The Buffalo, NY, Association of the Ladies of Charity celebrated Mass on Ascension Thursday (May 10, 2018) in remembrance of their Deceased Members. Father “Jud” Weiksnar, OFM, Pastor of SS. Columba-Brigid Parish in Buffalo, was our celebrant. Several of our members took part in the Mass: Holly Walters, our Spiritual Moderator served as Cantor, Nancy Ortolano and Susan Ward were lectors, Mary Anne Meegan and Kathy Dolan were gift bearers and Mary Carroll, Linda Hall and Carol Prowse were Eucharistic Ministers. Father Jud spoke of how fitting it was to remember our deceased members on the feast of the Ascension and to also welcome new members in an enrollment ceremony following Mass; bridging heaven and earth.
Nine of our 35 new members were enrolled by Father Weiksnar, and Chris Eberl, VP of Membership who stood in for our President, Kathy Sieracki for the Enrollment Ceremony. Our diocesan enrollment is now at 410 members.
The afternoon was completed with a volunteer luncheon sponsored by Catholic Charities. Eileen Nowak, Parish Outreach and Advocacy Director, welcomed everyone and extended her sincere thanks to all of the volunteers. A Thanksgiving dinner was shared and several prizes were raffled. Eileen and her staff including Patra Magnus, Delma Funderburk, Joe Rizzo and Carolyn Kwiatkowski were wonderful hosts!
A general meeting was also held with program reports from several of the board members. Kathy Roseti, VP Programs chaired the meeting for Kathy Sieracki and extended a sincere thank you to all who support the various events and fundraising activities through their attendance at our events, volunteer hours and monetary contributions. The effort of each one of us allows Ladies of Charity to continue the ministry of serving those living in poverty.