‘Angels of Grace’ to honor women for community service

By Mary Ann Wyand

Three noteworthy women in central Indiana will be honored for distinguished community service during “Angels of Grace: A Celebration of Women” on Sept. 27 at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center in Beech Grove.

The 11 a.m. celebration in the Benedict Inn gymnasium includes a fashion show, buffet luncheon and awards program. WIBC 93.1 FM radio morning show host Terri Stacy of Indianapolis is the emcee.

Proceeds benefit the retreat ministry at 1402 Southern Ave., which is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove.

The service awards are named for the archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel.

• St. Thomas Aquinas parishioner Ann Delaney, executive director of The Julian Center in Indianapolis, a 24-hour shelter for battered women and their children, will receive the Angel Michael Award for her work as “a defender of the dignity and goodness of others.”

During 12 years as director, Delaney has completed a major capital campaign for the emergency shelter and transitional housing center, opened a new facility and counseling center at 2011 N. Meridian St. in 2000, and welcomed the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit and Marion County deputy prosecutors to offices at the shelter.

She is currently overseeing plans for construction of permanent supportive housing for 71 families at 34th and Meridian Streets next year.

• St. Jude parishioner Barbara Himes of Indianapolis, a 27-year volunteer for the Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) Foundation in Indiana, will accept the Angel Raphael Award for serving as “a companion to those in need of help and assistance.”

Himes has been described as the foundation’s “No. 1 advocate” for her volunteer assistance with fundraising, educational programs, public speaking and support groups for parents who have lost babies to SIDS.

She promotes the foundation’s “Back to Sleep” and “First Candle” programs, and is the primary educator for health professionals dealing with SIDS and police officers who receive 911 emergency calls about cases of sudden infant death.

• Mary Weiss of Indianapolis, the president, chief executive officer and publisher of Indianapolis Woman and St. Louis Woman, will be recognized with the Angel Gabriel Award for being “a messenger who spreads a word of hope and cheer.”

Under her leadership, the monthly magazines enlighten thousands of readers on subjects supporting women’s causes, including domestic violence and abuse, women’s breast and heart health, and dozens of other informational features.

The publishing company’s mission seeks to “educate, inspire and motivate readers … in a proactive way.”

Benedictine Sister Mary Luke Jones, administrator of the Benedict Inn, said the luncheon, style show and program is a fun way to honor women, both living and deceased, for their many gifts and talents.

“We at Our Lady of Grace Monastery and at the Benedict Inn are very

pro-woman,” Sister Mary Luke said, “and we feel a need to honor women for their accomplishments and for all that they do.”

Beech Grove’s first lady, Jill Wright, is among the women who will model clothing from The Secret Ingredient, a boutique owned by Jeanne Weber-Rush at 5631 N. Illinois St. in Indianapolis.

Participants will also enjoy a buffet luncheon and have an opportunity to purchase clothes from the boutique as well as gifts from Shop Inn-spired, which is operated by the Benedictine sisters at the retreat center.

“The Benedict Inn is not-for-profit and we strive very, very hard to keep our costs affordable so that people can join us for programs,” Sister Mary Luke said. “We have two goals—keeping our prices low and giving scholarships to people who cannot pay a full program fee.

Our Lady of Grace Monastery is our No. 1 supporter, and we also do some fundraisers to invite people to help the sisters support the retreat ministry.”

(Tickets are $30 each or $210 for a table of eight. For information about sponsoring tables, call the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center at 317-788-7581. To reserve tickets, send checks made out to the Benedict Inn to 1402 Southern Ave., Beech Grove, IN 46107.) †