Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

The American Sons of Columbus and American Daughters of Columbus (2615 Independence Blvd.) combined forces to host their Second Annual Feast of St. Joseph table on Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1. While many Catholic parishes celebrate this Feast Day on March 19, this cultural heritage club has selected the first Sunday in March for their celebration to allow members to later participate in celebrations at other parishes.

In addition to the traditional tiered table laden with Italian and Sicilian specialties— cookies, cakes, bread, seafood, vegetables and more—- special table decorations were crafted by one member to show which city traditional dishes originated from. During the table viewing on Saturday, cookies and cannoli were offered for sale, while other members began making the sauce for Sunday’s dinner featuring Pasta Milanese or spaghetti with traditional red sauce.

Proceeds from this year’s event were donated to Sister Servants of Mary.

Photos by Dorri Partain

Annual Feast Day Offers Italian Cookies, Pasta and More

Each year, the Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19. In addition to a special Mass, the event includes the blessing and viewing of a table dedicated to St. Joseph, laden with foods in thanks to prayers. Centuries ago, Sicilian Italians were plagued with famine and drought and prayed to St. Joseph (patron saint of the worker) for rain, with a promise to produce a feast if their prayers were answered. The annual celebration came to America as immigrants settled into their new home but continued the traditions of their homeland.

Central to this celebration, each parish constructs a tiered display showcasing shaped breads, carved vegetables and fruits, and a variety of baked goods.  Pasta Milanese is served and topped with bread crumbs which symbolizes the sawdust created, as St. Joseph was a carpenter. Proceeds from donations and sales from table items help contribute to parish programs and services.

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 911 E. Missouri Ave.

St. Joseph’s Table Blessing  at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Viewing and cookie sale until 6 p.m.

 Mass at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, Table viewing until 6 p.m.

Pasta Milanese dinner in Scalabrini Hall, 910 Pacific, on Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cookies and cannolis will be available for purchase.

St. Anthony Catholic Church, 309 Benton Blvd. 

Viewing of St. Joseph Table and Italian cookie sale from 5  to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 18.

Italian Mass in honor of St. Joseph, Thursday, March 19, 9 a.m. Blessing of the St. Joseph Table following Mass, in St. Joseph Hall.

Pasta Milanese dinner served in St. Joseph Hall, 3208 Lexington Ave. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. Free will donation, carry out available ($3.00 charge) Cookies, cannoli, cakes, and table items available for purchase.

Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5106 St. John Ave.

St. Joseph Table viewing on Wednesday, March 18, in the parish hall from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 19, Table Blessing at 9 a.m., Mass at 6 p.m. Pasta Milanese or pasta w/red sauce, salad, frozia and Italian bread served from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., free will donation (Suggested $10). Italian cookies, cannoli and Table items for sale until 8 p.m.