To showcase its kaleidoscope of ethnicities, St. David the King Parish, West Windsor, hosted “A Taste at St. David the King,” its first International potluck supper Jan. 27, asking parishioners to bring their families’ favorite ethnic foods to share.
“We’re celebrating family life and diversity,” said Nanci Bachman, pastoral associate. “Sometimes we look around our parish and we see all different ethnic backgrounds, and [this event] celebrates that diversity… We hope we’ll be able to share our spirituality, also, from the different regions of the world … to become one, Catholic, universal!”
The response and variety was impressive, guests reflected. Zosimo Luz, a parishioner who brought a traditional Filipino dish of banana fritters, commended St. David’s pastor, Father Timothy Capewell, “for this democratic spirit he has brought to the parishioners – it’s a great day for us.”
Special cuisine also included offerings from Latin America, South America and Nigeria. “I am Nigerian-born Australian, so my Nigerian meal is influenced by what I learned in Australia,” said Nonye Onyewuenyi, who brought a basmati rice and vegetable dish.
Hank Percuk, whose family of origin is Polish, said that he and his wife have been parishioners for 30 years. “We love the church, we’re greatly involved, and we’re proud to be going to these things.”
John Beglan, who brought a Peruvian potato dish made by his wife, who is from Lima, called the night “a special event, the first of its kind – and I think it’s going to be a great success from what I see here.”
Ryan Pais, whose mother helped organize the event, said, “I think it’s a great turnout, a great event to bring different people together and explore the community in a different way, so I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Video from John Blaine contributed to this report.