Fulfilling the Teachings of Jesus: Our Parish Altar Society

When asked why she enjoys belonging to the Altar Society, Vice President Carolyn Chalmers says that it’s an opportunity to follow the greatest possible example.

“It is such a great way to do what Jesus teaches us to do,” she says. “When I retired, the Altar Society became my source of fellowship and service. It has become the ‘church group’ I really enjoy being part of!”

Along with the other members of the Altar Society, Carolyn serves our parish family in an amazing number and variety of ways throughout the year.

Although there have been no Altar Society activities since March 13 due to the pandemic, the ministry looks forward to resuming its service soon at a date yet to be determined.

The primary responsibilities of the members of the Altar Society are to maintain the altar itself, as well as take care of the altar linens, votive candles, finger towels, and purificators. They also provide funeral meals for grieving families.

Each February, Altar Society members host a shower to gather donations of baby items for local pro-life centers such as Birthright. In April, they raise money for hospitality and service efforts.

“Many of our members help out in the community in various ways, such as with hospice, the Helping Hands Ministry, or by bringing Holy Communion to the sick,” Carolyn says. “The Altar Society enjoys raising money to support their charitable efforts. We also try to encourage others to do volunteer work, and reach out to others, while promoting their own personal growth as well.”

Furthermore, in May, Society members put on a special dinner for their spouses and friends. They also prepare meals for the House of Formation in Little Rock, which is a place for young men discerning if they feel called to enter the priesthood.

In September, the Altar Society hosts a luncheon to welcome back its members and give them their service assignments for the coming year. Each November, members make soup and sell it as part of a parish-wide project to raise money for general parish needs and the parish school. This is done in conjunction with the Arts and Crafts Guild, which sells items that they have made by hand. Also in November, the Altar Society hosts an annual retreat that is open to all of our parish women. The retreat features an inspiring talk from a speaker on a relevant topic, such as an ethical issue or teaching of Sacred Scripture. They hold an annual Christmas party with games each December as well.

Lastly, members originally founded the Prayer Shawl Ministry, which has become a remarkable success.

“It grew so large that they ended up breaking off and forming their own ministry,” Carolyn says.

Overall, the Altar Society works hard to make our parish building feel like home to our parishioners, and to make our parish community feel like family.

“In this age of isolation, we need other people to be there, and really be an active part of our church community,” Carolyn says. “This is what the Altar Society tries to bring about.”

More women are needed to help out with the efforts of the Altar Society once normal activities resume in the near future. For more info on how to fulfill the teachings of Jesus by helping out with this generous group, please contact Joan Finnegan at 501-517-5153 or Carolyn Chalmers at 501-835-5544.