This time of year tends to be the time for organizations to hold their annual recognition affairs for their groups and membership.

One of these annual events held in the Chicago area is the recognition of women who are members of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. The Chicago Archdiocese is divided into vicariates, which are then broken into smaller groups known as deaneries. 

Vicariate IV held its luncheon on May 20 to honor women from its five deaneries. Deanery E is represented by five parishes in our area, including St. Barbara in Brookfield, St. Hugh in Lyons, St. Louise de Marillac in LaGrange Park, Mater Christi in North Riverside and St. Mary in Riverside.

A woman from each parish was honored for service to the community, their parish and women’s group. 

Terese Kourim of St. Barbara has been a parishioner for 18 years and is beginning her second year as president of the women’s group. Her extensive list of involvement included making rosaries for the missions, serving as a substitute altar server and as a sacristan, to name a few things. 

Ida Clary of Mater Christi is a longtime parishioner, active with the Women’s Guild. She also has served on the Parish Council among other things to which she gives her time. 

Bernardien Austin from St. Mary is the mother of 10 children and proud grandmother of 10. In her spare (?) time she has helped as a school volunteer, with the youth ministry and the food pantry. 

An educator, she has served the school in many areas. She was proud to have some of her children present as well as one grandson, Charlie. 

Honored from St. Hugh was Vangie Price and from St. Louise Helene Clarke.

Fifteen women were recognized as Women of Action, representative of spirituality, leadership and service in their daily lives. Each introduction and list of accomplishments and activities led those in attendance to repeat, “If you want something done, ask the busy person,” and in this case the busy woman.

Following the program there was — and what luncheon would be without one — a raffle and a split-the-pot raffle. While I came home empty handed, I came back learning about some very generous women who keep on giving. 

Congratulations to all who serve in many capacities you all need to be recognized.