The Altar Society was established in 1899 and reorganized in 1940. The patroness of the society is St. Ann, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The society promotes love of God, charity, and family life rooted in Christ. Society members care for the altars, linens, sacristy, candles and sanctuary items as needed. Meetings are held quarterly and dues are $5 per year. Contact the parish office at (979) 732-3430 for more information.

The meeting was called to order with a prayer by Lucy Markwardt.

New member, Jenelle Drymalla, was welcomed by Lucy.  Janet Glaser was welcomed as the new Secretary.  Amy Stancik was thanked for her many years of service as Secretary.

In attendance were:  Joyce Richter, Amy Stancik, Janet Glaser, Lucy Markwardt, Eudene Richter, Jenelle Drymalla, Patsy Warschak, Fr. Bob Knippenberg

Amy read the minutes of the last meeting on Sept. 20, 2022.  The minutes were approved as read.

Lucy gave an update to the group on the status of our donation for the annual church picnic.  $50-$100 will be spent on a statue and gift card to donate to the raffle.  Lucy is working with Andrea Krenek on this. 

The treasury has an ending balance of $7800.39.  This is after expenses in the amount of $955.68 to Sacco, Mary Regina, Sts. Peter and Paul Church, and the Diocese of Victoria.

Janet read the report from the Cheer Group.  Get Well cards were sent to:
September--Shawn Faldyn, Jo Carol & Butch Bosch
October--Ashley Glueck
November--Robert Schertz, Linda Ruether, Gerdie Janda, Thomas Janda, Mark Janda, Joseph Upshaw, Amy Shimek, Ewald Schertz, Al Gene Canik, E. J. Socha, Carol Brune, Shawn Faldyn, Jo Ann Canik, Bernice Warschak, Kim Dittlinger
December—Jo Ann Canik, Donna Kunz
January—Linda & Clarence Ruether
Sympathy card was sent to Leslie Heinsohn
A Thank you card was received from Linda Ruether

Patsy Warschak visited Linda Ruether. 
Lucy visited Tonie Halfman, Francis Barron, Jean Odens, Marvin Becker, Bernice Warschak, Irene Polansky, Linda Ruether, Mary Jane Belota
2023 dues will be collected before and after Masses on February 18, 19, 25, and 26.

Jenelle shared that Lambert Brune is in a Tomball hospital.  She had questions about food after funerals.  She asked Fr. Bob about the possibility of starting a lending library of Catholic books on the church grounds.  He will make space for her if she wants to run it.

Fr. Bob said that plastic has been placed on the high altar.  It will protect the altar cloths below from the dripping wax off the tapers used to light the tall candles.  He let the treasurer know that he placed a larger order than usual for hosts this month.

Lucy had a request for the chairwomen of the groups that provide desserts during the Lenten Fish Frys.  Lucy asked the chairwomen to call Nancy in the church office when the supplies of plastic containers get low.  In this way, the containers should be replaced before the following week’s Fish Fry.

The door prize winner was Janet.

The revised Constitution and Bylaws of the Altar Society are available on the parish website or may be picked up in the back of church. 

The next Altar Society meeting will be in April, 2023.

Fr. Bob closed the meeting with a prayer and blessing.

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Glaser