The Background

Parishioners at the former Star of the Sea Parish in Squantum had a long tradition of "Chowder and Stations" during the Fridays of Lent. When the parish closed in 2004, Star of the Sea parishioners along with Sacred Heart parishioners wished the tradition to continue, so they jointly worked on preserving and augmenting "Chowder and Stations." The program continues strong to this very day. After a few Lenten seasons, it was noticed that folks liked to chat after dinner, and that many constantly were late for the Stations of the Cross. An idea sprung forth to hold a dinner just for the sake of doing it, allowing time for attendees to chat. The first planned event was a spaghetti dinner, which served parishioners in the dining and community rooms of the convent. The rest as they say, is history.

The Committee

To administer an ongoing program of dinners, several adult members of the music ministry met and formed the Monthly Dinner Committee. The group, along with a few dedicated volunteers, plans, shops, cooks, and does the cleanup for all of its scheduled functions. In 2009, the committee raised over $6,000 for the hosting of a special Choristers Guild regional children’s choir festival which gathered 140 children from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. Recent committee efforts netted funds which were placed in the parish's Capital Improvement Fund for needed projects (i.e. new exterior church doors, etc.) Committee plans for 2013 are to contribute proceeds again to the parish's new hymnal fund.

The Program

OK, not exactly every month, but our monthly dinner committee has planned and executed many social gatherings for our parish over the few years, with dinners including: cookouts, luaus, beach picnics, spaghetti dinners, holiday dinners at unusual seasonal times, an international dinner and a potluck supper. Attendance usually ranges from 60 to over 100 people, both young and old, and both parishioners and friends. The dinners are a bargain at $7.50 per person or $20 per family with children 12 years and younger, and includes everything from soup/appetizer to dessert and coffee.

Every other year, including this year of 2013, we will hold the authentic Jewish Seder dinner on Tuesday evening of Holy Week (March 26th). The cost for this ritual meal is $15 per person.

After four successful years of hosting a special "Dine Around" dinners, the committee is venturing into its first "Dine In" evening on Saturday, October 19th in the rectory conference room. This $25 per person meal will be a gourmet dining experience in the Victorian tradition of many elegant food courses served throughout the evening. This event is definitely limited to 60 participants due to space constraints.

2013 Dates:

This year's over-all theme is
HOMEMADE COMFORT FOOD!

Friday, February 8
Mardi Gras Spaghetti

Tuesday, March 26*
Authentic Jewish Seder

Friday, May 31
International Dinner

Friday, June 21
Kick-off Summer Picnic (Dogs & Burgers)

Friday, July 19
Americana Chicken Pot Pie Dinner

Friday, August 16
New England Traditional Ham & Bean

Friday, September 20
Homemade Meatloaf Dinner

Saturday, October 19**
Dine-In Extravagana I

Most dinners are $7.50 per person, or $20 per family (children 12 years and younger). 
*This Seder dinner is $15 per person.
**The Dine-In dinner is $25 per person.