NORMAN — For 90 years it’s been a Norman tradition to get an early start on Thanksgiving with a pre-holiday meal at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. And, thanks to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Women’s Club, this year won’t be any different.
This week, the women started preparing for the church’s 90th annual Thanksgiving community dinner. The dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, in the parish center gym, 421 E. Acres St.
But the women know that all of this cooking and cleaning couldn’t be done without a little help. Help from the Parish, Knights of Columbus, Golden Agers, the youth of the parish, Men’s Club and the special cooks of the Women’s Club. Even the children of the religion education classes make decorations for the tables and walls for the dinner.
“It takes in everybody in the parish. Everyone goes to mass and you see people, this gives everyone an opportunity to visit. It’s really as much social, plus, it’s a fun thing to do. It’s hard work, but it’s a fun thing to do,” Co-chair of this year’s dinner, Joyce McPherson, said.
McPherson also noted that everything served during the meal is homemade. Some of the items on this year’s menu include turkey, dressing, plain gravy, giblet gravy, corn, hot rolls and, of course, all kinds of pie.
“It’s wonderful. Everything (the food) is still prepared the same way it always has been basically since it (the dinner) began,” McPherson said.
Tickets may be purchased from the church office, from members of the church’s women’s club or at the door the day of the dinner. The event is open to the public. Carryout also is available the day of the dinner. Tickets are $10 for adults, tickets for children 6-12 are $3.50, and tickets can be purchased for $30 for a family.
“It’s just a real good opportunity to get out. Plus, you are preparing for the holidays. It’s just a fun time,” McPherson said.
Funds raised from the dinner will go back to the church, McPherson said.
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