The Risen Christ School Gala
Last year's Gala raised over $430,000 for the children. It was a huge success because of the tremendous generosity of all who contributed as volunteers, guests, donors and bidders. Thank you!
Father John Forliti, a strong and steadfast advocate for the children of Risen Christ School, our perennial Gala Chair and Gala contributor, and Chaplain at Cretin-Derham Hall (CDH) is a priest of many talents. Father John wrote the following as the Forward to his booklet, What’s Cooking: a primer for CDH graduates off to college!
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| Father John Forliti |
Years ago, during the turbulent sixties when lots of families were breaking up, I asked a wise old Italian grandmother, “What is happening to family life?” She responded, “The problem is TV dinners. There’s no love in the food. It’s the love in the food that holds the family together!” Right on, Mama D! At the time I believed her, but it wasn’t until I started cooking for others that I really began to understand what she meant.
Putting love in the food begins when you decide to invite someone to your table. More love goes in with planning the menu, buying the goods, setting the table, preparing and serving the meal, enjoying the gastronomic delights, and even doing the clean-up afterwards. It can be a lot of work to cook for others, but sharing your table can be very satisfying.
Reflecting on the theology of food reveals the power of mealtime. At its most basic meaning, food declares our dependence on God who created its rich varieties of kind, textures and tastes. At the table, lessons are learned, community is formed and nurtured, gratitude is enhanced, conflicts are resolved, passion for life is renewed, and bodies and spirits are restored.
But not every table is a happy place because mealtime, if it is to be what it is meant to be, has its rules. No phones or TV, e-games or homework. Since mealtime is meant to feed the spirit as well as the body, it helps if everyone brings a smile to the table and a story to share. Also, taking a moment to pray a word of thanks to God (and for the cook) establishes a hospitable and grateful mood.
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