EDITH ALFIERI DAY

How many people do you know who have been able to faithfully perform one parish ministry for 80 years, perfecting it over a lifetime working with others and shepherding newcomers?

At the tender age of 12, Edith Alfieri followed her mother into a sacristy and discovered her vocation as an Altar Guild member. Over the years, Edith focused her talents on fine needlework and flower arranging, and she mastered the intricacies of the proper care of linens, vestments and altar furnishings. After moving from the Bronx, Edith served at Holy Trinity, Hicksville, and has been a member of the St. Margaret’s Altar Guild since 1973. In addition, she served two terms as Directress and was also chair of the church’s Memorial Fund for many years. She was appointed Linens Chair for the Diocesan Altar Guild and traveled throughout the diocese teaching others how to make altar linens. Edith created the St. Margaret’s needlepoint kneeler at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City.

On Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Paul Woodrum presented Edith with a beautiful proclamation from Bishop Lawrence Provenzano and declared April 17, 2016, as Edith Alfieri Day in the parish. The 10 current Altar Guild members hosted a joyful brunch for Edith and her family and friends following the 10 a.m. service. They also performed a song written for the occasion, “We Love Edith!” set to the tune of “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones.” Musicians Florence Brady and Steve Perrone graciously kept everyone on key. Nancy and Phil Russo, Fal Gibson and Lois Bisca, along with other past and present Altar Guild members, offered a charming mix of roasts and remembrances. Jane Ames, current president of St. Margaret’s Altar Guild, presented Edith with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Even though she has retired from active service, we’ll always know where to find Edith. On Sunday mornings, she will be firmly planted in her favorite up-front pew, admiring the results of those who carry on her beloved Altar Guild work. Thank you, Edith, for your steadfast labor of love. You will always be in the heart of St. Margaret’s. It’s true, “We Love Edith!”

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“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24, Good News Bible)