May 23, 2017

6:30pm

The Women's Group enjoyed a wonderful Mass presided by Fr. Laurence Dunn. Fr. Dunn expressed his gratitude to the Women's Group for their work in contributing to parish life. He delivered a moving sermon on the meaning of friendship emphasizing the need to not live by our expectations of others, but to accept each other as God sees us - perfect in His eyes.

After Mass, the women enjoyed fellowship in the O'Gara Center over a fiesta style menu of snacks and margaritas.  

Women's Group co-chair, Margaret Tomaselli offered her remarks by thanking their members for attending the Closing Mass as they closed out their Year of Friendship - which was exceptional!  "WG heard your suggestions from last year’s Closing Mass and so added a well being event to our calendar. We started the year with a Life Skills Lecture drawing talent from the parish in the way of Sally Willis.  Sally presented a wonderful evening filled with wisdom on caring for ourselves nutritionally. The setting was the lovely Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, the Ryerson historic home located in Riverwoods."

Margaret added, "Recognizing the value of parish life to our parish community, WG added the Live Nativity to its support of parish events, such as Advent Wreaths, Sharing Tree, Lenten Program and the Annual Dinner Dance.  Our fundraising efforts were off the charts this year! Trivia Night raised $4,500, which benefited 4 charities: the Roberti Community House, Most Blessed Trinity Academy, Holy Family Soup Kitchen and the St. Patrick Youth Ministry mission trip. Bunco for Babies raised almost $700 and a multitude of items to support unwed mothers and their babies. WG’s signature event, the Spring Luncheon, made the front page of The Lake Forest Leader newspaper with its keynote speaker, Sr. Alicia Torres, winner of the Food Network’s Chopped, but more importantly, brought in 20 raffle basket donations that added to the $4,500 collected to benefit the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels Church in Chicago."

Margaret also recognized a few key members of their board, "These achievements could not be done without the talented and dedicated women of the WG Board. I’d like to recognize those women who are ending their tenure with the Board. These women are very long time volunteers and have served the WG Board and St. Patrick Church in varying roles.  In order of seniority:

• The bubbly and warm personality behind St. Patrick’s Hospitality Sundays - Bizzie McCarte

• The creator behind the beautiful posters and graphics of WG events - Angie Sage

• 4 years since 2013 The very well organized and unflappable Programs Chair - Maureen Janes

• Parish Council Liaison and broadcast email queen - Carolyn Tiongco"

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The Women's Group Board is already preparing for our 2017 - 2018 season.  Join our mission and become part of our "Year of Service".