Saturday, April 25, 2015 Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church

Saturday, April 25, 2015
Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
(Entrance: Brook Highland Drive off Hwy 119)
Birmingham, AL 35242
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FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT
Tribute to Dean Martin featuring Joe Scalissi
Total A$$et$
Traditional Italian Dance by Dance South
The Rock Mountain Swing Band
Italian Opera by members of the
Birmingham Opera
Italian Dancers
featuring Anita Maniscalco
& Brandon Barranco
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Dear Friends of Saint Mark,
A warm welcome to the fourth anniversary of the Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival. The history of Saint Mark Parish dates
back 110 years when the first Italian immigrants arrived in Birmingham and established a Church in the East Thomas District
of the City in 1905. Today, Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, which was dedicated in 2003, serves 1,200 households.
The tradition of celebrating the Feast Day of Saint Mark with an Italian Festival dates back to the early 1920’s and has deep
roots in the Birmingham community. We are grateful, with your help, this wonderful religious and cultural tradition could
be successfully resurrected in 2012. To each and every one of you, thank you for enabling us to continue this tradition.
Traditions are those things we look forward to celebrating each year and they become something we long for when things
inevitably change. Traditions are a collection of our most cherished feelings, beliefs, tastes, aromas and sounds, all intertwined
creating the perfect story that never grows old. More than anything, traditions involve the memories of those around us that we
care most about. This is our hope and prayer as we celebrate the Feast of Saint Mark each year with the Birmingham community.
My appreciation to the 2015 Organizing Committee, sponsors, vendors, team leaders, volunteers and friends of Saint Mark who
help make the Feast possible. Thank you for your energies, creativity and resources to assure the religious and cultural traditions
we value live on for a new generation.
So to every one of our guests, again a warm welcome to the Feast, and thank you for allowing us to be part of your tradition.
Our prayer is that your day will be spent in the warm embrace of great food, music, family and friends.
From all of us at Saint Mark, Hope and Joy!
Fr. Joe Culotta
Pastor
Post Office Box 380396 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-0396
Phone 205.980.1810 Fax 205.980.9208 E-Mail stmarkrc@bellsouth.net
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TheFсtival
Saturday, April 25, 2015 is the fourth annual Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival in Birmingham, Alabama. After the inaugural event in 2012,
the Festival has grown to provide community, food and fun to over 3,000 guests. Come and celebrate the historic Italian heritage and culture
which played a major role in the development and growth of Birmingham. It’s an event you will definitely want to attend with your family and
friends. There are events and activities for everyone.
Virginia “Ginger” Scalici
The Festival will be held on the grounds of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church and will begin at 3:30 PM.
12/5/1957 – 3/9/2015
Benvenuti alla Festa di San Marco Italian Festival
The Feast of Saint Mark Italian Festival
PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Father Joe’s Welcome Letter
3
Ginger Scalici Dedication
4
List of Advertisers
5
History of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
• To recognize and promote the story of our
patron - Saint Mark the Evangelist
7
Program of Festival Events & Photo Gallery
• To educate and further the understanding of
the Catholic Faith
8
Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish Staff
• To be genuine and authentic to the Italian
culture in all aspects
9
Patrons and Favorite Saints
• To provide multi-generational rewarding and
enriching experiences for all, with consideration
to those in need
12
Monella Family
20
Arnone’s Sausage
• To strive for the utmost quality in every aspect
of the event
28
FOSM2015 Chairman’s Letter
• To be open and accessible to anyone in the
community
29
FOSM2015 Sponsors
30-31
Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish Mission & Ministries
• To create memories for our guests that will in
last a lifetime
34-37
Italian Recipes
• To foster a culture of parishioner ownership
and volunteerism
39
Italian Vacation
40
Bisacquino: Sicily’s Link to Birmingham
47
The Game Of Bocce
55
Morra
56
FOSM2015 Organizing Committee & Participants
Mission Statement
The FOSM is a quality celebration honoring both the Patron
Saint of the Parish, as well as the origins of the founding
parishioners who built and grew the original Saint Mark
Parish.
The key prinicples that are integral to this annual event are:
The Feast and Saint Mark Parish lost Ginger Scalici, Parish Secretary,
this past March. She was an inspiring soul that helped and
touched many of us here today time after time.
Ginger and her husband Matt were inspiration for the
Feast of Saint Mark over five years ago.
While sitting on a rooftop patio in Downtown Birmingham,
meant to the original Saint Mark Parish as well as the City.
She pointed out buildings where restaurants, stores, and her
father’s grocery and service station once stood.
She said the family, faith, and food spirit were aching to be rekindled.
Ginger was the original cookie-baking organizer
and has since played a key role assisting with our Feast.
She was a pillar of our Church community, and
our go-to person for everything and did it with
a smile. Ginger did all this not because it was the
right thing to do, but because she was doing God’s service.
Please join our Parish and Feast family in honoring and remembering
Ginger for all that she was and all that she inspired us to do.
The Feast of Saint Mark Organizing Committee
2
3
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• To be fiscally responsible
Ginger told us about the strong Italian community and what it
TheAdvertisers
T heHistory 1902-2015
Please show your appreciation to the advertisers listed below by visiting and supporting their businesses or
organizations. Don’t forget to clip and take the coupons with you for the percentage or money-off offers!
Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish
ADVERTISERS
Alpha Church Supply and Gis
Vinnie Alonzo
America’s First Federal Credit Union
Amore’ Ristorante Italiano
Andrea Traina
ARC Realty, Christina Rickey
Arnone’s Italian Sausage
Bare Naked Noodles
Michael Beckenstein, MD, FACS
Bellinis Ristorante
Benchmark
Buffalo Rock Company
Burns and Brashier, LLC
Charles Schwab, Mark Lovoy
Crestview Memorial Gardens
Danberry at Inverness
Diamond Golf Cars
DiPiazza, LaRocca, Heeter & Co, LLC
Dreamscape
Eagle Point Golf Club
Earl Dudley, Inc.
Edward’s Orthodontics
Enoch & Associates
Espresso Southeast
Fiat of Birmingham
First Response
Frankly Speaking
Gameroom Designs
GeGe’s Salon
Grade Power
Graffeo Brothers Italian Sausage
Gray’s Roofing and Tree Service
Gunter Oil Company (Shell on 119)
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hartline Financial Advisors
Holy Family Christo Rey High School
Isbell Jewelers
Issis and Sons
Italian-American Heritage Society
Joe’s Italian Pizza, Pasta & Caffe’
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COUPONS
ADVERTISERS
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Knights of Columbus Council 13446
54
Knights of Columbus Insurance – Mark Stice 18
Legacy Cleaners
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Lloyd’s Restaurant
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Merrill Lynch, Francis Buchan, CFP, CIMA
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MortgageBanc, Scott McFadden
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Motivated Movers
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Mr. P’s Butcher Shop & Deli
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Nationwide Insurance – Tyler Watts & Assoc. 43
Nature One Landscape Design
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Partners Tax & Accounting, LLC
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Party Time Turner Rental
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Papa John’s
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Pest Pro
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Piggly Wiggly of Columbiana
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Primrose School
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Ready, Set, Grow Inc.
