Alter Society
Altar Society
The altar society was started over 60 years ago. Its original purpose was to pray for vocations and launder and mend liturgical garments worn by the priests and servers. When these items needed to be replaced and money was not available, the altar society took on the responsibility of refurbishing them. This was accomplished through fund raisers ranging from hat sales and talent shows to rummage sales. The list of needs grew and included everything from hosts, wine and Altar cloths to vestments. Mothers of the Altar boys were recruited.
In early 1960, the society opened a gift shop and began catering funerals. These were the only means of financial support for the society until the parish financial structure was changed, and these are now part of the general parish budget.
Although the society no longer pays for the altar supplies, it continues to provide many services, some of which are "behind the scenes," and may be taken for granted. These services include:
- Catering for funerals (volunteers are often needed to make cakes, etc.)
- Laundering the altar cloths and purificators (used at Mass to wipe wine cups)
- Sewing and embroidering Baptismal gowns used at Baptism
- Servicing the vigil light stands
Contrary to popular opinion, the Altar Society is not an "older ladies" organization and is always looking for new members, both men and women.
