Sacred Heart Altar Society Holds September Meeting

The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday, Sept. 13 in the Msgr. Harry Mazurkiewicz Parish Center.

President Karen Janda called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and led members in the opening prayer and welcomed everyone back after the long break due to the pandemic. There were eleven members in attendance. President Janda reminded everyone that the dues are now due and can be dropped in the basket at church in an envelope marked Altar Society dues with the member name or left at the Parish office.

The secretary provided the minutes which were approved and the treasurer gave her report to which there were no corrections. Three thank you notes were then read by President Janda.

Under the Spirituality Commission, Debbie Greene volunteered to replace Doris Lidiak as chair. With no other report, Janda provided a Reflection Prayer for Solidarity for COVID-19. Gracie Fucik gave the report for the church preparation committee reporting that a cleaning of the church sacristy is currently on going and that extra help is needed in January to assist with the church cleaning. Fucik also reported that Susie Kalmus has volunteered to assist Earline Trlicek with flower upkeep in church. Fucik also reported that Peggy Sulik continues to keep Father Brian’s vestments cleaned and ready for use. Nina Blaha, chairperson of the Clerical Endowment Fund, reported on the August enrollments and provided reports for filing for previous months during which the Society was not meeting.

Under the Service Commission, Barbara Schellberg reported on CEF enrollments and floral crosses that had been sent during the previous months. Janda asked for volunteers for a chair for the charity and sick committee however, in the absence of an acting chair, she will be sending out get well and cheer cards and asks that members notify her of needs for cards to be sent that they are aware of. Regarding visitations, Debbie Greene reported that visitations had been halted due to the pandemic and will continue to be on hold for the time being. It was also reported that funeral lunches had not been held for several months due to the pandemic. Anna Boyd reported on Second Chance activities.

Janda reported that one new member had been approved and that the last meeting had been published in the Fayette County Record. She also informed members that the Rural Life Mass had been celebrated at St. Mary’s in Hearne on Aug. 11.

Under unfinished business, no one had been able to attend the ADCCW convention, however three ladies attended the banquet during the convention. An article was provided to The Fayette County Record regarding the donation made by the Lillie Sulak estate.

Under new business, it was reported that an audit of the books is now due. Concerning finances, Janda reported that treasury funds have been dwindling and opened discussion about the possibility of a bakeless bake sale. It was decided to publish a bulletin announcement to invite parish members to make a donation to the Altar Society to help support the needs of the altar. Discussion was also held regarding funeral lunches. Input had been requested from the Parish Business Administrator about how to handle funeral lunches in the future. A suggestion was made to have the families provide a catered meal to be served at the Parish Center with ladies from the Parish providing drinks. This suggestion will be given to the Parish Business Administrator with the final decision on this matter will rest with the Administration of the Parish.

Upon completion of business, attendance prizes were drawn and distributed. President Janda led the members in a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 4, beginning at 6 p.m.