ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCHALTAR SOCIETY

907 W. Theo, San Antonio, Texas 78225

The Altar Society of St. James is one of the organizations formed by Father Joseph Nowak, Pastor in 1954.

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH

ALTAR SOCIETY

Purpose

To sanctify its members by cultivating a passionate devotion, reverence, and

love towards Christ in the Blessed Sacrament; to pray for members who are ill

or confined.

To encourage catholic values, celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist

individually and once a month as a group.

To provide for the upkeep of the Sanctuary and sacristy of our church, in

particular to decorate the altars and maintain the linens.

To fund projects that improves or enhances the worship space.

To help and assist the Pastor in spiritual, material undertakings and special

events for the welfare of the Parish.

Acknowledgement

Since the formation of The Altar Society of St. James Parish, the church altar and it’s sanctuary has been

maintained and cared for by loving hands of dedicated women. Women who made the commitment to serve

not only our community of St. James but to be of service outside the boundaries of St. James. When

Jesus invites us to duty, his work is done in His name for the Glory of God our Father. For the many

hours willingly given by our pioneer women of St. James, to care for the Altar of our Lord, we offer

our thanks and remember them in our prayers- living and deceased. For the women who carry on the

work that was begun and taught by our pioneers, many blessings may you receive as you continue to

answer the call in Jesus' name.

Many changes on how tasks are accomplished has required the assistance from our male supporters, namely

spouses of members as well as from our parish community and surrounding parishes. Let’s not forget the

assistance from our young adults of our parish. Thank you to the spouses and family members who

unconditionally share these faithful men and women when called to service.

The Altar Society celebrates

The Liturgy Of The Eucharist

on the second Sunday of

January, March, May, July,

September, October and

November followed with a

meeting in the Marian Center.

Members of the Altar Society (Living and Deceased)Through The YearsGloria A. AguileraSandra AlcalaDora ArriagaSoccoro AvilezAmparo BarriosAnnie BeltoShirley CaballeroEstanislada CamachoLouise CantuEstella CardenasIsolina CardenasTomasita CarranzaAngeline CarrollMarilyn CarrollDelia CasasGuadalupe CavazosMaria ChapaMaria ContrerasEsperanza DavalosRosalinda DeLaCruzJanie DelgadoRose Marie DominguezAlice DominguezSusie EscobedoFelipa EspinozaNorma N. FloresRuth FuentesFrances FuosAngie GarciaOlga GarciaAdela GarciaRaquel Garcia

Clara RodriguezInez RodriguezUrsula RodriguezAngela RileyEnedina SalinasConsuelo SanchezOralia SantiagoErnestina SeikGladys SimonPeggy Lugo-SmithGloria TorresLillie TorresRosie VonAllmenEsperanza ValdezHortense ValdezMarie VasquezVelia WiseAgnes WrightRuth WunschLenora YanezMaria YesconisRosie Zamora

May GarzaMary GarzaCordelia GlennEva GomezHortense GomezTheresa GroffMary GrothuesMary Lou GuerraHildagard HatchConnie HenryAurora HernandezEsther HernandezCelia LagunaLoraine KardowPhilomena LammRosa LuisMatilde MagallanezSonia MaldonadoGloria MartinezAnita McDonaldJulie McRaeAngelica Mendiola

Mary Frances MerasElenor MirelesJulia MontemayorOlga MontemayorPetra MoralesRosita MoralesKaren MorganMarie MorinRita MyerGeorgina NavaPat NiñoOlga OrnelasElia OrtizGuadalupe OviedoConsuelo M. PedrozaAntonio PeralesMary PolasekNorma RamosConsuelo RendonRosa RezaSusie RiosAida Rodriguez

Father Archie Tacay

Fundraising Activities

“Thank you for supporting our fund raising efforts”.

Call the Parish Office

for more information.

210-922-2136

Behind The Scene Support

“Thank You”! to our parish community and surrounding neighbors who support all our fundraising efforts. Items to dress the altars for all liturgical seasons, replacing linens and altar ware, maintaining the sacristy and much more wouldn’t be possible without your assistance in supporting our fundraising efforts.

Helping to Prepare Liturgical SeasonsAll Catholics (yes, that includes our men of St. James Parish) ages 18 and older are welcome to join the Altar Society of St. James. We welcome you to come and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Be still and listen- Pray over your decision to answer God’s call.

Be still and listen- Pray over your decision to answer God’s call.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:

Every First Wednesday of the month.

Reserve every 1st Wednesday

Spend one hour, 6—7 pm

Before the Blessed Sacrament

We hope to see you there; feel free to bring a friend.

