On The Town:

Roman Catholics revere St. Finbar as being God’s instrument for performing miraculous works and the establishment of a monastery and school, and St. Joseph for his eager willingness to carry out God’s will.

This past weekend saw the Catholic community of St. Finbar and supporters of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center continue the work of these saints by raising funds to aid local families who are in need of tuition assistance for their children’s education, and to establish a new cancer center.

The Los Angeles Equestrian Center was the location for Friday evening’s 2007 Harvest Ball, an annual event that raises funds to provide financial assistance for students attending St. Finbar Parish School.

Since the establishment of this event six years ago, the Harvest Ball has recognized individuals who have played a significant role in the local Catholic community as Harvesters of Faith. This year’s honorees were Father James Toal and Mike Graceffo.

Toal, who retired in 2002, served as the chaplain at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center for 28 years. His co-honoree, Graceffo, worked for the city of Burbank in the youth sports department before serving as the athletic director at St. Finbar Parish School and currently St. Francis Xavier Parish School.

“Both of our honorees have worked tirelessly over the years within our community,” said St. Finbar pastor Father Albert Bahhuth.

“They (are) shining examples as they exhibit their faith in God and faith in our future through their caring, integrity and true dedication to their selfless works to improve the lives of others.”

During Friday’s fundraiser, the event’s chairman, former Mayor Michael Hastings, lauded the honorees as humble gentlemen who have played significant roles in the lives of numerous Burbank residents over the years.

“Inspiration, motivation, discipline, compassion and a dedicated prayer life have been just some of the special gifts that they have shared with so many of us,” Hastings said.