By Rick Winterson

     Five hundred. That's the number of meals served on Thanksgiving Day at St. Monica's Church. To be precise, it hit 480 and everyone stopped counting when more folks came in.

      This feast originally started many years ago, out of the St. Augustine's Food Pantry at the behest of Fr. Tom McDonnell. Fr. Robert Kennedy, who is the current pastor of the combined parishes, is making sure the tradition continues.

     Frank Kelly and his band of Merry Men and Women were well-oiled machines. More than half of the 500 meals served (280, to be exact) were delivered to the homes of shut-ins. This phase of the operations went like clockwork.

      Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Fr. Kennedy offered thanks for the banquet and asked blessings on all who were there. The tables were covered in white cloths and had real African violets for centerpieces. And one of the nicest parts of the banquet were the volunteers. No one wanted for anything under their watchful eyes.

     'Twas a grand time, indeed!