The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"
Fraternal MVPs—Week of January 21, 2008
The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of January 21, 2008. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time, energy and compassion to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.
Bernice Lyssy
Catholic Life Insurance
Kosciusko Branch #74
Kosciusko, Texas
There is a saying that when you want something done, give it to a busy person. Bernice Lyssy is one of those busy people who get things done. Secretary-Treasurer of the Kosciusko Branch since 2002, Bernice keeps her eyes open for ways that her branch can better serve the church and community.
This dynamo has just about done it all at St. Ann’s Church in rural South Texas. She served on the parish council and eventually led the group as president for two years. Additionally, she served as an officer of the St. Ann’s Altar Rosary Society and coordinated the CCD program.
Many of Bernice’s volunteer activities surround the Church. In fact, she and her husband can be found each Christmas and Easter season working together to make sure that the church is decorated.
On the branch level, she has been the driving force behind recent Make A Difference Day projects including annual clothing and toy drives for St Peter’s-St. Joseph’s Home for Children and the Seguin Women's Shelter Pantry.
Bernice and her husband, William, have two children.
Beth McFarlane
Catholic Order of Foresters
Sacred Heart Court #1369
Shawano, Wisconsin
Building on her parents’ fraternal example and her own fond memories of Catholic Order of Forester (COF) youth activities, Beth McFarlane agreed to transfer her court membership to help reactivate Sacred Heart #1369. Testament to her success can be seen in the number of social, volunteer, fundraising and youth activities now underway.
Beth serves as court chief ranger and, with other members, sponsored matching-funds fish fries that support parish and school needs and provide funding to purchase Vacation Bible School supplies. The court now offers youth members opportunities to participate in both fun and service-oriented activities—rafting, Christmas pizza and movie party, and a community leaf-raking project that garnered unexpected donations, which were used to purchase Thanksgiving food baskets for needy families. Under Beth’s leadership, the court also has committed time and energy toward revitalizing COF district activities and sponsored the Northeast Wisconsin District picnic and youth bowling tournament. A JOIN HANDS DAY supporter, the court worked with Catholic Knights and Waukechon Wildcats 4-H Club members to clean a section of Shawano County roads and play bingo with elderly nursing home residents.
Beth and her husband, Jeff, have three daughters. Active in both her parish and Sacred Heart Catholic School, Beth teaches high school faith formation classes, serves on the Board of Total Education and Home and School Organization, volunteers as school assistant librarian, and, with her oldest daughter, assisted during Vacation Bible School.
Camille Shima
CSA Fraternal Life
Ohio Star #152
Cleveland, Ohio
Camille is know for giving 110% for all the tasks she undertakes on behalf of her home lodge, serving as its treasurer, as secretary for District Council #10, as a delegate to the national convention and on its Resolutions Committee.
She is committed to promoting her rich heritage as president of the Vojan Singing and Dramatic Society where all performances are in Czech and traditional costumes are worn. Her enthusiasm and encouragement has kept this group together and preserved the traditional folk songs. She volunteers for the Vojan Day and Harvest Festival in fundraising, float decorating and celebration activities. She is a member of the Clark Ceska Sin Sokol seniors group. She also is a member of Mt. Pleasant DTJ Gymnastic Organization, the Bowling League and is secretary of the Northern Ohio Sports Committee. She has helped in the planning and supervision of the annual Junior Bowl-a-Rama held in Cleveland for children of all CSA lodges.
Outside of her lodge duties, Camille helps with volunteer activities of the National Ski Patrol, currently involved with a project gathering and packing items to be sent to their adopted platoon of the 10th Mountain Division, stationed in Iraq. She also supports her local Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Patrol.
Camille volunteers at her grandsons’ school and has helped to tutor her schoolteacher daughter’s students. She is a featured speaker and presenter at her church’s women’s fellowship and assisted in their volunteer projects.
Rodney C. Rawlings
Knights of Columbus
Nativity Council #6570
Fargo, North Dakota
2007 was Rod Rawlings's second year as North Dakota State Church Director. His responsibilities included setting up the perpetual rosary for life and the perpetual rosary for vocations for all councils within the state. Rod's commitment to this position helped the Knights in the state of North Dakota reach a record of more than $60,000 in scholarships for seminarians, religious and postulants. Within his local council, Rod initiated the council's approval for proceeds of the Valentine’s dinner/silent auction to go to the state scholarship program. This year, Nativity Council #6570 awarded five $500 scholarships alone.
Rod served as Faithful Navigator of Assembly #788, which encompasses all of Fargo's local councils. The 4th Degree promotes the Knights of Columbus through patriotism and visibility at church and in the community. One of his greatest accomplishments in this role was hosting the 4th Degree Exemplification in which 27 Knights became new 4th Degree members. Participating in Honor Guard at funerals, special masses and community events is a major commitment of all 4th Degree Members.
Rod is an active member of the Bishop Sullivan Degree Team, traveling throughout the state of North Dakota to exemplify new members. This year, Rod assisted with the set-up and teardown of the Marian Eucharistic Congress, which is held in Fargo every two years and is attended by more than 10,000 people from North America.
Rod chaired the largest annual fundraiser for the Nativity Council, selling Christmas trees to the community. This position is responsible for ordering the trees, creating a work schedule of his brother Knights, organizing and setting up the tree lot on church grounds, and publicizing the sale of the trees. Rod, along with his brothers, delivered and set up trees for those who needed assistance, and donated trees to a local convent. Monies earned through this fundraiser go towards council overhead, church and community needs.
During the holiday season, Council #6570 purchases fleece material and makes blankets which are then delivered to needy children at the YWCA Shelter. Another rewarding service is the Slumberland Bed Gift Away, a project that Rod's council is proud to be a part of each November. The Presentation Sisters have been instrumental in connecting this charitable project with people in the community in need of bedding. Rod and his brothers deliver 65 beds throughout Fargo/Moorhead each year.
Rod's family is committed to delivering meals to the elderly, weekly, and he enjoys being a part of this through the Meals on Wheels Program. Rod also promotes inclusion of people with disabilities in the Fargo/Moorhead area by volunteering at an annual fashion show of which his wife is the chairperson.
The NFCA salutes these outstanding Fraternalists-in-Action for their dedication, kindness and generosity. They embody the heart of fraternalism through their volunteer efforts and commitment to their communities.
To view previous week's MVPs, click here.
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