CHARLESTON — St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Charleston celebrated the feast of the Epiphany on Sunday, Jan. 6 with a large meal, complete with the arrival of the three kings and a musical performance.

Terry Coulton and Christina Yousaf have been co-chairs of the event since the parish began having it as an annual celebration about five years ago. "We used to hold it sporadically but when Father (John) Titus was named our pastor we began having it every year," Coulton says. "By now Christina and I pretty much have it down pat."

During Advent Coulton and Yousaf put a sign-up sheet in the church, asking for volunteers to act as the kings and for people to bring in foods for the event. "My husband, Patrick, cooked five turkeys," Coulton says. "We also had ham, pork loin and all the trimmings." Additionally, parish members assisted with decorations and serving.

"We need a count as to how many are coming because we set the tables with real dishes," she says. "We had almost 200 people come, so some of us had to bring china from home. We try to make it really beautiful. We decorate the hall with trees and lights and set festive tables with candles and tablecloths."

This year the three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, were played by Jim Blagg, Kurt Buescher and Deacon Jim Rupp. The candle bearers were Garrison Blagg, Hannah Buescher and Tristan Williams. During the grand entrance of the kings, the guests sang We Three Kings, accompanied on the piano by Joyce Harwood and Father Titus.

Everyone present received a folded paper from the kings with a virtue listed to be embraced for the coming year. The virtues were then placed at the feet of the infant Jesus, symbolizing how Catholics seek to live for and with Christ. The kings carried gold in the form of wrapped chocolates. Those who came to the dinner also brought baby items that were presented as gifts to the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Coles County.

Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by the Four Voices — Allan Horney, Tom Birkner, Joe Wolf and Craig Lindvahl — a jazz vocal quartet which performs American music from the 1950s, 1960s and the 1970s. Their performance was made possible through the generosity of the Knights of Columbus Council 4024 and other donors.

"I think people really appreciate this event," Coulton says. "We have people who ask, 'Are you going to do that this year? We didn't have a real sit-down dinner for Christmas this year, so we look forward to the parish dinner.' It is a very nice day for everyone. It's really like the grand finale of the Christmas season."