Leadership - christchildsocietyphoenix.org · Leadership • President [s Message • ylaws Events • Fall Fundraiser • Red Wagon Fare • Day of Prayer • Layette hristmas Party

INSIDE

Leadership

• President’s Message

• Bylaws

Events

• Fall Fundraiser

• Red Wagon Fare

• Day of Prayer

• Layette Christmas Party

Projects

• Layette / Comfort Quilts

• Bedtime Bags

• Teddy Bears

• Book Club Buddies

• Storybook Friends

• Pen Pals

• New Members

Thank You

• K of C Councils

• Mt. Claret

• MVM Award Winner

• Sundt Foundation

Miscellaneous

• Circles

• Corpus Christi Cele-brates Founders Day

• NCCS President Blog

• Fry’s Rewards

• Donations

Attachments

• April & May Calendar

• Annual Meeting Flyer

2018-2019 | NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Terrie Perkins

Christ Child Members, I want to apologize for not getting a newsletter out to you before this, but since I was an “accidental president,” I was so overwhelmed with learning my job and doing the tasks that were right in front of me, that I confess I let the newsletter slide. I finally called Rosemary Levy about a month ago but she was getting ready to leave town and I had no time in my schedule to meet with her. As it turned out, I got sick anyway and wouldn’t have been much help to her! I was so happy that Grace volunteered to do the newsletter as she has such great computer skills and I know nothing as my secretary did everything for me. I don’t think I realized how important a newsletter was to our members until I

went to a recent funeral for one of them. I was speaking to her family mem-

bers and identified myself as being from Christ Child. “Oh, one of them said. She just loved your organization and especially looked forward to receiving your newsletter.“ Because of that comment I vowed that there will be at least two and hopefully three newsletters next year. Rosemary is already on board with this and I also appreciate her long term service on this project. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this one and appreciate all the time and effort that Grace and Sharon Del Duca France put into it. Christ Child Blessings,

CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX BYLAWS Diane Scalise

In October of 2018 the Executive Board along with members of the Gavel Club met to revise the Chapter By-laws and Policies and Procedures. With a healthy discussion regarding the new “Friends” Classification of Membership at the January Membership meeting, the vote was cast, and members approved all of the pro-posed Bylaws.

The Policies and Procedures only require a vote from the Board of Directors, which took place and “unanimously passed” at the January Board Meeting.

Since, over the years, our chapter has changed, aged, and evolved, the committee endeavored only to make changes that would continue to allow growth and strength for our future.

Blessings to all that helped and all that follow the mission of our founder Mary Virginia Merrick.

NON-EVENT FALL FUNDRAISER Grace Cooper

This year’s non-event Fall Fundraiser was truly a joint effort by all Board members. Everyone had a part in making this fundraiser a reality. This is particularly significant because there was not a Vice President—Ways and Means, who normally took on this task. So everyone pitched in and worked hard at getting a letter out to all members and prior donors.

And the members and donors responded well and we received approximately $13,000 in monetary dona-tions. Yes, this was less than in prior years, but it was a significant amount that will be utilized in our budget process affording us opportunities to held children in need.

The Board would like to thank all who contributed and want them to know that their contributions will be spent helping children and to fund necessary expenses of the Chapter.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX RED WAGON FARE Johanna Warner

February 16, 2019 was a wonderful day of “Fun” for our Annual Fundraiser the Red Wagon Fare.

Terrie Perkins, President gave a warm welcome to our attendees and Carol Engel in her heartwarming words

told the beautiful story of our Founder, Mary Virginia Merrick and the Little Red Wagon. Msgr. Tom Hever

presenter of the invocation spoke about the Christ Child Society of Phoenix and the good work we do for the

children within our community.

The “Vacation in Style” Fashion Show, fashions furnished by “Shannon of Kiss me Kate” was a big success.

The models walked down the runway in style and the cheers from the members and guests was exciting to

say the least.

