had just opened eight days earlier. The day afforded them the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch in beautiful downtown Jamestown, drive by Lucille Ball's childhood home, visit a park with two statues dedicated to her, and enjoy being together.

As the group arrived home in West Seneca, they were filled with memories of a fun and relaxing day. Toni Drzewiecki even said, "I had such a great time. It was like a mini vacation."  Kathy Skomski said, "I hope we can do something like this again next summer."  Maureen Shea, Dick and Barbara Lavelle, and many others commented, "When is the next one?"  A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.