Sacred Heart Altar Society Installs New Officers

The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday, Jan. 6, 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 2025 year are now due. Seven thank you notes were read for remembrances received. Eighteen ladies attended the meeting.

The Spirituality Chair Marian Tajchman noted the many Feast Days that are celebrated during the month of January. Some of those mentioned included The Solemnity of Mary, The Epiphany, The Baptism of Jesus, and The Conversion of St. Paul. However focus was given on the Feast Day of Jan. 6 which is the feast day of St. Andre Bessette. Through his ministry as doorkeeper of The Brothers of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, St. Andre Bessette was able to intercede to St. Joseph on behalf of the people he met, and through these intercessions, many miracles of physical healing began to take place. Marian shared with members a quote by St. John Paul II “Life in Christ is a Wonderful Adventure.” She also reminded members that group sessions were forming to discuss the “33 Days” book and it was noted that Catholic Schools Week is Jan. 26-Feb. 1.

Church Preparation Co-Chair Earline Trlicek recognized those who assisted with the decorating of the church and grounds for the Christmas season and announced that clean up and restoration back to ordinary time would begin the following Sunday. She also reported on the status of candles, ashes and palms for the upcoming Lenton season. Judy Langhamer reported that donation for poinsettias had been received from 33 families. Donors are encouraged to pick up their poinsettias from the back of church beginning on Jan. 6. It was also noted that the 2025 flower list is complete and copies are available during the meeting or in the back of church. It was reported that Peggy Sulik and member volunteers continue to care for the vestments and altar cloths as needed.

Under the Service Commission, members were reminded that the Clerical Endowment Fund cards are available from Earline or April. Emma Proske reported that four get-well cards had been sent to members 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 members for over 90 birthdays and to members in memory of deceased loved ones during the months of November and December. Visitation to the sick and home bound has not yet resumed and Judy reported that no funeral lunches had been served during the previous month. The funds for the PCCW remain the same.

Marian Tajchman reported that Sacred Heart would serve as volunteers at Second Chance during the week beginning Feb. 4 through 10 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 Karen expressed her thanks to all those who assisted with decorations during the Christmas season. Peggy 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.15. The annual Mass has already been scheduled for December 2025.

Under new business, it was noted that an audit of the books for the 2024 year is due. Trish Pechal agreed to chair this project. Members were encouraged to attend the Deanery meeting to be held in Fayetteville on Jan. 28. After discussion, a date of Jan. 19 was selected as the date to host the coffee and donuts social after Mass if available. Three members were recognized for perfect meeting attendance during 2024. Those members include Gracie Fucik, Karen Janda, and Carolyn Weishuhn. Members decided that the no bake Bake Sale Fundraiser will be held during the month of March this year. More information will be coming. Candlemas Sunday will be celebrated during the weekend of Feb. 1-2. Members volunteered to be available at the back of church to offer candles to those who wished to purchase them.

The installation of officers ceremony was then led by Judy Langhamer. Officers installed for the 2025 year are 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.

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. 6, beginning at 5:45 p.m.