The Anthony J. Merolla Holy Name Society at the Church of St. Clare of Assisi/St. Francis Xavier Parish, in partnership with Big Deal Food Market in Morris Park, raised $6,840.15 during the 2025 Annual Lenten Fundraiser, which ran from Tuesday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, April 20.
A portion of all supermarket sales during the Lenten season was donated to the parish. According to Big Deal Food Market Owner Miguel Garcia, the fundraiser has now contributed a total of $103,725 to the Church of St. Clare of Assisi/St. Francis Xavier Parish since its launch in 2010. Garcia credited the event’s ongoing success to his dedicated staff and the Holy Name Society, both of whom actively promote the initiative each year.
Proceeds from previous fundraisers have helped finance essential repairs and projects at the parish’s two church buildings and school programs, located at 1027 Rhinelander Ave. and 1703 Lurting Ave., respectively. The annual effort continues to bring together the Bronx community in support of the church during the Lenten season.
This year’s fundraiser honored Rev. Father Salvatore DeStefano—pastor of the Church of St. Clare of Assisi/St. Francis Xavier Parish and spiritual director of the Anthony J. Merolla Holy Name Society—as the 2025 dedicatee. The event was organized by Holy Name Society officers Peter Ulrich, Martin Dolgow, and Joseph Madia. Society President Thomas Tronconi joined them in expressing appreciation to parishioners and customers for their generous support, which helped make this year’s fundraiser another financial success.
