Service, Spirituality, and New Leadership Highlight Altar Society Meeting Dec. 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. One verbal thank you was heard by members in appreciation for remembrances received. Sixteen ladies attended the meeting.
The Spirituality Report provided by Marian Tajchman reminded us that Advent is a season of miracles and graces. We are reminded that Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas. It is a time to reflect on the greatest of all miracles, the miracle of the Incarnation. Advent calls us to open our hearts and minds to the miracles and graces that surround us as we wait expectantly for the coming of the Lord.
Church Preparation Co-Chair Earline Trlicek reported that the Advent wreaths are on display commemorating the season of Advent and thanked Elaine Bodine for updating the wreaths with new ribbons and bows. 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. The flower list is still missing a few spots and will be ready soon. It was reported that Peggy Sulik, Elaine Bodine and member volunteers continue to care for the vestments and altar cloths as needed.
Under the Service Commission, it was reported that no Enrollments had been received by the Clerical Endowment Fund during the month of November. Members were asked to sign up for the Christmas CEF Cards since they are limited in supply. Emma reported that three get-well cards had been sent during the previous month. Barbara Schellberg gave her report on a CEF enrollments sent to a member for an over 90 birthday as well as enrollments sent to members in memory of their deceased loved one during the months of October and November. 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. Anna Boyd and Marian Tajchman reported that Sacred Heart Parish is scheduled to volunteer at Second Chance during the week of Dec. 16-22.
Under the Leadership Commission, Trish Pechal 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 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 are welcome to drop off their cookies in the Narthex from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 9. Help to assemble the bags and distribute them to home bound individuals will be greatly appreciated. The nominating committee of Earline Trlicek and April Feray presented the following slate of officers for the 2026 year: 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. There being no nominations from the floor, a motion was made and seconded to accept the slate as presented. All voted in favor and Karen announced that the officers will be installed at the January meeting. Anna Boyd was recognized for her many years of service to the Altar Society as treasurer. Her generous spirit and continued dedication to the Society is greatly appreciated. Earline also announced that April Feray has agreed to serve as Chair of the Membership Committee for all new memberships.
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. 14. Members volunteered to carry up the gifts on this day. Christmas gifts for Father Chris, Deacon Cameron, Deacon Kyle and Deacon Mike were suggested and accepted.
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, Jan. 5, 2026 beginning at 5:45 p.m.