Sacred Heart Altar Society Holds Meeting December 2
The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday, Dec. 2, in the Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz Parish Center. The meeting was opened with a prayer followed by the standard reports provided by the secretary, treasurer and assistant treasurer. Two thank you cards were read to members in appreciation for remembrances received. Fourteen ladies attended the meeting.
The Spirituality Report provided by Marian Tajchman reminded us that December marks the beginning of Advent. Marian read an excerpt from a book titled Welcoming the Christ Child with Padre Pio which includes daily reflections for Advent. We were all reminded that we should hold the Christ Child close to our heart especially during this season of Advent. Notable December dates include Dec. 6 which is the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, Dec. 8 The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec. 12 The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec.13 The Feast of St. Lucy and Dec. 25 when we celebrate the Nativity of The Lord.
Church Preparation Co-Chair Earline Trlicek reported that new books for the new Liturgical year had been put out in church. The Advent wreaths are on display commemorating the season of Advent and will be changed to Christmas wreaths during the week of Christmas and remain during the Christmas season. The Christmas décor is expected to remain the same as in years past. She also reported that flowers would be placed on the altar on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Judy reported that the poinsettias had been ordered and an announcement is appearing in the bulletin for those parishioners who wish to contribute to the cost of the poinsettias. 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 that the Enrollments received by the Clerical Endowment Fund during the month of November was not available at this time. Cards for the Enrollments can still be obtained from her in the evenings, however since the cards are no longer available at the church office, Earline Trlicek volunteered to be the contact during the day. There were no getwell cards sent during the previous month and the report for resolutions was not available at this meeting. Judy reported that there had been no funeral lunches during the previous month and gave the financial report of the Parish Council of Catholic Women.
Under the Leadership Commission, Trish Pechal 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, Karen thanked everyone who helped to get the church ready for the advent season. Peggy Sulik spoke in more detail about the cookies for the homebound project hosted jointly by the Altar Society and CDA members. Members and parishioners are welcome to drop off their cookies in the Narthex between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9. Ninety bags are expected to be made and distributed to home bound individuals.
Under new business, Karen informed members that the annual Mass of the living and deceased members of the Altar Society will be held on Dec. 15. Members volunteered to carry up the gifts on this day. Christmas gifts for Father Chris, Deacon Kingsley and soon to be Deacon Kyle were discussed. It was decided to also send a remembrance to Deacon Mike this year. The slate of officers for the 2025 year was presented as follows: President Karen Janda, Vice President Marian Tajchman, Secretary Trish Pechal, Assistant Secretary Carolyn Weishuhn, Treasurer Anna Boyd, Assistant Treasurer Susie Kalmus, and Parliamentarian Gracie Fucik. The officers will be installed at the January meeting.
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 is Monday, Jan. 6, beginning at 5:45 p.m.