50 years of sisterhood, stewardship

Twenty-nine present and past members of Saint Bridget’s Guild gathered at Legends Restaurant to celebrate 50 years of stewardship (time, talent, treasure) to the Norman community and discuss treasured memories of their past. 

Saint Bridget is also known as Bridget (Brigid) of Ireland, Brigid of Kildare, Bride of Isles and Mary of the Gael. She is the patron saint of newborns, infants, nuns, midwives, poultry farmers, poets, scholars, travelers and many more.

Of the original five Founding Sisters of Saint Bridget, three were present. Pat Feurborn Cain, Jan Kahoe and Carolyn Seiter were honored and awarded with a founders lifetime trophy and corsages. Cathy Fagan, Jan Kahoe and Mary Waggoner were recognized with a Presidents Service Award. Each lady has held the office of presidency for six plus years since 1973.

Although Saint Bridget members originated at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in 1973, it soon became apparent a new Catholic church was considered with the new home and business construction to the West. Soon, Saint Mark Catholic Church was established.

 Also, families were transferring to Saint Thomas More Catholic Church due to their college-bound children attending the University of Oklahoma. People may attend the three churches, however they are “Sister's in Spirit” and “Disciples of Christ.”

Not once did members consider this a challenge. In fact, they consider their group as "very unique." 

Their past and present philanthropic projects are: assisting families in need at Christmas; Toys for Tots; The Christmas Store; the annual Thanksgiving dinner held at Saint Joseph Catholic Church; cash donations to all three churches for Saint Vincent de Paul Ministry; Sunday dinners for OU students; donations of food, clothing, shoes, coats and personal hygiene needs to the Women’s Sanctuary located on the Saint Joseph Catholic Church campus; bingo meals; and gift cards for Women’s Sanctuary for the “Queen For a Day” program sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. 

Those attending the celebration were: Sallie Ahlert, Mary Barse, Shirley Bates, Ann Berry, Catherine Bishop, Pat Cain, Debbie Clagg, Kathy Cooper, Susan Dobry, Cathy Fagan, Sue Francis, Kathy Gent, Mary Ellen Hook, Rosanne Huseman, Rita Ille, Jan Kahoe, June Letta, Deb Lewis, Margaret Luza, Katherine Malloy, Linda McNeely, Carol O'Bryan, Debbie Osborne, Sharon Parker, Suzanne Pendergraft, Carolyn Seiter, Marilyn Vitello, Mary Waggoner, Bonnie Whited and Mandy Woodford.  


Photos: Present and past members of St. Bridget’s Guild gathered to celebrate 50 years of stewardship to the Norman community. Photos provided.