Holy Ravioli – The parish that’s bringing in the dough for Lent

Posted on
February 10, 2020
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As an act of virtue, almsgiving is carried out in parishes throughout the Diocese of Greensburg.

In fact, parishioners at St. Anne Parish in Rostraver give of their time to mix and knead, stir and stuff until a perfect Lenten meal is ready to serve. And when they are finished, another kind of dough comes rolling in from hungry patrons who can’t wait to try their homemade ravioli topped with delicious tomato sauce.

The Holy Name Society started the ravioli sale nine years ago. To keep up with the increasing demand, society members sought the help of Christian Mothers last year.

Together, more than 30 volunteers hand-roll more than 20,000 ravioli each year.

“It’s a great effort for connection of both organizations,” said Homer Zucconi, president of the Holy Name Society.

With just two dinners a year, spring and fall, ravioli sales over the last five years have raised more than $62,000.

“We have a tremendous following,” Zucconi said. “We have between 400 to 500 sit-down dinners along with 400 to 500 takeout dinners. In just four hours we will have served about 1,000 dinners.”

Proceeds are distributed to local organizations such as Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg, the Blackburn Center for victims of domestic and other violence, the Rostraver Food Pantry, St. Sebastian Regional Catholic School and anonymous families in need of assistance.

“As we are helping the community through the profits with the sale, the people of the community are filling their bellies,” said Father David J. Nazimek, pastor. “We feed them spiritually, we feed them physically.”

To order these “holy ravioli,” call the parish, 724-872-3555, or visit the rectory. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-noon; and after Masses on Sunday. Ravioli are $8 per dozen (meat or cheese), and sauce is $5 per quart.

You can also sample ravioli at the parish’s spring dinner April
26 from noon-4 p.m. Dinners are $10 for ravioli or a spaghetti and meatball dinner. Children’s meals are available for $5 (free for those under 5). Takeout is available.