Sacred Heart Altar Society Meets Feb. 5
The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday, Feb. 5, in the Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz Parish Center. The meeting was opened with a prayer followed by the standard financial reports. There was no correspondence to be read. Eighteen ladies attended the meeting.
The Spirituality Chair Marian Tajchman informed members that the month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family. She told members that 2024 has been designated as aYear of Prayer by Pope Francis. Some of the notable days during the month of February included Candlemas Day, the Feast of St. Blaze, and Ash Wednesday which falls on Valentines Day this year and commemorates the beginning of Lent. Members are reminded that Lent is a time of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Mass and The Stations of the Cross are celebrated every Friday evening during Lent. Church Preparation Co-Chair Earline Trlicek reported that more candles needed to be ordered as supply is low after the celebration of Candlemas Day during the weekend of Feb. 3-4. Lenten preparations were underway and help is always appreciated to get the church ready for the Holy Week and Easter celebrations. Marian Tajchman reported that the altar flowers continue to be maintained and that there are no flowers on the altars during Lent. 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 January. Emma Proske reported that a get-well card had been sent to a member during the previous month. If anyone is aware of a member in need of a get-well card, they are asked to let Emma know so that she can send a card. Barbara Schellberg gave her report on CEF enrollments sent to a member for an over 90 birthday and to a member in memory of their deceased loved one during the month of January. Visitation to the sick and home bound has not yet resumed and one funeral lunch had been served during the previous month. Anna Boyd reported that Sacred Heart would serve as volunteers at Second Chance during the week beginning Feb. 20.
Under the Leadership Commission, it was reported that there were no new members at this time. The Rural Life Mass will be held this summer with the date to be determined at St. Mary’s in Taylor.
Under unfinished business, Earline Trlicek clarified the procedures to be followed regarding CEF Enrollments and Mass Intentions for deceased members and members of their families as stated in the by-laws of the organization. Only one family member belonging to the Altar Society is to receive a CEF enrollment when a family member passes away. If a member passes away, a Mass is said for the member’s intention and that member is also remembered with a perpetual enrollment in the CEF. Judy Langhamer gave her report on the ECCW meeting held in La Grange on Jan. 23. Twenty-six ladies attended the meeting which was decorated with a Valentines Day theme. Ample door prizes were on hand for members to enjoy. After the usual meeting business, the discussion turned to the upcoming convention to be held in Round Rock on April 15-16. The Deanery will be responsible for registration which includes gift bags to be given to attendees. Donations will also be accepted for the silent auction. A report on volunteer hours performed by ladies of the Parish and deceased ladies in the Parish is due by the end of February. A delegate from Fayetteville will represent the Deanery this year with La Grange sending the delegate in 2025. The next ECCW meeting will be held on April 23 in Rockdale. Members were reminded of the no bake Bake Sale Fundraiser during the month of February. The $5 annual dues are also due and can be dropped in the collection basket at church or taken by the Church office. Karen thanked those who assisted with the distribution of candles on Candlemas Sunday. Trish Pechal reported that the audit of the books was completed and the books were found to be in order. She also thanked Lorene Bertsch for her assistance in completing the audit.
Under new business, Karen informed members that the Altar Society would lead the Stations of the Cross on March 15. Volunteers would be taken at the March meeting. Judy also let members know that she had been cleaning out the work sacristy and would be taking flower vases to Second Chance.
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.