NEWSLETTER Snows Women’s Auxiliary September 2019

Snows Women’s Auxiliary– Formed November of 2012

We are a service and social organization existing so that the women of Our Lady of Snows

Catholic Church can be involved with assisting others while enjoying social activities.

Officers Effective Sept. 1, 2019:

President: Susann Boley

Vice Pres: Ann McCarthy

Rec. Sec: Barbara Reyes Treasurer: Cindy McLaughlin Corr. Sec: Sandy McClure Sgt at Arms: Betty Mullins Newsletter Editor: Barbara Reyes

Snows Women's Auxiliary Mission Statement:

Promote sociability among members and fellowship among the church’s congregation.

Promote charitable service to the church with activities each year, such as but not limited to, money for Christmas cheer, scholarships, help to needy families, donation of clothing, food for the poor and needy, and any other such activity approved by the members.

Assist in promoting and supporting the members of Snows Women’s Auxiliary and the Knights of Columbus, Council Number 4997.

SWA September, 2019 Newsletter President’s Article

Greetings:

Autumn is such a beautiful season. Scripture is full of references to harvest time. All one needs to do is Google “biblical references to autumn” and there is a seemingly unending list of those references. Enjoy!

Families are back home from summer vacations; school is back in session; attendance at mass is noticeably greater; and participation in the parish’s hospitality events after mass is bringing people together again. Welcome back EVERYONE! I hope you enjoyed your summertime activities.

So that you don’t miss upcoming activities, please check your calendars and update them for activities listed in the church’s bulletin and the SWA newsletter.

Last year, when my brother went to heaven, I was blessed to receive many cards with many special messages on them. One of my favorites was something like this: “While we’re grieving on earth, they’re rejoicing in heaven.” As we all honor and say goodbye to the two souls we lost this summer, Anna Schuessler and Shari Ford, let us keep that message in our minds. We miss you dear ones; be at peace with the Lord.

May God’s blessings continue in our lives.

Peace,

Susann

Calendar of Upcoming Events

On-going – The SWA Knit and Crochet group meets every other Tuesday in the Parish Center from 10:00 am -1:00 pm. Future meetings will be on Sept. 3 and 17. For more info, please contact Pat at 786-5066.

Tuesday, Sept. 3 - SWA Meeting. Bring a sweet or savory treat to share. Rosary is at 5:30 in the Chapel; Social Half Hour is 6:00–6:30 pm; meeting is 6:30-7:30 pm.

Sunday, Sept. 8 – The first SWA Bunco gathering will be at 1 pm in the Parish Center. Interested ladies and men from the community are invited. Buy-in is $20. Have fun, win prizes, enjoy free snacks and support the SWA’s charitable works. Water & soft drinks are $1.

Sunday, Sept. 15 – SWA Bingo at 1 pm in the Parish Center.

Friday, Oct. 4 – Parish Fall Festival. Volunteers are needed for 30” shifts. See the adjacent announcement for more details.

All About Bunco!

Bunco is a fun and exciting game of dice that began in England almost 200 years ago. Twelve or more players are divided into tables of 4 players each. Each table is given 3 dice and designates a scorekeeper. Bunco happens when someone rolls “three of a kind” of the number you are currently rolling. The basic rules are as follows:

There are six Rounds in each game. Each Round is signaled by a player at the Table #1, the head table, ringing a bell. (Table #1 is the Winners’ table.)

Players at all 4 tables then take turns rolling all 3 dice to try to earn points.

Players try to roll the same number as the number of the Round, earning 1 point for every number rolled that matches the Round number. For example, for Round 1 roll 1s; for Round 2 roll 2s, etc.

A player’s turn continues until she stops scoring points. The scorekeeper records the score earned onto the table tally. The turn and dice are then passed to the player on the left.

The Round is over when the head table earns 26 points. The Round ends when the bell is rung.

Players change partners and/or tables at the end of every Round.

