Special Valentine's breakfast

Henry Lachowski

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Participants enjoy the Valentine's breakfast served by the St. Catherine of Siena men's group. Courtesy photo/Henry Lachowski

By Henry Lachowski

SALT LAKE CITY — Roses, red heart-shaped balloons and music set the mood for the Saint Catherine of Siena/Newman Center men’s group Valentine’s Day breakfast at the parish Feb. 8. This was the fourth time the men have prepared the special breakfast for their spouses and other special guests. They also gave a rose to each woman who attended.

University of Utah student Ryan Ingle played the piano and sang to serenade the guests. Men’s group member Erich Mille read a poem with a special message to women. Deacon John Keyser offered a reflection from the Bible.

"One of the joys of St. Catherine’s is that we love to break bread together; it’s a wonderful way to build community," said parishioner Mickey Adelhardt.

The men’s group, which began in 2007, was started by St. Catherine of Siena parishioner Jim Duff, who is recovering from a serious accident. At the event, special prayers were offered for Duff, who initiated the idea of having a special celebration for women around Valentine’s Day, and he was thanked for his generous heart and dedicated service to St Catherine’s and to many other causes in the wider community.

The men’s group has raised funds for the breakfast and other events by charging people to use the parking lot for University of Utah events.

"Our parking lot is uniquely located and we have been able to put a good sum of money together to support ministries," said Gerry Carvalho, a men’s group member. "Some of those ministries include volunteering and service work in poor countries in Africa and Asia. Many parish needs are also financed by donations from the group, or by individual members. Another member of the Men’s Group, George Fitzpatrick, is currently teaching a leadership course at St Catherine’s."

The men’s group has recently changed leadership. New co-chairs are Dan Scheatz and Erich Mille. The group is very appreciative for the many years of leadership of Gerry Carvalho.