LADIES AUXILIARY QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

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1 I l l i n o i s S t a t e C o u n c i l LADIES AUXILIARY Volume 1, Issue 2 Calendar of Events State KC Convention April 25-27, 2014 Hilton Hotel Springfield Summer DD Meeting Editor July 11-13, 2014 Bloomington Laurie Mann 433 Armor Rd Springfield, IL Deadline for next Publication is March 15, 2014 Website: Ladies Auxiliary Webpage Happy New Year Ladies! This is the time of year when many people resolve to better themselves in some way. It could be living a healthier lifestyle, going back to school, reading the Bible more, spending more time with the important people in your life, watching less TV, volunteering more in the community, or something else. Have you ever had the experience of thinking you should do something to better your life, and a few months later, you realize that you really haven t made any progress in that area? When things like this happen, it s often because there is a lack of intentionality. Its something we think we should do, but we re not intentional about making it happen. Before you know it, another year has come and gone. There is a prayer in Psalms that reads Teach us to remember our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12. This is just a prayer asking for the ability to realize that our days and years are numbered. This means that we can t just keep on saying or thinking I ll do this later. Later often comes a lot faster than we realize, and it isn t guaranteed. It is smart to know that our days are numbered. To let that impact the way you live is wisdom. What do you want to be more intentional about this year? May God Bless you, Laurie Mann Ladies Auxiliary Liaison. Congratulations and welcome to our newest Ladies Auxiliary, Father Matthew Rudden Auxiliary from St Bernadette s parish in Rockford. This Auxiliary was formed on November 20, 2013 and there are 22 charter members. January, 2014 #12801 MARY S MILLENNIUM LADIES AUXILIARY STREAMWOOD November began with a grand ball as we supported our Parish s Annual Gala Auction. The Ladies rallied together and held a basket making party. Not only did we have a great time, but we also created and donated 17 beautiful baskets to the silent auction.. The Knights and Ladies purchased full tables for the Gala and enjoyed a wonderful evening of great food, brilliant company, and great fun. The Gala was a huge success. As we moved into December, the Knights held an excellent Pancake Breakfast. One might ask, what s better than a Pancake Breakfast? A Pancake Breakfast with a Bake Sale, Christmas décor sale and a raffle, of course! We had our best Bake Sale ever! Leftover baked goods were donated to the Women s Crisis Center in Elgin. Leftover Christmas items were donated to the Lazurus House in St Charles, where they were donated to the

2 PAGE 2 community. Our annual Christmas Sale was a fantastic event. The Ladies, Knights, spouses, and our wonderful Priests shared an evening of prayer, drink, and great conversation. The highlight of the evening was the show of what makes our faith so amazing and beautiful. Jesus asked Peter Do you love me? Peter insisted, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, Feed my sheep. The ladies donated 300 pairs of pajamas, 59 blankets, 4 gently used coats, and towels to the Women s Crisis Center in Elgin, $500 to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and several Rachel Ray Jewel books have been filled for dishes that will be donated to the Fr. McGivney Center of Hope and Healing. This Christmas season and every day, we pray that we always show our Lord Yes, we do love you. Joanne Lorkowski, President NINA COUNCIL #3602 PARK FOREST Our Auxiliary has been very busy this fall. We started in September by making cash and gift card donations to the three parish schools associated with our auxiliary. We also donated school supplies through the St Irenaeus Fall back to School Supply project for local children. Several of our members also helped with the sorting and packing of the donations. In September we also helped the Knights of Nina Council 3602 with the ID Tootsie Roll drive. September also found our ladies helping with the St Irenaeus 65th Anniversary Reception. October is the month of our annual Meet and Greet membership event. October and November found us ending our four year on going participation in the Haiti project in which we have made Poll Cloths for the dead, and Sun and Tee-shirt Dresses for Orphan girls at St Damien and at Kenscroft in Haiti. Our transport and delivery contacts are no longer available for these projects. Thus we are now focusing on local concerns for unwed mothers and their infants. Because our group is associated with three parishes in the area, we are often found helping out individually in one or more of those parishes. In October, my daughter, a new auxiliary member, and I helped at the St Lawrence O'Toole children's trunk a treat and carnival. Principal Pat Hoffcamp (left) with Ladies Auxiliary President Sandy Brunson (rt) at O'Toole fall carnival This November our Ladies also wrote letters and cards to military service personnel and vets in local nursing homes. Some of the Ladies also participated in the local Food Pantry Craft and Bake Sale. We have participated in this event several other times in the past. As of December we held our annual Luncheon and White Elephant Auction. Money from the auction will go towards our service projects. We have a very busy calendar planned for 2014: Trivia Night coming up January 18, A Mystery Dinner Theatre event February 8th, then helping with the K of C's Mardi Gras and Fish Fry Dinners March and April. Sandy Brunson, President DAUGHTERS OF ST LIBORIUS #14562 STEGER In May, the Daughters sponsored their 5th annual Mother s Day Carnation Sale. The flowers were purchased for one s mother or The Blessed Mother during the May Crowning Ceremony. At a social meeting, the Daughters learned how to crochet a granny square. We then crocheted enough squares to donate 2 quilts to St Monica s Home. July was full of excitement as one of our Daughters married one of our PGK. It was a storybook wedding with two dozen Knights as Honor Guard. A contingent of Daughters help make the parish Vacation Bible School Son West Roundup a huge success. We led groups of children from PK to 6th Grade and acted as song leaders.

