St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women's Guild installs new officers

St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women’s Guild held its final meeting for the 2024 season on April 9. The Rev. Robert Dziedziak led the installation Mass to officially install the newly elected board of officers for the guild.

“When you look at the fruit of the guild, it is great to see how you ladies reach out to different people and raise thousands of dollars to help the less fortunate in the area,” said Dziedziak during his sermon for the Mass. “So, we pray for the new officers and new members to continue the good work of their predecessors.” 

Linda Olsen and Cindy Noble are stepping down after leading the guild for the past few years. Olsen was the vice president for two years and felt sentimental about her time being a guild officer. 

“I just found it incredibly amazing that I got to serve and be surrounded by this group of women," said Olsen. “I have grown close with many of them, and they have helped me grow stronger in my faith and serving the community.”

Kay Kochenderfer is the new president and she is honored to be taking over for Noble. The new officers for the guild also include Lynn Kennelly as vice president, Marilyn Davol as treasurer, Susan Clarke as recording secretary and Mary Del Pup as corresponding secretary.

“It is incredible to be in the deep fellowship that you get by being surrounded by these women,” said Kochenderfer. “I’m super excited to take over for Cindy and serve this special community. Today on the tables, there is an angel on each plate with words that read, ‘Not all angels reside in the heavens. Some walk the earth.’ I feel that this expresses the women of the guild perfectly.”

After the installation Mass, the women headed to Father Pick Hall for lunch and closing statements for the season. Dziedziak’s birthday was the day before on April 8. The guild celebrated him and the end of a successful season.