Family of the Quarter

Family Recognition Award

The Family Committee of our council selects a family from the parish every quarter of the year. Nominations are accepted from all parishioners and the final selection is made by the committee.

Criteria for becoming a candidate for Family of the Quarter only requires membership in the parish. The committee looks for families that are active in the parish and/or the community, performing deeds of significance that have benefited both parish and community.

Eric and Ammy Webster Family

The Knights of Columbus believe that leaders and active families of the parish should be recognized for their examples following a way of life taught by our faith. We actively solicit nominations from any one in the parish, and those families need not be members of the Knights of Columbus .

It is my pleasure, as Grand Knight, to present the family recognition award to the Eric and Ammy Webster family. Would the Webster family please come forward.

The Websters joined our parish in 1997, having moved here from Galena , IL . Eric came here as the golf professional for Lake Panorama National for 2 years. He is now a realtor for Iowa Realty. Eric and Ammy met at UNI and were married in 1990. They are blessed with 4 children; Charlie who is 13, Chance 10, Sam 8, and Chloe 5.

This family is very active in the parish, and is involved with many activities. Eric converted to our faith when Charlie made his first communion in 2002. He teaches Religious Education to High School students, and helps prepare the confirmation class. He is a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector, and has served on the parish council. Eric is very musically talented, having written music for Mass and other religious occasions. He wrote and recorded music especially for the dedication of the Bishop Charron facility at St. Thomas More. In fact, it was very touching and caused tears to flow from the Bishop! Eric also has formed a Band, called Carry Your Cross. They created a CD, and sold over 500 copies with the proceeds going to a St. Thomas More Scholarship fund, in honor of Bailey Tews who was killed in an automobile accident. Eric is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his activities highlight one of our basic principals; Charity.

Ammy is a stay at home mom, who teaches Religious Education. She helps deliver congregate meals, helps with Bingo at the Panora Nursing and Rehab center, helped direct the Angel Tree program, helped manage the creation of two parish pictorial directories, and is a member of the Finance council. Ammy also coaches soccer and is a member of the Panora Soccer Board.

Charlie is following in his dad’s steps with music. He plays the drums and base guitar. He and his dad play music every week at St. Thomas More Center during the summer. He also helps camp councilors during the summer.

This award is given as an example of how to live our faith following what it teaches us. It is a pleasure to present the Family Recognition Award to the Eric and Ammy Webster family.

Leon and Donna Kennebeck Family
June 2007

The Knights of Columbus have a tradition of recognizing families that are highly respected for their dedication of our faith. We actively solicit nominations from any one in the parish, and those families need not be members of the Knights of Columbus.

It is my pleasure, as Grand Knight, to present a family recognition award to the Leon and Donna Kennebeck family. Would Leon and Donna please come forward?

Leon and Donna have been married 44 years. They are blessed with 9 children (6 daughters and 3 sons), 32 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. They moved here about 4 years ago from Willy , Iowa where they were parishioners. In fact, that is where they were married.

Donna was born and raised in Odebolt , Iowa . She is a Eucharistic Minister, and the incoming President of the Council of Catholic Women of our parish. She held a similar position on two occasions while at Willy.

Leon was born and raised in Roselle , Iowa . He is an Extraordinary Minister and a Sacristan. He often leads the Divine Chaplet before Mass and the rosary during the months of May and October. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since February of 1979. He transferred to our council shortly after they moved here. Leon loves to make rosaries, and the Sisters who have taught here in the summer have been grateful to him for those he has made for them. He asked me to let everyone know that he is available to repair rosaries as well!

Leon and Donna are always ready to help with projects around the church. Leon furnished the equipment and operated it to remove the tree stump in front of the church and helped build the cove for the statue of Jesus. When you observe this couple, you can’t help but admire their example of faith.

This award is given, not only to recognize the accomplishments and good deeds of families like Leon and Donna, but also for others to be encouraged to step forward to help others have a more rewarding life.

Kim and Maureen Lubeck Family
September 2006

The Knights of Columbus believe that leaders and active families of the parish deserve recognition. We actively solicit nominations from any one in the parish, and those families need not be members of the Knights of Columbus.

It is my pleasure, as Grand Knight, to present a family recognition award to the Kim and Maureen Lubeck family. Would Kim and Maureen please come forward.

Kim and Maureen were married in 1973. They are blessed with 2 children (a son and a daughter) and 1 grandchild.

Maureen is a 2^nd grade teacher in the Panorama school system, and has taught for 32 years, 28 years here in Panora. She taught Religious Ed for 10 or 11 years, and was on the Parish Council over 6 years.

Kim has been the owner of Panora Oil for 33 years. He has been a video operator since we began taping the Mass, which we believe is over 10 years. He has been a member of the Christmas Choir for many years, and 3 years ago, he became a member of our Catholic Church.

As I visited with Kim and Maureen, I was in awe with their caring for others. They have been Foster Parents to children that were less than a year old to 18 year olds. Several families have stayed with them for 90 days. They took them to the doctor, fed and clothed them, and gave them their love.

