What is St. Thecla Women’s Council?

We are a group of women offering meaningful Spiritual and Social growth to our members

Rummage Sale
Craft Fair
Rosary Devotion (May & October at Regency)
Christmas Party
Books for Literacy
Dinner & Theater
Stations of the Cross (during Lent at Regency)
Easter Baskets for Regency
Mother – Daughter Breakfast
Baby Shower
May Crowning
Ice Cream Social

COME JOIN US FOR FRIENDSHIP AND FUN WHILE HELPING US ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION GOALS

ALL WOMEN OF OUR PARISH AND OUR COMMUNITY ARE INVITED TO JOIN

Monthly meetings (which include raffles, entertainment and refreshments) are held at 7:30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, September through May, in the All Purpose Room of Falcon Hall

November 5/6 and 12/13, 2011 – Craft & Gift Show Holiday Raffle Tickets and Entertainment Books will be available in the back of the church after each Mass

November 15, 2011 @ 7:30PM – You’re invited to – “The Mad Hatters Tea Party” – Wear your PRETTIEST—OLDEST—CRAZIEST—HAT. You might win a prize for your creation. We will be joined by Patricia O’Brien of TEATIME PLEASURES. Patricia will give us tips on the types of tea, health benefits of tea, how to make a proper pot of tea, and more. Don’t forget to bring your TEACUP AND SAUCER. PLEASE— NO COFFEE MUGS

Our November mission project will be collecting hats, mittens, scarfs, etc. Diane N. will give us details at the meeting.

We’ll be having our Birthday, Lucky Dimes and Membership Raffle, along with our Monthly Raffle and Refreshments.

November 19, 2011 – St. Thecla Women’s Council Holiday Craft & Gift Show. We need volunteers to help us make it GREAT. Set-up will be on Fri. Nov. 18, from 6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.

November 19, 2011 – We need help! Selling tickets, helping in the kitchen, bake sale table, raffles, etc. Volunteer for ANY TIME – between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. We also need BAKERS to make their DELICIOUS GOODIES for the BAKE SALE TABLE. We hope we can count on you to BAKE, to HELP, do some Christmas SHOPPING, and have Lunch at our Snack Shop.

This year the Craft Show will have an added attraction. In addition to the Hourly Raffle, there will be a SPECIAL HOLIDAY RAFFLE with a Cash Prize of $500. Other prizes will include $200 cash, Gift Certificates, and many other prizes. Chances will cost $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. BE SURE TO BUY A TICKET! Buy them in the back of the church, from any Board Member or at the Craft & Gift Show.

Call Bernie at 773-774-6897 to volunteer or with questions

December 8, 2011 – We will be taking a TROLLEY RIDE for a FUN HOLIDAY EVENING to see the sights Downtown. Board the Trolley in St. Thecla’s parking lot at 5:45 P.M. A stop will be made at the Daley Plaza Christkindlmarkt, we continue on to see the windows at Macy’s, and Michigan Ave. and stop at the Hershey’s Chocolate Store for Hot Chocolate and Brownies. Cost for the evening: $27.00 Members, $30.00 Non-Member. Spaces are VERY LIMITED. Call Terri for info. @ 773-631-0215.

December 13, 2011 – St. Thecla Women’s Council Christmas Party. Come join us for Dinner and Entertainment at our Annual Christmas Party. Our Dinner will include: Roast Sirloin of Beef with Mushroom Glaze, Cheese Filled Tortellini with Julienne of Vegetables and Tomato Cream Sauce, Oven-roasted Herb Red Potatoes, Assorted Fresh-Grilled Seasonal Vegetables, Greek Salad, with dressing on the side, Dessert & Coffee/Tea. We’ll be entertained by an Elvis impersonator, and enjoy an evening of Fun & Relaxation. Tickets are $17.00 for Members, $20.00 for Non-Members. Buy your tickets at the November meeting or Call Bernie Buck @ 773-774-6897 for reservations and info.

No meeting in January. Watch for a Newsletter in February.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING , A BLESSED CHRISTMAS, and A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Call Bernie Buck at 773-774-6897 for more information or questions

The following is the winning ESSAY to the ACCW 2011 Scholarship Award:

A story in the Catholic News Service reported that Catholic young women lag behind their Protestant Jewish Counterparts on many measures of religious belief, experiences and activities. The writer suggested that to regain the religious potential of these young women, the Catholic Church needs to “invest more attention, creativity and institutional resources into its female members.” While I would never suggest that the Church lessen its attention on women, I do not believe the answer lies solely in what the Church is not doing. The answer lies within each woman.

Today, Catholic women take responsibility for their own spiritual development. We do not blame the Church if we are suffering from ambivalence or complacency. We do not disengage from everything our Church has to offer because we don’t like our new pastor or early morning Mass schedule. Catholic women do not ignore the fundamental beliefs of our religion because they are inconvenient or ignite political firestorms.

Today’s Catholic women are not passive observers. We emphasize action over theory, community service over religious discussions, speaking the truth over social graces, and doing justice over looking nice.

When I became uninspired by Sunday Mass, I formed a music ministry group. Our group traveled to concerts together. We wrote music together. We were not powerless. We used our own creativity when we were stuck in resistance. We used our creativity to walk with God.

John 14:8 says “Lord show us Father, and we will be satisfied.” Prayer, fellowship and service are powerful ways to open the heart. The path may not always be the same for everyone but if you take responsibility for your own feelings and needs, help is there. God is there.

Allison Boudreav
Holy Cross Parish
Deerfield High school