The Red Wagon Fare Committee who are also Angel Circle members, Julie Berkel, Delores Jakubek, Rose-

mary Levy, Cindy Rutka, Wallie Sweeney, Johanna Warner and all our circle members came together to

bring a day of fun fashion and excitement. We extend a thank you to Jackie Ross and Helen Schnieders for

all their help in preparing the raffle items, and the members who helped with registration, the sale of raffle

tickets, and the models.

It was a fun event; I hope you all enjoyed the Red Wagon Fare, 2019.

RWF COMMITTEE

Cindy Rutka, Delores Jakubek, Johanna Warner

Wallie Sweeney, Julie Berkel & Rosemary Levy (not pictured)

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

Just a few comments shared about this year’s Day of Prayer:

Perfect day! It was my first time visiting Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery and being from Mexico it made me feel as if I was at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. If it hadn’t been for you, Rosemary and Jackie, I would have never found out about this beautiful and peaceful place. Thank you!

I think this was the most inspiring Day of Prayer I have attended in a long time. The messages by Fr. Jude and Sr. Linda really were appropriate. Everyone did a beautiful job and the setting was wonderful. Thank you to Rosemary & Jackie for planning and making it possible.

It was a beautiful and very special Day Of Prayer thanks to both Rosemary and Jackie. Rosemary, please know how much we all missed you ... you are in our prayers!!! It was such a success because of all of the hard work and planning that Rosemary and Jackie did for all of us! Thank You Both So Much! And ... Thank you again for the lovely words you wrote for the Prayers Of The Faithful ... everyone had a special day at the Monastery. Everything was wonderful ... of course a beautiful Mass, Fr. gave a great homily, Sr Linda was the best, lunch was delicious, the Stations were beautifully read and the weather was so nice. I drove a cou-ple of new members from Corpus Christi, who had not been at the Monastery before ... they were so amazed at the beautiful setting and the entire day! They both had a wonderful CCS experience yesterday .

DAY OF PRAYER

Rosemary Zais & Jackie Ross, Apostolic Co-Chairs

The Day of Prayer, Monday, March 18, 2019, was held at OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE MONASTERY (OLG) with

Fr. Jude Verley from Crozier Village presiding at 10:00 A.M. Mass. The theme for the Mass was Observing

Lent and the importance of forgiving and not judging others.

First Reading and Responsorial Psalm by Grace Cooper. Gospel and Homily by Fr. Verley.

Prayers of the Faithful composed by: Michelle Cano, Jackie Ross and Rosemary Zais.

A delicious lunch was prepared and served by the Sisters and Oblates at OLG. The Sisters of St. Benedict

were generous with their time for Christ Child.

Sister Linda, Christ Child’s Spiritual Advisor and Prioress at the Monastery, spoke about the importance of

For Giving and not judging others. She included two very special videos that were enjoyed by all.

Sister Lydia and Sister Linda led the Stations of the Cross after lunch.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX LAYETTE CHRISTMAS PARTY Michelle Cano

It’s THE Most Wonderful Time of the Year! (And December 12th was a pretty wonderful day, too!) I think both the Christ Child and Mary Virginia Merrick were looking down from Heaven on December 12th with smiles on their faces, as they saw all of the hustle and bustle of activity going on in the Corpus Christi Parish Center. You see, it was Distribution Day and also the annual Christmas Layette Luncheon ... Women were sewing, serging, crocheting, knitting, counting items, packing the diaper bags and other women were in the kitchen preparing the food for our 75 Layette members and luncheon guests! Doing the Lord’s work here on earth ... such a beautiful site! Many, many thanks to the Layette members from both Corpus Christi and the Westside. There were bounti-ful tables of food ... The Corpus Christi Ladies provided a variety of cold salads and the Westside Ladies pro-vided an assortment of desserts! Everyone was so very generous with the delicious food that they provided! There are not enough words or ways to say THANK YOU, to Edna Kvochak for chairing such a Fabulous Luncheon! The beautiful decorations, table settings, the folded green napkins shaped like “trees” ... amazing! And Edna surprised everyone with the lovely piano music and sing-a-long ... just the best sur-prise! The sing-a-long got everyone into the Christmas spirit! Edna, continues to amaze us with her time, talent and energy each time our site hosts this luncheon. Thank You Edna and Bless You! Thanks also to Ed-na’s “day before the event” set up team: Michelle Cano, Michelle Grimditch, Barbara Hunt and Barbara’s sister, Patty Beck. Everyone enjoyed their take-away gift bags filled with such lovely hand-made gifts. Thanks to Edna, Chris-tine Bordenet, Barbara Hunt, Bette Laatsch, Mary Labriola and Dorothy Twarog who were the “hands” be-hind the hand-made gifts! And, congrats to Sheri Doering on winning the “Gold Santa”! He had a good home for Christmas! As we ended our afternoon together, a special presentation was made to Bette Laatsch and MaryEllen Pend-leton on a Job Very Well Done. Bette and MaryEllen, for the past several years, have Co-Chaired the Valley-Wide CCS Layette program. Under Bette and MaryEllen’s leadership hundreds of Layette Bags have been filled and gifted to newborns (and their new Moms), for a loving “Christ Child” beginning in the lives' of these precious newborns. Bette and MaryEllen ... Thank You for a Job Very Well Done! And the best part of December 12th ... being with friends who share a love for helping children in need.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX LAYETTE CHRISTMAS PARTY Michelle Cano

