In Mary’s Name Sodality Donates $5,000

Members of In Mary’s Name Sodality, a Springfield, Ohio, Catholic women’s association, have donated $5,000 to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and The Athenaeum of Ohio. The donation supports the formation of priests, deacons and lay ministers.

“We raised the money selling cookies at local Catholic churches and we let everyone know the money raised goes to support the seminarians at the Athenaeum,” explained Mrs. Alicia DeWitt, president and founder. “We ask for a donation in exchange for a plate of cookies,” said Mrs. Connie Kearns, a member of the group. The cookies were a big hit and enabled them to increase their donation to $5,000 from $3,000 in 2016.

Seven members of the group traveled June 13 to the Athenaeum and presented the donation to Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, president and rector. They enjoyed a tour of the Athenaeum, attended Mass and received a special blessing from Fr. Alexander Witt, a newly ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

“This is a wonderful group of women who are highly dedicated to helping future priests, deacons, and lay ministers,” said Mr. Kyle Isaack, director of advancement, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and the Athenaeum of Ohio. “I am thankful for their generosity and the peace they bring to us. I am greatly impressed with their deep devotion to Mary.”

In Mary’s Name Sodality was founded in 2010 to honor the “Year for Priests.” According to Mrs. DeWitt its primary mission is to answer the call of Mary to prayerfully and financially support those studying to be priests and deacons.

Bringing women together from all of the Springfield area parishes is another part of In Mary’s Name’s mission. The group hopes to encourage the spiritual well-being of its members. The group also supports and encourages priests of their deanery by providing a yearly meal for them during Holy Week. Members of the sodality also pray daily for the priests and offer monthly Mass intentions for them.

New members are always welcome. The only “dues” are to pray the rosary and say the Vocation Prayer daily.

“Prayer is the key, even if it is one fervent Hail Mary,” said Mrs. DeWitt.

Photo Credit (left to right): Nancy Finke, Marilyn Linton, Susan Page, Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, Alicia DeWitt, Connie Kearns, Joy Tuttle, and Sally Kurian in the Athenaeum’s Immaculate Conception Chapel.