CRYSTAL LAKE—Fifteen women from 14 parishes who volunteer their time and talents quietly in the background were honored as this year’s Catholic Women of Inspiration by the McHenry Deanery Diocesan Council of Catholic Women at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Center, Sept. 14, here.
Those recognized, surrounded by more than 250 people including their pastors, families, friends and fellow parishioners, were:
Cary
SS. Peter and Paul: Kathy Boyce,
Crystal Lake
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Kathy Breuss,
St. Thomas the Apostle: Carol Anderson,
Harvard
St. Joseph: Judy Kruzice-vich,
Hartland
St. Patrick: Casey Porch,
Huntley
St. Mary: Martha Mirek,
McHenry
Church of Holy Apostles: Mary Ann Cahill
St. Mary: Barb Gilpin,
St. Patrick: Gail Cooper,
Johnsburg
St. John the Baptist: Camille Robaczewski,
Richmond
St. Joseph: Ann Adrian,
Spring Grove
St. Peter: Maria Pinkowski,
Wonder Lake
Christ the King: Patricia Stilling,
Woodstock
St. Mary: Gabriela Flores and Joanne Sotiroff.
As each woman was introduced, a summary of her accomplishments was read by her pastor or a fellow parishioner.
Each received her award from Bishop David Malloy and Father Paul White, spiritual director of the McHenry Deanery DCCW and pastor of Church of Holy Apostles, McHenry.
Most were lifelong or long time members of their respective parishes.
The women’s acts of generosity ranged from cleaning the church to spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and much, much more.
“The best of what we are as the Church is to take our faith into action,” said Bishop Malloy.
“We honor all of the Women of Inspiration, their generous gifts and service which they do with no sense of being paid back. Especially on this feast day of the Holy Cross, you all inspire us. The diocese and the Church are very grateful.”
Mary Ann Cahill, 87, one of the original founding parishioners of Church of Holy Apostles reiterated what most recipients said, “I am so humbled by this honor.”
“Mary Ann is a literary genius,” said Sheila Douglas. “She is a co-founder of the LaLeche League, has authored three books, and started our parish St. Vincent dePaul Society. Bernice Musielak added, “I’ve known her for 15 years and Mary Ann just keeps on going.”
Regarding recipient Joanne Sotiroff of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Woodstock, Pam Pecoraro noted that “Joanne is the leader of our Bible studies classes and our Rosary on the first Saturday of each month. At our Rosary, she shows slides and plays music that makes it all so inspirational.”
At the end of the formal presentations before dinner, Josie Whaley, the new president of the Rockford Diocesan Council of Catholic
Women, said “The Diocesan CCW thanks all of you for your service. We congratulate you, thank your families and ask our priests for your prayers. Thank you, Bishop Malloy, for being here with us today.”
She then added, with a laugh, “This was my first official event as president, what did I get myself into?”
Officers of the McHenry Deanery DCCW are Carol Sima, president; Barbara Russell, vice president; Billie Crotty, recording secretary; and Lavonne Sallaz, treasurer, who also served as chair of the “Catholic Women of Inspiration” dinner.
The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its affiliated organizations to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.