If you’ve ever admired the floral arrangements adorning the church altar or prayed at the feet of the delicate flower-crowned Statue of Mary during May or felt the warm fellowship of attending a church fundraiser during the year, then you’ve taken notice and appreciated the work of the Altar and Rosary Society, one of Assumption’s most vibrant and active parish ministries.

Members of the Altar and Rosary Society, “A and R” for short, a society for women of the church, honor Our Lady through recitation of the Rosary, fundraising for the beautification of the church and altar, and hosting various fellowship opportunities throughout the year. The ministry holds evening meetings the Monday after the first Sunday of the month, with the first Sunday of the month being the A and R mass, said New President Cathy Kafcsak. Monthly meetings take recess in July, August & January. The society installed its newest members on June 5 ^th at the 9:30 a.m. mass.

The ministry has existed at Church of the Assumption for several years, is open to any female parishioner and there is a $10 membership fee to join with proceeds funding church efforts. Every meeting includes social fellowship that has included speakers, a special tea and even performances by local dance groups. Roughly 40 women comprise the Altar and Rosary Society and new members are always welcome.

“A large aspect of what we do is fundraising, and we also support the altar with flowers, cloths, and cleaning,” Kafcsak said. “We’ve gotten new confessional chairs for the priests, and we take care of the flower fund and use it for holiday flowers, flowers for Mary in the month of May, and floral arrangements for First Communion and Confirmation.”

The annual fundraisers include a clambake, Christmas cookie sale, pie sale, greeting cards for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, an autumn craft show and a spring fashion show. All event proceeds are presented to Rev. Justin Dyrwal, O.S.B. to support current church needs, Kafcsak said. Each October, members make a pilgrimage, and each Ash Wednesday, they sponsor a day of reflection that includes a featured speaker, discussion, prayer/reflection, lunch, Confession and afternoon mass. A Pet Blessing in October is also being planned this year that will include vendors, demonstrations and opportunities for adoption, Kafcsak said. Watch church bulletins for continuous details.

To learn more about the Altar and Rosary Society, contact President Cathy Kafcsak at kafcsak@aol.com or visit the Rectory.