CRYSTAL LAKE—The annual Women of Inspiration banquet sponsored by the McHenry Deanery Council of Catholic Women honored 13 women from 12 parishes Sept. 20, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish hall.

Each woman was introduced, many with enthusiasm and a list of ways they serve their parish and community.

The word “humility” was a theme for several, with Father Brian Grady saying, “I think (humility) is a great sign” that his parish had picked the right woman, Andrea McCarthy, to honor.

Marge Schmitt from St. John the Baptist Parish in Johnsburg, was introduced as someone who “does all with humbleness that comes from an inner peace.”

Msgr. Joseph Jarmoluk spoke of St. Peter Parish, Spring Grove, history and concluded that “If (storyteller and author) Jim May wrote a book today, the longest chapter would be on the women of St. Peter,” and described 2015 honoree Maryann Huntington as “one of those faithful, dedicated women that I can’t think of life at St. Peter’s without.”

“Ladies, where would we be without you?” Bishop David Malloy asked in his brief remarks after presenting certificates to each honoree. He called it “wonderful to have this opportunity to say ‘thank you.’”

McHenry Deanery Women of Inspiration

Cary
SS. Peter and Paul: Linda Eberlein
Crystal Lake
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: Andrea McCarthy
St. Thomas the Apostle: Mary Collins
Harvard
St. Joseph: Sandra Meza
Huntley
St. Mary: Gail Johnson
Johnsburg
St. John the Baptist: Marge Schmitt
McHenry
Church of Holy Apostles: Barb Haffner
St. Mary: Maxine Cwiak
St. Patrick: Phyllis Schimming
Richmond
St. Joseph: Betty Christensen
Spring Grove
St. Peter: Maryann Huntington
Woodstock
St. Mary: Marilu Villafuerte and Maureen Otten