The Italian Catholic Federation sponsors our Annual Saint Joseph Table
which raises money for those in need.

A Glance from the Past by Sarah Brancato

In 1968, Father Feccia came to my home and we started the ICF Branch 220. It started with 9 of us as members. As the years went by, we were over 100 members.

We met once a month at St. Celestine Church. Our Fathers Day Pie Sale was our one and only fund raiser. Our first one was where we baked frozen apple pie. Each member baked some and when we were a big branch we ordered baked pies. At one time we sold 300 pies. We have been having the Fathers Day Pie Sale every Fathers Day since we began in 1968. We are just a few members now but we still have our Fathers Day Pie Sale and now we sell 200 pies.

Our President Jo Townsend has been having a St. Joseph Table for quite a few years with the ICF. We are only a few members now but we still have our monthly meetings and we have Mike DeLarco as our Deacon.

These are things we did: After our meeting we would have coffee and cake. Then we would play Bingo. Sometime we would have a spaghetti dinner on a Friday during Lent. We would have pasta and bean soup for people that come from St. Celestine. Once a year we would have an ICT Mass on a Saturday and then go to a restaurant for breakfast. Now, we go on our ICF Anniversary to a restaurant for dinner.

Pictures of Previous Saint Joseph Table

Pictures Courtesy of Michelle Malczewski

A BOUNTIFUL TABLE – St. Joseph would have been proud to see the table set in his honor on Sunday, March 13, 2011. The success of the day was due in no small way to the dedicated work of Jo Townsend, her daughter Barbara, Deacon Mike DeLarco, and Linda Santelli, along with Jo’s hard-working family, members of the Italian Catholic Federation, and the cooperative hands of many volunteers. The bounty of the table was certainly pleasing not only to the eye but to the stomach as well. To Jo and to all her helpers and supporters as well as her sponsors – Thank You!! May St. Joseph bless you for remembering him.

The inspiring custom of the table originated in Sicily as a religious banquet for the needy. Traditionally, it is a large buffet of fish, pasta, fruits, vegetables, and sweets. Although the table retains a predominantly Italian appearance, all ethnic specialties are welcome. The St. Joseph Table is not primarily a fundraiser but rather an opportunity to grow in common charity toward one another. An important part of the table is charity.