St. James to mark St. Rocco’s Day with Eucharist and dinner

BOARDMAN — St. James’ Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., will celebrate the life and work of St. Rocco, minister to the sick, on St. Rocco’s Day with a festival Eucharist at 10 a.m. Sunday.

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 published in the August 2008 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 another era, now has a home in the St. Rocco shrine located at the front entrance of the church. The grand Christus Rex (Christ the King) statue, handcarved and handpainted 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 with a St. Rocco’s-style homemade cavatelli dinner served from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The dinner will be prepared by the original cooks of St. Rocco’s Episcopal Church. The menu includes homemade cavatelli, meatballs, sauce, and bread, tossed salad with special dressing, dessert and beverage. Take-outs also will be available. The cost is $7 for adults, those 12 and older, $3 for children ages 6-11 and free for those 5 and younger.

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