CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF TEXAS, CAPITAL AREA

f ANEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS. BENEFACTORS. AND FRIENDS JUNE 2003, ISSUE NO. 4

SCHEDULED EVETSTTS FOR THE COMING YEAR A GENERAL MEETING: Wednesday, July 16, 2003, 7:00pm, PAC, St.William Church, A Frof" Diane Scalise of Phoenix, AZ, National Presidenrof the CCS. We will be inviting God surely has great plans for the Capital Area persons from all Parishes in the Austin Chapter of CCSI So many things have just 'fallen into Diocese to leam more about the CCS place' when only a few months ago the board sat mission and more about Maiy Virginia wondering how it was all going to come together. We are Merrick. Please make plans to attend. continually blessed by His goodness. Diane has a truly inspiring personal stoiy. In a very short period of time our memt>ers have SEWING QRCLE: Saturday, July 19,2003, accomplished so much and have developed a passion 9K)0 am-? meeting at Annie Mudrack's for our mission. We are beginning to understand the home, 1915 Eggar Av., RRock. Please RSVP scope of the needs in our community and are in the 310-7874or vmu4rack(3>austin,rr.com if process of developing programs by which we can you are coming. actively participate in meeting those needs. SEWING QRCLE: Saturday, August 23, Please take a moment to read this newsletter, to 2003, 9:am-?meeting at Annie's(see see what has been accomplished and what is on the above). Please RSVP 310-7874 or agenda. I would also ask you to share this newsletter [email protected] with those you feel would have an interest in this organization. Help us spread the word and give others GENERAL MEEHNG: Thursday, the opportunity to share in the blessings we receive by September4,2003, 7:00-9:00pm, Round serving those most in need of our service. Rock Public Libraiy.

❖ Have a wonderful and restful summer! God LAYETTE ASSEMBLY & DISTRIBUTION: bless. Saturday, October 18, 2003,9:00-11:30am, if —Mickey Rowland PAC, St. William Church (see items below). ^ President CCS of Texas, Capital Area

Donations Needed

Small 'Pringle' chip cans w/tops for Onesies "Swaddle the Baby with Pennies Wash Cloths From Heaven" fundraiser Hooded Towels Bath Products Burp Cloths Baby Wipes (travel size) Receiving Blankets Books Boxes for Layettes (box tops Sleepers from copierpaper boxes) Donations can bedropped off anytime at St IViHiam's Cfiurch Office. Please label them ' Society' or"CCS.' ..-.ciiSFkswweeeee CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF TEXAS, CAPITAL AREA PAGE 2 June2003

The Layette 2003 REQIONAI MEETING IN EL PASO Published Quarterty By —Stibmitted by Mary Urhatunvskt The Christ Child Society of Texas, Capital Area, a member chapter of "Challenging Poverty One Child at a Time" was the theme of National Christ Ch^d Society, Inc. 6900 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 604 the National Christ Child Society's Western Regional Meeting held April Bethesda, Maryland 20815 27-28, 2003 in El Paso, Texas. The Western Region Is composed of 800-814-2149 chapters from Arizona, California, Oregon and Texas. The hostess of FAX 301-718-8822 the meeting was Molly Reed, President of the El Paso chapter. www.natiQnalchristchildsoc.orQ Representing the Capital Area CCS were officers Mickey Rowland, Lori Saldivar Jan Huelskamp, past secretary Lisa Aronson and Mary Urt)anowski. At an opening candlelight ceremony, NCCS President Diane Scalise presented the Capital Area Chapters charter to President Rowland. A trolley tour of the city was followed by dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The Monday meeting opened with NCCS Executive Director "^thing is Margaret Saffella's presentation of the program. The Phoenix and ever too much to dofor Pasadena chapters made presentations supporting the theme of the acMht" meeting. NCCS President Elect Roseanne Anderson and President Mary VirginiaMerrick, Founder Scalise presented an overview of organizational goals, and national and Chapter functions and responsibilities. Entertainment at lunch was provided by a group of energetic senior women dancers! The El Paso Local Chapter Information chapter was very hospitable and made the weekend a pleasant President experience Mickey Rowland P.O. Box 5953 Round Rock, Texas 78683 512-244-0872 A [email protected] asl(mgasyou diditfor oneof these, theleastofMybrethren, Spiritual Advisor you did itforMe." Matthew25:40 Rev. McNeil St. William Round Rock, Texas f*' VPin Charge ofService Lorrie Saldivar SERVICE-^ Parliamentarian Lonie Saldivar-341-9821 Mary UrbanowskI [email protected] Treasurer Jan Huelskamp Historian On Thursday, June S*'', several members of the board met with Diana Pier Sharon Gretencord of the Project Life Center. Open in May 2002, the Secretary Life Center offers free pregnancy tests and life affirming, pro-life counseling. Rebecca Mara Sharon has asked the CCS if it's members would be interested in Newsletter Editor volunteering as receptionists and counselors at the center. This wouldrequire Sue Greene some training. The Life Center is only open two days a week and accepts appointments and walk-ins. The staff there would like to eventuallyoffer it's This Issue's Photographer services five days a week and on Saturday mornings. Mary Gontarek While at the Regional meeting in El Paso, the board had an The Layette is available through annual opportunity to leam about a reading program from the Pasadena Chapter that membership in the CCS. Yearly dues are: was sponsored by the LA Times. "Read By 9" is a program designed to help Active $20.00; Contibuting $30.00. young children to become better readers by spending time listening to them Contact the local chapter for more information. and encouraging them to read. It is a one on one relationship with a child. Continued on Page 4 ONAtnUL 5^ MANY JOiNEO 70 ASSSMBUAMO PACKAOS LAYETm

