St. Rocco’s Day to be observed at service, dinner at St. James’

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — St. James’ Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., will celebrate the life and work of Blessed Rocco, minister to the sick, during a festival Eucharist at 7 p.m. today, St. Rocco’s Day. St. Rocco is the patron saint of the former St. Rocco’s Episcopal Church in Youngstown, which closed in 2007. “The life of our parish has been greatly enriched with members from the former St. Rocco’s,” wrote the Rev. Kelly Marshall in his column that was published in the August edition of St. James Matters, the monthly newsletter of St. James’ Church.

The historic St. Rocco statue, which was carried in procession through the streets of Youngstown in years past, now has a home in the St. Rocco shrine at the front entrance of the church. The grand Christus Rex (Christ the King) statue, hand-carved and hand-painted in Italy, that formerly hung above the high altar of St. Rocco’s now graces the narthex of St. James’ Church.

The celebration of the life of St. Rocco will continue Sunday with a St. Rocco’s-style homemade cavatelli dinner to be served from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The dinner will be prepared by cooks from St. Rocco’s. The menu includes homemade cavatelli, meatballs, bread, tossed salad with special dressing, dessert and beverage. Takeout also will be available. The cost is $6 for adults, 12 and older, $3 for children ages 5-11 and free for those 4 and younger.

For more information, contact the church office at (330) 758-2727 or send e-mail to secretary@stjamesboardman.com.