Enhancing the Beauty of Our Faith with the Help of the Flower Committee

Thanks to the Flower Committee, our parish building is touched by the life, color, and beauty of flowers and plants throughout the year.

“A priest once said that flowers and plants add to the beauty of the sanctuary,” says Sharon Janda, who coordinates the Flower Committee. “I agree with him! They draw parishioners into the Mass and help them focus on its purpose, which is to glorify God. Flowers bring a softer side to the Mass, create a more prayerful atmosphere in the church, and help to unify our parish family.”

What’s more, flowers can remind us of the love that the Blessed Mother has for us.

“Flowers remind us of Mary, and of the more simplistic beauty found in everyday things,” Sharon says. “When we put out flowers, we make a sort of Marian offering. They reflect her beauty. When we place them at the foot of the altar, it is a reminder to us of Mary being at Jesus’ feet. When we put them at the foot of the cross, it speaks to us of how Mary prayed at the foot of the cross.”

The committee members enjoy setting out floral arrangements in honor of the seasons of the liturgical year, as well as in commemoration of special occasions in people’s lives. The floral arrangements reveal to us God’s goodness and creativity.

“We like to do different arrangements for the different liturgical seasons,” Sharon says. “We put out poinsettias for Christmas and lilies for Easter. We try to make sacramental Masses — such as for Confirmation — and Masses in honor of graduation extra special by putting out nicer arrangements as well. And although we don’t have flowers out every day of the year, we always have live plants.”

The Flower Committee includes a small group of volunteers that order, water, and care for the flowers displayed inside the sanctuary and chapel.

“I am so grateful for the help of the other committee members — Renae Elmenhorst, Sabrina Gelado, and Janie Keleher,” Sharon says. “We enjoy each other’s company and have a lot of fun. Being part of the Flower Committee is a wonderful fellowship opportunity.”

Sharon has found the ministry to be spiritually enriching as well.

“Sometimes, we work alone to set up the side altars, or arrange some flowers by ourselves on our own time,” Sharon says. “This gives us an opportunity to spend some quiet time in God’s presence.”

The Flower Committee is part of the St. John’s Women’s Association, which also contributes to the Altar Flower Fund.

“I look forward to new members joining us during the annual stewardship renewal,” Sharon says.

For more info, contact the parish office at 918-336-4353 or note your interest on your stewardship commitment card. If you would like to contribute to the Altar Flower Fund, please do so through the parish office.

Flower Committee members Renae Elmenhorst, Sabrina Gelado, Sharon Janda and Janie Keleher