Catholic Woman's League holds 'Sunflower Seranade'

Intermountain Catholic

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Daughter of Charity Sister Germaine Sarrazin thanks the League for making the Ladies of Charity a beneficiary of the funds raised at the luncheon. The Ladies of Charity is an organization that provides basic food, clothing, and necessities to people in poverty and emergency situations.

SALT LAKE CITY — Women of the Diocese of Salt Lake City gathered Oct. 20 at Little American Hotel, Salt Lake City, to recognize and support two organizations; the Ladies of Charity of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, and Birthright of Ogden.

The Catholic Woman’s League’s annual benefit luncheon also gave women the opportunity to view the latest fashions from Dillards Department Store.

During a pre-lunch social hour guests were treated to the music of Luke Mirabelli as they perused door prizes contributed by members of the League, local businesses and organizations.

Diocesan Vicar General Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald welcomed the women and said a blessing over the food.

Daughter of Charity Sister Germaine Sarrazin gave a brief presentation on the Ladies of Charity, an organization with two chapters in the diocese, one centered at St. Olaf Parish, Bountiful, and one at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Salt Lake City. They address the needs of the neediest in the area, delivering food, clothing, and household items as well as helping out with rent and medical expenses.

"Your contribution enables us to be more generous in meeting the needs of our clients," said Sr. Germaine. "We believe in meeting the physical needs of people first."

JoAnn Howell of Ogden Birthright, an all-volunteer center offering alternatives to abortion and referrals for medical care to women and girls facing problem pregnancies, said Ogden Birthright serves from 1,200-1,500 women and girls annually.

"Every child conceived deserves a life," said Howell. "We are here to help women and girls make good choices – life giving choices, and to support them throughout their pregnancies."

In addition to health care and counseling, Ogden Birthright also provides complete layettes to their clients who decide to keep their babies.