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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

4633 N 54th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85018

www.christchildsocietyphoenix.org. Spring, 2016

“Nothing is ever too much to do for a child.”

Blessings

from:

The office of the Christ Child Society of Phoenix is located at Mt. Claret, 4633 N. 54th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

Christ Child Society of Phoenix is a member chapter of the National Christ Child Society, Inc.

6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 504, Rockville, MD 20852—800-814-2149—www.nationalchristchildsociety.org

President's Message....

Dear Christ Child Society members,

Challenging Poverty: One Child at a Time

Many of you may remember when this program was first introduced by the National Christ Child Society (NCCS) in 2002.

The program resulted in our development of Story Book Friends at St. Matthew Catholic School in 2004.

National has updated this program and we are being asked to take a look at what we are doing for children living in poverty.

This comes at a time when we are also taking a very serious look at our Chapter, how it operates and functions, and most im-

portant, it’s future.

In January 2003 we received a Program Update from NCCS which stated that 17% of American children (nearly 12 million)

lived in poverty. According to The Annie E. Casey Foundation, that percentage in 2012 was 23% or 16,397,000 children.

They also report that in Arizona the percentage of children living in poverty was 27% or 429,000 in 2012. In addition, in 2014

Arizona’s overall ranking was 46 out of 50 states for Economic Well-Being, Education, Health, and Family & Community. All

rankings pertain to children! We knew we had problems, but Oh My Gosh! The numbers are staggering and so sad. There is

so much work to be done.

In order to understand these statistics, we must first know “What is Poverty?” Three points help define it: *A median in-

come of $23,000 for a family of four, *The inability to provide one’s family with basic needs and *The extent to which a family

survives without resources. In other words – It is hard to save for a rainy day when it is ALWAYS raining.

Did you know that basic brain circuits which serve as the foundation for future learning, as well as emotional and social

health, are formed in the first 3 years of life? The pattern of those circuits is shaped not so much by genes but by the young

child’s interaction with the environment. Unrelenting racism, street violence, domestic instability, stresses of poverty and other

adversities result in children exhibiting symptoms that resemble post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a very seri-

ous disorder often experienced by returning combat veterans.

So what’s my point in telling you all of this – As Christ Child members we are being asked not only by NCCS, but by our

founder Mary Virginia Merrick over 130 years ago, to “Find a need and fill it.” There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that

there is certainly a need. We have now been doing this for over 30 years. My thanks to each of you for everything you do for

children in poverty. We can only imagine the impact our efforts have had on children’s lives.

I’ve given you a lot of statistics and even more to think about. Please prayerfully consider how we can help improve these

statistics for the children in the Phoenix area. Isn’t that why we joined Christ Child in the first place?

Grace

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Prayer Corner—Alice Wold

Ed Merkel Mary Kaspor’s brother

David Michelle Cano’s nephew

Rick Rowen Mary Jo Rowen’s husband

Chuck Foos Barbara Gallagher’s brother

Teddi Murray

Maddie MaryEllen Pendleton’s friend

Laynie MaryEllen Pendleton’s friend

Lynda Clifton

Lydia Zackowski’s family

Eunice Thomas

Elyse Nelson Eunice Thomas’s granddaughter

William Eunice Thomas’s brother

Frank Palamara Ginny Palamara’s husband

Arlene Pogue former member

Tina McKean Cindy Rutka’s cousin

Jerry Schnieders Helen Schnieders’ husband

Carol Childers Teresa Donnelly’s friend

Barbara Gallagher

In Loving Memory—

Maggie Donovan

Betty Szot former member

Daniel Clifton Lynda Clifton’s son

Maria Capaldi Edna Kvochak’s mother

Memorials—Ruth Hafner

Florence Degnitz Grace Cooper Diane Scalise Carol Engel Julie Berkel Marybess Mutchie Margie Hafner Rose Mary Miller Dale & Ruth Hafner Cynthia Kelly Bette Laatsch Nancy Yahraus Marybess Mutchie Jim Donnelly Barbara Hunt Bette Laatsch Marybess Mutchie Ron Warner Barbara Hunt Lynda Clifton Melinda McGovern Richard & Elaine Worden Daniel Clifton Rita Hooper Mary Alice Dedinsky Rose Mary Miller Ruth Hafner Shirley Fitzjarrald Carol Engel Grace Cooper Helen Jaros Delores Jakubek Mary Martin Bob & Gwen Jacober Diane Scalise Jerry & Helen Schnieders Jim & Barbara Gallagher Shirley Hennessy Wallie Sweeney Cindy Rutka Marybess Mutchie Charles Ruetten Carol Engel Bette Laatsch Marybess Mutchie Maggie Donovan Carol Engel Diane Scalise Delores Jakubek Jim & Barbara Gallagher Shirley Hennessy Helen Jaros Bette Laatsch Eunice Thomas Pat Mansfield Betty Szot Carol Engel Bette Laatsch Marybess Mutchie Michael Regula Carol Engel Lester Malone Nancy Yahraus Noah Shannon Paul Lorenz Haylee Peterson Marybess Mutchie Adelina & Agustin Trujillo Jennifer Trujillo Hobbs

