Catholic Charities Auxiliary Chapter II selected its new board members for 2013-2014 at the June 11, 2013, meeting of the group. Members of Chapter II are parishioners of Catholic churches in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Westminster, Stanton, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Cypress and La Palma. Assuming the office of Director of Chapter II is Laurie Bois of St. Pius V Church in Buena Park. Assisting her on the board will be Assistant Director Diane Halal of St. Hedwig Parish in Los Alamitos, Secretary Mary Ann Cornelius of St. Justin Martyr Church in Anaheim, Treasurer Josie Ninofranco and Publicity Chair Edna Ethington of St. Irenaeus Church in Cypress.
At the June 11 meeting, members of Chapter II thanked their outgoing Director, Mary O’Hara, for her many years of leadership and service on behalf of Catholic Charities Auxiliary. Due to her health concerns, Mary said that she could no longer continue as Director of Chapter II. Assistant Director Diane Halal presented Mary with a beautiful framed portrait of Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, so that she could look at Mary while she prayed the rosary while on her bed. New Director Laurie Bois presented a rosary to Mary that she was in the process of completing for her. Everyone joined in praying a decade of the rosary for Mary.
Parishioners today may not know that Mary O’ Hara and her husband Jim O’Hara were founding members of St. Irenaeus Church and School and were active in the church for over 50 years. They were parents of six children who all attended Catholic schools and had 20 grandchildren. Even though she was busy raising her children and supporting her husband with his many activities while he lived, Mary O’Hara was an active member of Catholic Charities Auxiliary Chapter II for over 25 years.
Mary served as director or assistant director of Chapter II for many of those years. She was very successful planning for fundraisers that would generate donations for Catholic Charities of Orange County. Knowing that Catholic Charities assists people who are in need of help, Mary said that she will continue to advise members and assist them with fundraisers for as long as she is able to do so.
Mary O’Hara inspires everyone to use all their talents to help the less fortunate. Although she is bedridden, she uses the telephone to solicit donations and keep in contact with members. She also sends out typewritten reminders about upcoming meetings and also to solicit more donations. Because of her example and her leadership, Chapter II members continue to raise funds for Catholic Charities of Orange County.