St. Christopher’s feast serves stomachs and souls

For over a hundred-years Parish of St. Christopher has served as a way station to travelers headed to Brooklyn from Montauk, taking their name from the patron saint of transportation. And for the last 47 years they’ve filled the stomachs and spirits of the community through their annual feast, which took place from Thursday to Sunday.

Hundreds of guests came to the church parking lot and were happy to see the return of the dunk tank, performances from students at the School of Rock, rides like the iconic Ferris wheel, and of course Italian food staples, such as savory sausage and peppers and sugary zeppoles.

Deacon Ralph Muscente has been serving at the church for over ten years and delights in the annual tradition that brings out hundreds of all faiths. “It’s a great way to not just bring the parish together but the whole community here, we get young people each year which is another great thing because they can see the church and that we’re still very vibrant parish.”

Muscente explained that the feast is the “big annual fundraiser” for the church and this year a 50/50 raffle was going to be split between the church and one lucky winner. In the past, the church would host a car raffle where a participant would win a car, Muscente said, and although they didn’t do the car raffle this year it shouldn’t be discounted to return for a future feast.

The Bradley Council Knights of Columbus had a few food booths set up where they served the community. “The Knights have been involved for over 14 years, the Knights get very involved, we have a bunch of food booths like the sausage and peppers and zeppoles, which are equally important,” Angelo Aldorasi said laughing.

Aldorasi continued to explain that the event is all about community coming together for a few nights of fun and laughter, “It’s about serving the community and giving back, really, it’s a great organization. There’s a lot of great people coming out and supporting the community and each other. Its all about giving back, we’re blessed in many ways…we don’t take it for granted.”

Edward McCaffrey, who’s also in the Knights explained that they’re never far from the church, using the basement as their base of operations for fundraisers and meetings. “Those who are serious about serving the church and community meet in the bottom of the church,” McCaffrey said.