ST. THERESA SODALITY

The St. Theresa Sodality was formed in 1933 as a parish organization and is affiliated with the Omaha Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. The Sodality’s objective is to provide fellowship and unite women in purpose, direction and action in religious, education, social and economic fields. Every woman at St. Anthony’s Parish is automatically a member of St. Theresa Sodality after the age of 18. The St. Theresa Sodality, is an integral part of the St. Anthony Parish Community. The Sodality consists of approximately 540 active members who work together to support the parish at various events.

In 1975, the parish women were divided in 12 groups or “Circles”. Each Circle is responsible for one month during the year. A Chairman is assigned to each circle and is responsible for calling on members of their Circle for assistance. If there is a parish event, Sodality meeting or funeral luncheon that month, the Chairman is contacted to help recruit workers or call on members to provide salads or desserts for the event.

The Sodality generates the majority of its income from Annual Dues ($10 due in January), monetary donations in lieu of the Salad Luncheon and Bake Sale, and providing desserts for the Knights of Columbus Fish Fries.  

Income the Sodality generates is used to support the Children's Scholarship Fund, FOCUS Ministry (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) on college campuses, and Justice for All.  Sodality provides financial assistance to Scotus students attending the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Sodality also pays for the printing of the Fall Festival raffle tickets, as well as contributes toward parish renovations and upkeep. 

Sodality members donate desserts for St. Anthony's Fall Festival in October and bake cookies for the Red Cross Blood Drives during the month of June.  In December, Christmas Goodie Bags filled with treats are assembled and delivered to parishioners who are home-bound or in nursing homes.  At the December meeting, in lieu of a gift exchange, attendees give a free will donation to Simon House.  

Several women have volunteered to serve as Funeral Luncheon Chairmen. If the family of the deceased parish member requests to have the funeral luncheon at St. Anthony’s, the Funeral Luncheon Chairman works with the funeral director and helps the family organize the luncheon.  They guide the family in planning the luncheon and call upon the Circle Chairman of the month for their assistance in calling for salad donations. The chairman also calls ladies to serve the luncheon and clean up. 

All women are invited to attend Sodality Meetings which are held on the second Thursday of March, May, September, November and December in the parish center. A potluck dinner is held prior to the May and December meetings.  Sodality provides meat, buns, and beverages.  Members attending are asked to bring aside dish or dessert.  In 2024 we started "Ladies Night Out."  It is held several times a year.  It is an evening were the ladies of the parish gather to enjoy fellowship, games and refreshments.  

A Mass for the living and deceased members of the St. Theresa Sodality is held on the first Sunday of each month.