Guardian Angels Parish continues tradition of colorful sawdust carpets at new venue

Tarentum native Megan Grevas moved away from home several years ago but always circles a weekend in June to visit.

Grevas and her family plan the short drive from Pittsburgh’s Ingram neighborhood to spend the Feast of Corpus Christi “coloring” one of the church parking lots of Guardian Angels Parish.

The day is marked by the creation of sawdust carpets. It’s a tradition that started centuries ago in the Black Forest region of Germany and has been hosted locally for 80 years.

It is scheduled for June 11 at Our Lady of Victory in Springdale Township.

Previously held at Holy Martyrs in West Tarentum, the event was moved after that church was one of five closed by the parish last year.

Materials are provided for anyone who wants to try their hand at the life-sized art.

When the tradition was founded by the Holy Ghost Fathers in Germany, the carpets were made of flower petals.

These days, vats of sawdust are tumbled with dye in cement mixers before the event. It results in about 80 sacks of all colors.

“It’s artistic and colorful, and a beautiful way to show our faith,” said Grevas, a 2003 Highlands grad.

Festivities start at 8 a.m.

“We’re hoping to draw a nice crowd,” said Judy McCullough, communications coordinator for the parish.

About a dozen families participated last year after a two-year covid-related hiatus.

Participants usually arrive with a design in mind and secure a spot to begin sketching their idea on the pavement.

Most are several square feet, depicting religious stories, crosses or rosaries. The fun begins when colors emerge in intricate patterns to reveal the scene.

Grevas said she grew up attending Blessed Sacrament Church in Harrison but attended the sawdust carpets event with a best friend in middle school. Now in her late 30s, she has participated ever since.

“I have my family involved, and it’s just a lot of good fun,” she said.

“Not only does it show our faith, but it encourages teamwork, and it’s nice for the community.”

After last year’s depiction of the “Parting of the Red Sea,“ Grevas said she has not decided on this year’s theme but knows it will include ideas from her children.

“That was part of the fun last year, having my daughter suggest seashells and creatures for the design,” Grevas said. “She’s been asking about it ever since.”

Parish administrator Tom Babinsack said the event usually draws a crowd to watch the art unfold.

Refreshments will be served throughout the day, and a 4 p.m. service is scheduled with Bishop David Zubik celebrating.

“The service starts indoors and then goes out past the carpets,” Babinsack said. “We’ll have pizza and ice cream for everyone. It’s a great day.”