Edna Kvochak & Barbara Hunt

LAYETTE CHAIRS

Michelle Grimditch &Michelle Cano, Corpus Christi Co-Chairs

Grace Cooper, Westside Chair

Bette Laatsch & MaryEllen Pendleton, Overall Co-Chairs

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX LAYETTE Bette Laatsch & MaryEllen Pendleton, Co-Chairs

Layette is a signature project that is a mandate from National Christ Child Society. We have about 80 volun-

teers involved in producing layettes for the following agencies: Chandler Regional Hospital, South Phoenix

Healthy Start, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix Indian Hospital and Maricopa Integrated Health System. They

are given to the neediest families who, many times, do not have any clothes to take their baby home in.

Christ Child Society is privileged to be able to supply 800 layettes per year to these babies. They have spent

21,976 hours in tracing, cutting, serging, sewing and packing the layettes.

We have three locations that work to make the layettes. They are located at Corpus Christi Catholic Church,

Mt. Claret Retreat Center and on the westside where they are able to meet at the REI Distribution Center.

Each location works to produce items that go into the layettes.

Normally the Westside group works on receiving blankets and burp cloths, afghans and hats, which are sent

to Mt. Claret for packing. Corpus Christi packs 25 layettes and usually is able to produce everything that goes

into these layettes, but any excess that they produce will be sent to Mt. Claret where they pack 75 layettes

each month.

It has been a great year of cooperation and working together with everyone in our three locations. In Decem-

ber we discovered that our supply of onesies was almost gone, so the call was sent out to all three locations

that we desperately needed to produce at least 300 onesies or more before we would be able to pack lay-

ettes near the end of January. Our wonderful volunteers stepped up and completed 534 onesies by January

11th.

The Westside group was asked to stop working on receiving blankets, etc. and work on cutting and serging

onesies, which they did. Everyone that knew how to serge worked on putting the onesies together and the

very prolific ladies at Corpus Christi put snaps on all of them.

One of the sidelines of crocheting or knitting afghans and sweater sets is having small amounts of yarn left

over. The volunteers have found they can make hats that fit newborns and can use up the small amounts of

extra yarn they have left. The very small hats are given to three agencies that perform ultra-sounds for preg-

nant women. The other hats are given to the agencies which receive our layettes and this year we gave

them 264 hats.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX LAYETTE (cont.) Bette Laatsch & MaryEllen Pendleton, Co-Chairs

Another sideline of making the onesies out of interlock knits is baby mitts. In the past years we have had re-

quests from some of the agencies to include baby mitts in the layettes. We found a simple pattern that we

could use to make the baby mitts and now include two sets of baby mitts in each layette. The very small bits

of scraps that are left are donated to another charitable organization that makes dog beds that go to veteri-

narians or dog shelters. Nothing is wasted.

Since both MaryEllen and Bette are stepping down next year as Co-Chairs for Layette, the Layette project will

have a chair person, but all of the duties of the project will be handled by various committees under that

chair. This will involve more of our members and will ensure a successful project.

