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Catholic News Herald

Serving Christ and Connecting Catholics in Western North Carolina

042817 Easter basketsCHARLOTTE — Girl Scout Troop 2697 of St. Matthew Church recently delivered 190 Easter baskets to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, for the fourth year in a row.

The Scouts collected items through the generosity of St. Matthew parishioners and neighborhood friends.

The baskets were filled with colorful grass, toys, candy-filled eggs, stuffed animals and books, and then the Scouts wrapped and topped each basket with a beautiful bow.

— Photo provided by Kim Burke

041417 St Joseph TableMARION — Members of Our Lady of the Angels Mission organized a “St. Joseph’s Table” March 25. The event featured a spaghetti dinner to raise money for the Ave Maria food pantry, a joint ministry of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Mission in Linville.

Attendees brought baked goods to put on “St. Joseph’s Table,” and the items were donated to the poor. The “St. Joseph Table” tradition was started in Sicily, Italy, in response to drought and famine.

The people prayed to St. Joseph for rain for their crops, and their prayers were answered. In thanksgiving, they honored St. Joseph on his feast day by piling a table high with donated food to give to the needy.

According to the tradition, anyone baking an item for the table who asks for an intercession from St. Joseph usually has their intention granted.

—Kevin Braswell | Catholic News Herald

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