Have you wondered who works behind the scenes, taking care of all the details that keep the Church linens, brass, etc. looking clean and beautiful? Who sets up the altar before every scheduled Mass? Who washes and irons altar linens? Who keeps the sanctuary clean and tidy? Who arranges the beautiful altar flowers?
We are blessed with a group of lovely, faithful ladies who quietly and efficiently take care of our church.
This service-centered group is the St. Patrick Church Altar Society. The Altar Society’s work is quiet and behind the scenes, overseeing the reverent care of the altar and maintaining flower arrangements that grace the sides of the tabernacle. No earthly beauty can compare with the loveliness of God’s presence, but it is for the St. Patrick Church Altar Society to ensure that His dwelling place is maintained with the greatest dignity, honor, and respect that we can possibly offer.
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts!”-Psalm 84:2
All ladies of St. Patrick Church are invited and encouraged to attend our monthly meetings that take place the first Tuesday of the month. Call the Parish and ask for Sandra Hernandez if you are interested in joining the group. We look forward to serving with you at the Lord’s Table.
ARTICLE I. NAME
SECTION I. This organization shall be known as “St. Patrick Church Altar Society”.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
SECTION I. The purpose of the Society shall be:
(a) To foster a closer relationship between the members of the parish themselves and the pastor.
(b) To fittingly assume such duties that pertain to the upkeep of the sanctuary and care of the altar and any other expenditures relating to such with the approval of the membership.
ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I. All ladies who are members of St. Patrick Church are eligible for membership in the Society.
Active Member: One who can attend the Altar Society meetings and work on said projects of the Society.
Voting Member: One who has paid membership dues and has been an active member for two months. A member in good standing is an active and voting member.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
SECTION I. All officers of the Society shall be members in good standing and consist of: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter, Parliamentarian, Ex-Officio and the Spiritual Moderator.
Section II. A Nominating Committee shall be elected at the April meeting consisting of three (3) members at large in good standing.
Section III. Officers shall be elected annually at the regular meeting in May from names presented by the Nominating Committee and by nomination from the floor. The officers elected shall be installed in office at the regular meeting in September.
Section IV. All officers shall be elected for a term of one year, but may not hold the same office for more that two (2) consecutive years.
Section V. Nomination of persons who are not present is not permissible without their consent.
Section VI. A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled at the next regular meeting. The votes shall be by secret ballot with nominations to be made by floor.
ARTICLE V. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION I. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the six (6) officers, and two (2) appointed members from the membership at large. Four (4) shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VI. MEETINGS
SECTION I. The Society may meet monthly every first Tuesday of the month.
SECTION II. Special meetings may be called by the president. Notice of such meetings to be given to members by the Communication Committee.
SECTION III. A quorum shall consist of one-third (1/3) of the membership.
SECTION IV. Meetings will last one hour. If necessary to go over one hour a quorum shall be called.
ARTICLE I. DUTIES OF OFFICERS SECTION I. PRESIDENT-DUTIES
SECTION II. VICE-PRESIDENT-DUTIES
SECTION III. SECRETARY-DUTIES
SECTION IV. TREASURER-DUTIES
SECTION V. These officers are appointed members and are part of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE II. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION I. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE—DUTIES
ARTICLE III. DUES
SECTION I. Dues shall be $5.00 annually per member. All members shall pay dues two months upon joining Society. The fiscal year shall begin September 1st and end in August 31st.
ARTICLE IV. AMENDMENTS
SECTION I. The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the organization by a majority of the members present, under these following conditions:
ARTICLE V. PARLIAMENTARY LAW
SECTION I. Robert’s Rule of Order shall be authority on parliamentary procedures, except in those instances for which the Constitution provides otherwise.
ARTICLE VI. ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION I. The following shall be the regular order of business:
ARTICLE VII. BY-LAWS
SECTION I. There shall be a Mass said in September for all past and present members of St. Patrick Altar Society.
SECTION II. A Mass shall be said for the deceased of the immediate family of members in good standing of the Society: Father, Mother, Husband, Brother, Sister, Son or Daughter.
SECTION III. Standing Committees shall be as follows:
SECTION IV. There shall be Standing Projects, and other projects dates to be designated at meeting . (example rummage sale, raffle, etc.)
SECTION V. All monies collected from special projects and dues shall be spent for carrying out the purpose of the Society.
SECTION VI. Each officer and chairman after the expiration of the term of office, shall turn over to her successor all books, documents, and other property pertaining to her office or chairmanship.
Altar Society Constitution and By-Laws
Approved by: St. Patrick Catholic Church Altar Society
For more information on the Altar Society please contact the main office.