DANCE FEVER — Fred and Trudy Obremski smile while dancing at the annual Senior Prom held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Milwaukee April 23. Also, pictured at right are Ray and Geri Reiman. The prom is sponsored by the parish's Young Adult Ministry program and includes participation by high school students, who decorate the parish hall and serve the seniors meals. (Catholic Herald photos by Sam Lucero)

MILWAUKEE — Couples adorned in beautiful gowns and suits or tuxedos. A delicious meal, followed by an evening of music and dancing, and the chance to have a picture taken with a date to remember the evening. A king and queen crowned at the height of the evening.

It must be prom season.

However, many of these attendees are more attuned to dancing to Sinatra than Sting, and their years of high school were enjoyed in an era remembered for its world war, patriotism and perseverance.

This “Senior Prom” is for elder guests who come from in and around Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. It is the brainchild of the parish’s young adult ministry, and is organized, staffed and catered by roughly 75 youth, ranging from 12 to 18 years of age.

Now in its fourth year, the Senior Prom is an event that is anticipated all year by both generations. This year’s theme was “Under the Vegas Lights,” complete with casino games, party favors and even a Neil Diamond impersonator.

SENIOR PROM — Leon and Carole Burzynski have their photo taken under the “Chapel of Love” banner during a senior prom at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Milwaukee April 23.

However, both young and old alike will tell you there’s more to it than good music and a good time. It’s about learning from each other’s generation and changing perceptions along the way.

“The first time we planned this, the kids thought they’d be listening to stories all night,” said Sue Lepak who, along with her 82-year-old mother Bette, lends a hand preparing food for the dinner. “However, when they got to talking with the seniors, they realized they wanted to know about what the kids’ plans were: college, jobs and the like. The seniors are actively interested in our kids’ futures.”

Andy Lynch, now a freshman in high school, has helped out on two dances.

“What surprised me the most was the attendance,” he said. “Last year we had about 170 people come, and it was really fun.”

Added Michelle Kraus, also a freshman, “I was surprised to see how much fun they have and how much they could dance.”

Most of the seniors who attend are already active within the parish’s Over 50 Club. Formed in 1981 by about 50 faith group members who had been meeting after Wednesday morning Mass for fellowship, coffee and doughnuts, the group now boasts about 235 members and meets weekly. They have also planned trips around and out of Wisconsin, even including travel to Israel and Rome.

The Over 50 Club president, Ray Reiman, gave the youth ministry and its director, Mary Osep, such rave reviews, it’s no surprise the dance has become such a success.

“The dance has been a delightful event for us ever since they began presenting it in 2002,” said Reiman. “And in general they have been supportive to the seniors throughout the year. I can’t say enough about the job these young people have done.”

NIGHT OF FUN — Members of the Over 50 Club from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish watch the roulette wheel go around during a senior prom and gaming night sponsored for the seniors by the parish’s Young Adult Ministry program.

The common link in each organization seems to be their commitment to be active in faith leadership through service and outreach.

Said Osep, “We have been around since the 1970s and we have since added a service component to develop youth leadership, through retreats and service projects.”

Paul Wadina, Over 50 Club president from 1981 to 1990, commented that the group’s response to the dance is not unexpected.

“(The club) is really about getting together, camaraderie. We get together and make plans we normally wouldn’t have made on our own. It’s about staying active in life and is one of the best things that has happened to me,” he said.

Don Brockman, a longtime member and president of the club from 1990 to 2002, agreed.

“It’s good to develop new friendships, make contacts and get away from the routine,” he added.

Given each group’s dedication to reaching out, Osep is happy — but not surprised — that the groups really make a connection at the Senior Prom.

“The kids are amazed to see how much fun and energy the seniors have — they are often out-danced by them,” she said. “Often, they’ll hear from a guest that they never got to go to their prom. Or, when one of our young men asked a widow to dance, she told him she hadn’t danced in 15 years, and they’re thrilled to give that opportunity. It’s been a perfect match.”