Praying the Rosary

1st Monday of Each Month

Immediately after 5:30 p.m. Services.

We hope to see you.Father Archie Tacay

Congratulations Father Arch . . . God continue to bless you and may the Holy Spirit be your guide, strength and protector.

Father Archie Tacay, CICM1st Year Priesthood Anniversary

and Birthday

Building Community

Maintaining the Main Altar Area

The Main Altar area is maintained by a rotation process. Members take their turn to volunteer to launder Altar Linen (purificators, corporals, finger towels) on a bi-weekly basis. Cloths for the 3 altars are also laundered, pressed, and changed throughout the liturgical year. Altar ware as well as altar furniture is polished. There is also the upkeep of plants which help to beautify the altar area. Other tasks include removing spilled wax from carpet and vacuuming. The Sacristy area is also maintained and we are thankful to all who enter and help us by returning things to their place.

God calls us to service.

Be still and listen-

pray over your decision to

answer God’s call.

We welcome YOU to come

experience the energy and

fulfillment of your labor as we all

work together to take care of the

Lord’s house.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWSThe Altar Society of St. James the Apostle Parish

San Antonio, Texas

ARTICLE 1: NAME

The name of this organization shall be: “The Altar Society of St. James the Apostle Parish, San Antonio, Texas.”

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE

1. To sanctify its members by cultivating a passionate devotion, reverence, and love towards Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

2. To encourage catholic values, celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist individually and once a month as a group.

3. To provide for the upkeep of the Sanctuary and sacristy of our church, in particular to decorate the altars and maintain the linens.

4. To fund projects that improves or enhances the worship space.

5. To help and assist the Pastor in spiritual, material undertakings and special events for the welfare of the Parish.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

1. All Catholic women of the parish ages 18 and older is eligible for membership in the Altar Society.

2. It is essential that members be of good conduct and practices their religion with much faith. If members are married, they should be married by the

church.

3. New members shall be installed at any monthly Mass held every second Saturday or during the installation of the new Board of Directors which

takes place during the month of December.

4. New members will receive the Altar Society medal with the act of receiving after medals have been blessed by the Reverend Father.

5. Loss of membership: A member automatically forfeits her membership in the Society when:

a. She moves out from the Parish and resigns.

b. She is delinquent in dues for a period of (1) one year.

ARTICLE 4: SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

1. Holy Mass shall be offered on the second weekend, Saturday or Sunday of each month for all living and deceased members of the Altar Society.

2. On the occasion of the death of a member, a Mass offering shall be requested by the President and the family of the deceased shall be notified.

3. Altar Society members shall gather at 4:00 p.m. every second Saturday of the month for their monthly meeting. The 5:30 p.m. Mass following the

monthly meeting is designated for members to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist together. (see amendment listed for Article 4: Spiritual Benefits)

ARTICLE 5: AMENDMENTS

This constitution may be amended at any general meeting by a 2/3 vote of members present, provided the proposed amendment has been approved

by the Pastor and the officers.

CONSTITUTIONThe Altar Society of St. James the Apostle Parish

San Antonio, Texas

BY-LAWSThe Altar Society of St. James the Apostle Parish

San Antonio, Texas

ARTICLE 1: OFFICERS

The Officers of this Organization shall be:

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Sergeant At Arms

The Pastor (Spiritual Director or other appointed by the Pastor)

The term of office shall be (2) two years.

ARTICLE 2: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The election of officers shall take place at the regular meeting in November. Official installation of the newly elected officers shall take place at the

Christmas Luncheon meeting in December.

ARTICLE 3: MEETINGS

1. The Society will hold its regular meetings on the second Sunday in January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October and

November after the 8:00 a.m. Mass in the Marian Center permitting parish schedule approval.

2. A Special Meeting may be called at any time by the President, when circumstances warrant it. Five (5) members and three (3) officers shall

constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE 4: ADORATION

The Society members should try to attend adoration on the first Friday of each month according to the parish schedule.

ARTICLE 5: DUES

1. All members pay $5.00 a year.

2. Dues should be paid in January.

3. If dues are not paid by March 31, a delinquent notice will be sent.

4. A reminder shall be placed in the Altar Society Newsletter.

5. To be delinquent in dues for one year constitutes grounds for automatic cancellation of membership.

6. If a past member wants to rejoin after cancellation, she must pay the current years’ dues.

ARTICLE 6: COMMITTEES

1. There shall be such standing and special committees, approved by the officers and Pastor, as are required for the proper functioning of the

Society and the accomplishment of its objects.

2. Chairperson of standing and special committees shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the officers and the Pastor.