They also shared with me their experiences with people encountered in their every day life. One of the instances sticks in my mind about a person whose truck that was pulling a camper broke down just before Christmas. After some discussion with service providers, Kim towed the vehicle and the driver to a place in Carroll. When Kim returned home, he told Maureen he was concerned that the person with the disabled vehicle planned to sleep in his vehicle until it was repaired. Kim and Maureen decided to drive to Carroll and invite the person to stay with them until their vehicle was repaired. This person spent Christmas with them and was really a nice man.

When I was interviewing Kim and Maureen, I heard other stories of their hospitality to people in an unfortunate circumstance. I could have stayed for hours and listed to those warm and caring circumstances.

This award is given, not only to recognize the accomplishments and good deeds of families like Kim and Maureen’s, but also for others to be encouraged to step forward to help others have a more rewarding life.

Kim and Maureen, its my pleasure to present this Family Recognition Award.

Fran and Rose Brune Family
First Quarter 2006

The Knights of Columbus believes that leaders and active families of the parish deserve recognition. We actively solicit nominations from any one in the parish, and those families need not be members of the Knights of Columbus.

It is my pleasure, as Grand Knight, to present our quarterly award to the Fran and Rose Brune family. Would Fran and Rose please come forward.

Fran and Rose joined St. Cecilia’s parish in 1999, having moved here from Omaha , Nebraska . They were married in 1958, and are blessed with 6 children (4 sons and 2 daughters) and 12 grandchildren.

Fran graduated from Loras College in 1958, is a 4^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and is currently a 1^st year trustee of our St. Cecilia Council. He has served as Recorder, Chancellor, Deputy Grand Knight, and was my predecessor as Grand Knight. He served our country in the National Guard and Army Reserves, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 35 years. Fran serves our parish as a sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Usher. He has been a member of the Pastoral Council, and served as President for one year. You will often hear him leading the Divine Chaplet before Mass.

Rose is a member of St. Cecilia’s Council of Catholic Women and is a Circle Chair. She was a member of the decorating committee for our recent renovation of the church.

Rose and Fran volunteer at Timber Creek and Panora Nursing & Rehab Center , and deliver Meals on Wheels. They enjoy traveling, boating, gardening, fishing, and golf.

They certainly deserve to be honored and it is my pleasure to present this Family of the Quarter award to Fran & Rose Brune.

Walt and Dorothy Brammer Family
Fourth Quarter 2005

I am Jerry Suther, Grand Knight of St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus Council. It is my pleasure, this morning, to present our Family of the Quarter award. This selection was made by our Family Committee from a list of candidates presented to them. At this time, I would like Walt and Dorothy Brammer to come forward.

Walt and Dorothy have been members of St. Cecilia’s since 1991, having moved here from Bloomington , MN . They have been married for 35 years; have 9 children, 18 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

I had the pleasure of serving on the Pastoral Council with Dorothy for 2 years, and she had the most difficult task of anyone on the Council; the Ministry schedule. She also served as treasurer for CCW, formally known as the Church Ladies; treasurer of the garden club, and the ladies golf league! She was also a member of WSO. She also loves to play bridge.

Walt was a convert to our Catholic faith in December of 1997. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus in May of 2000, receiving his 1^st degree at that time, and his 2^nd and 3^rd degree in September of 2001. Walt is always a helper with the many activities of the Knights , from highway cleanup, Panorama Days, to church grounds cleanup. He also enjoys a good the game of golf.

Together, Walt and Dorothy helped with the Cookie Carnival for years, and delivered meals on wheels. They are truly great models of practicing our faith. They always attend Mass on Sunday, and are usually at Mass on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Walt likes to play cribbage on Wednesdays, but he always goes to Mass first. They are always ready to help anyone in any way they can.

In summary, Walt and Dorothy are great examples of a couple maturing gracefully and with great love and charity. It is my pleasure to present them with the Family of the Quarter.

Congratulations, Walt and Dorothy!

Dick and Connie Ziller Family
Third Quarter 2005

As Grand Knight of St. Cecilia’s Knights of Columbus , it is my pleasure to present the Family of the Quarter award. Would Deacon Ziller and his wife, Connie, please come forward?

Dick and Connie have been members of St. Cecilia’s since 1999, moving here from Ankeny . They have been married 36 years; have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Dick and Connie are very active in their faith, and active in our parish as Connie is a very accomplished song leader and choir director, and we had the pleasure of hearing her beautiful voice this morning. Dick is one of our two Deacons in the parish, and as you noticed this morning, an excellent homilist. He was ordained in 1993.

When you sit down with Dick and Connie and discuss their ministries, their prison ministry is one they truly love. When I met with them to discuss their family and their lives, you can feel the depth of that commitment. They have been involved with this ministry for 14 years, and they have enjoyed it tremendously. Connie directs the choir and Dick conducts services at Mitchellville on Sunday. Their true joy comes from the interaction with the inmates, and the resulting increase in their faith in God. When they recall some of the instances of gratitude shown by the inmates, you can see the great emotion in both Connie and Dick.

