FIAT - Women's Club

As members of Our Lady of the Rosary Women’s Club (FIAT) we will draw on our God-given abilities and resources to make Our Lady of the Rosary Parish a place of comfort for those who are here and a place of welcome for those who visit us.  Our service to the community will be evident in the efforts of our members to promote the good of the parish, welcome parishioners and visitors, maintain the gardens, and join in fundraising efforts to serve the diverse and ever-changing needs of parish life.  To accomplish this, we will work under the direction of the Pastor, and, with one another, in a respectful and charitable manner using as our model the devotion of the Blessed Virgin Mother.

The purpose of this organization is to develop and foster a relationship between members of FIAT to enrich their lives and their relationship of service to the parish and parish community.  

Members of FIAT serve the parish, at the Pastor’s discretion and with his approval, for the following functions/activities/events:

• Decorating the Rectory/Residence and Church:  The Rectory/Residence is decorated for Christmas at the beginning of Advent.  The Church is decorated usually during the morning of December 23rd.  In addition to decorating, taking down decorations is also required.

• Fish Fry Dinners:  There are 3 Fish Fry Dinners which begin 9 days after Ash Wednesday and are held on consecutive Fridays.  Fish Fry Dinners are from 5:30pm-8:00pm.  Setup begins around 3pm.

• Fundraising:  Fundraising events include: Jazz Fest Parking; Endymion Parking (coordinated by the Choir); Bake Sales (twice each year: Spring & Fall); and other fundraising events as determined.

• Jazz Fest Parking:  Held the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May.  Volunteers from the Women’s Club assist the Men’s Club by advertising and collecting money for parking in each of the 3 parking lots.  Jazz Fest parking is a 7-day event over two weekends.  Volunteers arrive around 8:30am.  

• Parish Socials: The Women’s Club assists in coordinating each of the Parish Socials. In September, we hold a Family Day BBQ. On the first Saturday of November we celebrate a Parish Thanksgiving DInner. In December, the parish hosts a Chrismas Social for Parish Volunteers. And in Lent, our three fish fries are a great chance for parishioners to gather. 

• Social/Special Events:  Assist the Pastor by setting up, serving food and drink, and cleanup for special events held at the Rectory/Residence. Some of these events include: Deanery Advent Luncheon, receptions for First Communion and St. Louis IX Medallion Recipients; Parish Ministries/Volunteers Christmas Social, and other events/receptions as determined by the Pastor.

• Other projects/events developed as Our Lady of the Rosary Parish and FIAT expands.

MEMBERSHIP:
Any female twenty-one years of age or older is eligible for membership.  Members are encouraged to attend regular FIAT meetings, but not required.  However, to be considered a member in good standing a FIAT member must participate in at least three events each year.  These events are listed in Section 2.   

GENERAL MEETINGS:
FIAT will conduct regular meetings, every other month, on the 1st Tuesday of that month.  Meetings are held at 7:15pm (after the Parish Holy Hour) in the Parish Office.  The Chairwoman has the discretion (in consultation with the Pastor) to cancel a meeting.  A quorum vote is required for approval of any FIAT business and/or projects/events.

DUES:  There are no membership dues.
 
If additional information is needed, please contact the Parish Office at 504-488-2659.