Edna Langley, Suzanne Ell, and Julie Berkel hard at work serging!

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX MORE LAYETTE LADIES HARD AT WORK

Corpus Christi Layette Ladies

Back row—Carol Engel, Christine Bordenet, Gerry Witter, Marybess Mutchie, Mary

Ann Reith, Rose Grzywa, Mary Labriola, MaryEllen Pendleton

Front Row (sitting) - Dorothy Mackowski (deceased), Edna Kvochak, Carole Retzke

Delores Jakubek cutting out onesies.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX CORPUS CHRISTI LAYETTE SNAPPY LADIES MaryEllen Pendleton

Layette Co-Chair Bette Laatsch sent out an urgent request over the Christmas holiday that we were going to be short finished onesies for January distribution. These amazing ladies put snaps on 470 onesies - not only is that a new record for one month but it gave us a wonderful start to the New Year. We distribute 300 one-sies each time we distribute!

Thanks ladies for going OVER & ABOVE as well as taking time at home during the busy holiday season!!

Thanks to CCS members - Bette Laatsch, Edna Kvochak, friend of CCS Christine Bordenet, and Nancy Di Mascio.

Not pictured—Mary Labriola

Great Job, Ladies!

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX COMFORT QUILTS Bette Laatsch & MaryEllen Pendleton, Co-Chairs

The wonderful volunteers that make Comfort Quilts for CCS have spent 2,133 hours creating quilts. They are

distributed to six agencies. The agencies are Aid to Women Center, 1st Way Pregnancy Support, Life Choices

Women's Clinic, New Life Center, Southwest Family Advocacy Center and two locations of Phoenix Chil-

dren's’ Hospital. Quilts are various sizes from baby quilts to single bed quilts.

In fall one of our prolific quilters developed some health issues and decided to give up quilting. She donated

13 bins of fabric for quilts. Another of our members also gave CCS several boxes of beautiful quilting fabric.

The quilters from Corpus Christi and Mt. Claret got together and sorted through these many boxes of fabric,

put them into groups of colors and gave several large bags of fabric we couldn’t use to another organization

that makes quilts for charity. Nancy DiMascio had created a number of patterns for some very simple quilts

and shared them with the other members.

Several weeks later the quilters from the Westside quilters came to Mt. Claret and went through the fabric.

They found many pieces they could use with their fabric and took it along to make more quilts. We are look-

ing forward to seeing all of the new creations these prolific quilters will be making. It is a wonderful example

of working together and creating beautiful quilts to share with the needy children of the valley.

So far this year this amazing group has made over 275 quilts which have been given to the above agencies. Almost all

of the fabric they use has been donated.

Corpus Christi Quilters

Left to Right—Mary Labriola, Nancy Di Mascio and Christine Bordenet

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

BEDTIME BAGS

Rosie Little & Cindy Rutka, Co-Chairs

Our bedtime bags serve 768 children a year which is distributed to six agencies in the Valley. Each bag is comprised of a colored draw-string backpack with the Christ Child insignia proudly displayed on the front of the backpack. We serve children from ages 2 to 16 and our back-packs are designated a different color for each age group. In each bag are a colorful t-shirt (age appropriate), a story book/coloring book/puzzle book, crayons, towel and wash cloth, Kleenex, toothbrush, toothpaste, a pair of socks and for the younger children a hand-made personalized Teddy Bear lovingly crafted.

We work out of Mt. Claret on the first Thursday of each month beginning in September through May (excluding January). We have a wonderful group of volunteers who work very hard and we are grateful for their love and support of the children, thus, making Bedtime Bags a joyful and fruitful project!

Alexis Williams making tags for Bedtime Bags.

Wallie Sweeney packing Bedtime Bags.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX THE THREE LITTLE BEARS-REI (Westside) Rita Wichman

You can easily relive this story from your childhood memories. My Christ Child story of the Three Little Bears has no resemblance to the one in your mind.

My rendition:

1st Little Bear (Baby) -- Flat and Hungry,

2nd Little Bear (Mama) -- Stuffed and Lovable,

3rd Little Bear (Daddy) -- Positive and Proud.

