Sacred Heart Altar Society Meets
The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday, Nov. 6, in the Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz Parish Center. The meeting was opened with a prayer followed by the standard financial reports. Fourteen ladies attended the meeting.
One thank you note was read for remembrances received during the previous month.
The Spirituality Chair Marian Tajchman reminded members that November is the month to pray for all souls in purgatory. Members were also reminded that the end of the church year is fast approaching and were encouraged to take time to reflect on the past year.
Other notable dates during November included the Feast of Christ the King and Thanksgiving Day. Karen Janda also reminded members about the patriotic Mass that was celebrated during the childrens’ Mass on Nov. 9.
Church Preparation Co-Chair ladies reported that the pictures of deceased loved ones would remain on the All Souls Table in the Narthax through Nov. 20. Pictures not picked up prior to that date would be moved to the church office for pick up.
A discussion was also held on the tight schedule that will be available for decorating the church for Christmas due to the overlap of the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas Mass celebrations. Volunteers will be welcomed to assist with the decorations.
The flower committee chairperson, Judy Langhamer, reported that a notice will be posted in the bulletin to accept donations for poinsettias for the Christmas Season and that she is close to finishing up the flower list for the upcoming year. It was reported that Peggy Sulik and member volunteers continue to care for the vestments and altar cloths as needed.
Under the Service Commission, April Feray reported on the donations made to the Clerical Endowment Fund for September and October. It was noted that Emma Proske will now be filling in for Nina in the mailing of get-well cards to members who are ill. Please contact Emma if you know of a member who would appreciate a card during their time of illness.
Barbara Schellberg reported on CEF Enrollments that had been made during the previous month to families of deceased loved ones as well as one enrollment for an over 90 birthday. Visitation to the sick and home-bound has not yet resumed and no funeral lunches had been served during the previous month.
Anna Boyd reported that Sacred Heart served as volunteers at Second Chance during the week of Nov. 14-20 and encouraged anyone to volunteer whenever possible.
Under the Leadership Commission, it was reported that there were no new members at this time. It was also reported that the last meeting report had been sent to the Fayette County Record.
Under unfinished business Judy Langhamer gave a report on the Deanery meeting held in Fayetteville during the previous month. Thirty-nine individuals attended including two members of the clergy and one distinguished guest. The usual reports were given including a report that the Convention will be held in Round Rock on April 15-16, 2024. The next Deanery meeting will be on Jan. 23, 2024 hosted by La Grange. A discussion was held regarding preparations for this meeting.
Under new business, Karen asked for a volunteer to head up the nominating committee for the 2024 slate of officers since the office of Vice President will need to be filled. Marian Tajchman volunteered to serve as Vice President if someone else is available to serve as assistant secretary. Earline Trlicek, Gracie Fucik and April Feray volunteered to serve on the nominating committee to find someone to fill either the position of Vice President or Assistant Secretary with Marian willing to serve in either position. It was noted that the responsibility of placement of the Advent Wreaths and candles is taken care of with the first Sunday of Advent noted as Dec. 3. This will also be the Sunday that Mass will be said for the intention of all living and deceased Altar Society members. All are encouraged to attend.
April Feray reported on the change of procedure for the CEF enrollments to allow for a more timely cashing of checks made out to the CEF. A notice will be posted in the church bulletin to explain the new procedure. Karen asked for suggestions for volunteer dates for hosting after Mass socials for 2024. The months of June and November were selected.
It was noted that the Altar Society will again join the CDA to provide cookies to parishioners who are shut ins during the Christmas season. A small nativity scene will be included with the cookies for recipients. Peggy Sulik is in charge of this program.
Having no further business to discuss, attendance prizes were drawn and distributed. President Karen Janda led the members in a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 4 beginning at 5:45 p.m.