At the end of a game, there are typically multiple winners. The players with the most Buncos, wins and losses may earn prizes for their successes.

Join us on Sunday, Sept. 8 for the first-ever SWA Bunco!

Volunteers are needed for 30” shifts as follows:

Roaming Ticket Sales – from 2:30 – 6 pm, or when demand stops

Will Call Desk – from 2:50 – 3:30 pm, to distribute pre-sold tickets

DATE AFTER WHICH MASS

WHAT HOSTED BY

Sept. 7 Sat 5 pm Wine & Nibbles

Bring bite-size nibbles to share

Sept. 8 Sun 7:30 am Coffee & Donuts K of C and SWA

Sept. 8 Sun 9:30 am Coffee & Waffles Young Adults

Sept. 8 Sun 11:30 am Burgers & Dogs Young Adults

Sept. 8 Sun 5 pm Burgers & Dogs Young Adults

WHERE: Wine & Nibbles and Coffee & Donuts will take place in front of the Church. Waffles, Burgers & Dogs will take place in front of the Youth House (1045 Lander St.)

Add Excitement to Your Life - Join a SWA Committee! Chairwomen listed in Bold above member names.

Funeral Service Committee Ongoing

Sandra Gerhardt-Carroll & Cindy McLaughlin

772-2103 or 826-3689 750-7867

Ann Steckline Lottie Wilson

Barrie McKay Jean Sokol

Barbara Clark Madeline Zunino

Barbara Reyes Marie Sanchez

Betty Mullins Nancy Piercy

Diana Perez Nelda McGee

Ellie Lawson-Gilgovan Sandy McClure

Lorie Johnson

Bingo Committee Ongoing

Mary Francis 691-1697 or 329-5802 Betty Mullins Lorie Johnson

Cindy McLaughlin Lottie Wilson

Debbie Sotero Madeleine Zunino

Delores Harvey Sandy McClure

Ginny Motola Sharon Cortez

Gayle Carlson Theresa Kristynik

Bunco Committee Ongoing – Starting on Sept. 8, 2019

Lottie Wilson 322-3520 Gayle Carlson Betty Mullins

Ellie Lawson-Gilgovan

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Saturday, March 14, 2020

Sandra Gerhardt-Carroll 772-2103 or 826-3689

Spring Fashion Show Committee Saturday, May 4, 2019

Denise Topoian 544-4191

3rd Annual Community Yard Sale Saturday, June 1, 2019

Belinda Preston 828-4096 or 815-1509

Making a Difference Awards Committee Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Sandy McClure 233-5359

Craft Fair & Bake Sale Saturday, October 26, 2019

Cindy McLaughlin 750-7867 Lorie Johnson

In Memoriam – Anna Schuessler and Shari Ford It was with great sadness that we said good bye to two beloved SWA members this summer, Anna Schuessler and Shari Ford. Both were active and enthusiastic SWA members, participating in various Committees and group activities over the years. Most recently, Shari was serving as our Vice-President and Anna as our Corresponding Secretary. Anna passed away on July 31 and Shari on August 23, both suffering from health issues that could not be resolved despite ongoing medical treatment. We will miss their bright smiles and willingness to always lend a hand whenever help was needed.

Anna Schuessler Anna and her twin sister Frici were born in Budapest, Hungary, on June 16, 1949. She had her step-son Michael, son Cary

and daughter Angelica with her husband Richard. He preceded her in death, passing away on September 5, 2018.

Shari Ford August was a special month for Shari. She was born in 1943 and turned 76 on August 9th,

Shari and Don’s 53rd wedding anniversary was on August 13th, and she went to Heaven on August 23.

Did you know that the SWA has a book club, just one-for now? Occasionally at our monthly SWA meeting, those in attendance are polled to determine if an idea or suggestion is of interest to the ladies. Sometimes these topics are rejected, other times they simmer on the back burner until someone is reminded that they are there (meaning one or more of the ladies take charge.) Lorie Johnson did just that. Soon, Shari Ford was on board and with individual experiences and research, they hatched a plan that came to fruition in October of 2018. Our 3rd member is Barbara Reyes who arrived in time for the first meeting.

