Women's club grows through decades

A women's club founded in 1972 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Rotterdam is not only still in existence, but continues to grow.

A key to getting new members is personal invitation, according to founding co-president Ellie Bradley.

"We ask members to try to invite people," she said. "Personal invitation is important. We're always looking for younger women, but we'll take women of any age."

The club recently held a wine and cheese party to recruit new members. Sixty-five people attended, said Christine Schanz, president of the club, and at the event four newcomers committed to joining the 100-member club.

Changing role

Originally founded to provide support to the religious education program, the club has grown and taken on a variety of roles in the parish:
* hosting receptions after First Eucharist, First Reconciliation and Confirmation celebrations;
* raising money to purchase needed items for the parish; and
* providing service both within the parish and to the larger community.

"They are a very empowered group of women," said Annette Brooks, parish life director at St. Gabriel's. "They are a definite asset to the parish. They are right there willing to do anything. If you need anything done, you call the Women's Club."

The club sponsors an annual seniors' lunch where residents of area nursing homes come to the church hall for a meal and are waited on by members of the club. Ms. Brooks said those who attend are happy to have an outing.

Giving, getting

While club members do much for the parish and the community, they say the rewards are great. 

"I've enjoyed our monthly meetings," Mrs. Bradley said. "We pray for each other and we work with each other."

She said the camaraderie that develops as the women are working together helps create community in the parish. 

Janice Helmin, the other founding co-president, agreed. She noted that, often, people only know the other people at church who sit in the pews near them. By joining a parish organization, they get to meet people they might not ordinarily meet.

"It's brought the women together," Mrs. Helmin said. "When you work together, you get to know one another."

Mrs. Schanz decided to get involved in the Women's Club after she stopped working full-time to care for her aging parents. 

"I wanted to give back to the Church," she said. "It was time to step up. The older I get, the more my faith means to me."

The group often brings in speakers on spiritual and practical topics, Mrs. Schanz said, including care for the elderly and financial planning.

Through fundraisers, the club has been able to purchase new tables for the religious education program, sponsor a young woman from the Christian Foundation for Youth and Aging, oversee costs of the Journey retreat program and sponsor Communion breakfasts and dinners. The group also does volunteer work for the Salvation Army and puts on Lenten soup suppers for the parish.

(9/25/08)