3. Committee Chairpersons are to report at each business meeting and if unable to be at the meeting, their reports are to be turned in to the

Secretary the day before the meeting. This is important in order to keep the minutes to date.

4. Special Committees:

a. It shall consist of any given number appointed by the President.

b. It shall be the duty of this committee to initiate and conclude the business assigned to it, in a way and at the time indicated by the

President.

c. When the objective of this committee has been fulfilled, its functions shall cease.

ARTICLE 7: RIGHTS

1. To be a member of the Altar Society, yearly dues of $5.00 are to be paid.

2. To receive honors earned, a member must be up-to-date in her dues, attend monthly meetings regularly and be a contributing (activities)

participant to enable the Society to reach its goals.

3. A member is not denied her rights to membership because she can no longer actively participate due to her physical inability. This member is

entitled to all the rights as she has been a faithful and active contributor.

ARTICLE 8: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

PRESIDENT:

1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all regular and special meetings. She is an ex-officio member of all committees.

2. She shall set up a special committee as the occasion demands to accomplish determined objectives.

3. To seek to enlist new members for the Society from the new families that move into the Parish.

4. To keep the members informed of any sick members so that they may be visited.

5. On occasion of members’ death to request a Mass and assign a sympathy card be sent to the deceased member’s family.

6. Sign orders of the Treasury to pay debts and comply with obligations that belong to her.

VICE-PRESIDENT:

To preside in meetings during the absence of the President. Undertakes all the above duties and assists in fulfilling them.

SECRETARY:

1. To record the minutes of each monthly meeting and to read them at the succeeding meeting.

2. To see that forthcoming meetings are published in the bulletin by informing the appropriate personnel in advance.

3. To acknowledge the receipt of Thank You cards and other correspondence to members of the Society.

TREASURER:

1. To keep a record of all financial transactions of the Society.

2. To collect and receive monies from dues and fund raisers and keep a record of the same.

3. To pay all bills that have been approved by the President.

4. The Treasurer shall appoint a second party to help count before depositing monies received.

ARTICLE 9: ORDER OF BUSINESS AT MEETINGS

1. Call to order by President or Vice-President

2. Opening prayer

3. Reading of minutes by Secretary

4. Treasurer’s report

5. Reports of committees

6. Old Business

7. New Business

8. Pastor’s comments

9. Closing prayer

Members should be brief in their comments so that the meeting will not be unduly prolonged. Regular meetings should not last more than one hour-unless

necessary.

ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be amended at any general meeting.

a. By majority of votes of members present.

b. On condition that a notice of amendments be presented at a general meeting.

ARTICLE 11: CUSTOMARY RULES

1. It is the duty of all members to encourage absent members to return to the organization of the Altar Society and to seek new members to join.

2. Holy Week is a time to attend Lent Services and Stations Of The Cross so members may be consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

3. Be active in raising funds for the welfare of our parish through Parish or School Festivals as well as within the Altar Society.

4. At the end of each year a balance of at least $100.00 is left in the Treasury Fund to begin a new year. A donation for the remaining available

balance is given to the parish priest to help with parish expenses.

5. It is customary to give a Christmas gift of $25.00 to our parish priests.

6. A calendar of events and activities is prepared at the beginning of each year and must be approved by the parish before distribution to members.

7. It is customary to help with bereavement meals when called upon for a deceased member or a member’s immediate family (a husband, child,

father or mother or a direct dependent who is living in the same household).

8. The Altar Society, as do other parish organizations, supports the parish by contributing toward special projects as needed. Things like sponsoring a

reception or supporting monetarily a project for the welfare of the parish will be an effort completed by all groups of St. James Parish.

AMENDMENTSThe Altar Society of St. James the Apostle Parish

San Antonio, Texas

Amendment 1

Constitution

Article 4: Spiritual Benefits

Article 4, item #3, Spiritual Benefits, reads as follows: “Altar Society members shall gather at 4:00 p.m. every second Saturday of the

month for their monthly meeting. The 5:30 p.m. Mass following the monthly meeting is designated for members to celebrate the Liturgy of

the Eucharist together.”

Article 4: Spiritual Benefits is amended as follows:

3) The Altar Society members shall celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. every second Sunday of

each month. A monthly meeting shall be held immediately following the Mass. Amended March 13, 2011

Amendment 2

Constitution

Article 3: Membership

Article 3, item #1, Membership, reads as follows: “All Catholic women of the parish ages 18 and older is eligible for membership in the

Altar Society.”

Article 3: Membership is amended as follows:

1) All Catholics ages 18 and older are eligible for membership in the Altar Society of St. James.

Article 3, item #5, Membership, reads as follows: “ Loss of membership: A member automatically forfeits her membership in the Society

when: She moves out from the Parish and resigns.

