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| The Belles of St. Mary Parish in Milton are pictured above, along with honorary members, including pastor Fr. Dave Timmerman. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
MILTON — “And so my beloved . . . when red leaves are falling . . . the love bells shall ring out, ring out for you and me.”
With the holiness of Bing Crosby’s Father O’Malley and the grace of Ingrid Bergman’s Sister Benedict, St. Mary Parish in Milton’s “Belles of St. Mary” are witnesses of faith for their parish and surrounding community.
Whether it’s packaging food for Kids Against Hunger, taking trips to Holy Hill near Milwaukee, or carpooling to annual Apostolate to the Handicapped events, such as the Tommy Bartlett Water Show Day at the Dells or the Christmas Party in Monroe, the Belles are well represented, complete with their characteristic blue T-shirts and shiny rings.
Wearing the shirts and rings is taken so seriously, fines are imposed if the Belles don’t wear them at meetings. These fines carry the lofty sum of anywhere from a quarter to a dollar — which is put in the Belles’ treasury for later use in donations or other expenses.
“[It’s all about] getting together and just having a good time, getting to know people within the Church,” said Belle Dodie Weberpal.
“[The Belles are] just a fun group of ladies. They enjoy life,” said Belle Mary Margaret Hosler, the leader of the group. “Every day is important to them. Every day they are active.”
The Belles are born
The Belles began 10 years ago when Hosler offered to give rides to other St. Mary members going to the Day at the Dells in 2004. The carpooling group to Apostolate events grew and later attended picnics on Hosler’s farm together and theme dinners by Kandu — an organization that provides work opportunities for disabled adults.
The Belles had their first official meeting at McDonalds in Milton in September of 2008 with 15 members and five honorary members. The total number of members is now nearing 30.
The Belles — whose ages range in the 50s to the 90s — now have their monthly meetings at St. Mary Church on the first Monday of the month.
It’s a chance to get together, discuss group business, and have fun.
“I never know what the ladies are going to come up with, what they’re going to say when we have our meetings,” said Hosler.
“The social aspect of the whole thing. That’s what it’s mostly about,” said Weberpal.
In recent meetings, the Belles have discussed taking part in another food-packing project for Kids Against Hunger, “news of the day” on the Belles’ family and friends, and eventually starting a group Facebook page.
“I just enjoy everybody’s comments. They add to it,” said Belle Mary Margaret Carroll.
Being a Belle
We support each other,” said Hosler. “If someone is sick, someone needs a ride, someone needs help, we’re there for them as a support to back them up.”
In the upcoming months, the Belles will be having their annual sleigh ride on Hosler’s farm, as well as attending another Kandu Cultural Cuisine Night which helps support the organization.
“If you want to form good, lasting friendships, join our group,” Hosler added. “If you want to have a good time, join our group. If you want to do something that is very worthwhile with the Church, or with the community, join our group because we are both social and business in what we attempt to do.”
“The bells of St. Mary’s, ah, hear they are calling.”