Katolicka Jednota Zen Texaskych - Catholic Women's Union of Texas
The emblem of KJZT Family Life is the cross of salvation. Each of the four extremities of the cross appears to bud into many crosses. The light blue halo encompasses the cross to signify that we are bound together through our faith, and that our faith is central to our lives. The center of the cross is further marked with a monogram, the initials M and A intertwined, meaning Maria Assumpta, Mary Assumed into Heaven. Throughout our history, we claim her as the special Patroness of our Fraternal, its members and their families. She was the first to draw upon the benefits of the Cross by her Immaculate Conception. While full of grace, she stood by the Cross to the last and clung to it until taken up into the glory of heaven.
Katolicka Jednota Zen Texaskych - Catholic Women's Union of Texas
The emblem of KJZT Family Life is the cross of salvation. Each of the four extremities of the cross appears to bud into many crosses. The light blue halo encompasses the cross to signify that we are bound together through our faith, and that our faith is central to our lives. The center of the cross is further marked with a monogram, the initials M and A intertwined, meaning Maria Assumpta, Mary Assumed into Heaven. Throughout our history, we claim her as the special Patroness of our Fraternal, its members and their families. She was the first to draw upon the benefits of the Cross by her Immaculate Conception. While full of grace, she stood by the Cross to the last and clung to it until taken up into the glory of heaven.
Founded in 1894, two of the original founders, Mrs. Anna Jakubik and Mrs. Marie Yurek met after attending Mass in April 1894 with Reverend Father Francis Just to inform him of their interest in forming a mutual aid society for the Czech Catholic Women of the Parish. Through his encouragement and the assistance of Reverend Father M. Vaculik, the first Society of Czech Catholic Women in Texas was organized in September 1894 at St. Joseph’s Parish in Yoakum, Texas. This society was placed under the protection and patronage of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Reverend Father Vaculik was appointed Chaplain, Anna Jakubik was elected President and Magdalena Prajer was elected Recording Secretary.
Current and Past KJZT Presidents Include:
Mrs. Catherine Sylvester 2021 - present
Mrs. Arlene Cloyd, Interim 2021
Mrs. Pam Strickland 2018 - 2021
Mrs. Loretta Stahl 2009 – 2018
Mrs. Lucille Ulcak 2006 – 2009
Mrs. Geraldine Nekuza 1992 – 2005
Mrs. Emma Jean Ribar 1987 -1992
Mrs. Benita Pavlu 1958 -1987
Mrs. Josefina Habarta 1930 -1958
(back center in photograph)
Mrs. Marie Yurek 1905 -1930
(front right in photograph)
Mrs. Anna Jakubik 1897-1905
(front left in photograph)