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Red Diamond
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RE/MAX Southern Homes -Ben Tamburello
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Renaissance Consignment & Marketplace
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Rosegate Design, Inc.
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Royal Foods
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Saint Mark Columbarium
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Saint Mark Mass Group
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Sain Engineering Associates, Inc.
IFC
Sam Spina Importing Co. Inc.
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Secure Moving, Inc.
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Servis 1st Bank
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Somerby at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen
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Sweet Tea Restaurant
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omasino Door & Window, Inc.
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Tamburello Family
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Urban Home Market
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Warren Averett Asset Management
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Welch Hornsby
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Yarbrough Wealth Management
of Raymond James
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COUPONS
Our Parish has a long history dating back to some of the original Italian immigrants to the Birmingham area. The first Saint Mark Catholic Church
was built in 1905 in East Thomas near the Ensley area. Reverend John B. Canapa was the first Pastor. The founding parishioners were Italian
immigrants, many who labored in steel mills, stoked furnaces, and mined coal and ore. Some were small farmers or merchants who sold produce
and groceries along the City streets.
C
As parishioners moved away from the area, the congregation declined, and Saint Mark was closed in 1997. The original building still remains and
can be seen at 1010 16th Avenue West in East Thomas.
Upon the closing of Saint Mark, the remaining parishioners were promised that a new Saint Mark would be
built in Birmingham. Much of the interior was removed
with plans to install it in the future church.
C
C
C
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The location of the new Saint Mark the Evangelist
Catholic Church was announced as south and east of
Birmingham. On May 23, 1999, the Feast of Pentecost,
Bishop David Foley, with concelebrants, Fathers Patrick
Murphy, Brian Egan and Crescenzio DeFazio, celebrated
the first Mass in Greystone Elementary School with the
members of this newly formed Church. Father Patrick
Murphy was appointed as first Pastor.
Father Murphy organized a building committee to begin
to consolidate design concepts for the new structure. The
Church is built in the form of a cross, known in architectural language as “cruciform.” The ceiling of the structure
is 57 feet high, and the bell tower reaches 105 feet. It was
designed to seat 1,020 worshipers.
C
Much of the interior came from the old Saint Mark
Church. The crucifix, statues, Stations of the Cross and
small stained glass windows in the high ceiling are all
from the original Saint Mark Church The stained glass windows along the aisles are from a Cathedral in Minnesota and are believed to be over
100 years old. Above the main entrance is a large rose window that is a reproduction of the rose window in the Chapel at Notre Dame University
in Indiana. The altar, ambo, and lectern are made of Italian marble. The marble carving on the front of the altar is from a convent of the Little
Sisters of the Assumption in Ireland.
Father Murphy died on September 16, 2000 before the new church was completed.
Father Patrick Cullen was appointed Pastor on December 8, 2000 and continued the construction to its completion, celebrating the first Mass on
August 10, 2003. Bishop Foley celebrated the formal dedication and blessing on September 16, 2003.
In July 2006, Father Joseph Culotta was appointed Pastor and still serves today. On July 1, 2011, Sister Theresa (Terry) Bretthauer, a Trinitarian
Sister of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, joined Saint Mark as Pastoral Associate.
In 2014, a full-time Youth Director was added to the Staff and the number of registered families in the Parish grew to 1,200.
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5
ANDREA TRAINA
PRIVATE ITALIAN LANGUAGE TUTOR
PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE FOR ITALY
TRAVEL PLANNER
Events
The Festival has many activities for
children and adults. Walk around
and join in the fun. Eat, dance and
play the night away. “Divertitevi!”
Learn Italian and Visit Italy
with a Native Italian!
• Tailored Lessons for all the ages
• Individual or Group Lessons
• Flexible Scheduling and Pricing
C: 205.876.3040
E: Andrea@myitalianvacay.com
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Italian Dining and Food Tasting
Cultural Piazza with treats
and souvenirs
Wine tasting and relaxation
in the Sinatra Cigar Patio
Live entertainment with dance
presentations and live bands for
enjoyment and dancing
Dancing into the night
::::::::::::
Kid’s and Teen Piazzas ::::::::::::
Games:
Hula Hooping
Corn Hole Game
Football Toss
Water Coin Drop
Washers Game
Plinko
Bottle Ring Toss
Tic Tac Toe
DumDum Game
Mini Golf
Food:
Pizza
Italian Ice
Popcorn
Cotton Candy
Rides:
Horse Carousel
Whirly Bird
Pirates Revenge
Mind Wonder
Inflatables:
Basketball
Soccer
Activites:
Coloring Station
Photo Booth
Face Painting
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Saints
OurParishStaff
Pastor Fr. Joseph Culotta
Patrons and Favorites
Interim Secretary Harriet Bischoff
Adult Education, RCIA Phil Boettcher
Bookkeeper Sharon Zaleski
Music and Choir Amy Hains
Coordinator—PSR Susan Webb
Accompanists Cynthia Brown, Carol Lott
Assist. Coordinator—PSR Paola Garza
Youth Choir Raul Gomez
Nursery Coordinator Nora Donnelly
Youth Minister Daniel Henninger
Social Hall /Hospitality Bonnie Murphy
Pastoral Associate Sr. Theresa Bretthauer, MSBT
Custodian Richard Allen
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Patron Saint of Italy
“Lord, make me an instrument
of your peace...”
ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA
“The human heart is always
drawn by love”.
Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
I parrocchiani di
The Saint Mark
Parishioners who
attend the
morning Mass
pray for God's blessings
on all of you.
San Marco che
vanno alla messa del
On Friday, we pray
the Rosary after Mass,
stuff the bulletins,
and go to Panera’s
to visit and enjoy
each other.
mattino pregano per
la benedizione di
Dio su tutti voi.
ST. MARK
Our Patron Saint
ST. COLOGERO
A favorite of the Birmingham
Italian Community
And he said to them: “Take heed
what you hear. In what measure
you shall mete, it shall be
measured to you again, and more
shall be given to you.”
—St. Mark 4:24
ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA
Join us, if you can!
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VP - Financial Consultant
Birmingham Branch
Monella Family
NMLS# 816279
Passes on Sicilian Heritage
3000 Cahaba Village Plaza
Suite 130
Birmingham, AL 35243
Birmingham’s Italian culture, ancestry and tradition originated
primarily in Southern Italy and Sicily. Italian immigrants fled
political unrest, exploitation and poor economic conditions.