This family also is involved with Generations of Faith in both St. Cecilia’s and St. Mary’s. They have been teachers, song leaders, participants, and support persons. Again, they get great satisfaction in helping grow the faith of our children and adults.

Dick is a member of St. Cecilia’s Knights of Columbus and participates in all the activities that his time allows.

In summary, Dick and Connie are great examples of a family living their faith, and going the extra mile to help others grow in theirs. It is my pleasure to present them with the Family of the Quarter award.

Congratulations, Dick and Connie!

Ms. Mary Johnson
Second Quarter 2005

The Knights of Columbus honor a family each quarter. To be eligible, the family only has to be a member of the parish. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not a requirement or a factor in the selection process. today we honor Mary Johnson and I invite her to come forward.

Mary joined St. Cecilia's parish in 2002. She is very active in our parish, serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. She taught religious education for one year. She was coordinator of Generations's of Faith for one year.. She has acted as a RCIA sponsor for 2 years. She is a song leader at week-end Masses and is a member of the Christmas Choir. She participates with the church ladies in serving funeral dinners.

Mary is currently a teacher in elementary special education at the Panorama schools.

It is with great pleasure that we present the Family of the Quarter Award to Mary Johnson.

JOHN AND ROSEMARIE STAEBELL FAMILY
First Quarter 2005

The Knight’s of Columbus honor a family of our parish each quarter. Membership in the Knight’s of Columbus is neither a requirement nor a factor in the selection process. Today we honor the John and Rosemarie Staebell family.

John and Rosemarie joined St. Cecilia’s parish in 1995. They became active and have been Publicity Chairpersons for St. Cecilia’s annual chicken dinner for the past 8 years. They assist with bingo at the Panora Nursing and Rehab. Center, deliver congregate meals, and are ushers, greeters and money counters for St. Cecilia’s parish.

Rosemarie served on the parish council and co-chaired the parish cookie carnival for several years. She updated the St. Cecilia’s prayer chain calling list. She is active in the church ladies organization, and a member of the long range planning committee, she is a Eucharistic minister and washes and cleans the altar linens.

John is the current president of the Panorama Fish and Game Society and is instrumental in implementing ideas to improve fishing on Lake Panorama . John joined the Knight’s of Columbus in 1972, achieved 2^nd and 3^rd degree in 1997 and now is a 4^th degree Knight. He is very active member of our Knight’s Council having served as a recorder, outside guard and is our current treasurer.

It is with great pleasure that we present the family of the quarter award to the John and Rosemarie Staebell family.

Kirby and Kathy Klinge Family
Fourth Quarter 2004

The Knights of Columbus honor a family each quarter. To be eligible, the family only has to be a member of the parish. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not a requirement nor a factor in the selection process. Today we honor the Kirby and Kathy Kling family, and I would like, at this time, to invite them to come forward.

Kirby has been a resident of Panora since 1984. He is employed by Sunny Fresh Foods and became Plant Manager in 1993. Kirby is a member of "PRIDE" and has assisted in the Panorama Days Parade for several years. He is also known as the official "Egg Giver" of the community.

Kirby and Kathy were married in November of 1993 in Phoenix, Arizona. Kathy moved to Panora and became a member of St. Cecilia's Parish at that time. After moving from Phoenix to Panora, Kathy thought she would always want to move back. She doesn't know know if she could ever leave Panora because of her love for the Parish and the community.

Kirby is not a member of our faith but he attends church with Kathy and their two sons every weekend. He is as involved with this church as Kathy is. He baby-sits their sons which allows Kathy to spend time volunteering.

Kirby and Kathy have two sons; Aaron, 7 years old and in the 1st grade, and Ryan, who is 2 years old.

Kathy worked at the Bridal Boutique in Perry until their first son was born. Kathy is involved with congregate meals and bingo at the Panora Nursing and Rehab. Center. She has assisted with Camp Candy Cane and the Halloween festivities put on by the Chamber of Commerce. She is an officer and coach for the Panorama Soccer Club.

Kathy's involvement in St. Cecilia's Parish consists of the following: She was a Pastoral Council member for 3 years, a member of the banner, Angel Tree, pastoral directory, long range planning, welcoming, prayer chain, centennial, and vacation Bible school committees.

She is a Eucharistic Minister and takes Communion to the Panora Nursing and Rehab. Center and other shut-ins. in Panora. She is a member of St. Cecilia's choir and currently is a teacher for the 2nd and 3rd grade religion classes. She takes their two sons to help with bingo, delivering Communion and congregate meals. These people love to see little children and it brightens up their day.

Kathy and Kirby are truly blessed, as we are, to have them as members of this church and community.

It is with great pleasure that we present the Family of the Quarter Award to the Kirby and Kathy Kling family.

Dave and Barbara Ryan Family
Second Quarter 2004

The Knights of Columbus honor a family each quarter. To be eligible, the family only has to be a member of the parish. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not a requirement or a factor in the selection process. Today we honor the David and Barbara Ryan family, and I would like them to come forward.

