Monthly luncheons at Ansonia church hall keep seniors connected to one another.
Story and Photos by Karen A. Avitabile
For some senior citizens, enjoying a meal with others is a rarity. But once a month in an Ansonia church hall, seniors and local residents are invited to enjoy a meal together while meeting new friends.
“Some people tell me this is the only time they can eat with somebody,” says Father Jeffrey Gubbiotti, pastor of Holy Rosary Parish in Ansonia. “This is an evangelization program. We always encourage people to invite friends who want to enjoy a meal together.”
For the past two years on the second Tuesday of each month, volunteers from Holy Rosary have been bringing together about 120 people in the community for fellowship, faith and a good meal. The meals are organized by volunteers on a planning committee – they take reservations, plan the meal, set up, cook, serve, entertain, clean up and deliver the meals to the homebound.
“I come to say hello to everybody,” says volunteer Jo-Marie Tamburrino. “It’s nice to give them a hug and talk to everyone. I like to make people laugh. I like to bring sunshine into their lives.”
Dressed in a white apron, Paul Rosito says he volunteers because he “loves to cook.” He and others prep the day before and arrive early the day of the luncheon to begin cooking for the 12 p.m. start time.
Other volunteers sing at the luncheons, offer words encouragement or lead participants in prayer and thanksgiving. Sometimes, guest speakers from Holy Rosary Parish or the community are invited to shed light on a particular program.
Kim Ginex, chairwoman of the nearly 12-member planning committee, has been involved with the luncheons since their inception. In December, she planned a slide show highlighting luncheons held during 2023. During November’s gathering, volunteers lead the group in singing, Let There Be Peace on Earth.
“We bring together multiple parishes within the community,” says Ginex, who also serves as co-chairman of Holy Rosary’s Festa, an annual Italian festival, and volunteers with youth ministry in the parish.
To plan how much food will be needed and how many tables have to be set up, Carol Giacondino takes advance reservations for the luncheons. She also greets people at the door, sometimes offering a hug.
“We ask for God’s blessings on our friends and remember those no longer with us,” Giancondino says. “We pray for the sick and the lonely that God may provide for those needs.”
The luncheons, supported by grants from The Hartford Bishops’ Foundation Inc. of the Archdiocese of Hartford, is an extension of work by the parish. The Foundation’s Forward with Faith campaign serves Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield counties.
“We always encourage people to invite friends who want to enjoy a meal together,” says Father Gubbiotti, who visits from table to table. “From this, we are trying to build other outreach things.”
Joseph Virzi, a member of Holy Rosary Parish, says he enjoys attending the lunches and visiting with friends. “I like being here,” he adds.
Senior luncheons are held on the second Tuesday of each month in Holy Rosary Parish Church Hall. The next luncheon is set for Feb. 13; doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch is served at 12 p.m. To R.S.V.P., call Carol Giacondino at 203.734.7696. A freewill offering is accepted.