The Saint Joseph’s altar is an old Sicilian tradition stemming from a great
drought. The people prayed to St. Joseph to bring them relief from the
famine and scorched fields. When the rains came, the Sicilian people
rejoiced, and at harvest time they made a great table with an assortment
of foods made from the bounty of their land. After paying homage to
St. Joseph, they distributed the food to those in need.
Sicilian immigrants like the Monellas continued this tradition in the U.S.
“I remember bread in the shape of a cross, pies, cookies, fish, but no
meat,” Antoinette said. “Friends and family members participated, and
we even had family and friends play the roles of the Holy Family. What
was not eaten on St. Joseph’s feast day was given to charity.”
“One of my mother’s friends, Mrs. Chiarella, knew the rules for the
St. Joseph’s altar, and she would keep us straight,” Ruthie added.
A St. Joseph’s altar, celebrated on March 19, is a tradition that combines
thanksgiving, petitions, and charity.
Another Sicilian custom that Ruth and Antoinette have kept alive is
baking cookies, particularly cuccidati and biscotti, during the Christmas
season. Following the ritual of their mother Lillie and their great aunt
Gaotonia, they are passing the cookie torch to future generations of the
Monella family.
“We get my grandsons involved,” Antoinette explained. “They are teens
now, and they help out. My son Marc and his wife Zubrina also have
learned. The grandsons like the cuccidati warm from the oven.”
Cuccidati is a Sicilian fig cookie. Ruthie and Antoinette devote two days
to preparing the family favorite. The cookies contain fruitcake mix,
pecans, honey, orange marmalade, chocolate chips, 7 pounds of flour, and
15 pounds of figs. They still use their great aunt Gaotonia Alongi’s
cuccidati recipe, and the figs are special ordered from Philadelphia by
Antoinette’s son Matthew.
“We put a butter cream icing and sprinkles on each cookie,” Ruthie said.
“Our biscotti are the soft biscotti, and we ice them with butter cream too.”
The Feast of Saint Mark Italian Food Festival reminds Ruthie and
Antoinette of festivals at the old Saint Mark the Evangelist near Ensley.
“The festivals seemed large to us when we were children. There would
be a band stand, dancing, and lots of food,” Ruthie said.
In keeping with the spirit of the festivals from their childhood, Ruthie
and Antoinette use their baking skills.
“Last year we made 2500 cuccidati,” Antoinette said.“We already have our
figs ordered for this year.”
Lucky festivalgoers may get to taste this Sicilian treat. But get your cookies early because they always sell out.
Wedding: Santo and Lillie Monella (Ruthie and Antoinette's parents)
Monella grocery: Santo Monella, grandmother, and grandfather Paul Monella
Saint Joseph's altar in the Monella home: Ruth, Matthew, Josephine, Antoinette, Marc
When Ruthie Monella and her sister Antoinette Monella Berry were
young, they could hear the trains arriving and departing from the grand
terminal at 26th Street and 5th Avenue North. Their father, a first generation Italian immigrant, ran a mom and pop grocery near the terminal.
The family lived behind the store, and the Monella sisters remember the
goats that their father raised and their large garden basking in the
Alabama sun.
“We walked to and from St. Paul’s to go to school,” Ruthie explained. “On
the way home we would walk through the terminal and buy a penny paper
cup of water.”
The Monella sisters’ father, Santo Monella, entered the U.S. through Ellis
Island.
“My father and grandfather had to stay a while on Ellis Island after they
arrived. No immigrant was allowed to enter the country without a
sponsor. Once my father and grandfather had a sponsor, they headed to
Birmingham,” said Ruthie.
“My father was only thirteen, but my grandfather sent him all the way
back to Italy alone to get my grandmother. His responsibility was to bring
her to America.”
The Monella household kept their rich Italian traditions alive. One of
Ruthie and Antoinette’s fondest memories is of the Saint Joseph Altars
that they erected in their home and in their parish church, Saint Mark the
Evangelist.
12
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FACT:
Arnone’s Sausage
A Union of Flavor and Family Tradition
Studies show that children who
spend time in the garden
develop a love for fruits
and vegetables.
A.P.’s grandfather, Alfonso, an Italian immigrant, who created the sausage, worked
as a brick mason and helped build Vulcan, . He owned a “mom and pop” grocery in
Bessemer during the late 1940’s and made his delectable sausage for his family and
customers.
Alfonso’s son, Anthony Arnone, Sr., who was a well-loved butcher, perfected his
father’s sausage and sold it through his employer, Midfield Food Center, which
eventually became Piggly Wiggly. People would come from miles around to buy his
taste of Italy.
Eventually Anthony retired, but continued making the divine sausage until his death
in 1997. “Divine” is the perfect word for a sausage made only with the freshest prime
cuts and flavorful spices. Anthony made it a rule never to use trimmings or
low-grade meats. That same quality and attention to detail are still followed today.
A.P. Arnone and his brotherin-law, Louis Carruba, resurrected
Arnone’s sausage for the public in
2004. And just as their motto says,
“Try it once, Love it forever.”
Following Anthony’s death, the sausage was no longer available to the public.
However, the sausage tradition continued through Anthony’s son, A.P., and his sonsin-law, Fred Nelson and Louis Carruba. They would gather in Louis’ basement
during the Christmas season to make the old family recipe. “We used my grandmother’s small grinder and the kids would join in. They loved to stuff the casings
as the sausage came out of the grinder,” Louis explained.
Then in 2004, the family got together and made a decision to sell Arnone’s sausage
once again. The family venture includes A.P. Arnone, his sister Lisa Arnone Carruba,
brother-in-law Louis Carruba, sister Gloria Arnone Nelson and the children of the
three Arnone siblings.
Arnone’s sausage has been a sponsor of the Feast of Saint Mark Italian Food Festival
since its inception. The tent is easy to locate on the feast day – it’s the one with the
enticing aroma wafting toward the heavens and the line of folks waiting for their
sausage sandwich, reported by many to be the tastiest fare at the Festival.
“We’re proud to be a Saint Mark’s sponsor,” said Louis. “My family tradition stems
from the old Saint Mark’s in East Thomas. That’s the church where I grew up.”
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Columbarium
Sa
aint
int Mark the E
Evvangelist
How fitting it is to complete our Catholic journey and
our existence by having our cremated remains placed
in a columbarium niche in the Church we so loved.
•
•
•
•
•
All niches are designed to be the permanent resting place
for two urns.
The designers of the Church incorporated the
Columbarium in the walls of the Church.
The present Columbarium contains164 niches.
Today approximately 40 niches are still available.
The Columbarium at Saint Mark is set in a beautiful and
peaceful setting for prayer and meditation.
For more information or to make a reservation
contact the Church Office at 205-980-1810
Serving St Mark the Italian Community
and the Diocese for over years
Visit our new location and showroom
24
121 W Valley Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209
Ph. 205-942-5750
Fax 205-942-5751
Toll Free 800-824-3887
25
Secure Moving,Inc.
