Sacred Heart Altar Society Meets Jan. 5, New 2026 Officers Installed

The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday Jan. 5 in the Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz Parish Center. The meeting was opened with a prayer followed by the standard financial reports. Members were reminded that dues for the 2026 year are now due. Two thank you notes were read for remembrances received. Eighteen ladies attended the meeting.

The Spirituality Chair Marian Tajchman gave a spiritual reflection inviting members to center on new beginnings in the New Year. We are encouraged to reconnect with core values like family, community and God’s presence. Take time to embrace the quiet and focus on what truly matters. Be grateful for past blessings, but also look forward and embrace continuous renewal to live out your “new self” in the new year. Marian also reminded us that January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Important January dates include the Baptism of Jesus celebrated on Jan. 11. The 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday Jan. 11 will be a Polka Mass in honor of the Infant of Prague.

Church Preparation Co-Chair Earline Trlicek recognized those who assisted with the decorating of the church and grounds for the Christmas season and gave special recognition to Elaine Bodine for updating all the wreaths and to Dawn Vinklarek who completely redid the outdoor nativity scene for the church. She also reported that a reception will be held following the Polka Mass in the Immaculate Heart reception room.

Judy Langhamer reported that donations for poinsettias had been received from 31 families and recognized those who helped with the arrangement of the poinsettias on the altar. Donors are encouraged to pick up their poinsettias from the back of church beginning on Jan. 4. Copies of the 2026 flower list were available at the meeting. It was reported that Peggy Sulik, Elaine Bodine and member volunteers continue to care for the vestments and altar cloths as needed.

April Feray next gave her reports on the Clerical Endowment Fund donations for the months of November and December. Emma Proske reported that one get-well card had been sent during the previous month and two additional names were suggested for cards to be sent. Barbara Schellberg gave her report on CEF enrollments sent to members for over 90 birthdays and to members in memory of deceased loved ones during the previous month. Judy Langhamer reported that one funeral lunch had been served during the previous month and gave her report on the activity in the PCCW account. Marian Tajchman reported that Sacred Heart would serve as volunteers at Second Chance during the week beginning February 10 through 16. She encouraged anyone to volunteer whenever possible as help is always needed. There is also a current need for more volunteers to serve as coordinators.

Under the Leadership Commission, it was reported that one new member had been approved by Father Chris since the last meeting. It was also reported that the last meeting report had been sent to the Fayette County Record.

Under unfinished business Karen expressed her thanks to all those who assisted with decorations during the Christmas season. Doris Lidiak gave a final report on the Cookies to the Homebound project and recognized ladies from the Altar Society and CDA who had participated. Karen also gave thanks to those ladies who attended the Mass for Living and Deceased members of the Altar Society held on Dec. 14.

Under new business, it was noted that an audit of the books for the 2025 year is due. Marian Tajchman and Connie Sacco agreed to chair this project. The 2026 Membership Roster was distributed and members are encouraged to submit any changes and updates to Trish. Members are invited to attend the next Deanery meeting to be held in Brenham on Jan. 27. A short discussion was held on preferred dates to host two coffee and donuts socials after Mass this year. Karen will check with the office and will select the dates. Members decided that the no bake Bake Sale Fundraiser will be held during the month of March. Six members were recognized for perfect meeting attendance during 2025. Those members include Gracie Fucik, Karen Janda, Anna Boyd, Doris Lidiak, Kathleen Pecha and Earline Trlicek. The date for the Candlemas Sunday has not yet been set. Earline volunteered to contact members to be available at the back of church for the distribution of candles once the date is known. The installation of officers ceremony was then led by Judy Langhamer. Officers installed for the 2026 year are as follows: President-Karen Janda, Vice President-Marian Tajchman, Secretary-Carolyn Weishuhn, Assistant Secretary- Elaine Bodine, Treasurer- Trish Pechal, Assistant Treasurer-Susie Kalmus and Parliamentarian-Gracie Fucik.

Earline asked members to give recognition to Karen Janda for being recognized as the 2026 recipient of the Saints and Scholars Catholic Education Service Award for Sacred Heart School. She will be honored at the reception held in Austin on Saturday Jan. 17.

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. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 2, beginning at 5:45 p.m.