Dave and Barb moved to Panora in 1987 and joined St. Cecilia's parish at that time. They have one daughter and four sons. All are married and have blessed Dave and Barb with 17 grandchildren, keeping them quite busy.

Dave was President of Panora State Bank since being a resident of Panora. He has retired from this position but is still active as a board member and on several other bank committees. Dave is serving on his second term as a member of St. Cecilia's Pastoral Council. He also is a member of the Finance Council.

Dave is a member of Panora's PRIDE organization. He also is a board member for West Central I-80 group for community projects, as well as a board member for the Panora library.

Dave and Barb are active in other parish activities serving as ushers, lectors, and greeters.

Dave joined the Knights of Columbus in January of 1959 and completed the second and third degree then. Dave is an active member of the Knights.

It is with great pleasure that we present the Family of the Quarter award to the David and Barbara Ryan family.

Dan and Mary Quinlin Family
First Quarter 2004

The Knights of Columbus honor a family each quarter. To be eligible, the family only has to be a member of the parish. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is not a requirement or a factor in the selection process. Today, we honor the Dan and Mary Quinlin family, and I would like them to join me now.

Dan and Mary moved to Panora in October of 2001 and joined St. Cecilia's parish at that time. They have three children; Erin, age 8 and will be making her First Holy Communion this year, James, age 6, a kindergartner, and Tom, a 3 year old.

Mary is involved in various community and church activities. She serves on the Panora Public Library Board of Trustees, and is a member of the Panorama Community Schools Foundation Board. She currently teaches fourth grade religious education here at St. Cecilia's and is a member of the parish banner committee. She often takes the children to deliver congregate meals and to help with bingo at the Panora Nursing and Rehab Center.

Dan is a Vice President of the Guthrie County State Bank in Panora. He was instrumental in the development of Little Panther Daycare and currently serves on its Board. He is a member of the St. Cecilia's Finance Council, and is the current Secretary. He teaches religious education to the high school students. He is involved in Pride, Panora's economic development organization. He is a member of the Panora Zoning Committee and the Iowa Bankers Association education Committee. He teaches a college level accounting class offered through American Institute of Business at Panora High School. Dan became a member of St. Cecilia's Knights of Columbus in October of 2002. He completed the 2nd and 3rd degree ion 2003 and is the current recorder for our Council. He chairs the Knights scholarship committee and serves on the Knights/Parish summer picnic committee.

It is with pleasure that we present the Family of the Quarter to the Dan and Mary Quinlin family!

John and Deb Seeman Family
Fourth Quarter 2003

The Knights of Columbus honor a family each quarter. The family only has to be a member of the parish. They do not have to be a member of the Knights of Columbus. A family on one is eligible. Today, we honor the John and Deb Seeman family, and I would like them to come forward.

John and Deb have been members of St. Cecilia's for five years. They have two children; Maddie who is 12 years old and in the 6th grade, and Max, who is 14 years old and in the 8th grade. Both children are altar servers an attend religious education classes here at St. Cecilia's.

Deb is a member of our Pastoral Council, elected in 2002. She has been a religious education teacher since joining St. Cecilia's in 1999, and she is the current coordinator of elementary religious education for St. Cecilia's. She is also a member of the banner committee, angle tree, women's book club, and congregate meals committee. Deb is active in the community as well. She is the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the WFPF (Women for Panora's Future), and a member of the park and recreation board.

John is an active member of St. Cecilia's. He is an usher, video camera operator, and a religious education teacher since coming to the parish. He is a member of the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus. He became a member in February of 2000, and became a 3rd degree member in March of 2000. John was elected as Recorder of the Council for 2 years, and was elected Chancellor in 2003. He is very active in many of the volunteer projects of the Knights. He assisted in the Panorama Days food booth, the church grounds repair and cleanup. and Christmas decorations at Veterans Auditorium and Heritage Park. He is the youth activities chairman of our Council, and has organized the annual Knights of Columbus free throw contest.

John and Deb are the World Wide Marriage Encounter registration couple for the Des Moines Diocese. They also attended family camp at St. Thomas More in 2003.

It is with great pleasure that we present the Family of the Quarter to John and Deb Seeman.

Jim and Delores Dice Family
First Quarter 2003

The Knights of Columbus have selected Jim and Delores Dice as the Family of the Quarter.

Jim and Delores have been members of St. Cecilia’s since January of 1993. They were active in parish where they came from and continued being involved here.

Jim is a 4^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was grand knight for two years (July 1997 – June 1999). Under his leadership the Knights received many awards, including the Columbian award both years. This award is given for having a council that provides good service to the community and church. Jim is a music minister. We all have heard is beautiful voice leading us in songs of prayer. He is also an usher and helped with the diocese appeal a couple of years ago. Jim served on the parish council for three years; he was secretary of the council one year and president for another year.