3 PAGE 3 In August, thanks to Knight Brian Metzner, the Daughters created a Wall of Achievement in the parish hall. It contains our Original Charter and our scrapbook awards from 2011, 2012, and President Sue Mazur attended the Pink and Blue Banquet to present Theresa Piet a check from the Carnation Sale. Sue Mazur, President Dan & Carol Gallager, Donna Lettier, and Jeff & Beverly Craney. Their goal was to raise $ but they achieved 145% of their goal, $ You can still make a donation to this team, select a participant and donate to their individual page at Beverly Mellars-Craney, Acting President local shelters and Catholic Charities. I was naked and you clothed me Matthew 25:36 Along with family members, Knights, and some Brownies, we celebrated our 3rd Annual Christmas Caroling Event at Manor Care Nursing Home. CATHY DARIN S CRUSADERS #14171, NAPERVILLE The Cathy Darin Crusaders/Naperville Council Ladies Auxiliary recently participated in ta walk November 9th, to benefit Lung Cancer Research. Breath Deep Naperville is an annual event with all proceeds donated to the longevity Foundation to help the 1 out of every 14 men, women, and children diagnosed with Lung Cancer. The team, led by Eva Bishop, walked 3 miles and rallied for a cure during lung cancer awareness month. Team members were Karen Davis, Eva Bishop, Norm Bishop, Maria Amalfitano, Marian Fenelton, Jim and Suzanne Combs, Alyson Zavala,, David Jackson, St LOUIS DE MONTFORT #14553 OAKLAWN Our Auxiliary held its annual Food Drive at Freshline Food in October. We stood at the store s entrance and asked the patrons to purchase an extra nonperishable item to place in the shopping cart on their way out The generosity of the patrons was very heartwarming on that particularly cold & windy day. The cash that was donated allowed us to purchase even more food. We collected about 8 shopping carts filled with groceries that was distributed to local food pantries. When I Was Hungry, you gave me food Matthew 25:35 Along with the Knights Councils and 3582, we hosted an out-door coat drive in October. Gently used coats, sweaters, gloves, boots, snowsuits, etc were accepted from many generous donors. We received and were able to distribute over 600 coats and hundreds of hats, scarves, boots, and other winter apparel to anyone who needed them. Any items not taken were given to It didn t require any special talent to spread the Reason for the Season and lighten the hearts of the residents there with this sing-a long. We had so much fun with them and watching their faces light up with joy was a special bonus. They sang and clapped and appreciated the gift of our presence. We also donated $200 to a local restaurant who has given away thousands of free Christmas mealsturkey with all the trimmings-every Christmas Day for the last 3 years. This year it is acticipated that 2,000 meals for the needy will be prepared and served. Sharon Kozak, President

4 PAGE 4 WANTED! ARTICLES ABOUT YOUR AUXILIARY. PLEASE YOUR ARTICLES FOR THE APRIL NEWSLETTER BY THE DEADLINE March 15, 2014 Thank You! Laurie Mann 433 Armor Rd Springfield, IL laurie.mann56@yahoo.com PRESIDENTS: Please make copies of this newsletter for your members that do not have . Check for State Ladies Auxiliary newsletter online at: ( Ladies Auxiliary webpage WINTER FUNDRAISING IDEAS Chili Cookoff Soup & Chili Supper Valentines Day Candy Sale Valentines Dance St Pat s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner Mardi Gras Bakes Sale/Raffle Basket at LentenFish Frys Trivia Night Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre WINTER CHARITABLE GIFTING IDEAS Food Drive for Local Food Pantries Volunteer to cook an evening meal for a homeless shelter in your community Social Service Agencies-collect & donate hats, scarves, mittens, socks for needy children. Make fleece lap blankets to donate to local nursing homes Military-send Thank You cards and/or supplies (personal care items, candy, cookies, gum, etc) Needy Families in your parish (check with Parish office)-donate warm clothing, d blankets, and household supplies Pro Life Newman Fund

5 Ladies You Are Invited to attend the Knights of Columbus State Convention to be held at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Springfield from Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27, The Convention is not only for the Knights but for families as well. The Ladies are welcome to enjoy the Ladies Luncheon and Raffle on Saturday and the Ladies Auxiliary Meet & Greet & Awards Session on Sunday morning. You are also welcome to attend Mass and the State Deputy s Banquet on Saturday evening with the Knights. Check the Knights of Columbus Webpage at for more information to be available in the upcoming months.