My story is twenty “Baby” Bears are lying on a table all limp and lifeless. Soon six members adopt a bear and feed it with polyfill stuffing and this satisfies “Baby” Bear’s hunger. EMERGE: “Mama” Bear -- all stuffed and lovable. One thing in common with real mamas is their episiotomy. This major surgery is done to sew “Mama” Bear up. There are two “doctors” in the room, Lucy Kramer and Helga Heinz. They do all the “surgery” on the “Mama” Bear.

Our third Bear is “Papa” Bear who is “Mr. Show Off”. He has been fed and loved and now has been to his

final make up session to get his personality (facial features) and his heart. He puts forth his final appearance

as Positive and Proud. His neck piece is not a necktie but a colorful ribbon and on it is a name tag which de-

clares “Made by Christ Child Society of Phoenix”.

TEDDY BEARS–Mt. Claret Sharon Schneider

The Teddy Bear ladies work

very hard stuffing, and putting

faces and name tags on their

Bears. But they need sewers

to sew the bears. Imagine how much

fun it would be to create

a one of a kind bear using your

creativity and sewing skills. If

you’d like to help them out, please

give Sharon a call. Shirley Hennessey putting faces on Teddy Bears at Mt. Claret!

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX BOOK CLUB BUDDIES Julie Berkel

Thirteen Christ Child ladies have the joy of working once a month, eight months of the year with St. Matthew fourth and fifth grade students in our Book Club Buddies (BCB) program. During the year the children receive six books and later share their responses to writing prompts and engage in a discussion of each book before participating in a creative project on the particular book of the month.

This year the buddies have read American novels (Lunch Money, Holes, The Egypt Game), a biography (Farmworker’s Friend: The Story of Cesar Chavez), a Spanish language novel (Esperanza Renace), and will read a book of poetry (The New Kid on the Block). The Spanish novel helps the school achieve its goal of be-ing a bilingual school, part of an immersion program in connection with Boston College.

What makes BCB such a great project is that it not only aids the students in improving their literacy, but we the volunteers are able to observe the children’s reading growth as well as written fluency while having a wonderful time interacting with them. The fun of developing a positive relationship as we work with them makes this a most rewarding and enjoyable volunteer opportunity. We can definitely use more volunteers, so come join us. You will be glad you did!

STORY BOOK FRIENDS, St. Agnes

Ana Wenker

This year at St. Agnes we have a First Grade class of 28 children. In spite of the large number of students, the year has gone very smoothly. They are all very sweet kids. In past years, we have tried to have a theme for the month, but this year we have opted to do more reading in smaller groups. We have had a couple of themes, though. For example, in December we read a book about Our Lady of Guadalupe that Barbara Gal-lagher found. Barbara also provided beautiful prayer cards for each child with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In February, we celebrated the Chinese New Year. Rosie Little did a great job planning it. She brought some gifts from Singapore and she showed the kids Chinese New Year decorations. Rosie read two stories about the Chinese New Year to the kids and we also made Dragon Puppets. The volunteers have been great and they include Nina Davis, Shirley Fitzjarrald, Barbara Gallagher, Gwen Jacober, Mary Letson, Rosina Lim, Rosie Little, Terrie Perkins, Nora Phillips and Rosemary Zais.

We have two meetings left with the kids, April 3rd and May 1st. We will celebrate Easter with them in April and will play Word Bingo to close the year.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

STORY BOOK FRIENDS, St. John Vianney Betty Safarik

This is the sixth year for Story Book Friends at St. John Vianney school in Goodyear.

Our enrollment has grown to 50 very enthusiastic and excited first graders with 25 students in each class with 4 -5 in a reading group. The volunteers read and help the children read once a month for 40 minutes which includes an activity/work sheet.

Our book is called Laugh Along Lessons which has eight different stories. The stories are humorous, with mostly animal illustrations. Each story has a lesson such as taking turns, be kind to each other, listen to your parents ,sharing with one another, and working as a team.