HHSMSm PWmBP BBIOW L-K: tOMtMB SCHUCKMAK tnuekEfftowiANO, m klumpp, mblissa galbah, HHARY UttBANOWSiaAiiP JAN HUELSIiAlillP

Our April 5 Layette Assembly was a huge success. Over 30 people from the CCS and the Women's Relief Society of the Chun^ of Latter-day gathered to assemble 120— layettes. The Women's Relief Society donated many items inUuUlny handmade baby quilts. The layettes were donated that day to the Gabriel Project and Lifeline. The mood was set with a baby shower theme; cake and 'A. refreshments were served after all the hard work. It was a fantastic experience and so fun selecting from the hundreds of beautiful baby items to create a layette for a special child. We have begun planning our next Layette Assembly, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2003 in the PAC. Information will be forthcoming over the summer months. Donations can be dropped off anytime at William's Church Office. Please label them "Christ Child Society" or "COS." S€R&iVB/lilBNTGOWNS VONATSD TO mCHILOn^N'S HOSPITAL OfAUSTIN

Three weeks ago, thirteen bereavement govms along vi^h bonnets and" haftO-embroidered overiays (pictured above) vi/ere delivered to Shawn

jeuiu-' Winkleman, Perinatal Social Worker at the Children's ' 11^ Hospital of Austin. Ms. Winkleman was very happy to accept the govsms and expressed her appreciation for the members who sewed them. To date, gowns have been presented and accepted by two families who lost a child. Ms. Winkleman said the parents were extremely grateful 1 for the gift. One family asked that their child be •• |r dressed in the gown and a picture taken of them with their precious baby.

-Melissa Galban, Layette Chairperson 255-5897, [email protected]

jmA pottTWNOfTHsmaimoQWS! CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF TEXAS, CAPITAL AREA PAGE 4 i-«cV5Sa.-';'70*c4J.w.Vi9fn«> Wtt3

ConHnued from Page 2—SERVICE In our area, there is a large population of Spanish speaking children, some of whom come from families who speak only Spanish In the home. The need for a child to read to a parent or any adult who can offer encouragement and assistance is vital to the child's progress in school. We have requested and received information about this program and will soon be selecting a steering committee to assist in the Implementation of the "Read By 9" program. If you are interested In participating, please contact Lorrie Saldlvar. The board will present aH information about these service opportunities to the membership at our next general meeting in September. -Lorrie Saldivar, 1®* VP in Charge of Service

Let Christ live in you and act in you in small deeds as well as great Ifyou do well, it is He; mm. M to Him be praise forever. —Mary Virginia Merrick •I- III •' \ \ \ v

ExcitingNews To AU A^embers Of The ChristChUd SocietyAcross The ^Submitted byJan Huelskamp Maiy Gontarek - 244-7515 [email protected] The National Christ ChildSociety announces that the Congregation for the Causes ofSaints in Total hours donated by this chapter of the Christ Rome has declared Mary Virginia Merricic, founder Child Society will be sent to the National Christ Child ofthe Society, a Sen/ant ofGod. Society at the end of June 2003. If there are any hours The April 2, 2003 decree sentin response to out there that have not yet been sent to me, please do the letter of Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, so as soon as possible. These hours are precious to us. Archbishop of Washington, states that the We will be able to claim these hours as the basis to apply for grants. Hours spent making blankets, Congregation has no objection in preliminary steps attending meetings, sewing, making telephone calls, etc. being taken toward the potential and count toward total hours. of Mary Virginia Merrick. The next I may be reached by phone 244-7515 or by steps in the process include the collection ofMary email at [email protected]".com. Thank you, and God Virginia Menick's writings and correspondence, bless you for all the time and energy you have given to recording the recollections of living acquaintances the children of Central Texas. -Mary Gontarek and witnesses with first-hand knowledge of Miss Membership Committee Chairperson Maryand her works, andappointing a postuiator to direct the formal cause ofcanonization. CCS SERVICE HOURS Mary Virginia Merrick died in 1955 after devoting most ofher89years oflife to establishing Name ongoing outreach services to at-risk children, Start Date End Date regardless of race or creed. She aiso became a prolific writer and was recognized as a Catholic of Date Activity Hours great distinction. She received persona! honors from St Pius X and Pope Pius XI. Upon hearing of her death. Bishop McNamara of Washington proclaimed, "She took her cross and out of it fashioned a bridge over which she and Total Hours = others would walk on their way to God." inMn>rAiBca;sssg:i I CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY OF TEXAS, CAPITAL AREA PAGE 5 JUNE2003 I* ^'.,!l. ^ I0« 111B *

