Parishioners of Ascension Parish in Batavia will host a St. Joseph Table on March 15.  The St. Joseph Table will be catered by Bing's Restaurant. Donations from the event will be used to care for the poor.

Father David Glassmire, pastor, wanted to honor the foundation of the Italian Catholics, particularly the early immigrants of the former St. Anthony Parish in Batavia.  

"Our parishioners wanted to do something locally, to care for the poor in our midst," Father Glassmire said.  

The St. Vincent de Paul Society will work in collaboration with the parish on the traditional event. Any money donated will be given to the poor and the leftover food will be given to a local food pantry.

The Altar and Rosary Society of the parish will teach the younger generation to bake the traditional St. Joseph bread. Loaves of bread will be provided to the sick and the homebound of the parish, along with a St. Joseph prayer card signifying a spiritual unity with them.

A stalk of lily blossoms, votive candles, lace table cloth, bread and oranges will be used to decorate the altar table. Those who visit a St. Joseph table often receive gifts of fava beans and breads which play a key role as part of the celebration because this was the food that saved the Sicilians from starving. The poor placed their trust in St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family.  

The St. Joseph Table begins at 3 p.m. and will take place at Ascension Parish, Father Slomba Hall, 17 Sumner St., Batavia.  Seating is limited to 300 guests.

Reservations are required.  Tickets may be obtained by calling the parish office at 585-343-1796. Tickets are also available at this website.