Delores told Fr. Ben that there have to be chiefs and workers and that she was a worker. That she has been. Delores is a lector and usher. She also belongs to the church ladies and has helped with decorating the church. She also was a big help to Jim when he was Grand Knight and on the parish council. She is truly a greater worker.

Jim and Delores have 6 children and 12 grandchildren. They spend a lot of quality time with them.

Jim and Delores are both very outgoing and always make people feel welcomed, especially new members of the parish. I know that first hand. When Barb and I moved here, they were one of the first couples that came forward to make us feel welcome. Jim is the one that is responsible for me being Grand Knight.

The Dice’s are another example of a loving and active family. We are fortunate to have them as members of our parish.

Tom and Diane Watts Family
Fourth Quarter 2002

The Knights have selected the Tom & Diane Watts family as the Family of the Quarter.

Tom & Diane have three children; Jamie age 24, Jodie age 20 who is a junior at Iowa State, and J.C.. age 10.

Tom has been a member of the Parish Council 3 different times. He completed his third term just last year. He was the President of the Council last year. Besides providing great leadership as a council member, Tom is an usher and taught religious education in the past.

Both Jamie and Jodie were altar servers while they were in school here in Panora. J.C. now is an altar server.

Even though Diane is not of our faith, she is always here with her family. She is the Activities Director at the Panora Nursing & Rehab Center and does a wonderful job working with the residents. In fact, the knights have donated money to the center and Diane has used that money to help the patients.

Tom & Diane Watts are long time residents of Panora and this parish. They are an asset to both the community and parish. They have quietly worked behind the scenes. When I talked to Tom about this presentation, he said keep it short. "There are a lot of families that do much more than we do." That sounds like Tom. The Knights thought this family is another example of what a family should be and are very deserving to be recognize as the family of the quarter.

Wayne and Sonja Hennessey Family
Third Quarter 2002

Today we honor a couple as our family of the quarter. I would like Wayne and Sonja Hennessey to come forward.

They have been members of St. Cecilia’s for a little over 9 years. Before moving to Panora in June of 1993 they lived in Ankeny and were active members of Our Lady of Immaculate Heart parish.

They have four children; 2 boys and 2 girls. The four children are married to wonderful spouses, or as Sonja said, they have 4 wonderful “outlaws”. They have 7 grandchildren and Sonja says they are the highlight of her life. As you talk to Wayne and Sonja they beam with pride when they talked about their children, children’s spouses and their grandkids. They have family gatherings throughout the year but the big one is over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wayne and Sonja both are lectors, usher/greeters, serve congregate meals, work on the fall chicken dinner, the cookie carnival and help with church decorations. Sonja is involved with bingo at the nursing home, the prayer chain, and a member of the angel tree committee, the banner committee and a member of the Ladies Church Group. Wayne operates the video camera; in fact he did it today, helps with mowing grass, doing general maintenance and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He has also served on the Parish Council in the past. In fact when he was a member of the Council he was responsible for all the arrangement for the new kitchen that we have. He also helped with the new speaker system and with the development of the driveway for the handicapped. He was co-chair of the Diocesan Capital Campaign and was involved in doing a study on the status of the four parishes in Panora, Guthrie Center, Jamaica and Bayard for the bishop. He is also a trustee for our parish.

I mentioned earlier that Wayne was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was the Grand Knight for our Council from July of 1999 through June of 2001. During the year 1999 – 2000 our Council received the Star Council award which is the highest award a Council can receive. It is the only Star Council award we have received during the 8 years we have been a Council. It was during his term of Grand Knight that we started presenting family of the quarter to members of the parish.

One other area that Wayne and Sonja have been active in is forming a welcoming committee for the new members. They feel it is important that we make our new members of the parish feel welcomed and that we get them involved. They took the bull by the horns to make this happen.

It is with great pleasure that I present the family of the quarter to Wayne and Sonja Hennessey.

Fern Conrad Family
Second Quarter 2002

Fern Conrad has been on of the “pillars of faith” in St. Cecilia’s parish for many years. In fact, she and her husband William, moved here from Granger in 1960. Their house was the second one built at the lake, and that was a year before the lake had water in it. When they moved here, Fr. Joseph Schulte was the pastor.

Fern and William adopted 3 children, and Fern now has 7 grandchildren. William passed away in 1987, and it was up to Fern to carry on. And she has done so magnificently! Her emphasis has always been on family, and she created an environment that always drew her family close. She has a home where the family can enjoy the lake - with its recreation, birds, and animals. Family members are encouraged to help around the home by helping cut grass, shovel snow, shoring up walls, and even remodeling. The Conrad family always enjoys sharing the facilities and taking the responsibilities that go with it. If the family couldn’t come to her home, Fern made sure she visited them. Fern has taught solid family values that were perhaps highlighted by her granddaughter Lori. When Lori was about 6 years old, she began asking her parents for permission to stay Saturday nights with her grandmother, and she would go to Mass with her Grandma on Sunday. Of course, Fern was thrilled to have her granddaughter with her at Mass. This relationship continues today! Lori is a familiar person here at St. Cecilia’s church as she has been an altar server for a number of years. Fern became active in Religious Education when Lori was in the second grade. Fern taught Religious Education for 6 years, from the time Lori was in the second grade all the way through eighth grade.

