by Therese Horvat
Special to The Leaven
BASEHOR — Immediately following the liturgically rich and joy-filled observance of the Easter Vigil at Holy Angels Parish here, the celebration continues each year with what has evolved into an extraordinary banquet in the parish hall.
Pastor Father Richard McDonald describes the Easter Vigil liturgy as the “feast of feasts” that engages all of the senses.
“After the liturgical splendor,” he explained, “our parish expands upon the holy celebration of Christian culture by giving parishioners the opportunity to greet and warmly welcome the newcomers to the church while enjoying fine cuisine. The spirit that goes into the planning, food preparation and decor for the banquet is testimony to the great volunteers at Holy Angels who value our vital parish community.”
Hearty welcome
The post-Easter Vigil meal’s primary purpose is to extend a hearty welcome to those newly received into the church. Mission accomplished for Hunter Benedict who was baptized, confirmed and made his first Communion during the Vigil Mass. The entire evening — from the intense focus on the Resurrection in the liturgy to the chance to meet and talk with many people at the meal — impressed Benedict.
Likewise, Christina Oberg felt overwhelmed in a good way by the vigil service and the celebratory meal. Christina and her husband Sean were confirmed and received their first Communion at the March 30 vigil.
“So many people congratulated and welcomed us,” Christina said. “They told us they had been praying for us.”
Christina was pleasantly surprised by the fancy dinner after the Easter Vigil. The parish hall took on a fine dining atmosphere under the direction of parishioner Karen Gaffney and a team of volunteers. Wrapped candy Easter eggs interspersed among greenery beautified each table.
‘Not your usual church dinner’
And then there was the elaborate menu, leading Donna Thomas, parishioner and regular attendee at the banquet, to note, “This is not your usual church dinner.” Donna and her husband Terry directed RCIA at Holy Angels for several years and remain active in parish ministries.
This year’s menu included an appetizer course of mini-sandwiches, bruschetta, cheese and crackers, and vegetable and fruit trays. Entrees included ham, chicken cordon bleu, both chicken and lobster tortellini, and pasta with a secret family dressing made by Paul Rittof, parish business administrator. Asparagus, cream cheese mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley and rolls rounded out the meal.
The desserts definitely signaled the end of the Lenten fast. With efforts coordinated by Cathy Kern, parish assistant, a small group of volunteers prepared chocolate dipped strawberries, assorted pies and cheesecakes, strawberry shortcake and more.
Rodney Ashley served as master chef, assisted by his fellow Knights of Columbus members. And David Alvarado has overseen the menu and staging of the meal since the dinner’s inception in 2012. Alvarado is a longtime friend of Father McDonald and a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
Father McDonald first experienced a post-Easter Vigil celebration at a seminary in New York City. Aware of Alvarado’s expertise and culinary skills, the pastor turned to him to introduce the event at Holy Angels.
“We put David’s finely crafted skills to work,” said Father McDonald.
Having passed the master chef baton to Ashley, Alvarado is anticipating attending a future vigil banquet as a participant and not an adviser.
“You could not ask for a better volunteer base than the Holy Angels group,” said Alvarado. “Rodney is so organized and has it down to a formula for how much to order and prepare and the timing it all takes.”
Well worth the effort
The banquet has expanded to welcome more guests each year. With 12 persons received into the church this year at Holy Angels, 200 parishioners and guests attended the meal. While the Easter Vigil banquet requires considerable time and work, the parish volunteers consider it well worth the effort.
“It’s a really great event that welcomes those joining the church, and it builds camaraderie and bonding among parishioners,” said Kern.
Donna Thomas believes the gathering is a wonderful way to develop friendships and cultivate community. Terry Thomas points out that the evening engages parishioners from the three different weekend Masses who may not otherwise have opportunities to interact.
The Easter Vigil and banquet also attract individuals received into the church in prior years. Having experienced the Vigil liturgy, the delicious meal and the expansive hospitality, new and established parishioners share the sentiments of Christina Oberg who said, “We’re going to want to help with and be part of this special dinner to welcome others into the church and the parish.”
