Community Life/Social ~ Fostering Fellowship

CHRIST THE KING  CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CLUB

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CHRIST THE KING
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CLUB
2020 SCHOLARSHIP

Due to the Corona Virus, all Events are on hold.

2020 ~ 2021 Calendar of Events

February

On Friday morning, February 21, members and friends of the Catholic Women’s Club gathered following the 8:30 Mass for a Pre-Lenten Morning of Reflection presented by Fr. John P. Kelleher, Pastor of St. Mary – Our Lady of the Isle, Nantucket. Following a time for socialization, coffee and a beautiful array of breakfast offerings, Club President Gail Reilly welcomed the attendees and introduced Father Kelleher.

The theme of Father Kelleher’s presentation was “Getting Busy Living: The Path to Fullness of Life”. Father rooted his remarks on the importance of the understanding that our desire to love and be loved never rests. Calling on the work of Matthew Kelly he reminded the listeners that one cannot live without love. Without love, one would die. He focused on the two Great Commandments: Love God above all else; Love you neighbor as yourself. Father stressed our need to ‘love more’. In doing so he then elaborated on the two obstacles to loving more: 1.) Material things 2.) Selective loving.

Outlining the myriad of ways in which material possessions can become the focus of a person’s life, the hazard is that our possessions and our own self-importance come to own us and not the reverse. There is very little proven correlation between great wealth, happiness and joy. Recalling the words of St. Paul, ‘So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love’. Without these three we love things and use people; with these three in our lives, we bring goodness and joy into the world. It is important to nurture our faith through prayer.

The second obstacle to loving more is selective loving. Jesus said ‘this is my commandment; love one another’. The hazard we face with selective loving is withholding love from those who are different from us. All are precious in the eyes of God who created them. Hatred only incites more hatred. It is time to ‘get busy living’, by loving all. Humility leads to true greatness – who we are – created in the image and likeness of God. It is truly not hard to be humble when we realize the one true source of our greatness.

In the second part of his presentation, Father Kelleher focused on the mission of Jesus and our mission as followers of Christ. Like Jesus, our mission is also ‘The Kingdom of God’. Jesus’ parables are all about the Kingdom of God. Everywhere Jesus went the Kingdom came alive because he responded to the real needs of the people. Our mission, like that of Jesus, is to spread the Kingdom through word and action. We are called to speak of our faith (word) to others because faith is meant to be shared. Indeed, (action) we live out the mission of Jesus by the way we live and treat people. The most powerful message is how we treat others, either through small acts of kindness or by supporting larger efforts to alleviate larger problems that can offer assistance to those in need. In spreading the Kingdom none of us can do everything but all of us can do something.

Some believe that Jesus modeled his life after the humble servant in Isaiah. Father explained the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘mishpat’ – compassionate justice to restore love, not seek revenge. Paraphrasing Boston College theologian Father Hines, ‘We have a right to give ourselves away, in love, for the benefit of others’. This is when the Kingdom of God is alive. We are called to love others into being lovers themselves. We can empower others by responding to their needs, healing their wounds, alleviating their fears. This empowerment is truly loving and compassionate justice…empowering through true love, not empowering independence. Our Church should be one of compassionate justice. Anything that makes people feel less free should be fought. There should be no obstacle to love.

SHARE THE MEAL. SHARE THE MISSION.

January

On Friday afternoon, January 24, 2020, many members of the Women’s Club gathered in a quiet room in the Parish Center for An Afternoon At The Movies. The hilarious movie classic, “WOMEN”, circa 1939 and based on the Broadway play by Clare Boothe Luce, produced gales of laughter from the audience as it answered the burning question: “What do women talk about when there are no men around?” Movie style refreshments were served and a Movie Tickets basket was raffled off as part of the relaxing and entertaining afternoon.

December

The Catholic Women’s Club sponsored its Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Parish Center. Featured were a variety of crafters selling lovely handmade items. Additionally, there were beautiful handcrafted live Christmas wreaths and seasonal arrangements, gift and cash raffles, lovely boutique items, jewelry, unique gift baskets, baked goods and a shopping room for children with face painting and games. Hungry shoppers could relax over lunch at the popular Holly Café. We wish to thank everyone who contributed to making this major fundraising event a success and a unique shopping experience for all who attended.

