Sacred Heart Altar Society Meets, Installation of 2024 Officers Held

The Sacred Heart Altar Society members met on Monday, Jan. 8, 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. Nineteen ladies attended the meeting.

The Spirituality Chair Marian Tajchman informed members that the month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. She also spoke about the Holy Days that are celebrated during the month of January. Some of those mentioned included The Solemnity of Mary on Jan. 1, The Epiphany celebrated on Jan. 6 and the Holy Hour for Life on Jan. 26. Karen added the Feast of the Infant of Prague on Jan. 14, Call by Name Sunday on Jan. 20-21, The Deanery Meeting hosted by La Grange on Jan. 23 and celebrating of Catholic School week beginning with Mass on Jan. 28. Marian also reminded members that we are currently celebrating ordinary time in the church year. Church Preparation Co-Chair Earline Trlicek recognized those who assisted with the decorating of the church and Narthax for the Christmas season and with the clean up and restoration back to ordinary time. Judy Langhamer reported that donation for poinsettias had been received from 40 families and that ample funds had been received to cover the cost of the flowers. Donors are encouraged to pick up their poinsettias from the back of church beginning on Jan. 8. It was noted that a donation had been received from a member for First Communion flowers or as needed. It was also suggested that an announcement be included in the bulletin when flowers are donated in memory of a deceased or in commemoration of a special event. Finally, Judy reminded members that Easter is fast approaching and discussed preliminary plans for flowers to be ordered as needed. She also updated members on the financial status of the PCCW account. 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 December. 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 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 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 Jan. 8 and encouraged anyone to volunteer whenever possible.

Under the Leadership Commission, it was reported that ten new members had been added during the previous year and 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, Barbara Shellberg agreed to contact the parish office to request Masses intentions for deceased members according to the by laws of the organization. Family members will continue to receive CEF enrollments when a family member passes away. Karen also expressed her thanks to all those who assisted with decorations during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Final plans were discussed for the ECCW meeting to be held in La Grange on Jan. 23. Members were reminded that the no bake Bake Sale Fundraiser will be held during the month of February. Members can drop donations in the collection basket at church with their name and “Altar Society Bake Sale” on the envelope.

Under new business, members were recognized for perfect meeting attendance during 2023. Those members include Gracie Fucik, Karen Janda, Doris Lidiak, Margaret Olivares, Trish Pechal and Earline Trlicek. Candlemas Sunday will be celebrated during the weekend of Feb. 3-4. Members volunteered to be available at the back of church to offer candles to those who wish to purchase them. The installation of officers ceremony was then led by Emma Proske.

Officers installed for the 2024 year are as follows: President- Karen Janda, Vice President- Marian Tajchman, Secretary- Trish Pechal, Assistant Secretary-Carolyn Weishuhn, Treasurer-Anna Boyd, Assistant Treasurer-Earline Trlicek and Parliamentarian-Gracie Fucik. Following the installation, it was noted that an audit of the books for the 2023 year is due. Trish Pechal agreed to chair this project. Karen also noted that a member had inquired about the status of funds that had been donated some years back and it was reported that those funds are currently invested and the earnings are used to meet altar needs.

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