A group of women has quietly worked behind the scenes at St. Michael Church in Newark for 80 years. The women in the parish’s Rosary Altar Society care for the church’s altar linens, make sure their pastor has the vestments he needs and provide flowers to beautify the church’s sanctuary.
“Anything related to the altar is our responsibility,” explained Bernie Forte, who joined the society four years ago when she moved to Newark.
Caring for the altar is only one part of the group’s mission, however. Rosary Altar Society members also faithfully pray the rosary before every gathering, asking for Mary’s intercession for anyone who needs prayers, Forte said.
“They are devoted parishioners whose service is rooted in prayer, love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and dedication to the church,” remarked Father Felicjan Sierotowicz, pastor of the Catholic Parishes of Eastern Wayne County, which includes St. Michael Church.
Society’s members care for the altar at Newark church
St. Michael’s Rosary Altar Society celebrated its 80th birthday last spring, according to Monica Brunner, who has led the group for the last 25 years. It was founded to help the parish’s priests by making sure they had everything they needed to celebrate Mass, she said. In recent years, the Rosary Altar Society has purchased new altar linens as well as priestly vestments and paid for the refurbishment of the candlesticks used on the altar.
“It keeps the church looking nice,” remarked society member Donna Ehle.
Father Sierotowicz said he appreciates the way the society’s members care for their church, especially the altars in the main sanctuary and in the parish’s smaller chapel. In addition to caring for the altar linens and flowers, society members also care for the sacred vessels used during Mass and other items that contribute to the beauty and dignity of the liturgy, he added.
“Their careful attention ensures that the church remains a fitting place for the celebration of the holy Eucharist,” Father Sierotowicz said.
The Rosary Altar Society funds its efforts by hosting such fundraisers throughout the year as a bake sale near Valentine’s Day and a harvest basket raffle in the fall, Brunner said. The group also occasionally brings in speakers and plans events for the parish, she said. Their work benefits the entire parish community, Father Sierotowicz noted.
“Their efforts create a welcoming and reverent atmosphere where people can encounter God in prayer and worship. Their support also strengthens parish life through fellowship, service projects and charitable works that reflect God’s love,” he said.
Devotion to the rosary is key component of society’s mission
Although the events, fundraisers and items purchased by the group change periodically, the thing that never wavers is the members’ devotion to the rosary, Brunner said. This focus on the rosary attracted Chris Hasseler to the society more than a decade ago, as her own devotion to the rosary stems from an experience she had nearly 30 years ago, when her then-25-year-old son was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her mother prayed the rosary for her son’s healing every day, Hasseler said.
“About halfway through his treatment, the doctors did an evaluation to see how he was doing. … They looked at him and said, ‘We can’t explain this. It’s just about gone already, and there’s no medical reason that it should be,’” Hasseler recalled.
Rosary Altar Society members recognize that the rosary is not simply a series of prayers, but a powerful meditation on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death and resurrection, Father Sierotowicz said. Through their devotion to the rosary, they serve as role models for fellow parishioners and remind the parish community of the importance of prayer in everyday life, he added.
“Perhaps the greatest gift the society offers is its example. …Their ministry demonstrates that every act of love — whether preparing the altar, arranging flowers, praying the rosary or helping a fellow parishioner — is an offering to God,” he said.
Tags: Faith in Action, Mary, Wayne County News