The purpose of this book club is for each person in the club to read the same book, then come together to discuss, to critique, to learn and share our faith. Early parameters for the newly established SWA BOOK CLUB included a monthly meeting on Tuesdays from 2-4pm, and the hostess would recommend the book to be read prior to the gathering. Christian titles only, the proposed books for the following month are presented at the close of each gathering. Book Club members are practicing Catholic women, the hostess serves a light refreshment (usually something decadent, something healthy, coffee & tea) and since she leads the discussion, she may choose a format that suits the reading material. Hosting is rotated among the members. The size of the club is ideal at 5-8 women, not too small if 1 or 2 can’t attend, not too large so all have time to share their opinions. We have since unanimously decided to meet every 6 weeks. All the ladies have reported learning, laughing, crying and being amazed in new ways by our God and His people while reading the books. When together, they see the same concepts through one another’s eyes, ears, voices & spirits. Each has stated having had spiritual experiences during the process. “We grow closer to God and each other while gaining in our spiritual gifts, we apply what we’ve learned to our lives.”, said Shari who brought forth the first volume The Fisherman’s Tomb The True Story of the Vatican’s Secret Search by John O’Neill. The story takes place over 75 years and guess what? They find Peter’s tomb (a not so surprising ending) but that is not the best part of this story. The journey of scientists and clergy to uncover the tomb is overflowing with twists and turns. Yes, we recommend this book especially to the lovers of history & adventure.

Nancy Piercy joined the club as Lorie selected The Story of a Soul + Saint Therese of Lisieux an autobiography translated from her native French language. “…I received the grace to understand more than ever before how much Jesus longs for us to love Him” she says on page 142. As a toddler, “the Little

Flower”, as she is known since that age, aspired to become a saint, she never remembered a time before her known destiny. Alas, the journey was not so carefree as one might assume when your goal in life is to always be good. Yes, we recommend this story to everyone, let’s all fall deeper in love with Jesus, His Father and His Blessed Mother. With St. Therese came the remainder of our company - Mary Culbert, Rosemary Damon and Sandra Gerhardt-Carroll.

Nancy’s choice ensued, The National Bestseller The Gift of Peace Personal Reflections by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin. This true story was presented as “about a Catholic Cardinal who was falsely accused (by the now adult young man) of molesting him as a boy and the tribulations surrounding that plus his own battle with cancer.” When we met at Nancy’s mountain home all of us exclaimed the same initial reaction to this title. ‘Oh, how we do not want to read about this topic’ but we joined the club, had established trust and respect in one another so we read the book. The new reaction is ‘Oh, how this book is not about child abuse by priests.’ It was really about what he learned about forgiveness, hope and himself as his own chapter of life on earth was nearing closure. This volume was still being written by hand just 13 days before the authors’ death. “It is quite clear that I will not be alive in the spring. But I will soon experience new life in a different way. Although I not know what to expect in the afterlife, I do know that just as God has called me to serve him to the best of my ability throughout my life on earth, he is now calling me home.” This passage from the final chapter in a book about a an extraordinary, dynamic, popular, charismatic, respected and loved man of the cloth whose humility and ability to convey our attachment to Jesus Christ (and His to us) is overwhelming, most of us reported shedding real tears of joy. This one is my hands down favorite and second favorite to most of the others, Yes, we definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially those who have experienced grief, loss, suffering or any type of fear or doubt. If you are or have been a caregiver, do not take a pass on this healing essay.