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November

Veteran’s Day Tree Dedication ~ Catholic Women’s Club

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October 

On Friday, October 25, 2019, approximately 70 Catholic Women’s Club members were entertained by the talented ladies known as the Danzing Divaz. The Divaz are a lively group of senior dancers who came together via Zumba fitness classes. As a way to express their gratitude for the happiness they feel when dancing, they formed a troupe in 2012 to share their joy with others through their performances. Their goal is to elicit smiles and brighten days. Women’s Club members thoroughly enjoyed the energy, spirit, and fun provided by the Divaz and hope that they will return to perform again! The lovely afternoon ended with light refreshments.

Catholic Women’s Club Begins a New Year

September

On Friday, September 13, 2019, approximately 65 new and returning members of the Catholic Women’s Club gathered for the 2019-2020 opening liturgy celebrated by Father Edward Healey. Mary Ann Crowley was organist and Ginny Snook served as cantor for the Mass. Choir members were Diane Pocknett, Miki Lovett, Jackie Soltys, Sue Saia, and Jeanne LaPorte. Betty Foley and Dottie Cishek participated in the Mass as altar servers. Offertory gifts were brought forth by Jeanne Dennis and Gail Reilly.

Father introduced his homily by reminding us of the interesting and challenging times we live in, times not dissimilar to those of St. John Chrysostom, (c. 349 – 407) known as the “golden mouthed” preacher whose sermons could last as long as two hours. John was an ascetic who abhorred extravagance, was not an easy character, was loved by the people and hated by leadership. After serving as a priest in Syria he was brought to Constantinople where he found himself the reluctant victim of an imperial ruse to make him bishop in the greatest city in the empire. Though plagued with health issues he spoke out strongly against the extravagances of the wealthy and tried diligently to reform negligent bishops and ended up being exiled from 404 until his death. John was afraid of nothing and lived his life speaking the truth. As Father pointed out, John Chrysostom lived in an era when paganism was yielding to Christianity, the source of much conflict. Today, we live in an era when the reverse is happening, Christianity is yielding to secularization, again a time of much strife.

Mass was followed by a beautiful luncheon in the Parish Hall prepared by Jeanne Dennis. Assorted salads, finger sandwiches and desserts made up the menu. Prior to lunch President Gail Reilly welcomed everyone, introduced the Board members and outlined the upcoming programs. Jeanne Dennis invited all present to complete the ‘How Can You Help’ form and outlined some specific areas of need she will have for the Christmas Fair. Father Healey led the ladies in saying Grace before the meal and a lovely afternoon was enjoyed by all present.

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June Annual Meeting

On Sunday morning, June 9, 2019, the Catholic Women’s Club welcomed members and guests to the Annual Brunch held at the Coonemessett Inn in Falmouth. Welcomed and thanked for their attendance by Club President Gail Reilly the group was then led in grace by Father Edward Healey, Pastor of Christ the King Parish. All enjoyed the delicious and sumptuous breakfast buffet that followed.

This year six outstanding high school students, active and participative members of the parish, were the recipients of the scholarships awarded by the Catholic Women’s Club. The scholarship awards were presented by Vice President Susan Rego.

Kevin Duarte, son of Kevin and Diane Duarte, has been an active leader in the parish youth ministry program, volunteers in the community, and is a member of the National Honor Society among many other of his accomplishments.

Kristen Kondracki, daughter of Michael and Dori Kondracki has served as a leader in church, school and community. Following in the footsteps of her mother Kristen aspires to become an early childhood educator. Kristen has used her talents as captain of varsity soccer to coach youth soccer.

Brenna Donahue, the youngest of twelve children, is the daughter of James and Cheryl Donahue. A graduate of Falmouth High School, Brenna’s English teacher wrote “She will exceed your expectations and win you over with her insight.”

Emma Jones, a graduate of Sturgis Charter School, is the daughter of Dr. Craig and Kristen Jones and will be attending Catholic University to study psychology. Emma has been involved in parish youth ministry for the past six years and received the Wellesley Book award for leadership and academic excellence presented by the Sturgis faculty.

Brian Hyde is the oldest of the eight children of Brian and Kristen Hyde. Brian has demonstrated leadership in the parish youth ministry program, while maintaining high grades and founding a successful DJ business. Brian will attend St. Anselm College in the Fall.

