St. Joseph's Tables Starting Now

As you read this, there are cooks crafting delicious marinara sauce, lasagna, fish dishes, breaded zucchini, frittatas, salads and sweets. 

They're cooking for St. Joseph Tables at local parishes, carrying a tradition that is part charity and all delicious. All are invited to come and dine--in some cases, there is no set fee so that those in need know they are welcome. In most cases, all the donations go to help those in need.

Earlier:

Though versions of the tradition differ, the most popular story goes that in southern Italy in centuries past, people who were struck by a sudden challenge, such as the illness of a family member, would pray to St. Joseph for help and promise a feast for the poor to honor St. Joseph on his March 19 feast day. If their request was granted--for example, if the ill child returned to health--the grateful parents would then prepare a feast on or around March 19 and welcome everyone, including the needy, to dine on the delicious dishes.

In the United States, Catholic church-goers, often at churches with significant Italian populations, solicit donated food, prepare a feast and invite all to eat. A committee then directs cash donations to help people in need.

Tradition also says to wear red, decorate the St. Joseph Table beautifully with flowers and hand out dried fava beans as tokens of good luck. The meal is traditionally meatless because March 19 always falls during Lent. 

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If you have never been to one, try it. 

, will hold a St. Joseph Table Sunday, March 10, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. (following the noon Mass). It will be the traditional meatless feast, with pasta, fish, egg dishes, vegetables, fruits, breads, sweets and beverages. While there is no charge to eat, in accordance with tradition, donations will be accepted and used to help those in need. 

will hold a Festa in honor of St. Joseph Sunday, March 10, with seatings at 3 and 5 p.m. See the flyer for more information. It will offer a full meal plus sweets; wine is available. 320 S. Washington Street (at Northwest Highway), Park Ridge.

, will hold its St. Joseph Table Sunday, March 17 after the noon Mass. A traditional meatless meal will be served. Diners are welcome to bring a (meatless) dish to pass and/or give a cash donation. 8500 block of Georgiana Street, Morton Grove.

, will hold its St. Joseph Table Sunday, March 17 from 1:30 to 4:30. Proceeds benefit the parish's St. Vincent de Paul society (which disburses donations to the needy). If you would like to volunteer, they can use you March 15, 16 or 17. (847) 823-2550.

Do you know of any other St. Joseph Tables nearby? (We heard there was one at St. Juliana but couldn't verify that.) Please add the info in the comments section. Thanks.