“ We Secure Your Family ’s Move”
Local, Long Distance, International,
Residential and Commercial Movers
Call Amos Mitchim
205.620.5044
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www.securemovinginc.com
Member of Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish
— MENTION —
FOSM Italian Festival
a n d r e c e iv e a
on your next move or give
this coupon to a friend
900 Keystone Court • Pelham, Alabama 35124
26
27
Our Sponsors
Dear Friends of the Feast,
I would like to start off with a huge welcome to everyone supporting and attending the fourth annual Feast of Saint Mark
Italian Food Festival! We are as thrilled to bring you FOSM2015 as you are to attend. is year will be even more exciting
The support and generosity of our sponsors is the reason your Feast continues to be a success year after year.
Their many contributions, both monetary and non-monetary, are greatly appreciated,
and we extend our sincere thanks and gratitude. We ask you to join us in showing our appreciation by
visiting and considering their businesses. Let them know you liked having them part of our Feast.
with a few surprises you and your family will love.
e date of our event, April 25th, is the actual feast day of Saint Mark the Evangelist. e significance of feast days in Catholic
tradition is the day on which a saint (Mark) died and rose to heaven. So this year, we pay particular homage to our Patron
Saint, Mark the Evangelist, who was Saint Peter’s scribe and wrote the Gospel of Mark.
We are pleased to bring you a varied food format this year from a variety of your favorite restaurants and local food suppliers
both for the main dinner as well as our special "tastings" in the Piazza. Please take note of these food sponsors who have
BRONZE (CON’T.)
Ready Set Grow Child Development Center
Royal Switchgear
Sam Spina Importing/International Wines
Vizzini Farms Winery
Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors
Yarbrough Wealth Management
GOLD FEAST SPONSOR
Fiat of Birmingham
Papa John’s Pizza
Sain Engineering Associates, Inc.
worked hard and generously to bring you this new and exciting "taste of Italy" experience.
Of special note this year is the entertainment lineup. We will feature more original Italian-cultured content with a special
SILVER FEAST SPONSOR
headliner! We are bringing to you Joe Scalissi and his tribute to Dean Martin accompanied by a live symphonic orchestra.
Amore Ristorante Italiano
Arnone’s Italian Sausage
Bellini’s Ristorante & Bar
Benchmark Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Central Paper Company, Inc.
Party Time Turner Rental
Piggly Wiggly, Columbiana, AL
Red Diamond
Somerby at St. Vincent’s 119 - An Active Retirement Community
The Vizzina Group
It is a lively and entertaining show you will remember for years along with many other talented musicians, dancers, and the
Total A$$et$ band throughout the evening.
Our many sponsors, such as Fiat of Birmingham, Papa John’s, and Sain Engineering, generously offer to you many treats in
the Youth Piazza as well as a new section with rides and other games for older children. All our sponsors come together to
create this Feast unmatched in the city and state. We are very appreciative to all of them as well as our volunteers, many who
have been around since our inaugural year in 2012. I would also like to thank our Saint Mark family, Father Culotta, neighboring Parishes, our Diocese and organizations like the Italian American Heritage Society for their continued support.
FESTIVAL SPONSOR
ACDelco Batteries
BTC Wholesale
Buffalo Rock
Covington Flooring Company, Inc.
Hertz Equipment Rental
Mrs. Carla Irwin
Tom and Holly Perlich
St. Vincent’s One Nineteen Health & Wellness
Sullivan Communications
Thomas Staner MD - www.brainspine.com
Supreme Beverage
Zeekee Interactive
Each year, I am moved by the support from our volunteers, sponsors, and our guests. Many of you have expressed your thanks
for bringing our extended community closer together, for reuniting family and friends, and for being true to our mission. is
is our goal. e strength of your growing support is the energy that keeps the flame of this event strong.
Have a great time and please let me know how you enjoyed the Feast and don’t forget about FOSM2016, it will be our fih
anniversary…
Grazie a tui voi e alle vostre famiglie
Robert Sbrissa
Chairman, FOSM2015
28
BRONZE FEAST SPONSOR
Bare Naked Noodles
Michael Beckenstein MD, LLC
Dr. Jeff and Lisa Clifton
Diamond Golf Cars
Earl Dudley, Inc.
Espresso Southeast
Frankly Speaking Communications, LLC
Game Room Designs
Graffeo Brothers Italian Sausage
Issis & Sons Flooring and Furniture Galleries
Joe’s Italian Pizza, Pasta & Caffe`
Mr. P’s Deli
FRIENDS OF THE FEAST
ABC 33/40
Enzo Cilento
DeCecco Pasta
Dan and Cindy Ivy
Reeves Cosmetic Dentistry
STS Transportation
29
Finance Council
Appointed by the Pastor, the Council oversees and provides advice related to the financial status of the Parish.
First Light
Supports the First Light Shelter, a refuge for homeless women and their children by planning, cooking, delivering and serving dinners at the
Shelter on an arranged schedule and organizing a yearly "Restock the Shelves" project.
Greene County Mission
Parish Ministriс
Annually in June, Saint Mark and several other parishes gather with the Consolata Sisters in Greene County to build, repair and refurbish the
homes of the poor. Monthly, canned foods and staples are collected and sent to the Consolata Sisters. At Christmas, parishioners are given the
opportunity to assist through an “Angel Tree” providing gifts and dinners for 100 families.
Greeters
Volunteer parishioners who welcome other parishioners and visitors to Mass.
MISSION STATEMENT
Hispanic Ministry
We, the members of Saint Mark the Evangelist Parish, a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama, are a Eucharistic
community rooted in the Word of God responding to God’s call by:
Offers support to parishioners of Hispanic descent.
•
•
•
•
•
Builds community by planning annual events, dinners, dances and working with groups planning special events in the Parish Life Center.
Glorifying God by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ by word and deed in our daily lives
Serving one another within and outside the parish community, especially those needing an advocate
Forming the community spiritually through worship, prayer, and education at all stages of life
Including all, omitting none, with Christ-like love and understanding
Being good stewards of the gifts given to us and seeking to use them wisely to live as the body of Christ with Mary, the Mother of God, as our
model on our journey of faith
Hospitality Committee
Knights of Columbus Council
A Catholic men’s fraternal society that serves the local community and especially our Parish. Saint Mark the Evangelist is the proud home of
Council # 13446.
Lectors
Read the Word of God during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass.
Liturgy Committee
Under the direction of the Pastor, assists in the planning, preparation, coordination and implementation of the Sacred Liturgy.
Faith Formations
Mass Coordinators
Adult Education
• Programs offering a series of lectures, speakers and prayerful reflections
• RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) – process for entering into full membership in the Catholic Church.
Men and women responsible for preparing the altar for Mass, ensuring other ministries are prepared and securing the Church upon completion
of the Liturgy.
