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Catholic Women: Generously Sharing Stewardship Gifts with Our Faith Community
We are blessed to have such an active faith community. All through the year, important events are happening, and it seems there is always a need for extra hands and delicious refreshments. And thanks to the good work of the Catholic Women, refreshments are plentiful at our parish events. Formerly the St. John’s Women’s Association, the group was recently rebranded as Catholic Women to include all women at St. John and St. James.
In addition to providing refreshments for events, the women supply baked goods for the Knights of Columbus Lenten fish frys and work with the Knights for the Fat Tuesday Spaghetti Dinner. The group also helps with the costs of funeral dinners and operates the St. John’s Gift Store. In June, they host a garage sale fundraiser, and before Christmas, they conduct a bake sale and raffle. The Catholic Women also give financially to many groups and organizations — Madonna House, Birthright, Agape Food For Kids, and March For Life, to name a few.
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Being a project manager for her career, group president Sangeetha Arun enjoys using her talents to bring structure and organization to the meetings. She’s honored to be part of such a hardworking group of women and is humbled by the members’ generosity in stewardship. While it’s certainly a busy group with lots of work to be done, Sangeetha loves that it’s a way to give back to our Lord and parishioners.
“There’s just something about selfless service to others,” she says. “The members show me what that looks like. This is a fantastic group of women.”
Each female parishioner at St. James and St. John is automatically a member of Catholic Women. Sangeetha would love to see more women come to meetings, which start at noon on the first Thursday of the month. A social begins at 11:30 a.m. The group will likely begin alternating where they meet between both parishes. Sangeetha invites all women of St. James and St. John to get involved.
“I have enjoyed getting to know other women of the parish on a deeper level,” she says. “Being involved has been a really good journey.”
Current group treasurer Vicky Henderson has been a member for six years, and she has enjoyed getting to know the other members of Catholic Women. This has also been a great way for Vicky to give of her time and learn more about the Catholic faith at the same time.
Diane Leroux has been involved in a women’s group at St. James for more than 20 years. She has enjoyed being involved as a way to grow in faith and enjoy fellowship with other women. She is excited to collaborate with the women at St. John’s through Catholic Women.
Annette Walker has been in the St. John’s group for more than 20 years.
“I enjoy working with like-minded Catholic women and the opportunities for service while having fun working together,” Annette says.
Pat Netzer enjoys the fellowship with other women. She notes that her mother set a strong example through involvement in a women’s group.
“These women’s work ethic, Christian kindness, and sharing attitudes give me hope for the world,” Pat says.
Catholic Women gathered for a recent meeting.
Catholic Women gathered for a recent meeting.