The children are dismissed with a small surprise such as a I love reading pencil, bookmark, rubber bracelet, handmade rosaries and a special treat.

In May, each child receives a new book to take home and read over the summer.

Happy and excited St. Agnes 3rd Graders with letters from their CCS Pen Pals

(Article starts on the next page.)

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX PEN PALS Ginny Palamara

This Pen Pal Program which encourages students to read, write, and communicate was given in Ms. C. Stoltz’s 3rd grade class at St. Agnes’ School in February and March, 2019. Students were asked to write letters which focused upon their family and the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

Having been an English teacher for many years, I instructed the students about how to write a friendly letter as well as what to include in each of their letters. Students were given format of the 5W’s, (who, what, when, where, why and how). I was able to spend three classroom sessions with these third grade students who took great pride in composing their letters.

Once all students final copies were written and collected, I distributed them to the Christ Child Society Pen Pal volunteers who then wrote a written response to the student about their family, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. These letters were anxiously received by the students prior to meeting their Pen Pals.

A classroom reception from 9:30 to 10:30 am was given on March 21. By wearing name tags, students and Pen Pals could identify themselves and be ushered to their designated seats. They shared the content in their letters. In addition, maps were given out so they could tell about where they once lived. Juice boxes and snacks were enjoyed by all. It was a memorable moment in time for both the students and adults.

St. Agnes 3rd Graders and their CCS Pen Pals

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX NEW MEMBERS—HATS FOR HOPE Carol Engel

The 2018-19 new member class have been actively learning about the Christ Child Society and helping at every turn. They absolutely excelled at selling raffle tickets at our February Red Wagon Fare and even more recently joined me in distributing our Hats for Hope to First Way Women Center and Life Choices Women’s Clinic. One of the members commented that the entire day was so uplifting and inspirational. A third site in Tempe, Aid to Women Center was visited in late February. Through the skill and kindness of our knitters and crochet-ers, we were able to distribute 300 little hats; 100 to each site. This year’s class is made up of 7 delightful ladies: Kathy Attwood, Margo Chavez, Pat Cummins, Barbara Dan-iels, Sue Heller, Janet Hrusovsky and Nora Phillips. They have become involved in Layette, Comfort Quilts, Storybook Friends, Bedtime Bags and Book Club Buddies.

Please plan to attend our Annual Meeting to see the newest members of this year become our newest Active members in our society.

Left to Right...Carol Engel, Pat Cummins, Kathy Attwood, Sue

Heller, Clori with First Way, and Nora Phillips

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

NEW MEMBERS SELLING RAFFLE TICKETS AT THE RED WAGON FARE

FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Back row: Sue Heller, Maria Meyer, Kate Leising, and Janet Hrusovsky, with members Michelle Cano &

Michelle Grimditch

Front Row: Members Carol Engel, Diane Scalise, and Mary Garvey

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

THANK YOU!!!

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Barbara Hunt

Layette would like to thank the Knights of Columbus for their continuing generous support. Since 2013, we have received $7,724 to purchase diaper bags used for the distribution of our hand-made layettes. It is im-portant to note that the Knights have totally funded the purchase of these bags; we have not used any of our budgeted funds.

We specifically thank Corpus Christi Council #10062, St. Thomas Aquinas Council #11675, St. Benedict’s Council #12246, St. Clare of Assisi Council #12851, St. Helen’s Council #11738, and Holy Spirit Council #11999. Lest we forget the women involved with the Knights, we also thank the San Xavier del Bac Ladies Auxiliary (wives of San Xavier del Bac Assembly 14 Fourth Degree Knights from Corpus Christi, St. Benedict’s, Mt. Carmel and Holy Spirit).

Please, if you know a Knight, ask if their Council would be willing to make a donation towards the purchase of these bags; and remember, no amount is too small. Lastly, don’t forget to support the Knights of Colum-bus; they do a lot of good work and deserve OUR support in THEIR endeavors.