In Honor of-

Amy Fletcher Debbie Brines Jo Ann Donnelly Charles Donnelly

CCS Board of Directors

President—Grace Cooper

Vice President Ways & Mean—Barbara Badger

Vice President Communicatiion—Wallie Sweeney

Treasurer—Sharon Casey

Secretary—Ruth Hafner

DATES TO REMEMBER

March 10 Spring Food Drive

March 12 Red Wagon Fare

March 14 Mass & Membership Meeting

March 25 Good Friday

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Where’s the Money?

July 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016

Income - $45,578.81

Expenses—$43,127.01

Profit—$2,451.80

Cards for Cash

Bashas Rewards - $206.40

Fry's Rewards - $856.48

Memorial Donations - $5,755.00

Other Donations…….$10,958.75

Please report all “In-Kind” donations to the Treasurer. Pick up an “In-Kind” form from the desk at Mt. Claret. Christ Child Society qualifies under the Work-ing Poor Tax Credit , which is now called Credit for Donations made to Qualifying Charitable Organizations You do NOT have to itemize your taxes to take advantage of this state tax credit. Please consult a qualified tax advisor for personal tax advice.

Membership—Elaine O’Toole

Active: 116

Life: 29

Honorary 80: 28

Sustaining: 3

New Members: 19

Total: 195

Please keep the Christ Child Society informed of any ad-

dress, telephone or email changes throughout the year.

Please forward your contact information changes to Elaine

at chicagogirl2@mac.com. You can also send them to Mt.

Claret, Attention: Membership Chair. Updates will be post-

ed in the monthly Moments In Between.

Nominations Committee—Elida Desmond

The Nominations Committee proudly announces the follow-

ing slate of officers for the 2016-2017 Executive Board:

President Johanna Warner

VP Communications Wallie Sweeney

Secretary Andrea Hodge

The Executive Board approved the slate of offic-

ers on February 8, 2016. In accordance with our

bylaws, the general membership will vote to ac-

cept the slate at the May 2nd Annual Meeting. At

that time nominations will be open from the floor if

the nominee has given written consent.

The Nominations Committee is still searching for

a Vice President of Ways & Means. If anyone

has questions on this position, contact Elida Des-

mond or Barbara Badger, the current VP Ways &

Means.

The Committee is happy to announce that Joan

McKeon has agreed to be Assistant Treasurer for

the coming year. Sharon Casey will remain in the

Treasurer’s position since it is a two year term in

accordance with the bylaws.

Thank you to the Nominations Committee—

Marion Hebting, Bette Laatsch and Carol Engel—

for their time and commitment.

New Members—Barbara Badger—West Side

Wallie Sweeney—East Side

Please join us in welcoming Christ Child’s newest

members: Michelle Grimditch, Brenda Kilhoffer,

Leslee Mason, and Dolores Vitucci.

This brings our New Members to a total of nineteen.

Take time to introduce yourselves and make them

feel welcome. You will recognize them by the blue

ribbon around their neck holding their name tags.

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Mary Virginia Merrick - Carol Engel

Even as a young child Miss Mary was a very spiritual

child. She often played “Mass” with her siblings and was

quoted saying “I don’t want to feel useless in the vineyard

of our Lord.” Although crippled in her early years, Miss

Mary saw the need around her and established the Christ

Child Society to fill that need.

Do you think she could have imagined that in one hun-

dred plus years after her desire to aid the poor, she would

be considered for sainthood!

She has given each member of our precious society the

same opportunity to reach out to the poor and follow her

example.

Spring Food Drive—Johanna Warner

Our Spring Food Drive is just in time for Easter and will

replace the Thanksgiving turkey dinners which were donat-

ed to Desert Mission Food Bank. Last year we were very

generous and donated items totaling 714 lbs.

