Over two dozen members of the Columbiettes gathered for a Mass and dinner on Wednesday, June 17 to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the group's installation.

The Columbiettes is an organization of Catholic women dedicated to supporting their parish and community. The group aims to promote the spiritual, social, and charitable welfare of its members, all while they build lasting friendships with each other. It is also comprised of affiliated Auxiliaries of the Knights of Columbus Councils, and is part of the Supreme Columbiettes across the United States.

The celebration on June 17 began with a Mass at St Rose of Lima Church. For the special occasion, the Columbiettes Supreme Charter was propped up on a metal frame towards the front of the room.

Father Peter Cipriani led everyone in prayer, while Columbiettes members occasionally went up to the pulpit and read select passages from the Bible.

The original Columbiettes featured on the organization's charter were later called to the front of the room, if they were in attendance. Each of them received a pin for their years of dedication to the community and service through the group.

The founding members of the Auxiliary are: Joan Borruso, Victoria Brinkmann, Sheila Civale, Susan Crowe, Ginny Gorman, Beth Hamilton, Gayle Hill, Carolyn Huminski, Beth Keenan, Kirsten Kirkman, Patti Lansing, Teresa Lazzara, Donna Locke, Monica Lopes, Jean Mascolo, Michelle Mascolo, Jeanette McCambley, Laura Moulder, Kathy Phillips, Donna Rahtelli, Debbie Reilly, Mary Beth Rice, Sharon Saunders, Terri Scinto, Eileen Vitarbo, Jeanne Vitetta, Suzanne Vitiello, and Alice Walsh.

Following the Mass, the Columbiettes made their way into the parish's Knights Hall for dinner, where three long tables topped with blue tablecloths and flowers were prepared in advance. The ladies returned the Columbiettes Supreme Charter to the wall by the room's entrance; beneath it was another table with flowers and a photo album of the Columbiettes.

It was only a matter of time before everyone treated themselves to food. Nick's Catering provided the meal, which included eggplant parmesan, chicken, salad, grilled vegetables, bread, and more. There were also desserts for everyone to enjoy, including red velvet cake and carrot cake.

The fun did not end there, as the ladies held a little raffle for wine bottles and the flowers on their tables. Afterwards, the Columbiettes were free to grab seconds, talk amongst themselves, or smile as they flipped through memories in the photo album.

Donna Rahtelli, who founded and served as the first president of the Columbiettes, called their story a sweet one. As she tells it, in April of 2021, 28 women answered the call to support their community and become Columbiettes. Whether the invitation was heard from the pulpit, read in the bulletin, or by personal request, each woman said yes and was initiated into their sisterhood, according to Rahtelli.

The group has since grown to over 100 members and taken on a number of service projects. In the past year alone, they prepared and distributed Brian Bags to the homeless, collected and donated 400 Mother's Day cards given to residents of Garner Correctional Institute, assisted the residents of Benchmark at Newtown each month with craft activities, made monetary donations to organizations such as Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary and Brian O'Connell Homeless Project, and much more.

Rahtelli was the one who put together the photo album, doing her best to catalogue the memories the Columbiettes have made. She said it warmed her heart to see how the Auxiliary has grown, noting, "There is great joy in helping those in need and serving our parish and community."

Rahtelli added, "Through our shared faith, dedication, and friendship, we have made a difference in the lives of many. As we celebrate five years together, may we look forward to many more years filled with service, compassion, fellowship, and faith. May we continue to make new friends, strengthen our bonds as sisters, and answer Jesus's call to serve others."

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.