Chrissy Porco, Coordinator – (434) 973-4008 porcofamily@comcast.net
Why should we do this?
Our youth need opportunities to form relationships with each other that are centered in Christ. Relationships need to be nurtured, and that involves spending time getting to know one another. What better way to do that than through sharing a meal together. Providing dinner for our youth on Sunday evenings after the 4:30 mass and prior to Christian Formation is an effort not only to offer such an opportunity, but to enhance youth participation in Mass. Although the youth in your family are not required to participate in the Sunday evening meal, we hope that you will embrace this opportunity to help our youth build a faith community.
How will this work?
Approximately 95 youth are registered in Life Teen (Grades 9 and 10) and Edge (grades 6, 7, and 8). There are 21 Sunday evenings to serve dinner. If your family chooses to participate, you are expected to sign up with two other families to provide dinner. If you have more than one child we are asking you to sign up for two Sunday dinners.
You will receive a reminder email a week and a half to two weeks prior to the date you signed up for. Each group is responsible for coordinating tasks and dividing expenses in the group.
What food should be served?
- Families can choose to prepare dinner at a minimum cost. Examples of popular dinners have been spaghetti, tacos, subs, soup and salad, even pancakes and sausage. Iced tea and lemonade mixes are available in the Parish Hall to make in large coolers. (If desired, families will need to obtain ice.)
- Families can also purchase prepared food. For Mexican dinners, discounted prices are available at Baja Bean (contact owner Ron Morse, a parishioner) and Cici’s Pizza. Utilize the tax exempt status for Incarnation. Pick up proper form in Parish office.
How is the meal served?
The meal is served buffet style on the rectangular tables in front of the kitchen.
The buffet line needs to be ready by 5:45 Pm. Christian Formation starts promptly at 6:15.
Paper products, including disposable plates, napkins, plastic dinnerware, and cups are available for use and can be found in the locked storage closet on the right hand side of the kitchen. (See Nancy, Chris Short, and Deacon Chris for the key) in the Parish Hall kitchen.
Tables and chairs need to be taken out of the closet and set up. Eight youth can sit at each round table. Take out enough tables and chairs to accommodate the expected number of youth.
Allow enough time to set up. Waiting until the conclusion of the 4:30 Mass is not an option. It is recommended that families set up prior to Mass.
How about the clean up?
- Leave the Parish Hall in the condition you found it.
- Youth are expected to throw away their trash, put their chair back to the chair racks and assist returning tables to closet. Check with Chris, who may need tables for the opening lesson.
- Trash bins are lined with black plastic bags and need to be emptied. (Bags can be found in the metal cabinet across from the sink.) Tie the bag when full and take out to dumpster (on the right at the end of the walkway after exiting the door by the Parish Office). Pizza boxes should be taken to the cardboard dumpster located in the parking lot outside the classroom wing.
- Pitchers, coolers, and other non-disposable dished need to be washed and put away.
- Take home or give away all leftover food. Do not leave food in the refrigerator unless you know it will be used in the next couple of days.
