Since 2012, the women of our parishes have gathered each year for an afternoon of tea, fellowship, and faith. Now, after two years without the event, Sue Cotton and Maria Maldonado were thrilled to bring back the Women of Faith High Tea for another year.
“From the very beginning, Maria and I wanted this afternoon tea to have a spiritual theme that could inspire new ideas and renew our spirits,” Sue says. “We wanted to be with other women of faith who have journeyed along their path.”
This year, the tea was held on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16, and took Divine Mercy as its theme. As both a social event and a time for spiritual renewal, Stephanie Sierra was invited to speak on her experience with Divine Mercy.
“She explained what Divine Mercy is and how she had been introduced to ‘Jesus, I trust in You,’” Sue says. “For a closing, the majority of us walked from our social hall to the main church for the Divine Mercy Chaplet, sung by one of our music directors, Ed Klimczak.”
The High Tea is made possible by many volunteers. The kitchen support team, made up of gentlemen volunteers, ensures that all the ladies have a chance to enjoy the event. The serving was done this year by 12 fourth-graders from Girl Scout Troup 50731, all led by a senior student who returned after serving four years ago.
“I like getting the young girls involved, whether they are Girl Scouts or a Leo Club from the high school,” Sue says. “It is great to have them experience a ladies’ tea.”
The event is truly an opportunity to enjoy some of the finer things. The menu is light and refreshing, consisting of tea and scones, fruit, chicken croissant sandwiches, and an array of cookies. The tables are set on lovely tablecloths with an assortment of unique and fine china.
“I like the use of all the different china that gets pulled out of the cupboards, by the members and other women that join in on this celebration,” Sue says. “I like to hear the stories about this teacup of Grandma’s, or about china purchased at a garage sale.”
The High Tea has drawn an array of attendees over the years. It has been hosted at St. Joseph and, more recently, at Nativity. Women of all ages are welcome. For some, a High Tea brings back memories while, for others, it is a new experience. Sue remembers one year when four generations of one family were present. For those who put in time to prepare and host, as well as those who attend, it’s a beautiful afternoon of fellowship and spiritual refreshment.
“There is a lot of work before and during and after, but the committee glows for days after,” Sue says.
