The Ladies of Charity throughout the Archdiocese of Washington celebrated the Crowning of the Blessed Mother and the Feast Day of St. Louise de Marillac at St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families. The Very Rev. Thomas R. Frank, S.S.J. – Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church was the Mass Celebrant/Homilist. Father Frank gave a very good homily as it pertains to the mission of the LOC and those we encounter. The take away from the homily was “ADAPTATION.” As missionary disciples for Our Lord, we as Ladies must adapt to the needs of those we serve. Many thanks to Father Frank; he always provides us with much needed words of wisdom. This year Gloria M. Rose of St. Margaret of Scotland LOC did the crowning of the Blessed Mother. After Mass, the Ladies enjoyed lunch and participated in a raffle and 50/50 drawing. Maryann Rooney of St. Jane Frances de Chantal – Montgomery County was the winner of the 50/50 prize. The members brought many gifts for the residents of St. Ann’s as they do every year. Although all donations are welcomed, Joyce Dews of the May Day Committee suggested that going forward we should give monetary donations to St. Ann’s. They will be able to do much more in meeting the needs of the residents with money. This year, in addition to gifts, several ladies gave individual donations to St. Ann’s which totaled $790.00. Sister Bader as CEO of St. Ann’s addressed the group and was profoundly grateful for all the gifts and donations given to St. Ann’s not only on May Day, but throughout the year. She reported, since December 2018, eight families were able to move out on their own. Sr. Bader mentioned that 1 or 2 Ladies of Charity would be needed to serve on the planning committee for a Fall Event to be held at Elizabeth Ann Seton High School. She encouraged support from the members. Also, Deborah Self, President of the Archdiocese of Washington Board of Directors for the Ladies of Charity and Jamila Stone, Vice President of the ADW Board thanked everyone for coming out and especially thanked the members of the board for their dedicated service. Also, they spoke to the Ladies about the upcoming National Assembly to be held in Salt Lake City, UT from September 20-22, 2019 and handed out applications to apply for a scholarship to attend. Lucy Saunders, ADW Lay Vincentian Spiritual Moderator announced she and her husband will be leaving Maryland and moving to the Harrisburg, PA area in June. She had mixed feelings about moving, but is embracing this next chapter in her life. She will continue to carry on the mission of the LOC in Pennsylvania and looks forward to reading about the good works of the ADW LOC in the future. Everyone in attendance seemed to have had an enjoyable time. By the way, the food was delicious!