MT. CLARET Grace Cooper

Mt. Claret has been our ‘home’ for over 20 years! When we think of ‘home’ we think of family, acceptance, good times, a sanctuary, good food, and feeling safe and loved. And that’s what Mt. Claret has provided for our Chapter! At Mt. Claret, our members work very hard to provide necessary items for newborns, store all our ‘stuff’, host events and celebrations, hold meetings, enjoy each other’s company, catch up on family matters, discuss books, make hard decisions, and love every bit of what makes up our Chapter! Thank you to Msgr. McMahon for helping us find this wonderful place! This short article would not be complete with-out a warm thank you to Tom McGuire, Stephanie Silva, and Raul Bencomo for their day-to-day support.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

THANK YOU!!! (continued)

2018 MARY VIRGINIA MERRICK AWARD WINNER

Elida Desmond

Long time coming... with that being said, Thank You sooooo much for the Honor of receiving an award named after an incredible Lady and to follow such amazing women in our own Chapter.

Thank you to Tina Cavalcant and her committee for their time working on it and preparing for the presenta-tion.

Yes, I was totally surprised, that is one award I never felt worthy of especially when I see the past recipients. Of all the organizations I have belonged to, Christ Child Society of Phoenix is the one that is dear to my heart.

Thank you!

SUNDT FOUNDATION Sharon Del-Duca-France THANK YOU to the Sundt Foundation for their generous grant of $3,000! This grant helped purchase numerous items for over 750 Bedtime Bags which are distributed to six agen-cies, predominately domestic violence and homeless shelters. Each bag is filled with at least 10 items that help children transition from an unsafe environment into one where they can feel secure and prepare to return to a normal childhood. THANK YOU SUNDT!

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX HEAVENLY HELPERS—CIRCLE 4

Penny Willson

Circle 4, the Heavenly Helpers, had an afternoon tea at Barbara Gallagher’s house in the fall. Following the tea, the ladies visited Alexis Williams’ house to see her marvelous extensive Halloween decorations. The cir-cle has been somewhat inactive in recent years, so hopes for another event planned in April will stimulate its return to activity.

HEAVENLY HELPERS

ANGEL HELPERS

Johanna Warner

Delores Jakubek and Wallie Sweeney are the leaders of our circle. They arrange for our gatherings and most

importantly keep our members informed of the upcoming events. Wallie was instrumental in planning our

well attended Christmas Luncheon at the Scottsdale House and Delores baked all the delicious cookies we

shared.

The Red Wagon Fare is a great example of circle members coming together to give of their time, talent and

generosity.

Angel Circle members do not let any grass grow under their feet. Our next get together is on May 10th when

we will be touring the Wrigley Manson followed by lunch at the Biltmore Hotel.

In the fall we gather for a Tea and Coffee and plan our next adventure.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

CORPUS CHRISTI LADIES CELEBRATE FOUNDER’S DAY

Michelle Cano

The Corpus Christi Ladies gathered at the home of Edna Kvochak for a wonderful Founder’s Day Tea in honor of Mary Virginia Merrick. Carol Engel gave a special presentation on our Foundress. How very nice spending a great afternoon, in a beautiful setting, with special friends ... enjoying fabulous food and fellowship and eve-ryone sharing the same love in their heart’s ... the love and spirit of the Christ Child and serving children in need.

Impress vs. Inspire . . . . Inspiration in everyday life where God is always present.

The Christ Child is present in everyday deeds and people and even small acts can be inspirational!

NATIONAL CHRIST CHILD PRESIDENT BLOG

Carol Pickle, the National President of the Christ Child Society writes a blog and wishes to share it with all

members. The most recent post was dated March 12, 2019 and is entitled “Impress vs. Inspire”. Simply

search for “Impress vs. Inspire—NCCS” and click on the link to read her latest blog post.

