Thanksgiving 2022 saw the return of a long-standing tradition at the Parish of St. Augustine of Canterbury in St. John’s. The International Students’ Thanksgiving Dinner was back after a two-year hiatus due to the rules around the COVID-19 pandemic and public gatherings.
The Dinner was a joint effort of the Anglican chaplaincy at Memorial University, the parish, and the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The chaplaincy was responsible for the production and distribution of flyers informing students of the event and how to register. Prior registration was necessary as only 180 students could be accommodated. The parish provided the venue as well as the necessities for the meal such as cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, and table cloths. The Diocese provided the funds for the meal, and we thank Bishop Sam Rose and Archdeacon Charlene Taylor for the financial support of the diocese.
The traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, complete with dessert, was prepared and served by Carmelo Catering. Mr. Rod Forward led the cooking and the plating of the meal. We also had help from parishioners, our CLB company and their leaders, and a student from Queen’s College and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their part in making the evening a success.
We prepared for 180 students and 10 parishioners. There were students from all over the world in attendance. For some of them it was their first time having a traditional turkey dinner. The reactions of some were interesting, but they all enjoyed the meal and went away well fed. It was a pleasure to do this for the students, many of whom are a long way from home.
