WEST PALM BEACH | The Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held its annual “Take a Sister to Brunch” event Dec. 6, 2025, hosted by Mary Immaculate Parish in West Palm Beach. Council women from all over the diocese look forward to the joyful event to show their appreciation for the religious sisters for their dedication and service in the diocese.
The event officially began with the celebration of the Eucharist, officiated by Father Andy Rudnicki, DCCW spiritual advisor and pastor of Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish in Royal Palm Beach. In his homily, Father Rudnicki joyfully welcomed two visiting sisters from Poland, Mother Weronika Bednarska, mother general of the Sisters of the Most Holy Soul of Christ, and one of her counselors, Sister Miriam Siemieniec.
During the brunch, while everyone was enjoying their meal, the Florida Catholic asked a few council women, “When you think of our religious sisters, what comes to mind?”
Our Lady Queen of the Apostles CCW historian Paule Jean-Mary said, “The sisters are angels on earth. Their presence alone reminds us of the love that our Lord, Jesus Christ, has for all of us.”
Tammy Farr, Florida Council of Catholic Women education chair and past president/province director, said, “The sisters have given their life to Christ, and we need to honor and cherish them in our parishes. It is a pleasure to put on this event to honor them.”
Connie Schiraldi, Holy Spirit CCW membership chair and southern deanery corresponding secretary, expressed her gratitude, especially to one sister who is the sacristan at Holy Spirit Church, Dominican Sister Mary Therese Napolitan.
“She is the glue that holds the church together with the clergy, church staff and all the ministries,” she said. “She sets the altar beautifully for all the Masses, and we truly appreciate it.”
Becky Walters, Holy Family CCW president and deanery representative, said, “The sisters give their lives to helping all people. Even as a retired sister, they still work in the pantries and helping in the community.”
Lana Sinisko, Holy Family CCW parliamentarian, grew up poor. She is thankful for the religious at St. Clare Parish in Queens, New York, for making her first Communion so memorable and joyful.
“The Catholic nuns at St. Clare Catholic Church made sure I had a beautiful Communion dress donated to me,” she said. “It was second-hand and only needed a washing. It was just beautiful, and that is why the sisters are so very special to me.”
The day also included a sing-along of Christmas carols, led by Cardinal Newman High School chorus teacher Roberta Rehner and her chorus students.
For more information on the Palm Beach Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, visit www.PBDCCW.org or email PBDCCW@gmail.com. To learn about vocations to consecrated life, contact Sister Jadwiga Drapala, diocesan coordinator of women’s vocations, at jdrapala@diocesepb.org.