Music Ministry
Middle School and High School Youth Programs
• B.L.A.S.T. (Believing, Living and Sharing Truth) – Grades 6 - 8
• R.A.P. (Reflection and Praise) – Grades 10 - 12
• JCREW (Jesus Crew) – Grades 9 -12
• Confirmation Preparation
A combined effort of vocalists and instruments celebrate the Mass through music.
Nursery
Parish School of Religion
Nursery service is provided for 6 months to 3 year olds during the 10:30 Mass and special events.
Sunday - 4 year olds - 12th Grade, 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Wednesday - 4 year olds - 8th Grade, 4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Pastoral Council
Vacation Bible School
Council of 12 advises the Pastor on the spiritual and temporal needs of the Parish.
A summer fun and learning program for children in Grades Kindergarten - 4
Property Management
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Assists and advises the Pastor in matters relating to operations, maintenance, new construction and contracts for the campus of Saint Mark.
Volunteers lead a children’s liturgy in the Chapel between the Opening Prayer and the Offertory for children 4 years old - 1st grade.
Respect Life / Pro-Life
Lectio Divina
Increases awareness of the sanctity of life from birth to death.
Reflections on the Sunday Gospel
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Ministries
Altar Server
Young girls and boys trained to serve at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers must be members of Saint Mark’s Parish and have
received their first Communion.
Bereavement Ministry
Assists the bereaved family and the Pastor in providing necessary arrangements for funeral Masses, burial in the columbarium and receptions
for family and visitors.
Bridge Club
Monthly, on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m., except during Lent, parishioners and non-parishioners gather in the Social Hall of the Parish Life
Center for an evening of Party Bridge.
Serves the poor of the area by providing direct practical assistance to those in need.
Scouting
Provides complete scouting opportunities from Cub Scouts through Boy Scout. Saint Mark the Evangelist is honored to be the home of Troop 007.
Singles Ministry
Brings together singles in a social setting within Saint Mark and other parishes in the Diocese.
Stewardship Committee
Organizes the annual pledge campaign encouraging parishioners to support the Parish through committing to donating time, talent and treasures.
Supper Club
Provides the opportunity for parishioners to gather at local restaurants for an evening of fun and community building.
Ushers
Assist parishioners in locating seats, taking up collections and arranging for the presentation of the gifts.
Cultural Arts Club
Provides the opportunity to attend various plays, concerts, etc. as a group.
Wedding Coordinator
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
A required wedding coordinator is provided to couples planning to be married in Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Assist the Clergy in administering the Eucharist at Mass, as well as bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.
Welcoming Committee
Feast of Saint Mark Committee
Provides special “meet and greet” meetings for parishioners.
Arranges and organizes the annual Feast of Saint Mark Italian Food Festival held on the first Saturday following the April 25 Liturgical Feast of
Saint Mark.
Women of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church gather monthly for friendship, learning and prayer.
30
Women’s Group
31
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33
Original I talian Recipс
Always made with Love
POLLO CON CAPPERI
(Breast of chicken with capers)
Recipe of Yolanda Sbrissa,
mother of Robert Sbrissa
4 boneless skinless chicken breats
(about 1-1/2 lbs.)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
(optional)
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp drained capers
Sprinkle chicken on both sides with salt, pepper and paprika. Heat butter in heavy
skillet,and put in chicken pieces. Cook over moderate heat about 5 or 6 minutes on
one side and turn.
CHICKEN CACCIATORE
Cook 2 minutes and scatter onions around chicken.
Cover and cook over low heat about 8 minutes. Transfer to warm platter.
Chicken:
4 large chicken breasts
(skinned and boned)
3/4 cup oil
6 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Add wine to skillet and stir to dissolve brown particles that cling to bottom and sides.
Cook until most of wine evaporates.
Add cream, capers. salt and pepper. Bring to boil over high heat and add any juices
that accumulate around chicken.
Cook, stirring, until reduced to about 3/4 of a cup. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
Makes 4 servings.
Recipe of Yolanda Sbrissa,
mother of Robert Sbrissa
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil and 4 tablespoons of butter in large shallow
pan with lid. Fry chicken pieces gently with garlic, onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder
until lightly browned. Add wine, cook covered slowly until chicken is tender.
Sauce:
3/4 cup oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp dried rosemary leaves
1-28 oz. can tomatoes
Salt
Crushed chilies or pepper
Heat oil and sauté onion and rosemary gently until onion is golden brown. Drain tomatoes
and add to pan with salt and chilies to taste. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 20
minutes.
Pour sauce over chicken, dot with remaining butter and bake at 325 degrees F for 20
minutes.
“This and Chicken Cacciatore (next page) are Robert’s favorites, regularly prepared by
his wife, Monica, here in Birmingham.”
Makes 8 servings.
My mother, Frances, was a prolific cook preparing a variety of breakfasts, dinners and desserts for all of us pretty
much each day of the week. I think one of the best tributes to her is that each of her six children, including me, still
enjoys cooking in their kitchens. Thinking back, even now and then, my father, Sam, enjoyed broiling steaks and
hamburgers, carving (and eating while) meats and melons.
Before my Mama died in 1982, one of the last recipes she shared was her Simple Bread Pudding. The beauty of this recipe is
that it has become my base for a dozen other variations of Bread Pudding.
EGGPLANT RED GRAVY
(a.k.a. Josephine’s Eggplant)
Peel eggplants and then cut 4 vertical slits around the length of eggplant (this will
create little pockets to stuff)
Recipe of Josephine Motto Russo,
mother of Ann Penton
Stuff the pockets with garlic toes, ham & Romano cheese
Enjoy substituting the grated white bread with buttered pieces of bruschetta bread, chunks of Panettone, Pound Cake, Lady Fingers, Madelines or Ginger
Snaps. The basic whole milk can be substituted with a combination of creams, buttermilk, coconut milk or yogurt. White sugar can be substituted
with dark muscovado, maple syrup, sweetened condensed milk, or your choice of jams. In place of the raisins, try dried cherries, fresh blueberries,
strawberries or ginger. The vanilla extract (you’re getting the picture) can be varied with almond, lemon, your choice of liqueur or good bourbon.
Salt & pepper surface of eggplants
When I just want the memory, I make the simple bread pudding I know you will enjoy too!
2 medium eggplants
10 -12 toes of garlic
1 8 oz wedge of Romano cheese cubed
1 thick slice of smoked ham cubed
Salt & pepper to taste
Olive oil
Red Gravy (use your favorite recipe)
Using kitchen twine, tie eggplants to secure the stuffing
Heat olive oil in heavy skillet and brown eggplant on all surfaces
Pour red gravy over eggplant, cover and simmer until tender. Remove twine before
serving.
