At the noontime Mass honoring St. Joseph, Auxiliary Bishop Robert Coyle’s personal note about his grandfather, Joseph, resonated with the large crowd at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre.

“He taught me so much about faith,” the bishop explained in his homily. “I loved spending time with him.” Bishop Coyle, the principal celebrant, also shared warm anecdotes about his grandmothers and mother.

A total of 325 seniors from Catholic Charities of Long Island ministries and other church programs attended the annual St. Joseph’s Day celebration May 22. The spirited, joyful afternoon combined food, fun and faith.

“We thank you for all you do for the Church and your families,” said Bishop Coyle, who was joined on the altar by Father Michael Duffy, cathedral rector.

Michael E. Smith, CEO of Catholic Charities, speaking after Communion, thanked the seniors for their leadership and for remaining “faithful to our Lord.” Quoting Proverbs, Smith said, “Gray hair is a crown of glory that is gained by a life that is just.” 

The seniors journeyed from CCLI senior community service centers in Franklin Square, Oceanside and Wantagh, and senior housing facilities across Long Island. Also participating were members of parish senior clubs at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst and St. Pius X in Plainview, and residents of Dominican Village in Amityville.

Kim Parbst, director of senior services for CCLI, and Mary Ann Russo, administrative secretary, provided hands-on coordination. Parbst called out the winning raffle numbers for specially crafted gift baskets. CCLI senior case managers were also on hand. 

Jay Korth, director of housing and legal services for Catholic Charities, was present to show his appreciation. Housing advocacy supervisor Lynn Reddy was acknowledged for the gargantuan task of coordinating the travel arrangements.

David Klaum and Joseph Tedesco, members of the CCLI board of trustees, turned out to support the endeavor.  

As Richard Guidice took a break from the dance floor with friends from the Oceanside Senior Center, he said participating in the Mass at the beginning set the perfect tone. “It blesses the day,” said Guidice, who appears more than a decade younger than his 76 years.

He relishes the camaraderie with his fellow seniors who were enjoying entertainment by John Walters Musical Productions in the brightly decorated St. Agnes Parish Center where the luncheon took place.

The married grandfather of 11 encourages others to fully participate in programs offered at the Oceanside center. “We all take care of each other,” Guidice said. “It’s a nice group of people.”

Janice Treglia, another Oceanside senior member, said, “As you can see, all of the seniors enjoy and socialize.”

The next morning, Lisa Pagliaro, the program director at the Wantagh Senior Center, caught up with many members whom she accompanied to Rockville Centre for the occasion.    

“Everyone is saying they see what Catholic Charities does. We know it was a big party and you guys coordinated it so well with the music and the lunch,” she said.

“They really appreciate what we do, and that we do it for them,” said Pagliaro, who switched from a three-decade corporate career after the Covid-19 shutdown. She’ll mark her third anniversary with Catholic Charities in June.

“I love it here. I’m having a ball with them,” Pagliaro said.