All Hallows Parish is kicking off its 50th Jubilee Anniversary with a Pernicano’s Night dinner on Saturday, Nov. 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the church’s parish hall, 6602 La Jolla Scenic Drive South.
The 50th Jubilee Anniversary won’t occur until March 2009, but in order to set off preparations for the occasion, a variety of events will be held throughout the rest of this year and 2008 to honor the church’s anniversary.
On March 17, 1959, the 6-acre land for the church was purchased. But founders and members were eager to begin Mass. Johnny Pernicano, a founder of the parish and owner of Pernicano’s on Turquoise Street, allowed members to use his restaurant for church services as the church was being built. Founders turned the counter area, where wait staff picks up plates, into an altar for Mass, according to MaryAnne Pintar, a jubilee committee member.
On April 17, 1960, the new church broke ground, and in April of the following year, the church celebrated its first Mass in the building.
“Pernicano’s is such a friendly family atmosphere that we thought we’d go back to our roots and celebrate our beginnings,” Pintar said.
The cozy Italian atmosphere of Pernicano’s will be re-created in the parish hall with food catered by Pernicano’s ” including mostaccioli, meatballs, salad, rolls, drinks and wine and Italian cookies ” and accordion playing by Johnny Pernicano. Other founders of All Hallows are also expected to attend the event.
Tickets for the Italy Comes to Coronado raffle are currently available for purchase. The package includes opera tickets, dinner at an Italian restaurant, a downtown getaway and a gondola ride in the bay.
Tickets for the dinner are $12 for adults. Admission is free for children 6 and under. Parish non-members are also welcome to attend. To find out more about the event and the 50th Jubilee Anniversary, contact the parish office, (858) 459-2975.