Sarah Crista is the daughter of Roland and Cindy Crista. Sarah is a member of the National Honor Society, has maintained a high GPA and has served as an altar server since fourth grade. The first in her family to attend college, Sarah plans to become a doctor.

Finally, the inaugural Dottie Hiltz Memorial Scholarship was awarded for the first time this year. The recipient was Kristen Kondracki. This scholarship, in memory of our dear friend and long-time member and supporter of the Catholic Women’s Club is awarded to a recipient pursuing a degree in education. Kristen aspires to become an early childhood educator.

The morning was finally highlighted by the presentation of a gift from the Catholic Women’s Club to the parish demonstrating the continued support of the Club for the works and needs of the parish. In accepting the gift on behalf of the parish Father Healey expressed his appreciation and thankfulness to the Club for its ongoing spirit and support of the parish.

 

May

On Saturday night, May 18, Christ the King Parish Center Hall was rocking to the music of the Dave Burbank Orchestra as nearly 150 guests gathered for “Remembering the Fifties”. Many came dressed in the clothing of the era which just added to the fun and festivities of the evening sponsored by the Catholic Women’s Club and the 50+ Club. Dinner was served at 6:00, and featured an Italian buffet prepared by Roche Brothers with a large assortment of desserts. This full night of singing, dancing, and remembering was, as the photographs show, one enjoyed by all!

March

On Saturday night, March 16, 2019 the Catholic Women’s Club co-hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner with the 50+ Club and the Knights of Columbus. The event followed the 4:00 PM Mass in the Parish Hall for 175 attendees.  Catered by Chef Roland, the evening began with a social gathering hour featuring a lush offering of cheeses prepared by Teri Sweatman and the piano entertainment of Knight Joe Maloney. Numerous raffles prizes were available for bid and those whose names were drawn as winners near the end of the evening were delighted. Highlight of the evening was the four-piece Irish music ensemble that played for nearly the entire evening and brought energetic and talented dancers to the floor. To view all the photos from the evening go to St. Patrick’s Day.

March

Nearly 100 members and guests of the Catholic Women’s Club gathered in the Parish Hall on Friday, March 1, for a Pre-Lenten Morning of Reflection given by Father Edward Healey, Pastor. The theme of the presentation was God, Is That You?

Following an opening hymn Father read from Sacred Scripture, 1 SAMUEL 3, the story of the call of Samuel. One night, as he slept, Samuel was awakened 3 different times by the call of the Lord. Each time he ran to the room of Eli and said, “You called me, and here I am.” Each time Eli answered, “I didn’t call you; go back to bed.” One the third occasion Eli realized that it was the Lord calling the boy so he said to him, “Go back to bed; and if he calls you again say, ’Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” The Lord came and stood there, and called as he had before, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered, Speak; your servant in listening.”

When we pray we are often distracted and we ask ourselves “Does God really answer our prayers? We tend to think that God is going to answer us in ‘big’ ways. Reading from 1KINGS 19, 10-13, Father explained how Elijah, full of fear, had heard God speak, not in the natural disasters of shattering wind, an earthquake or a fire but ‘in the soft whisper of a voice’. We often have to ask ourselves “Does God speak to us?” and “What do we expect to hear?”

In developing his topic Father used stories to teach and share the extraordinary and many ways that God speaks to us. He emphasized the subtle ways of God in response to our prayers and prayer requests. He emphasized that we must have heart and mind open to God as He can speak through dreams, thoughts, special experiences, other people, messengers. God communicates in signs; a rainbow, a flower, a song, a bird. What some may identify as a coincidence, can in fact be a God Incident. Through a series of fascinating stories Father Healey demonstrated numerous examples of how God had subtly responded in his life and in the lives of those in the stories he told.

God does hear us and he communicates with us in many ways. We need to accept that we are not in charge; God responds to us and uses us in ways we do not and may never know. God is with everyone of us! Thank you, Fr. Healey for reminding us to listen and be aware of God in our everyday lives.

December

 

On Saturday, December 1, 2018, the Catholic Women’s Club hosted the Annual Christmas Fair from 9 AM – 3 PM in the Parish Center. The event was the culmination of many hours of preparation by many of the Club’s dedicated members and the result was a wonderful shopping experience for all those who attended.