Serve with pasta of your choice
SIMPLE BREAD PUDDING
Recipe of Frances Culotta,
mother of Fr. Joe Culotta
Ingredients:
3 or 4 slices of day old white sandwich bread (grated)
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup of raisins
3/4 cup of white sugar
4 cups of whole milk – lukewarm
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Nutmeg (to top with)
Mix all ingredients well, including the breadcrumbs. Pour into buttered 10” deep skillet and top
with the nutmeg. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes.
34
35
Original I talian Recipс
SICILIAN ARANCINI (Rice Balls)
This is one of my very favorite
recipes, and a staple of the Sicilian cuisine. My grandmother,
Nonna Rosa, used to make it
very often when, as a young boy,
I visited her in the summer, in
the small town of San Cataldo,
where I was born, right in the
center of Sicily. With my parents
having immigrated to the North
of Italy and being able to spend
time with me only during the
summer, Nonna Rosa went to
great extents to ensure I enjoyed
her company. She would say: “
Andiamo Lorenzo, facciamo
degli Arancini" (Come Lorenzo,
let’s go make Arancini) just to see
my eyes beaming with happiness.
My job was to place the peas and
the mozzarella cheese in their
centers. "Arancini" means "small
oranges" in Italian because that
is what they resemble once they
are ready. It is by watching
Nonna Rosa making them over
and over that I remember her
recipe, and I am now sharing it
with our guests of the 2015 Feast
of Saint Mark.
The recipe is inclusive of several
steps, but it is fairly simple and a
lot of fun to prepare with family
members and friends. I am
positive you will love "Arancini".
— Lorenzo Panzica
NONA’S CHOCOLATE COOKIES
Ingredients: (for about 20 Arancini or 6-8 people)
Vegetable or Canola Oil
4 garlic cloves finely diced
4 cups of chicken stock
1 cup of mozzarella cheese, cut in small cubes
1 lb of ground beef
8 eggs, beaten
3 cups Italian seasoning breadcrumbs
2 medium onions finely diced
2 cups of Arborio rice
1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup frozen sweet peas
40 oz of canned tomato sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
The Risotto:
1. Heat a heavy-based, high-sided frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Add three tablespoons of
olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until soft, but not colored.
2. Add rice and stir vigorously around the pan for a couple of minutes until grains start to turn slightly
translucent at edges. Pour in chicken stock, add a pinch of salt, mix in, bring to a boil, then lower the
heat and simmer until the liquid is mostly evaporated.
The Meat Sauce:
3. Heat a heavy-based, high-sided frying pan or saucepan over medium heat. Add three tablespoons of
olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until soft, but not colored.
Recipe of Margaret Mangina Angelo,
mother of Theresa Romano
Ingredients:
6 cups flour
6 tsp baking powder
12 tbs cocoa powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp all spice
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1-1/2 cups nuts and raisins
4 large eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 sticks butter
1 tbs vanilla flavor
1 cup whole milk
(use judgement on quantity)
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cocoa and spices. Mix thoroughly.
Mix butter into dry ingredients with hands, rubbing together as though your
hands are cold, until all butter lumps are gone.
In a separate bowl beat eggs while mixing sugar and vanilla flavor until sugar is
dissolved. Add this mixture to the large bowl and add nuts and raisins and then
add milk until the cookie dough is of the right consistency. The mixture should
“ball” up easily. Let stand for 5 minutes.
When dough is ready, roll into small (about 1 inch) balls and place them on an
ungreased baking pan.
Note: Make sure nuts and raisins are in middle and not sticking out. Bake in
preheated oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Icing:
In a bowl, beat together 1 pound of powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1 tsp vanilla
extract and 3 tbs milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed. Mix until smooth.
After icing, spread cookies over large area to dry completely. Overnight is
recommended if possible.
4. Add the ground beef, a pinch of salt, mix until the meat loses its red color. Add the tomato sauce,
bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes.
The Arancini:
5. Once the Risotto is cooled (it doesn’t matter if it is still a little warm, as long as it has stiffened up a bit
and is cool enough to handle), mix it up in a pan with 2/3 of the meat sauce.
RICOTTA CHEESE COOKIES
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets
with parchment paper.
6. Lay out 6 shallow bowls or pans in the following order. Put 1/3 of meat sauce in one, peas in another,
cut up mozzarella in another, beaten eggs in another, flour (seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper)
in another, and breadcrumbs in the final one.
Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 cup butter, softened
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tbsp milk
In a large bowl, with the mixer at low speed, beat the
sugar and butter until combined. Increase speed to
high and beat until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
7. Roll rice into balls the size of half a tennis ball, place a tablespoon of meat sauce in the middle, along
with a few peas, and a few cubes of mozzarella, add more rice as needed and finish rolling it into balls
the size of a whole tennis ball making sure the ingredients in the middle are completely enclosed.
8. Dip a rice ball into the flour, shake off any excess, and dip into egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finish by coating completely in the breadcrumbs.
9. Repeat step 7 and 8 with the remaining balls.
10. Heat a deep-fat fryer to 340°F or fill a large saucepan one-third full of vegetable or canola oil and heat
until a cube of bread dropped into the hot oil sizzles and turns golden brown in 30 seconds.
San Cataldo, Sicilia
Original I talian Cookiс
11. Deep-fry balls in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown all over. Remove with slotted spoon and
drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while the middles are still melting. Drizzle with more meat
sauce, shredded Parmesan cheese, and a few grinds of black pepper.
36
Reduce speed to medium and beat in ricotta, vanilla and eggs.
Drop dough by level tablespoons, about two inches apart, onto baking sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees for 11 minutes or until cookies are very lightly golden.
(Cookies will be soft). With spatula, remove cookies to wire rack to cool.
When cookies are cool, prepare icing.
Icing:
In small bowl, stir confectioners sugar and milk until smooth. Spread icing on
cookies. Sprinkle with colored sugar or candy sprinkles.
These cookies freeze very well.
37
I talian Vacation
Offers Encounters with the Saints
The Church holds the relics of Saint Nicholas, originally entombed in
Myra, Turkey.
“Saint Augustine believed churches should be built over the saints,”
Andrea Traina explained in his pleasant Italian accent. “I find the burial
sites of the saints within the churches the most interesting places to visit.”
“This is the only Catholic Church that allows worship services of two different denominations within its walls – Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox. I have seen many pilgrims worshiping there from all across
Eastern Europe,” Traina explained.
Traina, a native Italian who now makes Birmingham his home, leads
small groups on intimate and informative Italian vacations. His idea of
the perfect Italian vacation includes taking groups to those out-of-theway places where there are few tourists. Many of these locations include
sites richly associated with saints.
“In May and June I saw Russian and Ukrainian pilgrims in the same
church worshipping together while their countries were at war.”
Of course, Rome, Venice, and Florence, heavily populated with tourists,
are also must-sees and locations connected with the saints.
