The Altar & Rosary Society: 

This week we’d like to spotlight St. Paul’s Altar & Rosary Society. This organization has existed at St. Paul's for more than forty years and has been a pillar of faith and discipleship in our community during that time. One member explains, "Being part of Altar and Rosary gives you the chance to be part of a community within the church, build Christ centered friendships and at the same time be apostles with your time and talent."

St. Paul’s Altar & Rosary welcomes all women of the parish as members. The mission of St. Paul the Apostle Altar & Rosary Society is to provide for the adornment of the sanctuary and to promote a greater devotion to the praise and honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayer, good works and devotion to the Rosary. Additionally, the Altar & Rosary Society strives to be a means by which Catholic women can experience a supportive community of intentional disciples who help each other to grow in their relationship with Christ. 

This mission statement barely touches on the rich tradition and beautiful, life-long, faith-filled friendships that have developed throughout St Paul the Apostle Altar & Rosary’s history. In the late 1960s, Father McEleney challenged the women of the parish with a mandate to start Church Circles. His original vision was to provide social, faith-based gatherings for the women of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, as well as a to provide a way of introducing new members to the church community. He believed that women needed the opportunity to gather in faith and friendship. Through these gatherings and the relationships that were formed, an active Altar & Rosary Society blossomed – intentional discipleship was taking root at St Paul’s decades ago.

St. Paul the Apostle Altar & Rosary is comprised of nine circles. Three of the original circles are still active - and when we say active, we mean active! Nearly every month, for almost 50 years, these women have gathered for fellowship, guest speakers, planning of the Christmas Bazaar (now Pies & Presents), Christmas parties, BUNCO, etc. These women are leaving a legacy full of service through friendship and faith. As new women become active in Altar & Rosary, they say it has been the witness of these founders that has inspired their participation. One member shares, “Altar and Rosary has provided me with a variety of ways to meet new people. I truly enjoy spending time with women from all different age groups and interests. I have prayed with, cleaned with, cooked with and laughed with many faithful women of our parish."

Through these faith friendships, St Paul’s Altar & Rosary Society has served the parish in a variety of ways over the years.  In addition to supporting the work of the parish through funding the purchase of liturgical vessels and supplies and maintaining the altar candles and vigil lights; the Altar & Rosary Society also organizes and serves funeral luncheons, prepares and delivers meals throughout the year as a part of their Smiles Meal Ministry, organizes and assists in various service projects and hosts social events.

St. Paul’s Altar & Rosary Society will be hosting its third annual Advent by Candlelight, Sunday, December 4^th.   We encourage all women of the parish to join us as we prayerfully prepare our hearts for the Advent Season…this will be a tremendous opportunity to experience the faith and friendship offered by St. Paul the Apostle Altar & Rosary Society. 

*For more information, contact:

Mary Kay Kendall 563.940.1918

Sara Sieren 563.210.6554

Theresa Beldock  904.687.3284