MARY STAR OF THE SEA WOMEN’S GUILD

Whether you are a snowbird or live here full-time, we hope you will join us.
Membership is open to all Catholic women parishioners of St. Mary's.

You will receive booklet each year which describes the events of the year as well as a
complete listing of all Guild members with their home addresses, phone numbers and email
addresses so that it will be easy to stay in touch.

You may choose to participate in any of the numerous activities
and events, including Christmas Bazaar, Christmas Concert & Reception, Respect Life
Meeting, Valentine's Event, Rummage Sale, Fashion Show & Luncheon, May Crowning, Rosary
Making and more. During the summer months, many also get together for informal lunches,
outings and a start on the Christmas Bazaar projects. Do not hesitate to contact the church
office at (941) 383-1255 for further information. WELCOME!

 2025-2026 OFFICERS/ BOARD

PRESIDENT: Kay Kochenderfer       

VICE-PRESIDENT: Lyn Kennelly 

TREASURER: Marilyn Davol                                           

RECORDING SECRETARY and PARLIAMENTARIAN: Susan Gilmore Clarke                           

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Mary del Pup

2025-2026 CHAIRS:

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR: Cindy Noble PUBLICITY CHAIR: Cindy Noble

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR CHAIRS: Bonnie Schneider, Maggie Oberst, Rosemary Burgess, Gail Sobiek, Deirdre Schueppert

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE CHAIR: Danielle Gladding

WELCOME BACK LUNCH CHAIRS: Sheila Nemes, Maureen Watterson, Mary Golia

CHRISTMAS CONCERT CHAIR: Susan Gilmore-Clarke

CHRISTMAS RECEPTION CHAIR: Bonnie Schneider

NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON CHAIRS: Susan Jones, Gene Susi McClain

RUMMAGE CHAIRS: Barbara Puchta, Julia Graziano, Danielle Gladding

RESPECT LIFE MEETING CHAIRS: JoAnn Sifuentes, Madeline Reiber

VALENTINE ART SHOW CHAIRS: Linda Olsen, Sandy Montrone, Jonell Yoeckel, Claudia Stieber

FASHION SHOW CHAIRS: Debbie Ehret, Jonell Yoeckel

GUILD SERVICE DAY CHAIR: Paula Sharp

DAY OF REFLECTION CHAIRS: Carol Basi, Carol Cain

INSTALLATION MASS & LUNCHEON CHAIR: Marianne Kupiec

ROSARY MAKER GROUP CHAIR: Pat Stusek

ALTAR FLOWER CHAIR: Madeline Reiber

Women's Guild Scholarship Fund

In January 2025 the Guild established the St. Mary, Star of the Sea Women’s Guild Scholarship Fund, which is a legacy fund that will support educational expenses for financially needy students attending a Catholic school within our Diocese. Each year students will be selected to receive a scholarship based on need. Given the incredible importance of a good education, the Guild believes this will serve a deeply meaningful purpose in the lives of young students in need and provide them with more positive life opportunities. With deep gratitude and appreciation, we announce that as of April 2025, the Guild has raised $80,800 for the Fund.

All Guild members are part of this legacy. Everyone who volunteers their time working at Guild events is a contributor to the Fund. In addition, many Guild members, including all the Board members, have kindly made individual donations to the Fund. Many non-Guild members also have reached out and made individual donations to the Fund — including some who are not even registered with the church.

If more people are interested in joining our effort to raise $100,000 to help Catholic students in need, you can make a donation by writing a check to the “St. Mary Star of the Sea Women’s Guild Scholarship Fund.” Then put it in the offertory basket at Mass or bring it into the parish office. Any amount will be meaningful and important to the students in need — and you will be a part of a wonderful legacy.

The Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation, which manages the Fund, has pointed out that we are the only Women’s Guild in the Diocese that has set up a Scholarship Fund (or any type of endowment fund) and they would like to use us as a template to encourage other women’s groups in other parishes to do something similar. So not only are the Guild members part of this legacy, but they are trendsetters too.

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WOMEN’S GUILD DAY OF SERVICE PROGRAM

Another new program we put in place this season is our Guild Service Day program, chaired by Paula Sharp. Set forth below is a list of opportunities for volunteering in the Sarasota and Bradenton communities that Paula has kindly researched for the Guild. To sign up email Paula at padsharpl ©qmail.com or call her at 650-421 -3504.

St. Mary’s Women’s Guild Service Days

We give thanks to Our Lord for His many blessings. In return, let us use our time and talents to help others in need.

The following organizations offer rewarding and even fun volunteer opportunities to help those in need. You may enjoy volunteering individually or going with fellow guild members.

Review the list below. Take it home and look at the websites or call the organizations to learn more. Let them know you are from St. Mary’s. They are interested in hearing from us. Then, apply with the organization® of your choice to be a volunteer!

When you have applied, let Paula know. We will reach out for feedback on your experiences to encourage others to also volunteer.

Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota (ELC) — Literary Buddy Program

17th Street in Sarasota FL 34234. Link to the digital application: https://form.jotform.com/ 222124667606051, 941-954-4830, ext 225. Ana McClendon Director of Outreach.

The Literary Buddy Program is an early literacy PenPal program of 300 volunteers who help spread the seeds of literacy to nearly 575 preschool children in Sarasota County. These

children have little or no access to books at home or in their communities. As a volunteer, you receive a drawing in the mail from a child and you respond with a letter and a new book based on the child’s interest.