Traina also recommends visiting the Basilica of Saint Zeno in Verona, the
city he considers the most beautiful in all of Italy. Verona, made famous
in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, has few tourists and has the beauty
of Florence.
Starting in Rome, Traina suggests visits to the Vatican, including St. Peter’s
Basilica and the necropolis under Saint Peter’s, the location of the tomb
of Saint Peter the Apostle. Reservations are required for visiting the
necropolis.
For those with Sicilian heritage, Traina lists Syracuse as a must-see. Syracuse contains Greek and Roman ruins and the impressive Cathedral of
Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) that is built around Greek ruins. The Cathedral
also contains the relics of Saint Lucy, the protector of sight.
“The Vatican is quiet and calm – a golden city. You mostly see Swiss
Guards, priests, clergy, few tourists.”
Traina’s favorite site associated with a saint in all of Italy is Assisi, home
of Saint Francis. Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Italy and
buried at the Basilica of Saint Francis.
Traina likes to take people to the Basilica of Saint Paul, located fuori le
mura, meaning “outside the walls” of the Vatican.
The Family of John & Jackie Dudley
would like to
CCoonnggrattuullaattee
all the hard work, dedication and fortitude
of every individual who volunteers year after year
to make the FOSM Italian Festival a great success!
“It is so beautiful. Many people go there to pray to Saint Paul for a miracle.
To Italians, Saint Paul’s is more important than Saint Peter’s. Even funerals
of State are held there.
“I feel spiritually involved there. Saint Francis was a noble who ministered to the poor and cared for all God’s creatures. He showed the simple
way to live.”
Above all, the tomb of Saint Paul is impressive.”
Another of Traina’s favorite spiritual sites is the Basilica of Saint Anthony
in Padua.
Approximately 3 hours south of Rome lies Salerno at the beginning of
the Amalfi Coast. Built in 1076, the Salerno Cathedral houses the tombs
of Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist and the tomb of Pope Saint
Gregory VII. The cathedral contains magnificent mosaic work and was
built over a Roman temple that was built over a Greek temple.
“The church is amazing outside and inside. Its several domes copy
architecture of Constantinople. The colors are a beautiful blue and gold,”
Traina described. “Every day after Mass, a line of people leads to behind
the altar where they kiss the back of the altar in hope that Saint Anthony,
the saint of lost causes, will help them in their difficult situations. I feel
very emotional seeing these people.”
“Saint Matthew is known as the protector of tax collectors, bankers and
accountants,” added Traina with a smile.
Matthew was the son of Alpheus and was called to be an Apostle while
sitting in the tax collectors place at Capernaum. Before his conversion he
was a publican or tax collector by profession.
Of course, no trip to Italy’s spiritual sites would be complete without a
visit to Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Traina believes it is the most opulent of all the Italian churches except Saint Peter’s in Rome. It is known
as the Church of Gold from all its gold-ground mosaics. The Basilica is a
major shrine to Saint Mark the Evangelist whose remains are buried there.
“My saint, San Andrea [Saint Andrew] is special to the town of Amalfi
and in particular the Cathedral of Amalfi,” Traina said. The cathedral is
located in a small, quaint town. It also has a unique color of white and
black with beautiful steps.
Andrea Traina is a wealth of information about Italian sites with significance to the saints. Beyond those already detailed, he lists Saint Ambrose
of Milan, Saint Agatha of Catania, Saint Rosalie in Palermo, and Saint Bartolomeo of Benevento outside of Naples.
“San Andrea is the protector of the fishermen. That’s why he is special to
the people of the Amalfi Coast where many make their living from the
sea.”
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38
Traina leads small intimate tours to Italy several weeks out of the year.
The tours are designed to the client’s expectations. To find out more about
Italy and what the tours have to offer, contact Andrea Traina at
andrea@myitalianvacay.com or at 205-576-3040.
On the east coast of Italy, Traina enjoys taking visitors to the region of
Puglia, and in particular, to the town of Bari. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas
in Bari was built on two levels, typical of architecture in the region.
39
Bisacquino:
Sicily’s Link to Alabama
Many Birmingham residents with Italian ancestry
trace their roots to the small town of Bisacquino
in the province of Palermo on the island of Sicily.
Checking the list of the most common surnames
in Bisacquino reads like a directory of some of
Birmingham’s leading Italian families:
“If you can’t feed a hundred people,
then feed just one.”
- MOTHER TERESA -
had already conquered Sicily and had divided it in three parts or "valleys.”
Buseckuin, later called Bisacquino, was a part of the valley called Mazzara.
Aiello, Amato, Barone, Battaglia, Bruno, Caruso, Catalano, Costa,
Cusimano, D’Amico, D’Angelo, Di Maggio, Di Salvo, Ferrante, Ferrara,
Gambino, Geraci, Giordano, Greco, La Barbera, La Rosa, Lo Cascio,
Lombardo, Macaluso, Mancuso, Maniscalco, Mannino, Marchese, Marino,
Martorana, Mazzola, Messina, Mineo, Orlando, Palazzolo, Parisi, Pecoraro,
Piazza, Randazzo, Rizzo, Romano, Russo, Sciortino, Siragusa, Taormina,
Tarantino, Vassallo, Vitale.
In 1183 The Normans drove the Arabs out of Sicily and Buseckuin
changed its name in Busechinum. It became a domain of the Archbishop
of Monreale thanks to the Norman king Guglielmo il Buono. In the
following centuries the town shared the historical events of Sicily
concerning the Swabian, Angevin and Aragonian dominations; in 1282
it took part in the Sicilian rebellion against the Angevin which was called
"Vespri Siciliani".
A great migration from Bisacquino to America occurred in the early 20th
Century. Control by the Mafia and the frustrations of poor people who
worked for wealthy landowners frustrated the citizens. Many families
decided to immigrate to the United States and strive for the American
dream.
The rule of the Archbishop of Monreale lasted about 600 years; it was
important for the town because it got benefits and privileges and enjoyed
a period of great prosperity. Its population increased and a lot of noble
families started living there: the Florenas, the Almericis, the La Placas,
the Bonas. Their memory still survive in the names of some of
Bisacquino’s streets.
The most famous immigrant from Bisacquino is Frank Capra, Film
Director of such notable movies as “It's a Wonderful Life.” Of his passage
across the Atlantic, Capra said, "There's no ventilation, and it stinks like
hell. They're all miserable. It's the most degrading place you could ever
be.” Like many successful Italian Americans, he endured hardship but
found his American dream.
In the 16th century, Bisacquino became such an important town that it
was called "Nobilis Universitas.” Its people were famous for their
exemplary work ethic, religious faith, care of the land, and government.
Religious orders settled there and built many churches that became the
heart of Bisacquino activity. One of the most glorious of the religious
structures is the Sanctuary of Madonna del Balzo (1678), built into the
side of Mount Triona and overlooking the valley below. A country footpath
climbs to the sanctuary, and at the entrance to the path are two obelisks
and 14 masonry crosses. The Cathedral of Bisacquino, built in 1713, is
dedicated to San Giovanni (St. John the Baptist).