Boxes for the food drive will be delivered to Mt. Claret on

Thursday, March 10th, which is a layette work day. The

boxes will be identified as Can Goods, Dry Goods and

Hygiene Products. Snack packs are popular with children.

There is a need for the following items:

Canned Goods:

Fruit Vegetables

Soup Pasta Sauce

Pasta with Sauce Beans

Chicken Peanut Butter

Jam or Jelly Tuna

Metal or Plastic Containers only—no Glass

Dry Goods:

Sugar, 5 lb. Flour, 5 lb.

Dried potatoes Beans, 1 lb.

Rice, boxed Pasta/Spaghetti

Cereal Pop Tarts

Breakfast Bars

Macaroni & Cheese, 10 oz to 18 oz.

Hygiene Products: Trial Size

Shampoo Conditioner

Soap Body Wash

Deodorant Toothpaste

Toothbrushes, regular or childrens

Toilet Paper

Desert Mission Food Bank will pick up the boxes after

our General Meeting on Monday, March 14.

Gena McGowan, Principal of St. Matthew School & Grace

Cooper, President of CCS.

Gena was the speaker at the November General Meeting

Peanut Butter Snowballs from 30th Anniversary Tea

1 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

3 T. butter, softened to room temperature

1 lb. white candy coating, coarsely chopped

Combine sugar, peanut butter and butter. Shape into 1 inch

balls and place on a waxed paper lined baking sheet. Chill

for 30 minutes or until firm.

Meanwhile, melt the candy coating in a microwave safe

bowl. Dip balls and place on waxed paper to harden.

From the Diary of Mary Virginia Merrick

Let not a day pass without having learned something;

without having overcome yourself in something; without

having performed a kind act; without having accomplished

something.

Try to accept people as they are. Do not feel it encum-

bent upon you to correct or admonish. Praise all you can.

Call attention very quietly when you can, otherwise let it

pass.

Lord, forgive if I have shirked a duty and allow this plan

not to work if so is the case. In any event, Thy will, not

mine. For Thee and Thee only let my every breath be.

Thanks for the graces and thanks for the sufferings so

keen, yet for which I can now thank you.

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Save the Date!

Tuesday April 5, 2016

AZ GIVES returns

Watch for upcoming emails with

Information on how to contribute online.

CCS will once again participate in this

ONE DAY

Statewide campaign to raise funds for non-profits.

We will be asking you to make your online donation to CCS at a certain hour

during the day. This will increase our chances of winning a cash prize from AZ

GIVES, in addition to the money we raise.

The amount you donate won’t be as important as the TIME of day you

donate!!!

Please consider making a $30 donation to honor our Chapter’s

30th Anniversary!

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Grace Cooper & Snake

Students enjoying Reptile Man at St. Jerome

Spreading the Word About CCS

The Christ Child Society is now a known charity to those

parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale.

Thousands of people viewed our quilts, layettes, bedtime

bags and books from our reading programs and much in-

terest was expressed in what we do. A new member

signed up, two cash donations were received, and promis-

es of online donations to come. Many people expressed

interest in buying our quilts and were very impressed about

the meaningful work that we do. A NICU nurse from Ban-

ner Estrella hospital expressed great interest in receiving

donations for the NICU unit and obstetrics ward and we

were invited to tour the facility.

All in all, it was a most successful presentation by the

Christ Child Society. We realized our objective and now

we’re “out there”. Many, many thanks to the CCS mem-

bers who were there at the Masses to state our cause.

30th Anniversary Tea -Barbara Badger

The 30th Anniverary celebration of the Christ Child

Society of Phoenix was held at Mt. Claret on January

16th with over 100 Christ Child members and friends

attending.

National CCS President, Anne Kelly gave an inspiring

speech outlining how the Christ Child Society has car-

ried on the vision of Mary Virginia Merrick.

Everyone enjoyed the good food and social interaction

and had a lovely time.

CCS President Grace Cooper, NCCS President Anne Kelley &

Spiritual Advisor, Msgr Tom Hever

Christ Child Society of Phoenix Past Presidents

Bette Laatsch, Judy Lauinger, Barbara Gallagher,

Elaine O’Toole & Diane Scalise

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30th Anniversary Tea

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Items to Date

Layette - Ruth Hafner

5

2 5

9

Comfort Quilts -

Mary Kaspor & Elaine

O’Toole

269 quilts have been

distributed since July 1,

2015.

