At Mary Queen of Peace, one of our favorite monthly traditions is Game Night—a time for parishioners to gather, laugh, and bond over food, games, and friendly competition. Brought back by parishioners Penny and Maria, Game Night is an opportunity to build community and create lasting memories. Maria Powell, who co-hosted the most recent event, shared some insights into what makes Game Night so special, as well as tips for those interested in hosting in the future.
The Return of Game Night
Before COVID, Game Night was a regular event at Mary Queen of Peace, with different parishioners taking turns hosting each month. According to Maria, it was a “great social” that brought people together. Now, Penny and Maria are working to revive this beloved tradition. Each month, a new game is selected, a theme is chosen for the meal, and everyone pitches in to make it a memorable night.
Why Host Game Night?
For Maria, the best part of hosting Game Night is the event itself: “seeing parishioners having fun and socializing.” It’s about creating an evening where everyone can relax, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Game Night is open to all parishioners over 21, though most attendees are over 50—often parents whose kids are grown or old enough to stay home alone.
The turnout is consistently strong, with around 20-45 people attending each month. This mix of familiar faces and new friends creates a lively atmosphere that is welcoming to all.
Preparing for Game Night: Games, Promotion, and Food
Hosting a successful Game Night takes a little planning, but it’s a rewarding experience. Maria and Penny start by choosing a game and a theme for the meal. Bingo is always popular and easy to organize, while other favorites include “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” played in a Jeopardy style and “Live Clue.” These games have proven to be crowd-pleasers and create a relaxed, enjoyable environment. “We try to think of games and TV game shows that we like and adapt them to a large group,” Maria says. With a growing list of popular games, they are even close to having a rotation for the whole year!
To promote Game Night, announcements are made in the church bulletin, from the pulpit, and on Facebook, and a signup sheet is provided. This multi-channel approach ensures that everyone in the parish is invited to join in the fun.
Food is another highlight of Game Night. Each month, a main dish or theme is chosen, and attendees sign up to bring sides, desserts, or drinks. This potluck style adds to the sense of community and makes everyone feel like they’re part of the evening.
A Memorable Highlight
Each Game Night brings its own special moments, but one of the most memorable for Maria was “Live Clue,” which added an interactive twist to the classic whodunit game. As one parishioner put it, “It’s not about the game or winning; it’s all about the fellowship.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of Game Night—an evening where fun and laughter take priority over competition, and relationships are strengthened.
Building Community, One Game at a Time
Game Night at Mary Queen of Peace isn’t just about games; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening our Catholic community. Maria shared that the games encourage “face-to-face interaction and healthy competition,” which helps parishioners form lasting bonds. In a world where we’re often connected more by screens than by personal interaction, Game Night offers a refreshing opportunity for genuine connection.
Thinking of Hosting? Here’s How to Get Involved
Interested in hosting a future Game Night? Maria encourages first-time hosts to get a few friends together to help out and choose a game they enjoy. Many of the games used in the past can be repeated, so new hosts don’t have to start from scratch. And if you’re looking for guidance, Penny and Maria are happy to provide ideas and suggestions for games and themes.
To get started, simply call the church office. Hosting Game Night is a wonderful way to get involved in parish life, and you’ll find plenty of support from the community and the church to help make the event a success.
Join Us for the Next Game Night!
If you haven’t been to Game Night yet, we’d love for you to join us! Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast, a Bingo fan, or just looking for a fun night out, Game Night has something for everyone. Bring your friends, bring a dish, and bring your sense of humor—it’s a night of fellowship, fun, and faith that you won’t want to miss.
