Religion Briefs: Local ICF branch presents St. Joseph Table event
The St. Joseph Table set up March 13 at St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church that featured a host of food items for sale was completely sold out, according to officials with the local branch of the Italian Catholic Federation.
The table had been laden with donated pasta dishes, tomato sauces, home-baked cakes, biscotti and other goods prepared by members of the parish and donated by area merchants. By the end of the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass, the table was bare, save for its decorations.
“We were pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm of parishioners and guests for our traditional fundraising event where proceeds will all go to support the charities we support here in the parish and throughout the country,” said Branch President Mark Mannerelli. “It was overwhelming to think about how people came out to support the work of our branch of the Italian Catholic Federation. We really appreciate their support for a great cause.”
Branch Orator Al Restivo reported that attendance at the 11 a.m. Mass was significantly better than in years past. He said there was an old-fashioned, Italian-style procession led by Raul Aceveda, carrying the federation’s banner. Aceveda was followed by the group’s newest members, Jenny and Andrew Meli, along with their children, Norah, 3, and Sebastian, 5. The family rolled a table bearing flowers and a statue of St. Joseph, ahead of other members of Branch 374, ICF, and Father Albert Bahhuth, the celebrant of the Mass.
“Members of the choir, led by Dr. Tony Lupica, provided accompaniment for the Mass,” Restivo added.
The tradition of the St. Joseph Table began in Sicily where each year people gathered at a special church service dedicated to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, and patron Saint of Italy, to donate food for the poor. Today the Italian Catholic Federation provides for the poor and others in need by donating proceeds from the event.
The St. Bede branch comprises people from many races and nationalities, according to Restivo, who says the only prerequisite for membership is that the person is a Catholic or the spouse of a Catholic. To learn more about Branch 374, ICF, call (818) 952-1969.
Methodists schedule Easter party for Saturday
An Easter party is being planned by La Cañada United Methodist Church and will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19 on the church campus, 104 Berkshire Place. A wide range of children’s activities will be offered during the event, which is open to the public.
On Palm Sunday, March 20, Pastor Elaine Cho will preach on the topic “In the Palm of His Hands” during the church’s regular 10:30 a.m. worship service. Cho will relate the story of how people held palm fronds in the palms of their hands as Jesus entered Jerusalem and were unaware their lives were actually in the palm of his hands.
Child care and early elementary Sunday school are available during the service. Lunch and youth ministry is at noon.
To learn more about the church and its activities, call the office at (818) 790-3605 or visit www.lcumc.com.
‘A Terrifying Tale’ to be told at LCCC
As La Cañada Congregational Church marks Palm Sunday during its 10 a.m. worship service on March 20, the Rev. Skip Lindeman will preach on the topic “A Terrifying Tale.”
Visitors are welcome and invited to stay for the coffee hour that immediately follows the service.
The Chancel Choir will sing “Ride On, King Jesus”, arranged by L.L. Fleming.
La Cañada Congregational Church is located at 1200 Foothill Blvd. For more information, visit the church’s website at lacanadacongregationalchurch.org, or call the church office at (818) 790-1185.