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W5K: wasa Founders Day Mass. Pictured k front row: Monlka Vega, Sharon Chiistiansen, Jan Huelskamp, Mickey Rowland, Lorrie Saldivar, MeRssa Galvan, Jodi Chowen, Maria Mayo, Julie Evans. Midde row: Mary Gontarek, Mary Urbanowski, Annie Mudrack, Lon^ine Schuckman, Km Numpp, Rebecca Mara, Maureen Hubert, Dariene D'Aiessio, Sue Greene. Back row: Bob Huelskamp, Guy Rowland, Father Joel McNey, Mary Ann Girvan, and LaVem Rinken. officiated at the noon Mass. Following Mass was a special Founders Day Mass ceremony in which all members and officers were inducted into the COS Capital Area Chapter and awarded pins blessed by The Christ Child Society of Texas, Capital Area held Father Joel. its first annual Founders Day Mass on Thursday, April 10, A delicious potludt luncheon was held afterwards in 2003. Nationally, all chapters celebrate a Founders Day Mass the Parish Hall, followed by the general meeting. in thanksgiving for the sacrifice, love and dedication It took for If your schedule did not pemiit you to join us, your Mary Virginia Merrick and others to make the CCS the pins and program will be presented to you at our next general roductive and giving organization it is today. meeting in July. We are so grateful to Father Joel and to those Father Joel McNeil, pastor of Saint William Catholic who volunteered their time to make it a very memorable day. Church and Spiritual Advisor of the Capital Area Chapter,

Many thanks to Maureen Hubert. LaVem Rinken, Rebecca Mara, Melissa Galban, Mickey Rowland and Christie Odom for serving on the cookbook ''Goodwill came to him who is generous committee and to all of the members who baked goodie andlendsfreely." Ps 112:5 NIV samples and worked the tables. For anyone needing a copy, cookbooks are FUNDRAISING - Julie Evans - 244-1230 available at the Saint William's Knights of Columbus Gift [email protected] Shop, Parish Hall. You may also contact Julie Evans or Christie Odom - 759-1846 Christie Odom (contact information Is listed above). codom41S@netscaDexom Now that our cookbook sale is winding down, we are discerning our next project. We need your help. If you would like to serve on this committee, please Our first fundraising event is turning out to be contact us. quite a success. We sold cookbooks after masses on Coming Soonil "Help Swaddle the Baby With three consecutive weekends beginning April 26th. By Pennies From Heaven" program beginning at our next Mother's Day, May 11th, we had sold 224 Hearty general meeting in September. We will distribute Delights cookbooks out of 300 ordered. Profit so far is decorated 'Pringle' chip cans to the membership at that $1,138.00. A decision was made to re-order 100 time. We'd like you to keep the can handy in your house additional books to have on hand for upcoming to collect your pennies and small change, and then turn gatherings. your can in at the next general meeting. Your spare In addition to selling cookbooks, a kitchen change will help toward funding our layette and accessory basket that Included a copy of Hearty Delights bereavement gown programs. Get your family involved! was raffled off. The raffle raised W1.00 and the lucky winner of the basket was Janie Castillo. Congratulations -Juiie Evans and Christie Odom Janie! Fundraising Committee Co-Chair FROM: Christ ChildSociety of Texas, CapitalArea P. 0. Box 5953 Round Rock, TX 78683 fi

Once upon atime there was arich man who was very sick. "As he neared death he began to have great difficulty with the idea of leaving his riches behind. He pleaded in prayer, "Lord, please allow me to take one trunk into heaven." Rnally, the Lord said, "One trunk." So the rich man filled a trunk with bars of gold. After hisdeath the man arrived at heaven's gates ofpearl. Justahead was thegreatstreetofthe city made ofpure gold, like transparent glass, asdescribed in theBook ofRevelation. Very soon an angel appeared unto him, looked at the trunk and said, "I'm sony, you cannot take anything with you." The man said, "But Ihave special permission from the Lord." To which the angel replied, "Wait here, 1will inquire about this." Amoment later die angel returned to allow the man to enter. "But, first," the angel said, "may1see what is inside the trunk?" Tlie man opened the lid. The angel spoke in amazement, "You brought paving stones???"

"The world and its desires pass away, butthe man whodoes the will of Godfives forever." -1 John 2:17