Fern has always had a strong interest in the Rosary. She saw to it that the children in her classes had rosaries and taught them how to say it. She encouraged her students to be brave and recite the rosary in groups and in church. Fern was a very involved teacher, encouraging parent/teacher sessions, participation in Christmas programs, May crowning, and student outings if her grand daughter was in the group. She was always willing to go the extra mile for the students.

Fern has been active in parish activities including being President of the Altar and Rosary Society from 1973 to 1975. In 1997, after a period of about 10 years without any parish ladies organization, Fern agreed to an appointment as Coordinator of the Church Ladies.

Fern has been active in the community as well. She was on the Library Board for 6 years. She was on the Care Review Board for the Panora Rehabilitation Center for 12 years. She is also a member of the Panora Garden Club. One of Fern’s passions is the game of bridge! She has taught many in the community how to play the game and has her own bridge club!

So as the family committee considered Fern Conrad’s nomination for Family of the Quarter, we could see her dedication to family, her strong interest in the rosary, her many contributions of her time and talent to key positions in the parish, the example she gives us by living her Catholic faith; it was an easy decision. The St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus are proud to name the Fern Conrad family as our Family of the Quarter.

Jim and Mary Jones Family
First Quarter 2002

Jim and Mary Jones have been active members of St. Cecilia's since 1959, moving to the Linden area from Boone, then later to Panora. They raised 3 children here and are the proud grandparents of two grandchildren. Two of their children were baptized here and two of them were married in this church. When they lost their loving daughter, Teresa, her funeral was held here.

Jim retired from Northern Natural Gas (Enron) after 39 years and Mary was a teacher for many years at the Panorama Schools. She is also retired.

They attend not only Sunday Mass but are regulars at week-day Masses also. Jim says Mary has drug him to Church all these years but we know that he comes because he wants to. After all, he was one of the men that helped dig the dirt out from under the church to create the basement. Jim and Mary have been active in the parish over the years. Mary was a teacher in the religious education program back in the 60's and 70's. She has served on the Parish Council and was responsible for coordinating the religious education program. She served as secretary for the Altar and Rosary Society when it existed. Mary also serves on a committee promoting a new library building for the community of Panora.

Jim and Mary are active in many of the parish activities. Jim video tapes the Mass and Mary serves as a Lector. They serve as ushers and greeters for weekend Masses. They help decorate the church, serve meals to the senior citizens and needy, mow the grass here at the church, and help with parish meals and activities. In other words, you can always count on a helping hand from Jim and Mary.

Last summer, Mary was seriously ill and we all were concerned whether she would survive. During this time, the parish community and the community of Panora came together in prayer to support both Mary and Jim and their family. The church was filled at the prayer service of not only people from St. Cecilia's, but people from the entire community. They came together to pray for God's healing and grace to support Mary and Jim in this time of need. This out-pouring of love and support shows what we all think of Jim and Mary and how important they are to not only our parish but to the community of Panora.

The family committee of the Knights of Columbus strives to identify and recognize families that we can look up to and emulate through the Family of the Quarter program. It is with great pride that we, the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus, name Jim and Mary Jones the Family of the Quarter.

Jerry and Dee Suther Family
Fourth Quarter 2001

The Knights would like to recognize Jerry and Dee Suther as the Family of the Quarter. They have been members of St. Cecilia's parish for seven years. Before moving to the Panora community, they lived near Minburn and were active members of St. Patrick's parish in Perry.

Jerry was a member of the parish council for three years, and his faithfulness is evident in the record that he never missed a meeting during those three years. He has been active in parish finances, fund raising and promoting and encouraging parish ministry. Jerry serves as a song leader at our liturgy services.

Jerry is also the parish expert with computers and computer software. He has provided his knowledge and expertise to upgrade the computers and computer programs that are used in the parish office.

Jerry also faithfully served as the secretary/treasurer for the Diocesan campaign for both St. Cecilia's and St. Mary's parishes. He attended the leadership team meeting and weekly report meeting for both parishes. He was the person who received the individual pledges, recorded them and transmitted them to the Diocese office. His efforts and leadership allowed both parishes to exceed their goals by a substantial percentage.

Dee is a current member of the parish council and serves as secretary this year. She also serves as an Eucharistic minister and is an active member of the St. Cecilia Ladies Group. Dee has been active in assisting with the October Chicken Dinner and the Christmas Cookie Carnival.

Both Dee and Jerry are active in the community. Dee is a member of the Panora Garden Club and Jerry is a member of the Lenon Mill Singers.

Jerry is a member of the Knights of Columbus. This year he serves as the council Chancellor. He is also the Chair of the Family Committee. He is an active member who helps with most of the projects. The Knights have taken on a special 'Pro-Life' project to purchase and erect a monument to the unborn. Jerry is one of the leaders of this project. This monument will become a reality later this Spring, and Jerry's efforts are one of the reasons it will happen.

