The Humorous Side Of Lent:

 Are You Smarter Than

A Catholic Fifth Grader?

Being a Roman Catholic in Lent can sometimes seem to be no more than being called to sacrifice, denial, and (in Newtown anyway...) the obligatory Knights of Columbus Fish Fry. Well think again! During Lent, a loving message and laughter can go together.

The spirit-filled environmentalist and entrepreneur Father Domenic Jose Roscioli will offer Mass followed by a program titled “Are You Smarter Than a Catholic 5th Grader: Finding Our Way Home to God” at St Rose of Lima Gathering Hall from 7 to 9:15 pm, Monday, March 16, and Wednesday, March 18.

The St Rose Men’s Club will host Monday evening, and the church’s Women’s Club will host Wednesday’s presentation.

Following Mass each night, Father Dom will entertain and engage members of the audience in subjects including “Never Trust a Kid in Wheelchair,” “Guns and Ice Cream,” “The Easiest Prayer in the World,” “Why are Flamingos Pink?” and other great theological conundrums.

Father Roscioli is a Roman Catholic priest from Kenosha, Wis., part of the Milwaukee Archdiocese. After being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma he was relieved of parish priest duties in 1985. He soon became involved in recycling activities to fund a central city community group he founded in Kenosha called Neighborhood Works.

A 20-year veteran worker at one of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, Father Dom met Paul Newman while volunteering at the actor’s camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. Mr Newman was instrumental in helping Father Dom launch God’s Good Earth, a waste recycling and compost company, and Holy Spirits Wine, two enterprises that donate all profits to charity. Father Dom’s products and companies have humorous names and all carry the appealing story of recycling waste, teaching about the saints on bottles of wine, and the employment of workers with disabilities.

Everyone is welcome on either or both nights. The Gathering Hall is at 46 Church Hill Road.

For additional information call the church’s office, 426-1014.