Baby Quilts Lead To Joy, New Friendships Across The Diocese

The joy of unexpected events accompanied Catholic Charities' efforts to collect handmade baby quilts for its May 28 dinner and auction.  One special "side effect" has been the acquaintances built between Catholic Charities staff members Sharon Burns and Kathy Wilkerson, and the quilters throughout the diocese who donated more than 80 quilts.  

Earlier this month Burns, Catholic Charities director, enjoyed visiting with the ladies from St. Rupert Parish in Red Brush who made 10 quilts for the auction. She shared with them how the proceeds would be used to assist more than 9,000 individuals in 2014.  

The quilters were surprised to learn that Catholic Charities counselor Debbie Tobin spends a day each week working with the school children and staff members of St. Bernard Parish in Rockport – and that Catholic Charities is increasing its services to the residents of Vincennes in May.  

Joanna, one of the quilters, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and is awaiting a transplant.  Another, Elanora Lathery, is 96!  She says she won't be able to quilt next year – to the hoots of the others who say it will only take a phone call.  All of them volunteer in a myriad of capacities for the parish – and yet asked how soon they can start on the next round of quilts.

All are welcome to join Bishop Thompson at the Catholic Charities “Simply Soup” Dinner and Handmade Baby Quilt Auction on May 28. Thirty of the 82 quilts will be sold at live auction.  The others will be auctioned online beginning May 10. A baby quilt show and breakfast will be held on the morning of May 10 at Kundek Hall (St. Joseph Parish) in Jasper. To order show tickets ($10), dinner and auction tickets ($25) or for more information please call (812) 423-5456 or visit at www.charitiesevv.org/babyquilts.  

The Message staff thanks Catholic Charities for providing this story and accompanying photo.