Saint Joseph's Table

Saint Joseph’s Table is a beautiful tradition rooted in gratitude and charity. It is a reflection of deep devotion to Saint Joseph, the patron of fathers, families, those in need, the aged, the dying, and the Universal Church. Join us on March 21^st as we pray, enjoy a meatless pasta meal, and give thanks for God’s many blessings.

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: St. Columbkille School Gym

Come celebrate fellowship, faith, and the joy of giving.

A delicious luncheon will be provided to all, free of charge, by the St. Columbkille Meal Ministry. Traditional meatless foods, including bean soup, St. Joseph’s Day Pasta, and of course, breads and desserts from St. Joseph’s Table, will be served to all.

We look forward to sharing this special tradition with you.

History of Saint Joseph’s Table

Saint Columbkille Parish proudly continues the tradition of Saint Joseph’s Table, a custom that originated in Sicily, Italy in the Middle Ages. Legend has it that during a severe drought, the Sicilians prayed to Saint Joseph, their patron saint and the protector of Jesus, for relief from the drought. When the rains came, the people rejoiced! In gratitude, they prepared a special table with an assortment of food from their harvest. These tables, or "altars," offered cookies and cakes, breads, assorted confections, fruit, fava beans, and beautiful decorations of candles, figurines and flowers. After paying homage to Saint Joseph, the food was shared by all then distributed to those less fortunate. The celebration of Saint Joseph's Table was born, and is now celebrated annually all around the world, on or near March 19, Saint Joseph’s feast day.

Pray at Saint Joseph’s Table

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church. He aids and protects unborn children, expectant mothers, fathers and families, workers and craftsmen, immigrants and travelers, the poor, the aged, and those in need. He is the champion of a happy death. St. Joseph is believed to have a special place in heaven as his protection is great, strong, and prompt before the throne of God.

Our Saint Joseph’s Table celebration will begin by offering our thanks for his protection and asking for his continued intercession. There will be a blessing of the Table and together we will pray a Litany to Saint Joseph. In addition, all who attend will have an opportunity to write personal prayer intentions to Saint Joseph and place them in a basket at the center of Saint Joseph’s Table. After the celebration, the intentions will be taken to church and placed on the Holy Family altar for the remainder of the month. Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Fellowship at Saint Joseph’s Table

Enjoy good food, friendly conversation, and the camaraderie of friends and family. As an added bonus, take time to view the sumptuous and artistic array of foods, sweets, and especially the symbols of Saint Joseph which adorn the Table!

Service at Saint Joseph’s Table

Saint Joseph’s care for the Holy Family and his intercession for those in need calls each of us to care for others. There are three ways you can answer the call to serve others by attending Saint Joseph’s Table.

1. Prepare and donate homemade bakery or desserts to display on Saint Joseph’s Table: breads, pastries, anything that does not require heat or refrigeration. Bring it to the school gym on March 21^st (and stay for lunch).
2. If you prefer not to bake, when you come on March 21^st, bring a non-perishable food item, soap, or paper product to place on the “Table”. All donations received will assist our parish Good Samaritan Ministry’s efforts to assist the poor.  Items especially needed at this time are: pancake mix and syrup, cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soups, saltine crackers, spaghetti sauce, Manwich / sloppy joe sauce, canned chili, small canned hams, dish soap, laundry detergent, and shampoo.
3. Share with others! Everyone attending will have an opportunity to fill a “to-go” container and take some of the goodies from St. Joseph’s Table to someone who is unable to join us at the celebration – the sick, the lonely, the elderly, the homebound, a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or foe. “Take-out” containers will be provided.

At the conclusion of Saint Joseph’s Table, any remaining foods will be packed and gifted to homebound parishioners, residents of Broadview Multi-Care Center, and others in need in our community.

Sign-up for Saint Joseph’s Table is not required, however, if you would like to let us know you are coming, please use the March Service Saturday Sign Up Genius and add your name to Saint Joseph’s Table.  https://tinyurl.com/mryxabbu

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Shari Chmura,  schmura@stcolumbkilleparish.org, or call the parish office (216-524-1987).



Food and Clothing Pantry Volunteer

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Serve the poor of the Slavic Village area as St. Columbkille volunteers manage the Food and Clothing Pantry at Ozanam Center. Pack bags of canned food and produce, carry bags of food to pick-up line, and sort and hang clothing donations at the Ozanam Center at Holy Name Church on Broadway Ave. Volunteers must be able to lift and carry boxes and bags of groceries and must be at least 13 years old. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers should meet at the Ozanam Center at 8:30 AM on Saturday, March 21st.

St John Paul II Ozanam Center at Holy Name Church
8283 Broadway Ave
Cleveland, OH 44105

Broadview Multi-Care Center

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Share the tradition of St Joseph’s Table at Broadview Multi-Care. We will set up a small St Joseph’s Table at the nursing home and enjoy good food and fellowship with the residents. Volunteers should meet in the 3rd Floor Atrium at Broadview Multi-Care at 2:45. Please note the time change for March only.

Broadview Multi-Care Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center Atrium
5520 Broadview Road
Parma, Ohio 44134