On Jan. 2, I had the pleasure of attending a Christmas dinner with the St. Mary's Church Rosary/ Scapular society. It was held at the Sunset Restaurant, and I was the guest of my dear friend Donna Lumb, who is a lifelong member of St. Mary's.

In keeping with our Catholic tradition, their Christmas celebration is held after the holiday. We recognize the time before Christmas as a time of waiting and anticipation, preparing ourselves for the coming of our Lord. The time after Christmas becomes a time for singing carols and celebration of His holy birth.

Sandy Lent did a fantastic job as the master of ceremonies. She took special time to remember those in the organization who could not be with them that evening due to illness. She also read for us an inspiring New Year's message to help start the year out right.

Donna and I shared a table with Vivian Sinicropi, Millie Bucknam, Rose Mary LaLonde, Joyce Cavanaugh, Rose Donato and Lisa Sigona. They were such a fun group and lots of laughs.

The Rosary/Scapular Society is a very large organization, and there were approximately 70 to 80 people in attendance.

Mostly all were women, except for their beloved Father Lioi. He was greatly outnumbered, but clearly very much loved by all. He has a wonderful sense of humor and a great appreciation for music.

What a lovely time we had. The dinner was delicious. They served roast beef, chicken and scrod, salad, baby potatoes, vegetables, coffee and dessert.

After dinner, we were treated to a sing-along of Christmas carols with the Tyburn Academy chorus. They did a great job singing traditional carols, and we joined in the refrains. It was really fun, and I think the staff at the Sunset enjoyed it, too.

Afterwards, the kids from Tyburn all joined us for dessert. Later, they were presented with a check for the school, as a donation from the Rosary/Scapular Society.

There were wonderful door prizes, as well as treats for the guests at every place setting. Donna won a bottle of wine, and I won a certificate for two for breakfast at Lewis's Restaurant. You can't beat that. Thanks for a great time St. Mary's. You are a terrific group of people.

There are many others who quietly give of themselves to help make parish life as great as it is at St. Mary's Church.

I would like to recognize just a few of them for their contributions of time and talent in leading these various groups, as well as all those who volunteer with them: Altar servers, Children's Liturgy of The Word, pastoral ministry and RCIA/initiation sacrament preparation, Kathleen Lipfert; Bingo (Mondays at 7 p.m.), Dan Gilmore; choir, David Correll; choirister, Coleen Miles; coffee hours, Sue Flurshutz; CYO, Mark Covich; Divorced/Widowed/ Separated meetings, Debbie Patrick; finance committee, Jim Hanley; Holy Name Society/Men's Club, Ron Pease; hospital ministry, Peggy Pease; Knights of Columbus, Joseph Daloia/Jack McKee; lectors, Sandy Lent; Martha Society church cleaners, Paula Daloia; ministers of communion, Alice Rizzo; Parish Life Committee, Christine Cuff; pasta suppers, Peggy Pease and Barb DeTomaso; pastoral planning committee, Robert Steigerwald; religious education, Jan Borromei; Rosary and Scapular Society, Debbie Lovell and Dee Westmiller; social ministry, Maureen Famiglietti; vocational awareness, Joyce Cavanaugh/Jessica Bouley; Web site, James Vivenzio, and youth group, Anna Comitz.

One great way to witness the St. Mary's team in action is to stop by between 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 for its monthly pasta dinner. This group runs like a well oiled machine and there is no wait time for take-out orders.

You may eat in also, if you prefer; the hall is filled with good company. Dinner is $7 and includes very large portions of zita, meatballs, sauce, salad with dressing, bread, butter and a brownie.

This pasta dinner is offered the second Tuesday of every month, and it sure is a treat in this cold weather.

Have a great week and remember, God made you, He has a special purpose for you, and He loves you so very much.

“Every saint has a past; every sinner has a future.”

- Unknown

Denise Bennett is a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Auburn. She can be reached at deniseb132@yahoo.com