When Saint Simon Stock parishioners first heard that the youth would be organizing a Live Dinner Theatre, they might not have known what the evening would entail, but that didn’t stop them from pitching in to help.
“A lot of parishioners didn’t know what a Live Dinner Theater was, but they knew that the youth were involved, and they wanted to support them,” says Deacon Michael Vitarelli, coordinator of the Berlin parish’s ministry that serves those ages 12-18.
Indeed, in service and solidarity, 130 18-and-older adults of Saint Simon Stock Parish came together last month for a spirited evening of music, dinner and fellowship.
The “Les Misérables” Live Dinner Theatre featured performers singing hits from the famed musical, while 20 parish youth served dinner and dessert to audience diners in Our Lady of Mount Carmel gym.
In the weeks and months beforehand, and on the day itself, the entire parish community lent helping hands to the young Church.
Saint Simon Stock’s Knights of Columbus council offered financial aid and the use of their copy machine to get the word out. Local businesses, when seeing the youth show up in their stores, donated gift cards and items for the evening’s silent auction. Sanremo Pizzeria and Ristorante catered the dinner, while the parish’s extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and RCIA leaders donated homemade desserts.
On the show date, July 21, the youth and parish council members worked together for setup and breakdown, and young waiters and waitresses ensured their guests were well-fed and entertained.
The night’s musical entertainment was spearheaded by Deacon Vitarelli and his daughter, Alix, theater director for Maple Shade High School. Standing on stage, she and her fellow singers performed familiar tunes, each taking on a role of various characters from the musical. Alix portrayed Éponine, with her solo “On My Own.”
Judging from the healthy attendance, and in speaking with the youth and parish community after the event – proceeds of which will benefit the youth ministry – Deacon Vitarelli believes the multigenerational night had a lasting impact on all.
“People after the event were coming up to me, saying that they would’ve paid more than the $50 [fee], it was that good,” he enthused.
“The community is so appreciative of the youth organizing this; it’s something new and fresh that they could be excited about,” he continued, adding that another similar evening is already in the works for next year.
As well, the youth found a renewed sense of identity through the greater parish support they received, Deacon Vitarelli said.
Saying that many youth “are struggling to see where they fit in” in society, he noted that the smiles and sense of happiness he witnessed from the young Church were “proof that they now see themselves as an integral part of the faith community.”
“We want our adult parishioners to know that the youth are here and they want to get involved,” noted Nikki McNamara, who with Sarah McWilliams, assists Deacon Vitarelli with the youth group.
Both Deacon Vitarelli and his daughter agreed that some creative interests might have been sparked in the youth after they witnessed the performers’ showmanship.
“I see a lot of talented youth,” Deacon Vitarelli said. “Maybe this night will inspire them to pull out their own gifts and talents.”
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