Special to The Message
On June 26, the Daughters of Isabella Haubstadt Circle 151 celebrated the 100th anniversary of their charter. Regent Kris Lutz welcomed members and guests to the event. Festivities began with a Mass at The Knights of St. John Hall in Haubstadt. Father Christopher Droste, D of I chaplain, served as celebrant.
Father Christopher, who is pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Fort Branch and St. James and Sts. Peter and Paul parishes in Haubstadt, reminded Circle 151 members that no matter their worries, God is guiding them, so do not be afraid. Be grateful for God’s gift of 100 years, he said, and realize the next chapter is on its way.
Linda Kissel, auditor and a past regent, read a beautiful and informative account of the history of Circle 151. Kissel’s account included names of many founding members from 1921 (including familiar surnames from Sts. Peter & Paul, Holy Cross and St. James parishes); reminders of the motto “Unity, Friendship and Charity;” the decision of red, white and yellow as Circle 151’s colors; the D of I food stand at the 1955 Haubstadt Centennial; the donation of one of the stained-glass windows at Sts. Peter & Paul Church; and embracing the St. Elizabeth Home.
The St. Elizabeth Home was founded in 1913 to serve pregnant and new mothers in unity with all D of I Circles in Indiana as its chief charity. The home has evolved into St. Elizabeth-Coleman Pregnancy & Adoption Service in Indianapolis.
A festive luncheon of sandwiches, salads and cake followed the June 26 Mass. Lutz read many congratulatory notes from Daughters of Isabella Circles from Indiana. Members and guests were invited to visit tables of historical information, including photos of all past Regents of Circle 151, scrapbooks and more. Haubstadt Circle 151 trivia sheets with 20 questions were distributed, which resulted in sharing and reminiscing between attendees.
Lutz explained the half-pot drawing has been a regular monthly feature of every Circle 151 meeting for many years, since it was proposed by member Faye Sheridan, to raise money for St. Elizabeth-Coleman. Faye Sheridan and her daughter, Lynn, were present for the 100th anniversary. The June half pot was won by Justine Mayer, who donated the entire amount to St. Elizabeth-Coleman.
Chancellor Becky Siewers then gave a prayer and spiritual reflection, and door prizes were awarded to many people in attendance.