The Sts. Peter & Paul Altar Society met Wednesday, Jan. 8, for fellowship and food.

The meeting was called to order by President Ann Finley at 7 p.m.

The business meeting was held prior to this month’s lesson. Minutes were read by Secretary Carol Morkes and approved as read.

Carolyn Schulte gave a financial report and handed out a spreadsheet detailing the group’s receipts and expenses for the past calendar year.

The annual turkey dinner was deemed another big success as it serves to fund the majority of the group’s projects. The women approved the purchase of new items to be used for the dinner.

Six members of the Altar Society volunteered their day on Dec. 14 to assist with the Teen Foster Care Christmas Party, which was organized by Debbie Osborn, DHS child welfare specialist.

The group had also donated $1,000 for gifts to be given to the teens.

Sherry Trent, Debbie Farrell, Donna Krittenbrink, Finley and Cindy Wilczek helped out by keeping the taco bar stocked up and helping with the games.

An update on the pickle ball courts in Ross Hall was given.

There are groups playing on Monday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Cindy Gruntmeir continues to coordinate the schedule.

This month’s lesson on the “Corporal Works of Mercy” focused on “visit/ comfort the sick” and was given by Chaplain Francene Eaton.

An interesting point was made that society has always equated illness with sin and still does to this day. Examples were given of lepers in biblical times being ostracized by their families and communities.

This still occurs today in society as those with addiction, obesity or lung cancer are often met with attitudes of “you shouldn’t do drugs/ alcohol,” “you eat too much,” or “you shouldn’t have smoked,” relayed Eaton.

The women were reminded to show compassion and God’s love to all those they encounter.

A parish homebound list was reviewed to remind members of those needing visits, phone calls and prayers.

Sign-ups to take meals for parishioners who would be having surgeries or undergoing medical treatments were passed around.

Group visits were planned to visit parishioners who are in facilities in El Reno, Oklahoma City and Enid.

Hostesses were Cynthia Eaton and Francene Eaton. The door prize was run by Irene Garrett.

The next meeting will be Feb. 12 with Debbie Farrell and Linda Coughlan as hostesses.

The “Corporal Works of Mercy” lesson will be on “visit the imprisoned.”