By Jacqueline Vega
Pictures courtesy of Michelle Harvey, Parish Communications
The Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) Court Madonna #2067 held their annual appreciation luncheon for priests and deacons on June 10, 2025. The event coincided with the CDA monthly meeting and was co- hosted by the Seton Ladies. It took place at the Sierra Winds Independent Living Community at 17300 N. 88th Ave., Peoria, AZ. (Previously the Seton Ladies had held their own separate luncheon for Fr. Williams.) Catholic Daughter Vee Dietrich, a resident of Sierra Winds for the past seven years, suggested this location, stating that the best thing about it was “we had a room to ourselves with no distractions.”
An air-conditioned lobby was available to the attendees as they waited to enter the private banquet room, and this allowed for the opportunity to sit and socialize. A total of six deacons and priests were invited, but most were not able to make it due to scheduling conflicts. However, we were honored to have the presence of Father Williams and Deacon Marty, along with the deacons’ wife Barbara, and the total attendance was about 18. Deacon Marty and Father Williams, showing their true humility, were very appreciative of this effort which recognized how crucial and important they are to our Catholic faith community, and it was nice to be able to talk with them in an environment as “regular people.”
Deacon Marty said that this was the first appreciation luncheon he’s ever attended, adding “Definitely enjoyed having conversation” and “it’s wonderful to make an effort, especially toward [the father] of our church” and “anytime we can we can get together, outside of church, and appreciate each other’s role, is definitely a good thing.”
The tickets for this event included a catered lunch of coleslaw, a regular salad, and a beef or chicken salad sandwich, with a vanilla-bean sundae for dessert, which definitely hit the spot on a sunny, warm 108-degree day. As we served ourselves lunch, we continued our socialization as part of our annual monthly Catholic Daughter’s meeting.
The details of this appreciative luncheon are decided on a yearly basis by the chairperson, but we hope that the priests and deacons are always open to accepting our gratitude. It is hoped that others will take the opportunity in the future to attend this Priest Appreciation Luncheon in order to help recognize our clergy, who have such high dedication and devotion to the Lord; their work gives us spiritual joy, and without them the church wouldn’t have the same special, blessed, healing power that it has.
You can watch for future events like these in the parish bulletins distributed every Sunday, or they can be accessed online at St. Elizabeth Seton Roman Catholic Parish – Sun City, Arizona | Parishes Online.
