Rosary Society’s outreach has supported Jennings County parish for 100 years

Serving up homemade chicken and noodles at the 2005 Rosary Society Craft Bazaar are, left to right, Joan Duncan and Dee Vincent. Vincent has been in charge of making the noodles for more than 25 years. (Submitted photo)

By Jennifer Lindberg

JENNINGS COUNTY—The Rosary Society of St. Joseph Parish in Jennings County has faithfully supported its parish and community for 100 years. While the exact founding date has been lost to time—early records were misplaced during years of parish transitions—it recognizes 1925 as its foundational year.

“I think the main thing is being involved, which helps raise your kids in the Catholic faith, too,” said the group’s co-president, Brooke Maschino. “The more they see you involved, the more likely they are to be involved. This makes me feel closer to God.”

Maschino remembers the bake sales as a child that have been a steady source of income for the group that members used to support good causes. She watched her mother Sherri, who is still an active member, help with the ministry.

As a mother of two boys and another child on the way, Brooke said the Rosary Society has always been important in her life as a mom and as a Catholic.

Part of that is because the women pray the rosary at their meetings and learn new prayers, she said.

The group was first formed as The Christian Mothers Society to bring women together for fellowship, prayer and charitable works. One of the earliest recollections comes from longtime member Janet Maschino, who remembers seeing her grandmother’s name in the old rosary society documents—and the story of her helping butcher chickens for a parish picnic.

Generations have been served by the ladies of the Rosary Society. Their work has changed—gone are the days of making rosaries, knitting bandages for the leper missions and hand-sewing altar server surplices. But their commitment to prayer and the parish remains.

In the 1980s, the Rosary Society launched what has become a beloved tradition—the Annual Craft Bazaar, held every November and approaching its 44th year. It was here that the famous homemade chicken and noodles tradition began. The group also began the

Four Corners Craft and Garden Show, which just celebrated its 19th anniversary.

From funeral dinners and clergy receptions to pies for the Knights of Columbus, they support a wide range of causes. Their contributions include hosting bake sales for seminarians, supporting pro-life initiatives and organizing an annual Feast of St. Joseph Dinner.

Through the years, members have cleaned the church and rectory, volunteered at Red Cross blood drives, wrapped Christmas gifts for patients of Muscatatuck State Hospital (which closed in 2005) and hosted bingo nights at nursing homes.

“Our history is fascinating and ever-evolving,” said Cari Hauersperger, secretary of the group.
 

(Jennifer Lindberg is a freelance writer and a member of St. Mary Parish in North Vernon.) †

 

Related story: St. Joseph Parish in Jennings County celebrates 175 years of faith