The Altar Society and Confraternity of Christian Mothers have long been a source of faith, fellowship, and service within Sts. Peter & Paul Parish. Their mission is both practical and spiritual: to financially support the parish’s liturgical needs and to encourage mothers in living out their Christian vocation with devotion and joy.
The society helps provide essential liturgical supplies such as candles, wine, hosts, and flowers through its fundraising and volunteer efforts. At the same time, it nurtures women in the parish through prayer, service, and community life. The patroness of the society is the Immaculate Virgin under the title of Our Lady of Sorrows.
A Tradition of Service Since 1894
The Altar Society was first formed in 1894 under the guidance of Father Lindesmith. In 1912, the rules were rewritten by Father Weckel, and the group became known as the Altar and Rosary Society.
In 1915, under Father Fausnacht, the society joined the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, combining its dedication to the sanctuary with spiritual support for parish mothers. A few years later, in 1927, Father Hannon, Dean of the Wooster Deanery, and Bishop Hoban encouraged the women of Sts. Peter & Paul to join the National Council of Catholic Women. The society soon became a central and very active part of parish life, balancing faith, friendship, and service to others.
Through every generation, the women of the Altar Society have shown what it means to serve God through quiet, consistent acts of love.
Membership and Meetings
- Who: Any woman, married or single, age 18 or older, who is a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish
- When: Bi-monthly meetings on the third Monday of the month at 9:15 a.m.
- Where: Usually held in the church vestibule
- Dues: $10 annually
To join or learn more, contact the Parish Office.
Examples of Service
- Purchasing the Lady of Grace statue for the church lawn
- Hosting the First Saturday Rosary
- Visiting the sick and homebound
- Preparing and serving dinners and receptions for parish priests
- Organizing fundraisers such as the Garden Party, Salas Smorgasbord, and Oktoberfest
- Purchasing cassocks, surplices, sanctuary carpet, and other liturgical items
- Providing Catholic Digest subscriptions for hospitalized parishioners
- Partnering with other parish organizations to fund school needs such as equipment and furnishings
- Supporting clothing drives for the bishop’s appeal and local charities
- Donating gifts and teaching CCD at Apple Creek State Hospital
Each project, whether large or small, reflects the heart of the group: love for God, His Church, and the people they serve.
Activities
Members also take part in many ongoing ministries and acts of service, including:
- Altar flowers and linens
- Assisting altar servers
- Candles and sacristy upkeep
- Confirmation reception
- Funeral honor guard
- Spiritual retreats
- Sunshine Outreach (sending cards to parishioners)
Join Us
The Altar Society and Confraternity of Christian Mothers welcome new members who wish to serve the parish, grow in faith, and build lasting friendships. Together, they continue a tradition of service that began more than a century ago and still blesses our parish today.
Interested in joining?
Contact the Parish Office for more information.
