PERRYVILLE PARISH PICNIC'S ROOTS RUN DEEP

Every community has its bedrock institutions -- churches, businesses, civic organizations -- that provide a foundation of stability and support down through the years. If they are strong enough and last long enough, such institutions give the community a sense of well-being.

In Perryville, there are any number of such institutions, and one that is deeply ingrained there is the Catholic church. In addition to the thriving St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Perryville is known nationally for the former St. Mary of the Barrens Seminary and the splendid buildings and museums that still draw visitors from all over the world.

Both the parish and the old seminary have a long history with the Congregation of the Mission, more popularly known as the Vincentians. This is the same order that ran the former St. Vincent's Seminary in Cape Girardeau for decades.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk in and around Perryville about the announcement in June that the Vincentians are planning to develop some 650 acres the order owns around the old seminary. The ambitious plans include commercial and residential projects along with golf courses and other improvements. The land is located on both sides of Interstate 55, which makes it prime property for development. Overall, this sort of development would mean quite a boost in Perryville's economy.

Generally, the Vincentians' announcement was welcomed. But one sticking point has developed, and it should be resolved quickly in order to prevent a festering sore from becoming an incurable disease.

There is genuine concern about the annual St. Vincent's Parish Picnic, which for nearly a century has brought families and friends together in a festive celebration on Vincentian land that now is designated for development.

People who have been going to the picnic for years and years -- nearly 10,000 attended this year -- don't want to give up such a well-established tradition. They don't look forward to moving the picnic to another site. It just wouldn't be the same, they say.

The Vincentians have agreed to help the parish find another site. But that hasn't appeased a lot of folks. But the offer indicates concern on the part of the Vincentians to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are any number of possibilities. First is the fact that the land isn't likely to be developed immediately. Just as the picnic was held at the usual location this year, it might be several years before the picnic has to move. During that time, it might even be possible to work out an arrangement to keep the picnic at its established location even though development may be under way all around.

Who knows what all the solutions might be? But the key will be for parish representatives and Vincentians to have good-faith talks in an attempt to resolve this sore point. Earnest discussions could go a long way in preserving the historic ties.