SERVICE PROJECTS

Layette—Ruth Hafner

The holidays are over and our layette volunteers are busy at

all three of our locations, sewing, serging & crocheting items

for our layettes. We are also busy raising funds for diaper

bags for next year. We received a supply of 1,000 “Good

Night Moon” books from the National Christ Child Society and

are including one in each layette. Since September we have

created and distributed 3,941 items to our six agencies.

Thank you again to our leaders at Mt. Claret, Corpus Christi

and Our Lady of Guadalupe for a job well done!

Quilt Donation

Marybess Mutchie and friend of the Christ Child Society,

Harriet Snyder of Apache Junction, met in 2014 while on a

bus trip to the Tucson Quilt Show. Since all aboard were

quilters from the valley, Marybess told Harriet about the

Christ Child Society ladies and their quilts. Harriet shared

that she designed, made and machine quilted scrap quilts

as her personal charity project. Shortly after that trip, Har-

riet emailed Marybess to offer twenty-two twin-size quilts

to the Christ Child Society to give to the agencies of our

choice. Much to Harriet’s delight, two quilts were offered

as raffle items at that year’s Red Wagon Fare and the re-

mainder were gratefully received by the Vista Colina Fami-

ly Shelter. In January, 2016, Harriet again emailed and

said she had thirty-three quilts to donate. Marybess and

Harriet are shown here at the January 28th Layette at Mt.

Claret where the quilts brought much excitement, instant

smiles and expressions of gratitude. Harriet’s quilts are

always colorful, imaginative and well-made. Two quilts

were again chosen for the upcoming Red Wagon Fare.

Harriet Snyder & Marybess Mutchie with quilts

Page 9

Starfish Award-Maxine Faltys

Maxine joined the Christ Child Society in 2003 and has

shared her talents and gifts for all of those twelve

years. We cannot even begin to guess how many

hours she has devoted to Christ Child in that time—at

least several thousand. This year alone she has

logged 588 hours!

She is the leader of the crocheters at Mt. Claret. Ask

her for a pattern and she has it. She has taught many

of the ladies how to crochet, she inventoried, stacked

and counted thousands of skeins of yarn over the

years.

You will always find her at her table working away,

stopping to answer any question you may have. She is

a regular attendee of Layette and all Christ Child Soci-

ety meetings and events.

Maxine has dedicated herself to bringing joy, warmth

and love to newborns in the hospitals and clinics

where we share our gifts of caring and love. Her dedi-

cation does not stop with the Christ Child Society, but

carries over into St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, where

she is an active member.

Thank you Maxine for your leadership and for all the

wonderful time, talent and friendship you have given all

members of the Christ Child Society and all new moth-

ers and their newborns.

Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Maxine Faltys & Grace Cooper

Day of Prayer Johanna Warner & Rosemary Zais

IWhat a wonderful day for the Christ Child members to cele-

brate Mass together at Corpus Christi Church. Father Chad

King celebrated the Mass and his homily was inspiring. Liz

Gorzynski, Gwen Jacober, Julie Berkel, Carol Engel, Barba-

ra Hunt, Rose Mary Miller, Elida Desmond and Jim Hunt all

participated in the Mass.

Tom Perna, our guest speaker, spoke about the Blessed

Mother and her role in the Lenten Season.

Edna Kvochak, Marion Hebting and all the ladies from Cor-

pus Christi served delicious breakfast items donated by our

members with a beautiful table setting. The decorations

were so colorful and the Valentine’s Day theme “Love” was

so fitting, for the love we all have for the Christ Child.

Thank you to the 47 members and 2 guests who attended

the Day of Prayer.

Johanna Warner, Tom Perna, Rosemary Zais & Grace Cooper

Knights of Columbus Donations

Thank you to the following Knights of Columbus councils

for their generous donations to purchase diaper bags for

our Layette Program:

St. Benedict Council #12246

St. Helen’s Council

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Christ Child Society of Phoenix

Mt. Claret Center

4633 N. 54th St.

Phoenix, AZ 85018-1904

RED WAGON FARE ROUNDUP March 12, 11:00 am

Chaparral Suites

Invitations are in the mail & we’re gearin’ up for a rootin’ tootin’ good time! Get out your denim, diamonds, or any western regalia for the

Red Wagon Fare!

*Rosemary Levy is collectin’ additional invitation requests, so please contact her regardin’ those addresses.

*Carol Engel is still roundin’ up raffle items.

We’re lookin’ forward to seein’ y’all there!

Suzanne & Cindy