CRYSTAL LAKE—St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish was again the setting for the annual Women of Inspiration, welcoming more than 300 people this year to honor 15 women who inspire others in their respective parishes.

 

Sharon Bills of St. Mary Parish in Huntley, for example, was honored for “sharing her faith and love in her many ministries,” while the smaller parish of St. Joseph in Richmond honored Adrianne Adams, a parish member for more than 45 years who is very active at the parish and inspires others “in a very quiet and unassuming way.”

 

The event is sponsored and organized by the McHenry Deanery Council of Catholic Women. 

 

Barbara Russell, president of the deanery council, wryly commented on the litany of service outlined in the program by saying, “I honestly don’t know when (these women) have a chance to sleep.” 

 

She also expressed the hope that young Catholics will “follow your example so we can keep the spirit going.”

 

Msgr. Thomas Dzielak, spiritual director for more than 30 years for the Diocesan CCW, presented the awards, which were followed by a buffet dinner, lots of picture-taking and many smiles shared.

 

The 2018 McHenry Deanery Women of Inspiration are:

 

Crystal Lake

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Gloria Kessler

St. Thomas the Apostle: Helen Comiskey

 

Harvard

St. Joseph: Mary Sue Vanderstappen

 

Huntley

St. Mary: Sharon Bills

 

Johnsburg

St. John the Baptist: Mary Jo Schwontkowski

 

McHenry

Church of Holy Apostles: Helen Schmitt and Rosario Solis

St. Mary: Janice Tonyan and Cecile Zimmerman

St. Patrick: Maureen Montressor

 

Richmond

St. Joseph: Adrianne Adams

 

Spring Grove

St. Peter: Debbie Mathien

 

Wonder Lake

Christ the King: Patt Von Bergen

 

Woodstock

St. Mary: Silvia Flores and Pam Pecoraro