6 PAGE 6.. ATTENTION LADIES! The State Convention is just a few short months away and plans are underway to make sure that everyone has a great time. One of the fun-filled events that takes place for the ladies attending the convention is our Ladies Luncheon and Raffle to be held on Saturday, April 26th. You ve been generous in the past and the State Ladies are again asking you to consider donating a gift from your Council or Ladies Auxiliary to help make the raffle a memorable event. Perhaps your Council or Ladies Auxiliary has a handmade craft item that can be used as a Raffle prize or, if you prefer, you could make a monetary gift and we will purchase a gift on your behalf. Any contribution from your Council or Ladies Auxiliary will be very much appreciated. Donations may be forwarded to: Illinois State Council Convention Ladies Program P>O> Box 681(letter mail only) 181 S. Indiana Ave. 3rd Floor (Pkgs Only) Kankakee, IL If your Auxiliary is looking for a group activity to fill the winter months or you re a lady who likes to sew and has some time on her hands, our State Deputy s wife, Diane Kinyon, is interested in raffling off a handmade quilt for one of the large raffle items. If you are interested in taking on this project, please contact Laurie Mann by phone at or at lauriemann56@yahoo.com. Also, a letter will be going out soon to all Ladies Auxiliary Presidents with information and entry forms for the Ladies Auxiliary Awards, which will be presented at the Ladies Auxiliary Meet & Greet Session on Sunday, April 27th. These awards include: Auxiliary Lady of the Year Outstanding Auxiliary of the Year Program and/or Service Activity Public Relations Scrapbook The deadline for submission of entries for all awards except for the scrapbook award is February 28, All scrapbook entries must be received by noon Saturday, April 26th. We look forward to seeing you at the convention this year. Laurie Mann President s Day President s Day is an American holiday celebrated on the 3rd Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called Washington s Birthday by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22-Washington s actual day of birth-the holiday popularly became known as President s Day after it was moved as part of 1971 s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other figures, Presidents Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. Valentine s Day Fun Facts More than 35 million heart shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine s Day. Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentines Day in the U.S. 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentines Day are men. 189 millionstems of roses are sold in the U.S. on Valentines Day Approximately 1 billion Valentines are sent our worldwide each year on Valentine s Day. That s second only to Christmas.

7 PAGE 7 Prayer For Strength and Wisdom Grant me the strength from day to day to bear what burdens come my way. Grant me throughout this bright New Year more to endure and less to fear. Help me live that I may be from spite and petty malice free. Let me not bitterly complain when cherished hopes of mine prove vain. Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage some fair tomorrow s spotless page. Lord, as the days shall come and go in courage let me stronger grow. Lord, as the New Year dawns today, help me to put my faults away. Let me be big in little things; grant me the joy which friendship brings. Keep me from selfishness and spite; let me be wise in what is right. A happy New Year! Grant that I may bring no tear to any eye. When this New Year in time shall end, let it be said that I ve played the friend. Have lived and loved and labored her, and made of it a happy year. Edgar A Guest

8 CHICKEN & DUMPLING CASSEROLE 1/4 cup unsalted butter 3-4 cups of cooked chicken(i use a rotisserie chicken) 1 cup milk 1 cup flour 1 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 2 cups chicken broth 1 can Campbell, s Cream of Chicken Soup Preheat oven to 400 deg. Melt butter in the microwave and pour into bottom of a 9 X 13 pan. Shred the chicken and spread it on top of the butter. Whisk together the milk, flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour over the chicken. Don t stir. Whisk together chicken broth and Cream of Chicken Soup. Pour over the flour and milk mixture. Don t stir. Baked uncovered for min., or until dumplings are golden brown. 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream 1 lb. bacon 1 med sized tomato Toast Slices BLT DIP Cook bacon and let cool. When cool, crumble bacon and mix rest of ingredients all together Chill several hours. Serve with toast slices. CHERRY FLUFF 1 21 oz. can Cherry Pie Filling 2 tsp lemon juice 1 (15 oz) can Eagle Brand Milk 1 (8 oz) can pineapple, drained 1/4 tsp almond extract 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip Mix first 5 ingredients together. Fold in CoolWhip. Chill 3-4 hours or overnight. SPINACH TORTELLINI SOUP 3/4 cup chopped onion 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tbls olive oil 2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) reduced sodium chicken broth 2 cups water 1 tsp sugar 1/4 tsp each salt & pepper 1 pkg. (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 can (14-1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 3 tbls shredded Parmesan cheese In a large saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add the broth, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add tortellini; cook for 5-8 minutes or unti tender, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat. Stir in tomatoes and spinach; heat through. Just before serving, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. YIELD: 6 servings (about 2 quarts).