This month was the beginning of a new chapter for many Catholics in the Panther Valley.

St. Francis of Assisi in Nesquehoning and St. Katharine Drexel in Lansford were consolidated into St. Joseph's in Summit Hill to become St. Joseph's of the Panther Valley.Since then, emotions have run high and new ways of life have been forming. Some parishioners have felt slighted by the move, while others seem to embrace the change as best they can.On Monday, outside St. Joseph's, nearly two dozen parishioners from the three churches gathered in the parking lot of the church to set up for the 82nd annual parish festival this weekend. Men and teens worked together to assemble the stands for the now-larger parish's upcoming annual celebration."It's great to see so many here," said the Rev. James Burdess, pastor of St. Joseph's, as he oversaw the operation.Nathan Halenar, a longtime St. Joseph's parishioner who helps organize the festival, said that so far, the support has been good."We are reaching out to our newest parishioners to join in our effort to make this festival a great success," he said. "Several families from Coaldale, Lansford and Nesquehoning have already volunteered in various capacities and we expect that more help is headed our way. People are willing to see a good thing become even better."It was evident Monday as Rick Morgans and his son, Blake, carried pieces and helped tighten bolts while laughing with the others."I was born and raised in the Panther Valley," New Columbus native Rick Morgans said. "This brings back memories of helping with the festivals for St. Therese when I was growing up so I wanted to help and pass along traditions to my son."Morgans said that he chose to come to St. Joseph's after St. Francis of Assisi closed because he wanted to remain in the Panther Valley Catholic family and added that he has felt welcome so far.Joe Pelcheck, a St. Katharine Drexel parishioner, felt the same."I always helped at St. Katharine's, so why not at the new church," he said as assembled one of the food stands.The group's efforts will be showcased this weekend, beginning at 6 p.m. Friday.There will be a variety of homemade ethnic foods, as well as a theme basket Chinese auction, children's games and rides, and plant and bake sales.There will be nightly entertainment, including the Folk 'N Coal Mine Music by Jay Small from 6:30-10 p.m. Friday; Honky Tonk Medics from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday; and Toolshed Jack from 6-10 p.m. Sunday.Parishioners and St. Gabriel's Italian Club will participate in the St. Gabriel procession in the town at 3:30 p.m. Sunday before the festival opens at 5 and will conclude with the annual fireworks display at 10 p.m.