St. Elizabeth’s Society of St. James Church
The St. Elizabeth Society of St. James Church meets on the first Wednesday of
each month. For those in our parish community not familiar with their history,
we hope that this brief abstract helps you become acquainted with us.
St. Elizabeth’s Society has been serving the St. James community for about
as long as the parish has been in Decatur – 125 years. It is a multifaceted
organization, which is religious, charitable, family orientated and a social
society for the ladies of the parish.
In earlier years, the women of St. James joined St. Elizabeth’s after
they were married. It was a generational legacy for many of the women in our
parish.
During these years, St. Elizabeth has participated in all activities of St.
James Church and School and is represented on the Parish Council. They have
also been involved with the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, in state and
national organization missions that reflect and effect our religious organization
and beliefs that promote our Catholic faith. It was at one time a branch with
the National Council of Catholic Women.
As a body, St. Elizabeth promotes the Catholic community of St. James serving
actively in all our parish ministries. They help collect and dispense food and
toys on holidays for indigent families in the community and always supported
needy missions with warm clothing and school supplies. They work with the Pro-Life
Movement, Catholic Charities and keep in contact with our elected representatives
– local, state and national – so that our voice is heard in matters
of morality and with equal representation as taxpayers who send our children
to and support the parochial school systems. Members also served as volunteers
for school functions and keep in touch with other parishes of the Deanery.
St. Elizabeth’s celebrates the Eucharist as a group monthly. It has always
been St. Elizabeth’s who have purchased the wine and hosts used at the
Masses in our parish. They have monthly meetings, which are both business and
social (potlucks), and at which time parish updates are given and the sick and
infirm are remembered. In years gone by, women would always look forward to
May for the Mother-Daughter breakfasts.
The St. Elizabeth organization tries to provide spiritual enrichment service
and fellowship to the woman of our parish. We welcome and encourage all women
to become a part of our organization. We need your support and prayers. St.
Elizabeth Prayer
Hear our prayer, Oh God, our Savior,
and let us learn the spirit of real devotion from Blessed Elizabeth.
And grant us grace through the prayers of this glorious saint
so that we like her, may scorn the wealth of the world and
see heaven as our joy and consolation
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.