History

St. Mary’s Altar Society was formed on October 1, 1863 to decorate and clean the blessed altar of our 3rd church. In the early history of our parish, Patricia de la Garza, the wife of Martín de León, made the cloths and took care of the altar in the original Empresario’s chapel which was located where the present day Federal Building now stands. Only a few years later, the altar society was disbanded as the sisters at the Nazareth Convent took care of the cleaning of the altar and the sewing and preparing of the altar linens for Mass. However, the ladies of the parish did continue to prove the beautiful flowers for the altar. 

The Altar Society was reorganized on January 13, 1959, with 23 charter members. The majority of the sisters moved to the Incarnate Word Mother House in 1963, which necessitated the duties once assisted by the sisters to be taken over by the Altar Society. 

The Work of the Altar Society

St. Mary’s Altar Society is made up of men and women who are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the sanctity, beauty, and functionality of the church’s altars, sanctuary, and sacristy. Members of the Altar Society often serve in roles that support the liturgical life of the parish.

The Primary Responsibilities of the Altar Society include:

1. Care of the Altar and Sanctuary:

Cleaning and decorating the altar and surrounding areas, especially the arranging of fresh flowers and furnishings in accordance with liturgical seasons.

2. Linen Maintenance:

Washing, ironing, and caring for altar linens, including purificators, corporals, and altar cloths.

3. Vestment and Liturgical Garment Care:

Cleaning and maintaining the priests' vestments and other liturgical garments.

4. Preparation for Mass:

Ensuring that candles, wine, hosts, and other items used during Mass are available and properly arranged.

5. Prayer Support:

Praying and offering spiritual support for their members, the parish, and greater community. This Sunday, they offer a Mass for all members of the Altar Society, living and deceased. 

Additional Activities of the Altar Society include:

1. Fundraising for Parish Needs:

Raising the necessary funds for all liturgical supplies, such as candles, incense, sacred vessels, hosts, wine, pew missals, vestments, etc. As well as helping to raise funds for special projects.

2. Hospitality:

Organizing parish meals and events. Assisting with receptions and encouraging fellowship among parishioners. Participating in charitable activities, such as visiting the sick or sending cards, and assisting with needs related to funeral services.

3. Promoting Devotion:

Encouraging devotions like the Rosary or novenas, providing retreats, and fostering a deeper connection to the Eucharist.

4. Special Events:

Helping prepare the church for special liturgical celebrations, such as Christmas, Easter, the feasts of saints, and communal devotionals. 

Invitation

Many Altar Society members see their work as a prayerful offering, deeply connected to their faith and devotion to God. This work is essential for the liturgical life of our parish. Interested in learning more? Contact:  Anne Martin - 361-648-2008