The St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus are grateful to Jerry and Dee Suther for their living witness to our Catholic way of life, and their dedication to the ministry of service to our parish and Panora community.

Jeff and Dianne Beckman Family
Third Quarter 2001

The Knights are proud to present the Family of the Quarter Award to the Jeff and Dianne Beckman family. Jeff and Dianne grew up in the Panora and Lake Panorama area. They both attended and graduated from the Panorama school system. Jeff and Dianne were married at St. St. Cecilia's in 1986 and continued to live and work in the Panora community and parish of St. Cecilia's. The Lord has blessed them with four beautiful daughters; Taylor, Sidney, Brooke, and Bailey.

Our parish has been a part of their spiritual nourishment through their participation at Mass throughout the years; first as a married couple, then with their children. A strong religious emphasis mark their individual lives. Besides their participation in Mass, they attended religious education classes. Later, as a married couple, assisted with the religion program as teachers of classes, assisting and supporting the high school religious education program. Now their children are attending religious education classes.

Jeff and Dianne have volunteered their time and talent in many ways, through the ministry of Lectors at Mass, Greeters at the door of church, and presenting the gifts for Mass. Their children always joined them.

Jeff served as a member of the St. Cecilia Parish Council for 3 years and assisted in many of the parish activities. These include the parish Chicken Dinner, and cutting the grass around the church and parking lots. He also helped in the planning and contracting for work of redecorating and making improvements in the church building and grounds.

Dianne has also served on the Parish Council for three years, and assisted with the religious education program in several ways. She has been a substitute teacher and assisted in the coordination of special activities for the students in religion classes. These include the Christmas Program, preparing students for their First Confession, their First Communion, and their Confirmation.

Dianne and Jeff's oldest daughter, Taylor, received her First Holy Communion this past April 29th here is St. Cecilia's church.

Our parish is grateful to Jeff and Dianne for their leadership roles as a married couple, and for their generosity in ministry as a family, in witness to our Catholic way of life.

Jeff is a member of our St. Cecilia's Knights of Columbus Council. He has served as an officer for several years and has been involved in many of its projects and activities. These include the Drive for Mentally Handicapped, picking up cans, bottles and litter along the designated stretch of Highway 44, with recruiting new members, and preparing for dinners for the Knights and their spouses. He and Dianne prepared the dinner for the Knights Cana Mass and banquet last fall. Jeff is always willing to bring his grill and prepare a meal before some of the Knights meetings. Jeff has also been one of the co-chairs of the Knights Food Booth at the Panorama Days. He arranges for most of the food and does a big share of the cooking. This is the Knights main money raiser, and without his help, it would not be successful.

As members of our Panora Community, Jeff and Dianne have assisted with the annual Panorama Days events and activities. Jeff and Dianne have had a major role in the success of the Panora Water Ski Team.

Their four daughter are noted for being happy and smiling, and always so well mannered. I think this speaks greatly as to the type of parents that Jeff and Dianne are.

We have all appreciated and benefited by their dedicated involvement and service. It is with deep appreciation and respect the our Knights of Columbus Council have chosen and now present this quarterly award to Jeff and Dianne Beckman.

Ron and Lanette Schafer Family
Second Quarter 2001

The family I am going to introduce for the Family of the Quarter has been in the parish twice as long as Father Kenkel. Today it is appropriate to honor this family as an omen to Father Kenkel’s retirement. Father has a close association with both members of the family. One member brings music to his ears and the other keeps and maintains a neat appearance of the church and grounds. By now you all know whom the Knights have selected to receive the family award. Lanette and Ron Schafer and Family.

Lanette, with your talent and experience you have played the organ for Mass on most Sundays and have continued thru the years with Mary Ann Haver and Sue Zimmerman providing you some relief thru out the year. Lanette is our Parish Director of Music and together with help from the song leaders Jerry Suther, Jim Dice and Connie Ziller, they all give us a powerful spiritual incentive towards full participation in the Mass, our Eucharistic Celebration for each Sunday, Holy Days and Liturgical Feasts.

Lanette, we appreciate your commitment to the CCD Program. Your period as a CCD instructor began with your daughter Becky’s enrollment which extends to Suzi’s CCD Classes. Lanette started teaching 1^st Grade , taught the first communion class in 2^nd grade and taught thru the lower Grades until 1984, and after that she helped with the high school program for several years-1987 thru 1991 and currently has assisted as a substitute high school teach as needed, and helped with CYO activities, trips, conventions and retreats.

Thru the years Lanette had been active with our Ladies Altar and Rosary Society and in recent years she has been an active member of the St. Cecilia Church Ladies by participating in monthly activities, meetings prayer services and providing educational and social opportunities, guest speakers and other programs.

Ron, we appreciate your talent and time with the outside work on the church ground. Ron is our “year around” parish support person for tending to the task of snow removal off the sidewalks and steps when needed and in the summer he administers the sign up sheet for men of the parish to take turns cutting the grass each week. This is a large task and with Ron’s help, enthusiasm, leadership and energy he has many families who join him in making a contribution of their time and talent to our parish. We are grateful Ron.