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

FRYS COMMUNITY REWARD PROGRAM

Carol Engel

OLD 80192…………..…..NEW MP768

Many of our members have participated in grocery shopping at Fry’s and taken part in their Community Re-wards Program through their VIP card allowing our organization to benefit from the purchases we have made. We have been a part of this program for a number of years and been the recipient of reimbursement checks from Fry’s for our participation. There has been a minor change made to this program. We have a new number which corresponds to our or-ganization, (MP768). All members and others who have been participating NEED DO NOTHING. New mem-bers or anyone you might ask to join will use our newly assigned number (MP768). Remember, if you already participate you are set. Existing accounts will bridge to the new number…ALL NEW PEOPLE WILL USE THE NEW NUMBER (MP768). Once you are registered, the Christ Child Society of Phoenix will appear at the bottom of your shopping receipt. If you have questions regarding this program, please contact me. Carol Engel 602.625.7598 [email protected]

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“Nothing is ever too much to do for a child. ”

Mary Virginia Merrick

CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX

DONATIONS July 2018—February 2019 Elida Desmond

IN MEMORY OF... IN HONOR OF... Adelina Trujillo Carol Engel’s Birthday Alice Moore Jackie & Harry Ross, 50th Anniversary Brady (Mary Letson’s grandson) Juanita Baker’s Birthday Carlos Trejo Julie Berkel Carol Mazaratto Lucy Kramer, 90th Birthday Charlie Gooding Pam Del Duca Colin McGrath Rosemary Zais’s Health Recovery Dorothy Mackowski Sharon Del Duca France Elaine Peebles Shay & Brynn Holdaway Erik Anderson Fr. Bob Binta George Wendell Geraldine Glatz James Reni Jane Roberts Jay Binsfeld John Heileman John Sweeney Joyce Gilmore Kelli Evans La Deane Casey Larry Ruble Lila Wisdom Lisa Howard Marcia Levy Marion Hebting Mary Jane Weiss Melinda McGovern Michelle Cano’s friend Ronald Ramos Shirley Fitzjarrald’s grandson Trude Voss

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF PHOENIX CALENDAR

APRIL 2019

2 Board of Directors Meeting Mt. Claret

3 Story Book Friends St. Agnes

3 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts REI

4 Bedtime Bags Mt. Claret

9 Bridge Scottsdale House

9 Book Club II Member’s Home

10 Layette Corpus Christi

11 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts Mt. Claret

12 End of Year Reports Due

15 Book Club I Mt. Claret

16 Book Club Buddies St. Matthew

17 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts REI

19 Good Friday

20 Easter Sunday

24 Layette (Distribution) Corpus Christi

25 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts (Distribution) Mt. Claret

29 Board of Directors Meeting Mt. Claret

MAY 2019

1 Story Book Friends St. Agnes

1 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts REI

2 Bedtime Bags Mt. Claret

6 Annual Meeting AZ Country Club

8 Layette Corpus Christi

9 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts Mt. Claret

14 Bridge Scottsdale House

14 Book Club Buddies St. Matthew

15 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts REI

16 Layette, Teddy Bears & Quilts (Distribution) Mt. Claret

17 Story Book Friends St. John Vianney

20 Book Club I Mt. Claret

22 Layette (Distribution) Corpus Christi

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CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING

Monday, May 6, 2019

Arizona Country Club

5668 E. Orange Blossom, Phoenix, Arizona

9:30 am Registration

10:15 am Meeting and Installation of Officers and New Members

11:15 am Social Time-Cocktails at Cash Bar

11:30 am Lunch—50/50 & Raffle Drawings

LUNCHEON MENU Assorted Rolls - - - Pasta Fagioli Soup

Choice of Entrée (Please choose ONE)

***Baby Bleu Salad***

Grilled chicken breast, strawberries, kiwi, crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts, mixed greens

White Balsamic dressing

OR

*** Chicken Marsala***

With mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus

OR

*** Vegetable Napoleon***

Grilled and marinated vegetable tower, wild rice and salsa rosa

Plated Dessert Duet of New York and Chocolate Cheesecake

Iced Tea, Lemonade & Coffee

Price $35.00 per person

Member: ___________________________________ Lunch Choice: _____________________________

Guest: _____________________________________ Lunch Choice: _____________________________

Additional Guests - Please write their name(s) and lunch choice on the back of this form.

Amount Enclosed: $ ______________

Please make check payable to Christ Child Society & return this portion with check by Friday, April 26, 2019 to:

Elida Desmond

3806 E. Goldfinch Gate Ln. Phoenix, AZ 85044-4500

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