There is an old poem that reads: " Whenever the Catholic sun does shine, There's music, laughter and good red wine. At least, I've always found it so: Benedicamus Domino!" The last line is Latin for "Let us bless the Lord!"
This poem captures the mood of the annual Italianfest at our parish's school gym. The evening was a LOT of fun for my family. The food was absolutely delicious. The menu included lasagne, pasta al nona, chicken milanese, and sausage and peppers, my husband ate it all and loved it!
My favorite station was the large antipasto spread...which included caprese & caesar salad, olives, marinated mozzarella, bruschetta, and pepperoncinis. That's basically all I ate, it was so good. Hats off to the Knights headed by Chef Vincent La Monte!
There was also live music and dancing to add to the festivities. 
My girls had a blast running around with their little friends, and staying up way past their bedtime. It reminds me of all the fun church and K of C activities I enjoyed as a child growing up in my small parish in Central Coast California. Because we live in such a big metro area, it is nice to have a strong sense of community coupled with our faith. It is important to celebrate life. Food, drink, and children are the simple but most basic pleasures that life can give us. They are, after all, gifts from God.
My favorite station was the large antipasto spread...which included caprese & caesar salad, olives, marinated mozzarella, bruschetta, and pepperoncinis. That's basically all I ate, it was so good. Hats off to the Knights headed by Chef Vincent La Monte!
There was also live music and dancing to add to the festivities. 
My girls had a blast running around with their little friends, and staying up way past their bedtime. It reminds me of all the fun church and K of C activities I enjoyed as a child growing up in my small parish in Central Coast California. Because we live in such a big metro area, it is nice to have a strong sense of community coupled with our faith. It is important to celebrate life. Food, drink, and children are the simple but most basic pleasures that life can give us. They are, after all, gifts from God.
Mary,
I sure wish the boys and I could have joined you. It sounds like a great time!!
I'm hungry just thinking about it.
Have a great week.
Tricia
Posted by: tricia | 07/18/2010 at 08:00 PM
It sounds like you had a great time. Love Italian food and music.
Bozena
Posted by: O'Neill | 07/18/2010 at 08:00 PM
What a beautiful setting. We are going to get to be home for my nephew's Baptism next week, I'm excited to return to my "home" parish.
Posted by: Kyooty | 07/18/2010 at 08:00 PM
What a fun evening. The food you mentioned took me back to when we lived in bella Roma. I remember feasting on the antipasti--fabuloso!
Posted by: Tish | 07/18/2010 at 08:00 PM
The parish my family attends is the historically Italian one in town -- they always have a big Italian street festival in the summer, as well as a big italian dinner like you're talking about for the feast of St. Joseph. It's so much fun!
Posted by: spilisz08 | 07/23/2010 at 08:00 PM