St. Martin Parish Women’s Ministry serves up high tea, priceless memories at Westbrook Terrace
.jpg)
.JPG)
Ten members of the Women’s Ministry group at St. Martin Parish in St. Martins experienced the joy of the Visitation with residents of Westbrook Terrace Senior Living in Jefferson City.
Dressed to the nines, the guests treated a group of Westbrook residents to high tea — complete with homemade comestibles and a bevy of stylish accessories to share.
“We wanted every resident to feel special for the day,” said Karen Brondel, St. Martin Parish office secretary and Women’s Ministry member.
Several residents were seated outside on June 12 as their guests arrived in dresses, hats and pearls, carrying items for set-up.
“One of the ladies jumped up to get the door and open it, as we had our arms full,” said St. Martin parishioner Wanda Schaefer, a Women’s Ministry member. “She said she’s 90.”
The group set four tables in the Westbrook dining room with beautiful tablecloths, china plates, teacups and saucers.
At the appointed time, the residents proceeded to the dining room, each taking a seat at a table of her choosing.
“We got to help the residents ‘dress’ for the tea with hats, scarfs and jewelry and then escorted them to the ‘tea room,’” said St. Martin parishioner and Women’s Ministry member Anne Hackman.
The Women’s Ministry members joined in at each table.
“Lively conversation and smiles could be seen all around,” said Mrs. Hackman.
“We each told stories and shared about our family, work and hobbies,” said Ms. Brondel.
“We visited and had food and drink, just as if we were at the table with Jesus,” she said.
“They had smiles and were excited to wear a beautiful hat and pearls,” said Ms. Schaefer.
The visiting women served finger foods, including homemade scones, cucumber sandwiches and crostini, followed by homemade strawberry pie and chocolates.
They offered a choice of several flavors of tea, each one poured from a beautiful teapot.
“Several commented that they wouldn’t be hungry for dinner!” Ms. Schaefer recalled.
But the most satisfying part of the afternoon was the visiting.
“It was nice to talk with them, to hear about their families, children and grandchildren,” said Ms. Schaefer.
Ms. Brondel said it was wonderful to see everyone forget about their pain and struggles for a couple of hours and bask in the moment.
The event concluded with a rousing rendition of “You Are My Sunshine,” — “as we all need a little sunshine in our lives,” Ms. Brondel noted.
“Many sang along,” said Ms. Schaefer. “It was truly an uplifting experience.”
“It was a lovely afternoon not only for the wonderful ladies we served tea and snacks to, but for the women from our ministry, as well,” said St. Martin parishioner Monica Hoy, head of Women’s Ministry at the parish.
“We laughed, we chatted, we listened to their stories and we told our stories,” she stated. “They touched our lives and we are hopeful that we touched theirs. We are each grateful for the experience.”
Mrs. Schaefer is convinced that being a part of Women’s Ministry helps her and the other participants grow in their faith together while sharing their talents with others and helping to brighten their day.
Ms. Brondel said she’s proud to be a St. Martin parishioner, “as we are practicing stewardship and showing hospitality to our neighbors.”
“We all have the same goals to have eternal life in God’s Kingdom,” she noted.
The group is intent on making this an annual event.
Women’s Ministry is taking root in parishes throughout the diocese, with guidance and encouragement from Barb Prasad, diocesan coordinator of Women’s Ministry.
