On Friday, October 31, 2014, thirty-six Sodalists from Assumption Catholic School (ACS) in Perth Amboy, NJ participated in a special blessing of Icons. Following the weekly school Divine Liturgy, Father Ivan Turyk, Pastor of Assumption Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gave a special blessing and dedication to each of the girls and the Icons they carried. Icons were given to the girls to foster devotions to Our Blessed Lady. Father concluded the service by advising the young ladies to prominently display their Icons in a location at home which will remind both them and their families to call upon Our Lady in times of need. The service was well attended by family, friends and the entire student body of ACS. Afterwards, the new and current Sodalists, along with their attending family members, Sister Yosaphata, Sister Thomas, Father Ivan Turyk and Mr. Michael Szpyhulsky, principal of ACS, enjoyed light refreshments in the church hall.

Sodality is a sisterhood comprised of young ladies and women (grade 3 and beyond) who practice the ideals set forth by Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Sodality has been part of ACS’ history for over 50 years. In the past, Sodality was led by the Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God and lay faculty. Under the past guidance of parishioner and teacher at ACS, Melanie Lawrence, Sodality members made cards for the sick, goody bags of appreciation, visited the elderly, and raised money for neighbors affected by tragedy.

This year, Sodality is facilitated by Mrs. Halyna Lojko and Mrs. Patricia Bernstein both teachers at ACS. The girls meet monthly to pray as a community and plan service activities that will benefit both our immediate and extended communities. During the Easter Season, Sodalists will show their love for Our Lord by taking turns kneeling in adoration at the Tomb of Our Lord from Good Friday through Holy Saturday. Finally, our special devotions to Our Lady will culminate in May with our Moleben Devotions and a gift of flowers to the Blessed Mother.