Raleigh Bishop Luis Raphael Zarama is pictured with North Carolina State Columbiettes officers: President Maggie Herbstritt, Immediate Past President Ginny Grant, Vice President Teresa Laraia, Secretary Kathy Thomas, Financial Secretary Patti Dmuchowski; Treasurer Jenn Parsons, Advocate Maggie Muelker and Sentinel Marg Young. (Photo provided)RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Columbiettes, a Catholic women’s organization aligned with the Knights of Columbus, held its 23rd annual convention April 29-30 at the Embassy Suites Raleigh Crabtree.
The 90 delegates represented 888 members statewide.
This year’s theme was “We are the Light of the World.” Ann Mulvaney from Sons of Mother Seton auxiliary in Fayetteville chaired the program.
A memorial service honoring 13 recently deceased Columbiettes was followed by a Mass celebrated by Bishop Luis Raphael Zarama of Raleigh, assisted by Franciscan Father Jim Sabak and Deacon John Harrison of Holy Family Church in Clemmons. After the Mass, the bishop talked and took pictures with the members.
Supreme President Ronny Pliszak, from New York, said the bishop warmed her heart and was “so charismatic.”
Speakers at the convention included Kathy Thomas, the convention chair, who extended a warm welcome, and President Maggie Herbstritt, who delivered a state status report. Supreme President Pliszak and J.C. Reiher, state deputy of the Knights of Columbus, both addressed the assembly, and several committees gave reports, including audits, nominations and The Mother’s Coin Jar.
This year auxiliaries in North Carolina put their change and contributions together to raise $4,758.26 for The Mother’s Coin Jar. The Raleigh and Charlotte dioceses each will receive $2,379.13 to help women and children in need. The program is in its 12th year. 
Supreme Council board members in attendance were Supreme President Pliszak, Supreme Vice President Jeanne Mucci; Supreme Financial Secretary Marlene Korn from Our Lady of the Rosary, Shallotte; Supreme Sentinel Lisa Koenig; and Supreme Director Kathy LoFrese.
On the state board this year are President Herbstritt from the Bishop Greco Auxiliary in Clemmons; immediate past president Ginny Grant from Our Lady of the Rosary, Shallotte; Vice President Teresa Laraia from Fr. James E. Waters, Wilmington; Secretary Kathy Thomas from Bishop Greco, Clemmons; Financial Secretary Patti Dmuchowski from Holy Cross, Kernersville; Treasurer Jenn Parsons from St. Matthew, Charlotte; Maggie Muelker from Holy Cross, Kernersville; and Marg Young from Sons of Mother Seton in Fayetteville.
For more information about the Columbiettes or on organizing an auxiliary, contact President Maggie Herbstritt at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 336-391-0170.
— Maggie Herbstritt