The Fair featured numerous crafters, beautiful jewelry, cash and gift raffles, fresh greens wreaths, door hangings, table arrangements, and boxwood trees. The boutique had lovely gift baskets and assorted items for sale and the homemade baked goods offered for sale were many and scrumptious! The Children’s Shopping room was bustling all day and the Holly Café provided a delicious respite for hungry shoppers to stop and sit for a while and enjoy the offerings of the café.

The Christmas Fair is a major fundraiser for the club’s scholarship awards program. Our thanks and appreciation to every person who helped in any way to make this special day a success!

 

November

On Sunday, November 11, the Catholic Women’s Club hosted a Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon in the Parish Hall following the 10:30 AM Mass. As guests gathered they were greeted with the festive tone of the patriotically decorated room and an array of sumptuous hors-d’oeuvres. Club President Gail Reilly welcomed the attendees and thanked the veterans for their exemplary service to our country. Following the grace, offered by Father Healey, all enjoyed a wonderful meal catered by Chef Roland. The afternoon was graced by the presence of Donny Nolan and members of the parish adult choir who honored each branch of the service with their respective song and also led the group in singing other patriotic favorites.

The highlight of the event was a video presentation developed by Judy Warren. Set to ‘I’m Proud To Be An American’ playing in the background, the video shared a poignant collection of veterans in action throughout the years but most impressively included photographs of a number of our own Christ the King Parish veterans. To say that there was not a dry eye in the house would be an understatement. As veterans who were present received back the photos that had been submitted for the video, conversations about their many memories were sparked. To view more photos from this event go to Veteran’s Day 2018.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS FOR PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM!

October

On Friday afternoon, October 26, Catholic Women’s Club President Gail Reilly welcomed approximately seventy-five members to the Parish Center and a program that included a presentation on the St. Vincent dePaul Food Pantry and other outreach activities, a baby shower, and a hands-on presentation about Autumn decorating Cape Cod style. Following an opening prayer, Gail reviewed the upcoming monthly programs planned by the Club. Gail Reilly then introduced Gail Walsh who presented a brief overview of programs sponsored by the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Mrs. Walsh spoke about the weekly Food Pantry which operates on Wednesday mornings and one Wednesday evening each month and provides food for several hundred families each month. The Needy Case program assists families with need in a variety of ways that extend beyond simply providing food. Finally, Gail Walsh explained that the St. Vincent dePaul organization supports the efforts of the Baby Center in Hyannis, operated by the Council of Churches, by providing diapers to families with infants and toddlers locally. As part of the afternoon’s program Club members had been asked to donate diapers and baby wipes along with other vital infant and toddler needs and thus the Baby Shower. The response was magnificent and Mrs. Walsh was extremely grateful for the generosity of our members.

Gail Reilly then introduced Susan Dewey whose presentation was a hands-on demonstration of making Autumn Wreaths and Swags. Susan is a Garden Club of America judge in floral design and current horticulture chair of the Osterville Garden Club. As she created each item, Susan taught some very insightful ways for members to replicate the work at home. The works she completed for her audience were stunningly beautiful and several of our members took them home as winners of the afternoon’s raffle!

The program ended with many delectable desserts to choose from, along with coffee and cider, and plenty of time for members to spend time with each other. A lovely afternoon to remember.

SEPTEMBER

On Friday, September 14, the Catholic Women’s Club inaugurated a new calendar year.
Father Healy celebrated the Opening Liturgy on the feast of the Exultation of the Cross. In his homily, Father told the beautifully detailed story of St. Helena, mother of The Emperor Constantine. It was through the efforts of the aging Helena that the true Cross was discovered in Jerusalem, a basilica was built on the spot where the Cross was found, and Helena’s son, Constantine, decreed that Christianity could be practiced and would become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. In his closing remarks Father noted that as Mary had brought Christ to the world, Helena had brought Christianity to the world,
Following Mass, members gathered in the Parish Hall and were greeted by President Gail Reilly who welcomed new members and welcomed back returning members. Gail reviewed the upcoming programs planned for the year and introduced Dottie Hiltz, Christmas Fair Chairperson, who spoke briefly about the Fair and encouraged members to use the sign-up sheets on the tables to volunteer. President Reilly then introduced Father Healey who graciously agreed to donate his famous meat pies to the Christmas Fair if he could recruit 4 or 5 volunteers to assist in their preparation.

Following the grace, led by Father Healey, members enjoyed a buffet luncheon catered by Laura’s Home Cookin’.