Women's Guild leaders prepare for new term

By Dana Kampa
| 1:45 p.m. April 8, 2025

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Another year of leading the Women's Guild in its efforts to support the community lies before the newly installed officers.

Father Robert Dziedziak led an installation mass at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church on April 8, crediting all the members in attendance that day for their dedication and artistic talents when it comes to guild activities.

He especially appreciated their efforts to coordinate the inaugural "Art for the Heart" show earlier this year.

"Everything you organize is so nice and pristine," he said.

Members voted in the officers at the guild's fashion show fundraiser last month.

Kay Kochenderfer retains her role as president, along with Lyn Kennelly as vice president, Susan Gilmore Clarke as recording secretary, Mary Del Pup as corresponding secretary, and Marilyn Davol as treasurer.

"They were chosen because of their ability, their willingness to serve, and their interest and love for the church," Dziedziak said at the mass.

He continued, "As they assume their respective offices, it is their duty to plant and renew faith in the worthiness of the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and to promise to help and assist these leaders."

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Members must work with intelligent effort, cooperation, humility, faith and perseverance to ensure the continued success of the guild in supporting the wider community, he said.

Dziedziak said the Lady of Ransom is the patroness of Davol. Del Pup's patroness is the Holy Name of Mary; Gilmore Clarke's is the Lady of Fair Love; Kennelly's is the Lady of Divine Grace; and Kochenderfer's is the Lady of Humility.

He told the reinstated president, "We are confident that you will lead with true dignity and wisdom and will keep the ideal of real achievement and honorable service before you."

From left, Marilyn Davol, Mary Del Pup, Susan Gilmore Clarke, Kay Kochenderfer and Lynn Kennelly swear to uphold their duties as the officers of the Women's Guild at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church.

Father Robert Dziedziak explains the importance of the guild's work during an installation service.

Marilyn Davol is the first to be installed as the treasurer.

Susan Gilmore Clarke takes her turn affirming her commitment.

Marilyn Davol, Mary Del Pup, Susan Gilmore Clarke, Lynn Kennelly and Kay Kochenderfer pledge to fulfill their roles to the best of their ability.

The members of the Women's Guild reaffirm their commitment to bettering the community.

Women's Guild members including Janet Milliken applaud the installation of the officers.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.