BY KATHI STEARNS

Staff Writer

ATLANTA--The Altar and Rosary Society of Sacred Heart Church celebrated 100 years of service to the parish community during a special Mass Oct. 8.

Father Stephen Churchwell, pastor, was the principal celebrant. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Luis Zarama, Father Michael Campbell and Msgr. Walter Donovan of the parish staff.

To commemorate the celebration, a golden stole and chasuble were presented to Father Churchwell who wore them during the centennial Mass.

The first and second readings were read by Sister Valentina Sheridan, RSM, former administrator of the parish. During his homily Father Churchwell told the congregation that everyone is called individually to show love of God. He credited the women with showing their love over many years.

"The leaders and members of the ladies' altar society have contributed to the spiritual and material welfare of the parish since its beginning," he said.

"For many of us this is a spiritual home," he said. "For many of us this is God's home. The work of the society has allowed us to come into God's home and our spiritual home and find it always ready for us."

Altar and Rosary Society members had key roles in the celebration. Regina Thomas and Carole Wood, the principal organizer of the anniversary event, were altar servers. Mia Pond was the crucifer. The gifts were brought to the altar by Pat Eaton, Orrie Mae Jones, Julia Lynch and Lucille Pierce. Eucharistic ministers included Susan Buckley, Loraine Flynt, Peggy Kelley, Marguerite Kinard, Irene Mapp and Elinor Martin. The soloist was Mary Alice Hearn.

Altar society members wearing corsages filled the first three pews on both sides of the aisle.

The society predates the present church building by two years. Sacred Heart Parish was originally founded as Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Marietta and Alexander Street. In 1895 the Altar and Rosary Society at Sts. Peter and Paul declared that it would provide for the needs of the sanctuary and sacristy, promote the spiritual growth and progress of the parish, and cultivate mutual cooperation and friendliness among all women in the parish. In 1897 Sacred Heart Church was built, and the Altar and Rosary Society that had formed at Sts. Peter and Paul became the Sacred Heart Altar and Rosary Society.

Throughout the years society members have sold bricks to help build the church, raised funds for the original church organ, provided financial support for missions in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and China, maintained the church and sacristy and provided vestments for the priests of the parish. They have also organized card parties, suppers, fairs, lectures, Easter egg hunts and the annual St. Patrick's day celebration. They even hosted an operetta in 1900.

Within the parish members assist in hospital and home visitations to the sick and elderly, bringing the Eucharist and their personal touch to those in need. Society members are also involved in community outreach. Members serve on the board of Downtown Atlanta Senior Services and the St. Joseph Hospital Mobile Mercy Unit. "We can all profit from the example they have shown us," said Father Churchwell.

The society's flower committee has purchased and arranged flowers for weekend Masses, weddings and social occasions for the last 30 years. For this anniversary celebration the flowers were in memory of deceased members of the Altar and Rosary Society.

"One hundred years have come and gone," Father Churchwell said. "We have at least 100 more years to go. Since its founding the society has been a true pillar of our community, and it continues to make great contributions to the life of our parish."