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Arts and Crafts Guild: Blessed To Be Active Once Again, Sharing In Talents And Fellowship
T he Arts and Crafts Guild of Immaculate Conception Parish began meeting again in September after being forced to remain apart for many months due to COVID restrictions.
During the pandemic restrictions, both the active and homebound members kept in touch via telephone — support the members see as a blessing. But now that they are meeting again, they invite anyone interested to join them in fellowship as they serve the Lord. Their meetings are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Tuesday at Immaculata Hall.
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The Guild began in 1970 with a group of women who wanted to do something creative, worthwhile, and enjoyable.
“They met in each other’s homes until Immaculata Hall was built, and were given a room on the north side of the building,” says Rose Marie Karp, Guild coordinator.
Not only were the Guild members creative, but they quickly embraced stewardship by using their time, talent, and treasure to benefit our parish. The Guild has sponsored an annual crafts bazaar that has raised more than $200,000 for the parish.
“Amazingly, most all of the materials for our items have been donated from kind individuals,” Rose Marie says. “The money we raised has been used to pay for many church needs — new carpet in church, a Nativity set, parish center tables, and kitchen supplies, the kitchen in Immaculata Hall, playground equipment, tuition scholarships, computers, audio-visual equipment, and more.”
The Guild bazaars are a thing to behold, with the variety of items the members have crafted. These include tree ornaments, decorated small trees, artificial bouquets and wreaths, stuffed animals, aprons, pot holders, tree skirts, and quilts.
Members enjoy crafting and working together.
The Arts and Crafts Guild has raised more than $200,000 for the parish through the annual bazaar, where their crafted items are sold.
“The last couple of years, we’ve made stockings for the parish youth to fill for the Christmas Caravan, and potholders for the Thanksgiving baskets,” Rose Marie says. “We’ve also made costumes for the Christmas pageant, repainted the Nativity set, and helped with the soup tasting event.”
As valuable and as important the funds are that the Guild raises for our parish, there is something even more precious that takes place as the members offer their talents. They have been able to craft friendships among other women sharing their faith.
“Even more valuable than the projects we work on together is the opportunity to meet other faith-filled women,” Rose Marie says. “Lifetime friendships have been made through this ministry. Sharing food, recipes, talents, and friendship with each other has lifted the burden from many a person participating.
Seasonal items are among the items made by the Arts and Crafts Guild for the annual bazaar.
