Meeting Highlights
Carmen was an engaging and poised presenter while Xavier was a well-behaved attendee, both credits to Mom, Stephanie.
Our April 17 visit to John Paul II was highlighted by marvelous messages by President Erick Chittle and Freshman Carmen Shick. Michelle Barber, dean of Admissions and Advancement for the school, introduced the fifth leader of the school. Dr. Chittle spoke of the eternal impact of the scholar-ship for Carmen. He noted that JP II has unbelievable academics and stringent religious formation. “We are all made to be saints and her time at JP II will open her heart.”
He told a moving story about how his grandmother asked to go to the school “with the uniforms” and that her tutelage from the sisters in the Chicago school brought the entire family back to their Catholic faith. Chittle and his wife are raising their nine children through the Catholic school system.
Carmen and her mother, Stephanie, and brother, Xavier, were introduced and photographed.
Carmen, a pitcher for the softball team, is also achieving remarkable academic reports, all A’s! She has also been accepted in the acapella group. She said her talk with us would be a first run for her performance. She recognized that she is immersed in her Catholic education and can’t imagine how it would be to not include faith in education conversations. She enjoys writing and is considering a career in teaching after a college education at Notre Dame. Becoming an author is also being considered.
Claudia recognized Patty from Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Hendersonville who spoke about the Marian Conference being hosted for the third time at the Parish. Registration is available at this website: https://ololcc.org/nashville-marian-conference/ The meeting is set for April 26 and 27. Patty offered free registration to Carmen and her mother.
After our tasty meal of chicken salad in croissants with pasta salad and meringue cookies from Laurel Williams’ Superior Catering, Claudia began the business meeting noting the impending October 4 Gala to be held at Hillwood Country Club. She reported we expect League members (and others) to be able to assign ticket purchase amounts for the October 22 ACE Dinner to the Aurelia Varallo Mariani scholarship fund, that there would be an option in the registration menu. Additionally, she assured us she and the current board is continuing the practice of transparency and careful spending. For the 2024 Gala the League will resume management of the silent auction to keep all the proceeds for the 2025 scholarships. We currently have $16,000 in operating funds after presenting the $14,000 scholarships to each of the three schools. The March Treasurer’s Report is posted on ncbwl.org. We were reminded of the anticipated May arrival of Treasurer Karoline Mahoney’s first baby.
Claudia announced the board is meeting April 20 to review nominations for President-Elect and member survey results.
Ellen Wade reported a membership total of 109. Membership renewals are underway. Members are asked to pay $55 through the website or with a check to the mailbox.
Tricia CasaSanta detailed the card sending over the last month and Patricia M. Smith noted Tricia’s fine idea of adding birth days (without years!) in the newsletter.
Claudia thanked attendees for their donations to the Ladies of Charity consignment sale and Social Action Chair Carol Ann Fernandez invited members to submit non-profits’ information for future review.
We are invited to support Holy Rosary’s online auction. You can find lovely items here:
League Secretary Patricia (Trish) Cronin chatted with Michelle Barber, dean of Admission and Advancement, before the meeting.
Mary Rolando, Programs, reported that Superintendent of Schools and Principal of St. Michael Academy Shana Druffner will present at our May meeting, Fr. John Sims-Baker will speak about the Jubilee Year announced by Pope Francis (https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-francis-announces-year-of-prayer-to-prepare-for-2025-jubilee) that will begin January 21, 2025 and we will have a
casual picnic and planning session responding to the member surveys for the July meeting. Have any white elephant gifts for Bingo prizes? Upcoming topics include Being Catholic in India, Faith & Justice and the Heart of Mary House.
We heard the sad news that Darcy Bomer’s sister’s funeral is April 19. We heard the happy news that Trish Cronin’s son was pitching a game for the Miami Marlins at the same time as our meeting.