EDMONDS – A group of “beer masters” at North American Martyrs Parish have been busy preparing for the parish’s Oktoberfest celebration.

“We get together and make beer, hang out and socialize,” said Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter Father Caleb Insco, parochial vicar at the Latin Mass parish in Edmonds that has 370 households.

Seven beer varieties will be available Oct. 14 during the parish’s Oktoberfest event. (See details below.) 

Father Insco and two parishioners brewed their beer weeks ago at Gallaghers — a brew-your-own business in Edmonds that guides customers through the brewing and bottling process — and recently bottled it there.

Four parishioners brewed beer on their own, Father Insco said, while three other parishioners brewed cider, a non-alcoholic beer and a root beer. 

Parishioners from North American Martyrs Parish in Edmonds recently bottled their handcrafted beer at Gallaghers in Edmonds. The beer will be served at the parish’s Oct. 14 Oktoberfest celebration. (Photo courtesy Father Caleb Insco)

“It’s definitely a community effort and so much fun to get together and do it,” said parishioner Shannon Larson, who brewed beer at Gallaghers. And brewing at Gallaghers provides an opportunity to evangelize, she said — she invites people to come to Mass.

As for the beer, last year Larson produced a Belgian white beer with orange that she called “Resurrection Beer,” a name inspired by the raising of the widow’s son in Luke’s Gospel. This year, Larson and her husband Clyde produced a Trappist-themed Belgian Tripel they named “It’s All Good in the Hood,” she said. 

This label adorns the bottles of Belgian Trippel crafted by Sharon Larson for the Oktoberfest event at North American Martyrs Parish in Edmonds. (Courtesy Sharon Larson)

Father Insco said he brewed an IPA based on a Georgetown Brewing Co. ale, similar to the one he crafted for last year’s Oktoberfest. Parishioner Joe Lewis, who describes himself as a “neophyte,” also brewed an IPA for the event. 

Besides beer, Oktoberfest at North American Martyrs offers bratwurst and hot dogs, plus a pie contest that last year drew 30 entries, Father Insco said. There is also a beer competition, with awards for the judges’ favorite and the people’s favorite, he said.

Oktoberfest, the priest said, is “really good for the spirits.”

Oktoberfest at North American Martyrs Parish

When: Oct. 14 from 4-8 p.m.

Where: Father Reichmann Hall on the parish campus, 9924 232nd St. S.W., Edmonds

Admission: $5 for ages 15 and up and $3 for ages 4-14, with a maximum cost of $20 per family. (Cash or check only.)

Food: Admission includes a bratwurst or hot dog, side and dessert. Soft pretzels will be available for $1.