As it has been for hundreds of years, Bisacquino is an agricultural center
where farmland sustains cereal grains, olives, wine grapes, almonds, hazel
nuts, vegetables and sheep.
The name Bisacquino stems from the Arab word, Buseckuin, which
means “rich in waters,” a very appropriate name for the town since there
are abundant waters at the site.
The origin of the town is still in doubt. Historians differ on the origin,
pointing to Carthaginians, Sicans, Greeks, or Romans. Some believe the
town is of Arab origin, backed up by the town’s architecture. Regardless
of its first dwellers, Bisacquino reflects the diverse history of Sicily.
Bisacquino lies 79 kilometers inland and due south from the port city of
Palermo on the northwest coast of Sicily. For information on ancestors
who immigrated from Bisacquino in the 19th and 20th centuries, contact
the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the city office. However, information
prior to 1800 is more difficult to obtain. Parish registries are the best
source for genealogy.
Archeology supports that Arabs settled in 840 A.D. and founded a hamlet,
not far from Bisacquino and called it " Bat.lari.” At that time the Arabs
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T he Game of Bocce
The Bowling Game
Throwing balls at a target is one of the oldest games to mankind.
Such games go back to as early as 5000 BC. And so Bocce was born.
Come Grow with Us!
Jean & Mac McGuire
Director & Program Director
#110 Highway 337 • Chelsea, AL 35043
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The early Egyptians played a form of Bocce with stones. The exact date when Bocce began is unknown. Many
credit the early Roman soldiers with beginning and spreading the game throughout Europe. During Rome’s Punic
Wars against Carthage, soldiers played the game for exercise and relaxation.
As the game grew in popularity it became the game of nobility and peasantry. However, as so often happens, the
games popularity caused concern of State Rulers in the 1300s to the 1500s. Kings and Emperors were concerned
that it took too much time away from the military practicing archery and other military exercises resulting in an
interference with the security of state. Not so in England where the game thrived. Such
notables as Queen Elizabeth I and Sir France Drake were avid fans. The bans were eventually
lifted and again Bocce continued to gain popularity.
The bowling game was brought to America by the English in the 1700s. Today Bocce is a
ball game played in more countries than any other ball game with the exception of soccer.
Thanks to many Italian immigrants at the turn of the century into 1900, bocce flourished
in the United States. Some believe that the Roman influence on the game is preserved in
its name which stems from the Latin word, bottia, meaning boss. The word bocce comes
from the Italian word for “bowl”.
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Materials for making bocce balls has changed significantly over the centuries. Originally stones were used.
Later metal bocce were made. Until the 19th century, wood was the main materials using boxwood, birch or elm
and marking half the bocce with lines know as linia. The plain balls were knows
as liscia. Today bocce are made of plastics and resins. Sets come with eight balls
in two different colors.
GLOSSARY OF WORDS FOR BOCCE
Bocce — the larger ball used by team members to score points.
Pallino — the smaller ball (approx. 2” dis.) used as the target.
Punto — a point throw to the pallino attempting to place the bocce
as close to the palllino as possible.
Raffa — a throw aimed to dislodge an opponent’s bocce.
Volo — an aerial throw aimed to dislodge another bocce.
Bocce is both an organized competition sport as well as a game of family
recreation. As such the organized sport has rules of play as well as specifications
for the “bocce court”. It is a game that can be played with two, four, six or eight
participants. The basic rules of play are:
1. Select teams.
2. Decide on Color of bocce for each team. The team that picked first for the
color loses the opportunity to be the first to throw the pallino, the small ball.
3. The team that throws the pallino throws the fist bocce (first team) tries to place the larger ball close
to the pallino.
47
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Morra
“Fate la morra...non fate la guerra”
Saint Mark the Evangelist Council 13446
Calling all Catholic Gentlemen to join us
CHARITY
UNITY
FRATERNITY
“Make morra…not war.” This is the slogan of Amici della Morra
[Friends of Morra], located in Camerano, Italy and dedicated to
rescuing old games as a way to rediscover Italy’s roots and traditions.
The history of the game called Morra goes back centuries. Supposedly it was brought
to Italy in the 16th Century from Turkey.
To play Morra, no equipment is necessary. It is a simple guessing game; however, some
may say it is a game that requires strategy, understanding of body language and knowing one’s opponent. It can be played with only two people or with teams.
As children, many of us remember settling questions or disagreements by playing odds
or evens. Morra is played one against one. At an agreed time, each player displays a
certain number of fingers on his right hand and simultaneously guesses out loud the
total number of fingers displayed by both players. If either player guesses the right
number, that player has won that round. If neither player is correct or if both guess the
same number, they continue until one has a correct guess.
The game can be one round or several rounds with a preset number of rounds to be
won to proclaim victory.
So where is the fun?
It depends upon what the consequences are for losing. Often larger groups, who are
enjoying friendship and drinking wine, play the game. Evidently, the combination of
wine, enthusiasm and arguments sometimes becomes violent requiring police interaction. As a result, a pastime designed as a friendly game was banned for 20 years. But
in 2003 the ban was lifted and the game reinstated.
For Membership information contact Tom Herberlein, Membership Chairman
KOFC13446@aol.com or voice mail 1.866.622.STMK (7865)
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Feast Commieс
FEAST CHAIRMAN
Robert Sbrissa
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Volunteers
Entertainment
Finance
Marketing
Sponsorship/Program
Food
Logistics
Finance
Cultural & Religious Content
Event Manager
Cookies, Decorations & Youth
Administration
Laura Belcher
Vincent DiChiara
John Dudley
Donna Francavilla
Al Lupenski
Melissa Mancini
Robert Markham
David Neaves
Lorenzo Panzica
Ann Penton
Monica Sbrissa
Ginger Scalici
Doug Stephens
Beverage
COMMITTEE PARTICIPANTS
Kate Agliata
Augie Angrisano
Thom Berry
Carol Bettis
Peter Bibbo
Sister Terry Bretthauer, MSBT
Lee John Bruno
Anthony Cuicchi
Fr. Joe Culotta
John Elkourie
Meagan Freeman
Candy Hacker
Daniel Henniger
Judy Jones
Tonya Judson
Jordan Long
Vince Lovoy
Chrissy Meko
Charlie Penton
Carolyn Rakers
Sammy Romano
Eva Shepherd
Katie Spitzer
Tom Stith
Chef Chris Vizzina
Sharon Zaleski
Special thanks and appreciation to the 200+ Team Leads and volunteers and the members of the “Cookie Baking Team”
who provide the authentic Italian cookies sold at the Feast.
The Committee expresses its gratitude to Barbara Clavenna of Chiavenna Design, Design Firm of Record, for the 2015 Festival Program.
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