Above, from left: Carol Samperton, Washington State Territorial Deputy; Marlene Korn, Supreme FS; Supreme Pres. Ronny Pliszak; Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama; State President Maggie Herbstritt; Supreme VP Jeanne Mucci; Director Kathy LoFrese; Supreme Sentinel Lisa Koenig.
RALEIGH - The North Carolina State Columbiettes, a Catholic women’s organization aligned with the Knights of Columbus, recently celebrated their 23rd Annual Convention.
The convention was held April 29-30 at the Embassy Suites Raleigh Crabtree, and 90 delegates represented 888 members statewide. The event theme for 2022 was “We are the Light of the World.”
A memorial service honored 13 recently deceased Columbiettes. Ann Mulvaney, from Sons of Mother Seton auxiliary in Fayetteville, was the chair for the program.
Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama celebrated Mass with those attending the convention. He was assisted by Father Jim Sabak, O.F.M., director of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Raleigh, and Deacon John Harrison of Holy Family Church in Clemmons, which is part of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Supreme President Ronny Pliszak, of New York, was in attendance and also addressed the group. She said the bishop warmed her heart and was so charismatic.
In addition to Pliszak, other Supreme Council board members in attendance were: Supreme Vice President Jeanne Mucci, Supreme Financial Secretary Marlene Korn from Our Lady of the Rosary Auxiliary in Shallotte, Supreme Sentinel Lisa Koenig and Supreme Director Kathy LoFrese.
State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, JC Reiher, also attended and spoke to those gathered.
The State Board this year is composed of the following individuals from the following auxiliary groups: President Maggie Herbstritt, from Bishop Greco Auxiliary in Clemmons; Immediate Past President Ginny Grant from Our Lady of the Rosary, Shallotte; Vice President Teresa Laraia from Father James E. Waters, Wilmington; Secretary Kathy Thomas from Bishop Greco, Clemmons; Financial Secretary Patti Dmuchowski from Holy Cross, Kernersville; Treasurer Jenn Parsons from St. Matthew, Charlotte; Maggie Muelker from Holy Cross, Kernersville, and Marg Young from Sons of Mother Seton in Fayetteville.
At the convention, a warm welcome was extended from Kathy Thomas, convention chair. President Maggie Herbstritt delivered a State Status Report and inspirational speech.
Several committee reports were also given, including audits, nominations, and The Mother’s Coin Jar, which is now in its 12th year.
For the Mother’s Coin Jar, auxiliaries in the state have put their change and contributions together for this state program of $4,758.26. The Raleigh and Charlotte dioceses each will receive $2,379.13 to serve women and children in need.
If you would like information on the Columbiettes or organizing an auxiliary, please contact President Maggie Herbstritt at mm.herb@yahoo.com or 336-391-0170.
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