2012-2013 Board: Barb Potter-Vice-President; Peg Birzer-Secretary; Kathy Geske-President; Gwen Auel-Reporting Treasurer. Not pictured: Rosemary Rogers-Treasurer.

The Ladies of Sacred Heart elected new officers for the 2012-2013 year who were installed at the May, 2012 general meeting and began their service in heading the organization.  Serving as president is Kathy Geske.  Barbara Potter is the LOSH vice president, Peg Birzer is secretary, and Gwen Auel serves as reporting treasurer when Rosemary Rogers, treasurer, is unable to attend a general meeting of the organization. 
 
These officers are overseeing the continuation of the LOSH charitable and fund-raising efforts in support of impoverished women and children in our locale.  At the yearend meeting in May, LOSH awarded monetary donations totaling $8,900.  Recipients include St. John's Catholic School, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Abba House, Charitable Christian Medical Clinic, Meals on Wheels, Barb's Place, Change Point, Glenhaven Youth Ranch, Safe Haven Women and Children Shelter, the Paul Bewie Boys & Girls Club, and Jackson House.
 
In addition to monetary donations, The Ladies of Sacred Heart often bring “a little something extra” to their monthly meetings for charitable giving to organizations assisting children in poverty.  After the September 10, 2012 meeting, donations of school supplies that members generously brought to the meeting were collected and transported to Mountain Pine Elementary School. 
 
The next LOSH meeting on October 8^th will feature Joe Rogers of the Arkansas Rice Depot, and the “little something extra” donations by members attending this meeting will be food items that hungry kids can take home in backpacks supplied by the Rice Depot.  Teachers fill these backpacks with food provided by Rice Depot and distribute them to needy students before they head home after school and on weekends.  The goal is to ensure these kids will have food to eat at home. 
 
Students receiving backpacks are identified as qualifying for the free school breakfast and lunch programs supported by federal funding.  The food in these backpacks will feed not only the student, but also any non-school age siblings at home.
 
The Arkansas Rice Depot “Food For Kids” program champions the effort to prevent hunger because “a hungry child can’t learn”.

Once again, the Ladies responded in the spirit of giving which is Christmas to help where help is most needed.  Donations of underwear and socks were made by the Ladies of Sacred Heart and collected at their annual Christmas Brunch on December 12th.  Irma Gremillion delivered almost 600 pairs of men's, women's and children's socks, as well as a total of 450 pairs of underwear to Jackson House to be distributed to needy individuals and families.  

The Ladies of Sacred Heart kicked off the 2011-2012 year on September 12^thby welcoming one of their own, Anne Dierks, to the podium for a humorous and enlightening presentation on Granny Camp, the title of Mrs. Dierks’ book on how to thoroughly enjoy and encourage summer visits by the grandchildren.  Her audience was inspired by the organizational tips, the ideas for simple yet totally enjoyable ways to entertain the youngsters, and how to inculcate family history, traditions, and values to the youngest generation.

Deacon John Froning presides over the Sacred Heart of Jesus “blessing of the pets”

On October 4 at 3:00 pm (the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals), Deacon John Froning presided over the Sacred Heart of Jesus “blessing of the pets”.  The pets to be blessed consisted of approximately 25 canines, all sizes great to small, all behaviors brave to timid, all personalities energetic to laid back, all ages young pups to sedate old timers, and all breeds from the easily identifiable to the inscrutable.  Gathered in the shade at the main entrance to the church, owners and their best friends listened as Deacon Froning read the biblical narrative of God’s creation and naming of all animals, and heard how mankind is served by all of God’s magnificent creation. 
 
After the prayers of thanksgiving to God for his goodness to humankind, the blessing was bestowed on each dog with a sprinkle of holy water to convey this holy act.  One adventurous Westie had already tasted the holy water before the ceremony actually began to ensure it was of the highest holiest quality.
 
It was obvious that the four-legged companions of Sacred Heart’s parishioners had already received the greatest blessing of being owned by very caring and devoted humans.  Several of the pets were adoptees from our local HSV shelter that now lived the good life, safe and cozy with owners who had seen their promise and picked them to share home and hearth.
 
As the dogs and owners headed back to cars after this blessing ceremony ended, if you looked very carefully you might have noticed little halos shined to perfection bobbing above each furry head.  After all the excitement, owners and pets looked forward to going home for some quiet restful naps.  And in their hearts, all were smiling.