Most Blessed Sacrament Women’s Group Newsletter

October 6, 2010 Meeting

After a welcome message from facilitator Anna LeRoy, 35 members and guests were avid listeners as Dr. Karen Gremminger Sorted Through the Myths & Truths of Women's Cancer Care. As October is designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she began her presentation with some statistics for the disease, the number one cancer diagnosis for women. Mercy Medical Center, where Dr. Gremminger maintains her practice, sees more than 100 new cases of breast cancer each year. She reminded us that no two women diagnosed with the disease will be treated the same and that there are many different approaches to a woman's therapy regimen including surgical options, radiation, and chemotherapy. There are resources for women who think they cannot afford a mammogram, and we were encouraged to continue monthly self exams as a 'clear' mammogram is only as good as the day it was taken. Cervical, ovarian, and colon cancer statistics were also shared as well as a reminder to respect your own family's cancer history. All women are encouraged to maintain their good health by having an annual pelvic exam by their physician, even if they are past child-bearing age as this is the number one preventive measure against cancer.

Following Dr. Gremminger's presentation, Arietta Prickett of the parish quilt group showed members the four completed prayer quilts that are available for anyone needing one. New members are welcome to join the group who meet the first Monday of the month.

A brief social break was held to enjoy the refreshments provided by Joan Reiter, Dot Muza, and JoAnn Feldner. Thank You!!

Our meeting resumed with an update on Aquinas Hall and the kitchen by Ruth McGinley, Jane Hoffman, and Carol Hillman. Ruth showed members the Trinity cross purchased by our group for Aquinas Hall and gave a brief description of the pictures depicted on it. Our open house, which was co-hosted by the high school religious education program students, was a great success with many positive comments made by attendees. The draperies have been re-sewn to avoid sagging at the ends due to the heavy material and grommets.

The kitchen has been rearranged by Jan Grable of Parish Life to better suit its use by various parish groups. Jan has also updated the map and cupboard/drawer listing, both of which are posted on the new bulletin board on the kitchen wall.

Committee Reports:

• Worship and Faith Formation Committees had no updates to present.
• Mary Gibbons of Human Concerns, along with Jan Cleaver, will present their proposal for the new Care Ministry to the Parish Council later this month for their approval. A tribute to parish veterans is planned for November. A Fair Trade sale will again be held and this year items will also be sold at the Lourdes Craft Fair on 11/20.
• Rose Behlman of Time and Talent wants everyone to mark their 2011 calendars for May 21st, which is the Morning for Women. Joan Suenkel noted that the parish will be looking for some strong arms to ring bells for the Salvation Army at the Murdock Avenue Walgreens. Dates are Saturday, November 20th, Thursday, December 2nd, and Saturday, December 11th. Shifts are two hours each and sign up sheets will be at the back of each worship site soon.
• Anna LeRoy of Parish Life reminded everyone of the Barn Dance on Saturday, October 16th after the 4:00 Mass. An anonymous donation has made it possible for all children to attend free of charge so bring your children and grandchildren.

Pat Kohls, our November meeting presenter was introduced. She will be helping us explore the "Wonderful World of Words" & guiding us as we write holiday messages inside Christmas cards to be sent to our homebound parishioners. ALS Printing, a parish member will do the printing at a cost of $88.15, substantially lower than other bids; postage has been donated. Joan Ruetten has designed the card; a sample was circulated.

JoAnn Feldner thanked everyone who has made a donation to the Bella Medical Pregnancy Center Walk for Life, which will be held this Saturday morning. Members are welcome to join her on the walk at 9 A.M. at the Center on South Park Avenue.

Anna reminded members to sign up for monthly refreshments and to provide their email address on the member information sheet if they want to receive our newsletters. The meeting concluded with members reciting A Prayer for the Conquest of Cancer.

Our next meeting is Wednesday, November 3rd at 6:30. Reni Lynch will be the meeting facilitator.

Submitted by Carol Hillman