Parish Societies & Organizations

The religious traditions imported to America are celebrated with pride and nostalgia by the parishioners who created many different parish societies.

• Societa' del Santo Rosario
  The Societa' del Santo Rosario was the first society created at OLR, inaugurated on October 3, 1925. The members of the society celebrate the Feast of the Holy Rosary on the first Sunday in October and pray the Rosary in May and October after the morning Mass.
• Rosary Guild
  The Rosary Guild was established in 1950 for the purpose of helping the parish (financially) through various social activities, especially through the famous traditional Spaghetti Dinner, which is held on the first Saturday of November and serves over 1400 people every year.
• Altar Society
  The Altar Society, founded in 1983, cleans the Church, cares for the altar linens, and decorates the Church for special celebrations. Its precious work is very much appreciated by all worshipers at OLR.
• Saint Joseph Society
  The Saint Joseph Society was formed in 1988 for the purpose of helping the poor who come for help to OLR, especially through the annual celebration of the St. Joseph's Table.
• Amici of Our Lady of the Rosary
  The Amici of Our Lady of the Rosary, was established in 1989 by a group of parishioners and friends who share in the heritage and ideal of our parish and of the Italo-American culture. In gratitude, the Amici raise funds through an Annual Amici Gala to foster young people who are active in the parish and are in need of assistance to pursue an education, through scholarships. The Amici help preserve Our Lady of the Rosary's historic properties, and recognizes outstanding members of the parish for their dedication,charity, and volunteer efforts.
• Madonna del Lume Society
  Other associations that are an integral part of the parish include the Madonna del Lume Society, founded in 1938 by Sicilians from Porticello (Palermo), and the Addolorata Society, founded in 1940 by 350 immigrants from Sant'Elia (Sicily, where Our Lady of Sorrows is the patroness). Both societies, on the days of their celebrations, go in procession carrying the image of Our Lady from the Church to the Embarcadero where they pray for the fishermen at sea, both living and deceased, and bless the fishing boats in the harbor.
• Madonna del Paradiso Society
  The Madonna del Paradiso Society was founded in 1960 by a group of people from Mazzara del Vallo (Sicily). They celebrate the feast of the Madonna on the second Sunday of November. You can find out more at their website: www.mdpssd.org.
• Sacred Heart Society
  The Sacred Heart Society was founded in 1946 by a small group of Portuguese parishoners and fosters parish devotion to the Sacred Heart.
• Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) Branch 230
  The Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) Branch 230 was organized at Our Lady of the Rosary in 1990 to foster religious, patriotic, cultural, and charitable goals for the good of its members and of the community. They sponsor an annual fish fry on first Friday of Lent to benefit Our Lady of the Rosary.
• Padre Pio
  The Padre Pio Devotions are on the first Monday of every month. The rosary begins promptly at 6:35pm in the Church, with Mass at 7:00pm. Devotions are after Mass. Please join us.
• Other Italo-American Groups
  Other Italo-American groups using our facilities are: the Aspra Club, the Italian Cultural Center (ICC) (where the Italian Language is taught, and the cultural events are scheduled to foster Italian culture and traditions), Little Italy Association, and UNICO.