It’ll be hats off to spring in a few weeks, and naturally, most everyone is excited about that prospect. But this past Saturday afternoon inside the St. Elizabeth’s Church Auditorium, it was hats on — as members and friends of the church’s Holy Rosary Sodality celebrated the return of its annual Tea Party, complete with a Spring Hats Contest.

It had been four years since this proud organization had conducted this activity because of Covid-19 restrictions, but this time around, and it was a full go, and everyone enjoyed the moment.

“This was our sixth Tea Party,” said the group’s Eileen Borges, who like every other member of the Holy Rosary Sodality was ecstatic to have this event back in fold. “We usually have about 75 working patrons every year and this year was no exception. We really enjoy having this event.”

Past Holy Rosary Sodality president Marie Cottrell was equally elated.
“It’s a wonderful group to work with,” she acknowledged. “It’s beautiful to see us all working together for this parish.”

Said Pauline Ramos, a past president and longtime member of the Holy Rosary Sodality: “Putting this event together takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and thankfully, we have a group of ladies who always enjoy doing this for our beautiful church.”

Following a traditional prayer, those in attendance enjoyed a menu which included assorted teas, finger sandwiches, and a variety of tasty pastries. Meanwhile, a group of judges including Maria Germano, Mary Moreira and Sheila Sardinha, were busy trying to decide which hats deserved to be awarded top prize in three separate categories.

Also on hand were St. Elizabeth’s Church pastor Rev. Vander S. Martins and Rev. Jose F. Rocha, Senior Priest associate, each of whom gave remarks on this festive occasion.

Those in attendance also had a chance to test their knowledge in a special Tea Quiz, led by Ms. Borges.

Once the judges finalized their decision in the Hats Contest categories, the winners were announced. They included Jorgina Lombardo, “Most Likely to Be Seen at Tea with Prince William and Princess Kate”; Belle McGowan, “Most Original”; and Sue Carinha, “Most Beautiful.” The winner of the Tea Quiz was Kathryn Rohrman.

New Holy Rosary Sodality President Liz Harvey summed it up best: “It’s truly enjoyable seeing all of these Holy Rosary Sodality members working well together. That’s why this is such a great event.”