SOLVE Maternity Homes

Main Office: 1335 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton FL 34205, https://solvehomes.org, 941-748- 0094.

SOLVE is a faith-based nonprofit organization that provides cost-free maternity housing and support for at-risk women during and after pregnancy. Volunteers are needed to: Help with holiday preparations or special events (make labels, jewelry making), help with the babies, teach cooking, arts & crafts, or simply be in the home once a week forwhatever is needed.

Children First of Sarasota

Dr Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center, 1723 N. Orange St., Sarasota, FL 34234, https:// www.childrenfirst.net/volunteer/, 941 -953-3877.

Children First of Sarasota provides services to Sarasota County’s most vulnerable children and families. Their primary focus is on preparing children and families for kindergarten and beyond. Dedicating just a small portion of your time can hold immense value for a child, educator, or caregiver. Some volunteer opportunities are:

• Babies Rock Volunteer. Rock, hold, feed, and care for infants.
• Teacher's Pet Volunteer. Aid teachers in all aspects of the learning environment.
• Office Volunteer - Help various departments with office/computer tasks.
• Kitchen Aide - Assist our Kitchen Staff during breakfast, lunch, or snack time.
• FUNdraising - Join a committee or volunteer to help us at our signature FUNdraising events.
• Special Events - Participate in special activities like gardening, singing, dancing or reading!

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) of Bradenton

2850 75th Street W. Bradenton, FL 34209, https://svdpbradenton.org/volunteer/, 941-348- 5848. Ask for Bill Ford.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) St. Joseph Conference 2704 33rd Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205, https://www.svdp-manatee.org/volunteer.html, 941-755-4188.

These are volunteer Catholic lay organizations that provide comfort and financial assistance for food, utilities, and transportation to the poor and needy in Manatee County. Volunteers answer calls or meet in person to provide assistance, help with fund raising and perform clerical and computer needs.

SVDP Thrift Store

1111 8th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL, 34205, https://stvdpstore.org, 941-746-0622.

For anyone who has worked the Royal Rummage, this is an ideal place for you. Volunteers greet

customers, work in the shop assisting with merchandise, wrapping packages, and sort & tag new items & place them in the store! Open Monday-Friday 10-3 & Sat 10-2.

St. Joseph Food Pantry

2704 33rd Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205, https://stjoepantry.com, 941-756-3732.

Joseph’s Food Pantry provides food to any individual or family in Manatee County who is in need. It is an outreach program of St. Joseph Catholic Church. They are open Mon- Fri. Volunteers work 8:30 AM till 12:30 PM in teams performing various tasks such as:

• Work in the donations receiving room sorting & organizing donations
• Help prepare and set up for the day’s activities including tables and chairs and food items for distribution
• Help assist new and returning clients with registration and food acquisition
• Distribute prepared meat bags, bagged staples, and bakery items.

Stillpoint Mission of Bradenton

1608 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. https://stillpointmission.org.

Stillpoint Mission is dedicated to providing food, diapers, clothing and utility bill assistance to those in need. Volunteers are needed to help stock the housewares section, prepare individual food bags for distribution, and bag and pass out food. If you are interested to learn more, call Marge at 941 -545-5304 and let her know you are from St. Mary’s. She is happy to welcome potential volunteers and give a tour.

Resurrection House

507 Kumquat Court Sarasota, FL 34236, https://resurrectionhousesarasota.org, 941 -365-3759. Ask for Peter Sperduti, volunteer coordinator. Resurrection House is a faith-based resource center committed to transitioning at-risk individuals to a path of self-sufficiency. Services provided are physical comforts, medical needs, meals, spiritual services, and legal guidance. Volunteers not only donate their time but also bring caring and compassion that are instrumental in providing a nurturing and respectful atmosphere for the homeless of Sarasota.

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MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA GUILD

The Mission of the Star of the Sea Guild shall be:

To foster and increase the spiritual life of each member.

To help raise money for the Parish and other charities; and

To stimulate the members' social lives.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its affiliated organizations to support,

empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership,

and service.

NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.

CALENDAR OF GUILD MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Click here for Women's Guild 2025-2026 Calendar

 A Prayer to Our Lady of Good Council

 MAY CROWNING HONOREES 1990-2024

 O Queen of Heaven

                       O Queen of Heaven, the ocean Star, Guide of the wanderer here below

                     Thrown on life's surge, we claim thy care, Save us from peril and from woe.

                  O Gentle, chaste and spotless maid, We sinners make our prayers through thee,

                                   Remind thy Son that He has paid the Price of our iniquity,

                               Virgin most pure, Star of the Sea, Pray for the sinner, pray for me.

                           And while to Him Who reigns above in Godhead one, in Persons three,

                            The source of life, of grace, of love, Homage we pay on bended knee,

                                                                                 Do thou, O Queen, Star of the Sea, Pray for thy children, pray for me. 

All women of St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Parish are encouraged to join our Women's Guild.  The membership fee is $25.00 per year.  You will receive an annual booklet which describes in further detail all the events of the year and includes the ladies involved in each event.  Best of all, your booklet will have a complete listing of all GUILD MEMBERS with their home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses so that it will be easy to stay in touch with your friends whether here or away.  Do not hesitate to contact the church office at (941) 383-1255 for further information.  WELCOME!