ATLANTA-Women Religious serving in the Archdiocese of Atlanta were recognized Monday, Dec. 18 at an annual dinner given in their honor by the Serra Clubs of Atlanta.

"It is important to honor them because of all the dedication and service they have given to the Church," said Joe Krygiel, president of the North Metro Serra Club. "They have been and continue to be an impetus for many of the young men who are exploring a calling to the priesthood."

Sister Loretta Costa, CSJ, director of development for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, was the featured speaker.

The evening was held at Holy Cross Church and began with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Archbishop John F. Donoghue attended the celebration and expressed his gratitude to the sisters for their vital contributions to the archdiocese.

Two Serra Clubs, one in the Metro and the other in North Metro Atlanta, work in the archdiocese to support and foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Members are lay Catholics, both women and men. The organization is named in honor of Blessed Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary in the 1700s in California.

"It is nice to know the Serrans are appreciative of the efforts of women Religious," said Sister Kathleen Purser, GNSH, who attended the dinner. "We are appreciative of their efforts to promote and support religious vocations for both men and women."

Shepherd's Night, an annual dinner sponsored by the Serra Clubs to honor Archbishop John F. Donoghue and the priests of the archdiocese, will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Church of St. Ann.