The 5th annual Ladies' Day hosted by St. Ann's Altar society of St. Joseph's Church, Liebenthal was held Sunday, March 31 in the parish hall.  Focusing on the ocean, sea animals and mysteries of the vast waters, 25 women were invited to introduce themselves and share their impressions of the ocean, (if they were fortunate enough to stand on an ocean beach).  Interestingly, almost all of the women had been to an ocean.  The lenten retreat day included a feast of "finger foods" and "ocean punch", followed by presentations on life lessons learned from the sea: Monica Legleiter told how a pearl is formed in an oyster.  A tiny sandstone finds its way under an oyster shell. It is so irritating that the oyster continues to cover it with a secretion over the next several years and eventually it becomes a smooth, beautiful pearl. Everyone received a pearl with a prayer card: "You are my pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:44-46).  Jerilyn Stull addressed the subject of how our doubts become baggage weighing us down as she filled a beach bag with items one probably would need on a trip to the beach.  The beach bag becomes so full and weighted down; do we really need all this worry and doubt that weighs us down?  Judy Hoffman shared information on the sea turtle and humback whale.  One in 1,000 sea turtles reach adulthood. They have to leave their "comfort zone" to try to reach the ocean after being hatched on shore. Their very battle for survival is unknown to many, yet it is a lesson on life's journey.  The humpback whale could be called the "guardian angels" of the ocean.  They show up mysteriously when sea animals are being attacked and ward off the attackers.  They also have been known to protect humans.  LouAnn Legleiter presented seven inspiring lessons taken from the different waves of our world, teaching us to be like water ourselves--strong yet calm, steady yet yielding, subtle yet beautiful.  Above all the ocean teaches us this --we are all connected. The mysteries of the sand dollar were presented by Monica Legleiter.  Take a close look at a sand dollar.  There are 5 markings that could signify Christ's crucifixion: the 4 nail holes and the 5sth, the wound from the Roman's spear.  The Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side reminds us of His birthday.  Break the center open and you will find five white doves awaiting, to spread Good Will and Peace. Everyone received a sand dollar and a copy of the Legend of the Sand Dollar.