The following message was posted by Debra Cudnik, on 5/11/2006 4:49:27 PM.

 Subject: New Circle formed in Michigan

January 2006

We are very happy to announce the formatioin of St. Perpetua Circle, No. 1416 which is housed at St. Perpetua Parish in Waterford, Michigan. The inception of this Circle is due mainly to the efforts of Julie DePodesta, State Past Regent/State Organizer of Michigan. We would also like to thank Father Richard Rakoczy, Pastor of St. Perpetua and Grand Knight Gilbert Wilson for all of their wonderful support, along with many members from other local Circles.

Our first informational meeting was held October 2005. Several meetings followed, where women from St. Perpetua were invited to learn about the Daughters of Isabella, what our mission is and what we do as a charitable group. On January 21, 2006 the Conferral of Degrees was held open to members only. We were privileged to have in attendance, Mary Tomaszewski, State Regent; Marilyn Deneweth, State Vice Regent; Julie DePodesta, State Past Regent/State Organizer; Beverly Bechtel, State Financial Secretary; Linda Knoche, State Recording Secretary; Julie Lange, State Treasurer; as well as other Sister members. Following the Conferral of Degrees was the Installation of Officers where family and friends could attend. They were invited to attend the five o'clock mass and the pot-luck dinner prepared by our members. The Knights of Columbus donated a ham for dinner and held a 50/50 drawing that evening in which the winnings were given to our Circle.

Although we are in our infancy, we have managed to do a few things and have wonderful ideas for the future. Some of them are:

* March=Membership drive. Five new members
obtained, meeting the goal of 5 new members
per month.
* April=Lasagna Dinner in conjunction with the
Knights of Columbus #13600. Proceeds to help
purchase items still needed for our Circle.
* May=English Tea Party, to help build our
treasury to use where it is needed the most.
* June=Corporate Mass in conjunction with the
Knights of Columbus #13600.
* June=Sundae Social

For the remainder of this year and into the next, our focus will be on supporting St. Perpetua Parish, coming together as women, having fun, becoming role models for those around us, having the children become more involved with the parish, giving back to our community, fundraising and devoting our time and monies to the designated State charity. We have many wonderful ideas and suggestion that pop-up at every meeting or just in talking that should keep us busy little bees for years to come.

We are a dedicated, eager and enthusiastic group of women who have accepted the challenge and responsibilities that come with forming a new Circle. We are blessed to have the support of our Pastor as well as the Knights of Columbus #13600. So as we come together as Sister's in the Daughters of Isabella we look forward to up holding the Motto of Unity, Friendship and Charity.