Ron and Lanette have been active and involved with the Parish Chicken Dinners. Their contribution goes back when they worked with the Open-air “Pit Crew” – who relied on charcoal and concrete blocks with large metal racks to cook the halves of chicken. Like many of our parishioners, they had to watch the cooking, carefully peppered, seasoned and moistened the chicken with spirits to provide a delicious and well-done meal. Ron and Lanette, you have been chair-couple for the dinners and I am sure you remember setting up the dinners on the lawn south of the church, serving outside and in the hall until the crowds got too large. Finally, the dinners were moved to the Vet auditorium and eventually to the catering with the broasted chicken, side dishes and pies. Thanks for the memories, Ron and Lanette.

Lanette is one of our several public Health Nurses & she has probably visited many of you in her ministry. She has been instrumental for St. Cecilia to have a 1st aid kit on the wall in the vestibule & a wheel chair on the premise.

Ron is a member of the legion, the veterans of foreign wars and assists with Military Funerals, Legion activities, Memorial Day and Panorama Days.

Ron and Lanette, you are a wonderful example of dedication, to each other in marriage, family, our parish and our community and school. We are happy to recognize you as our Knights of Columbus recipients of the Family of the Quarter. Congratulations.

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Tom and Page Arganbright Family - First Quarter 2001

The Arganbrights have a great tradition and a family name of several generations serving the St. Cecilia Parish. They have 5 children: Garrett, Elly, Bryce, Claire, and Grace. St. Cecilia's Parish appreciates the family's dedication to family life, sharing with relatives, neighbors, and friends. The family is often observed showing love and respect for one another and in giving charismatic contributions to their many friends and relatives in the community.

The family has a tradition of involvement in the church. Both Garrett and Elly are altar servers, and Garrett has been among the most numerous serving among his peers. Elly has shown her willingness to follow her family's involvement by personally thanking the Knights of Columbus after receiving a First Communion gift with a hand written. Tom taught religion classes to the high school students for five years, and Page is currently a teacher for the 1st grade students. Both Tom and Page have served on the Parish Council, and they served as the Chair Couple for two years for the annual chicken dinner. Six years ago, Page directed the publication of the pictorial directory. She and her committee arranged all the details for the preparation of taking pictures and the distribution of the directory to parish families.

The Arganbrights are active in the community as well. Tom has served on the Panora Elevator Board. Page assists the committee in the parish delivering congregate meals to the shut-ins of our community. She also helps the committee with Bingo and monthly birthday honorees at the Panora Rehabilitation Center. Page is a member of the Jack & Jill pre-school board and serves on the advisory board of the Panorama schools.

The Tom & Page Arganbright family has demonstrated spiritual growth and personal commitment to the parish and community. The Knights of Columbus congratulate them for the recognition they have earned.

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Mary Moylan - Fourth Quarter 2000

Mary and her late husband, William, along with her family are long time members of our Parish and community. They welcomed and were grateful for each child the Lord blessed them with and nurtured and raised them in the community of St. Cecilia Parish and Panora. Each time Bill and Mary brought one of their children for Baptism, it was an event for the family, sponsors, and the extended family of relatives and friends.

Mary was a teacher of Religion classes for over 30 years, all through the years their children were going thru the grades. She taught 2nd grade for many years, preparing the children for their first confession and first communion.

Mary, along with Dan Donahey, Sr. who came early on Sunday morning to start the old coal-burning furnace, was among the first to be given the KEYS TO THE PARISH. Through the years, Mary has come to open the church early on Thursday morning to turn up the heat, light the candles, and tend to the flowers. After the death of her husband Bill, now 10 years ago, Mary goes to the hall to start the coffee and prepare rolls after Mass on Thursday, a wonderful custom we all enjoy. Other ladies have now joined to help with the coffee and bring wonderful treats.

Mary has been a pioneer among our Ladies of the Parish, for years in the Altar and Rosary Society, and in recent years, the St. Cecilia Church Ladies. She is an active member helping with projects coming along, including luncheons after funerals in the parish. The orders and tend to the flowers for the church sanctuary, poinsettias for Christmas, Easter lilies for Easter, and others throughout the year.

Mary, along with her husband Bill, had the Irish tradition for many years of putting on the Irish Stew supper on the Sunday evening closest to St. Patrick's Day. Relatives, friends, and parishioners came to enjoy the stew, the Irish beer that her son Pat would bring back from Nellie's Pub in Ireland, and the many pictures of Ireland that others brought back to share.

Mary has served on Committees for Parish events, is active in the Church Ladies organization by attending meetings, going on field trips, and helping with funeral luncheons. Mary is active in the community by helping with noon meals for senior citizens, delivering meals to the shut-ins, and assisting with the Panora Community Association of Churches.

The St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus are proud to name her our Family of the Quarter!

Other Links:

Family Recognition Award