She is delinquent in dues for a period of (1) one year.”

Article 3: Membership is amended as follows:

5) Loss of membership: A member automatically forfeits their membership in the Society when:

A member moves out from the Parish and resigns.

A member is delinquent in dues for a period of (1) one year. Amended November 16, 2017

Amendment 3

By-Laws

Article 3: Meetings

Article 3, item #1, Meetings, reads as follows: “The Society will hold its regular meetings on the second Sunday in January, February, March,

April, June, July, August, September, October and November after the 8:00 a.m. Mass in the Marian Center permitting parish schedule

approval.”

Article 3: Meetings is amended as follows:

1) The Society will hold its regular meetings on the second Sunday in January, February, March, April, July, August, September, October and

November after the 8:00 a.m. Mass in the Marian Center permitting parish schedule approval. Amended November 16, 2017

Amendment 4

By-Laws

Article 4: Adoration

Article 4, ADORATION, reads as follows: “The Society members should try to attend adoration on the first Friday of each month according

to the parish schedule.”

Article 4: ADORATION is amended as follows:

The Society members should try to attend adoration each month according to the parish schedule. Amended November 16, 2017

Amendment 5

By-Laws

Article 5: Dues

Article 5, item #6, Dues, reads as follows: “If a past member wants to rejoin after cancellation, she must pay the current years’ dues.”

Article 5: Dues is amended as follows:

6) If a past member wants to rejoin after cancellation, the current dues must be paid. Amended November 16, 2017

Amendment 6

By-Laws

Article 7: Rights

Article 7, item #2, Rights, reads as follows: “To receive honors earned, a member must be up-to-date in her dues, attend monthly meetings

regularly and be a contributing (activities) participant to enable the Society to reach its goals.”

Article 7: Rights is amended as follows:

2) To receive honors earned, a member must have yearly dues up-to-date, attend monthly meetings regularly and be a contributing

(activities) participant to enable the Society to reach its goals. Amended November 16, 2017

Amendment 6

By-Laws

Article 7: Rights

Article 7, item #3, Rights, reads as follows: “A member is not denied rights to membership because she can no longer actively participate due

to her physical inability. This member is entitled to all the rights as she has been a faithful and active contributor.”

Article 7, Rights is amended as follows:

3) A member is not denied rights to membership because a member can no longer actively participate due to physical inability. Members

are entitled to all the rights through demonstration of faithful participation and supportive contributions. Amended November 16, 2017

Amendment 7

By-Laws

Article 8: Duties of Officers

Article 8: item #1, Duties of Officers: President, reads as follows: “It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all regular and special

meetings. She is an ex-officio member of all committees.”

Article 8: Duties of Officers: President is amended as follows:

1) It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all regular and special meetings. The President is an ex-officio member of all

committees. Amended November 16, 2017

Article 8: item #2, Duties of Officers: President, reads as follows: “She shall set up a special committee as the occasion demands to

accomplish determined objectives.”

Article 8: Duties of Officers: President is amended as follows:

2) The President shall set up a special committee as the occasion demands to accomplish determined objectives. Amended November 16,

2017

3) Article 8: item #6, Duties of Officers: President, reads as follows: “Sign orders of the Treasury to pay debts and comply with obligations

that belong to her”.

Article 8: Duties of Officers: President is amended as follows:

6) Sign orders of the Treasury to pay debts and comply with obligations that belong to the office of the Treasury. Amended November 16,

2017

Amendment 2

Constitution

Article 4: Spiritual Benefits

Amendment 1

Constitution

Article 4: Spiritual Benefits

Article 4, item #3, Spiritual Benefits, reads as follows: “Altar Society members shall gather at 4:00 p.m. every second Saturday

of the month for their monthly meeting. The 5:30 p.m. Mass following the monthly meeting is designated for members to celebrate

the Liturgy of the Eucharist together.”

Article 4: Spiritual Benefits is amended as follows:

3) The Altar Society members shall celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. every second Sunday of

each month. A monthly meeting shall be held immediately following the Mass. Amended March 13, 2011

Amendment 1, Article 4, item #3, Spiritual Benefits, reads as follows: “The Altar Society members shall celebrate the Liturgy of the

Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. every second Sunday of each month. A monthly meeting shall be held immediately following the Mass.

Amended March 13, 2011

Amendment 1, Article 4: Spiritual Benefits is amended as follows:

3) The Altar Society members shall celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. every second Sunday of

the following months: January, March, May, July, September, October, November. A meeting shall be held immediately

following the Mass designated for each month listed. Amended February 9th , 2020