The Mustard Seed

Review

by Sandra Gerhardt-Carroll

SWA

BOOK

CLUB

Now, it’s Rosemary’s turn! She presented a few books and we agreed upon Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor and Laughter are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life by James Martin, SJ. In past and recent times, the Bible, religion and spiritual behavior have been observed as very serious business. Father James Martin, a prolific author and a Jesuit priest has redefined spirituality here and we ladies are in hearty agreement with him. This manuscript reads like a fun text book with numerous Bible verses, historical quotes from learned people of many faiths including saints, scholars and popes, with foot notes galore! There are many actual jokes and the evidence is indisputable, we are to be joyful and humorous as much as possible. Fr. Martin even says on page 96, “A witty remark is a time-honored way to challenge the pompous, the puffed-up and the powerful. Jesus of Nazareth deployed humor to this end, exposing and defusing the arrogance of some of the religious authorities with clever parables and amusing sallies. Humor is a weapon in the battle against pride that infects most of us and sometimes infects our religious communities.” As of this date, we have read six books and 5 out of 7 book club girls chose this as their favorite book thus far when interviewed by for this article. Mary commented, “I enjoyed this book, the style of writing was like reading a lecture.” With great joy we recommend this title to one and all.

I, Sandra, presented at least a ½ dozen books and the group voted on this one, The Apostles and Their Times + Archeology, History and Scripture Unveil What Life Was Really Like During the Apostolic Age by Mike Aquilina. Have you ever wanted to delve deeper into the meaning of words and phrases in Holy Scripture? Did you know that the words martyr, apostle and minister had definitions utterly independent of their modern meaning? “Life was not compartmentalized into the sacred and the secular”, states the author on page 8. This book provides insights of which we had little to no prior awareness. Reading, studying and hearing the Holy Bible has become a further enlightened experience after learning more about the culture, expectations and demands of life and the historical view of individual apostles. Against all odds, Christianity survives and thrives. But for a million miracles, minute and gigantic, the human Jesus Christ & his early followers could have been swept under the rug and lost forever. Barbara (who is taking a leave of absence from our group) did not hesitate to report this dissertation as her favorite book, as she said “The intense reading with simple language is

a credit to the author who distilled every sentence down to the essence of direct information. No fluffy dialog here.” Yes, read this volume, especially if you study scripture or theology, are a history buff or have need defend your faith with facts.

Mary suggested this interesting publication. ‘Oh, how we all thought the title indicated a tale of a woman going on a journey to visit the Pope’ in What to wear to See the Pope by Christine Lehner. ‘Oh, how we were all so wrong’. In this collection of short stories, Ursula, the narrator is a Catholic woman of great intellect and obsessions, troubled interests, thoughts & relationships, and is also the main character. In each chapter, she gives a snippet of what would usually be considered an ordinary situation that becomes morbid, bizarre, hilarious, disturbing and baffling all at the same time. “Never have I ever consulted a dictionary so often while reading a book.”, said one member, all present did concur. The best thing about this peculiar book was the delightful insights brought to the table by the club members’ critique. Each of us felt we had little to say and the book was not in the commonly accepted spiritual genre. However; as one comment led to another, the progressive conclusions prompted us to think perhaps this uncanny read deserved a second look with our collective expanded interpretation. A hesitant yes, we recommend this odd collage of stories to those interested in scouring through the workings of a brilliant albeit unusual mind.

In our group photograph, we are missing a member as she was fighting an illness that tired her out by 2 pm during the month of May when our picture was taken. I did have the opportunity to interview our sweet friend and co-founder, Shari Ford, before she entered through the pearly gates to her eternal rest in paradise. As with the many people and places she graced with her spirit, she leaves an empty space, but also a legacy, with us. Now, we are 5 and invite inquiries about joining us or establishing another SWA Book Club, each of us is willing to assist in any way.

In conclusion I will quote myself & take the liberty of including all 7 original members as I state, “Yes, we do highly recommend becoming a member of a Catholic women’s book club for anyone who desires meaningful interpersonal relationships with emphasis on the shared love and exploration of our faith, our Church, and our 3 in 1, One True God.”

From L: Barbara Reyes; Rosemary Damron; Lorie Johnson; Mary Culbert; Nancy Percy; Sandra Gerhardt-Carroll Not Pictured: Shari Ford