February in Maine saw the Northern lights—aurora borealis—making a rare appearance in the Crown of Maine. Yes, February is a time for snow, sledding, skating, winter carnivals, frozen festivals and, of course, meetings—the Daughters of Isabella met on February 6, 2018.
The winner of the50/50 Drawing was Claire Randolph and she generously donated her winnings to the Circle. Nancy Saucier was selected to receive a birthday gift for the month of February. “Happy Birthday” was sung to all February birthday ladies.
Regent Elaine Haines called our Business Meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
Chancellor Elizabeth Long led the Circle in Opening Prayer, followed by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of The Ode. Roll Call of Officers was conducted with 17 out of 18 officers in attendance. Recording Secretary Jeanine Morneault read the minutes of the January meeting which were accepted as read with the following correction: Past Regent Mary Ellen Field participated in the Draping of the Charter for Iva Deveau. The Daughters scholarship for Samantha Fortin was sent to UMO.
Communications shared with the Circle included: Thank you cards from Fr. David Raymond, Jeanine Morneault and Theresa Wunderlich.
Also, Regent Elaine shared information on the 2018 Off-Year Meeting on May 19th, being hosted by Circle 498, in Westbrook. This year’s theme is “Unity Through Love.” Our members were invited to write an essay on the topic: “How Can We, As Daughters of Isabella, Unite with Each Other in Love?” and submit the essay by the April 15th deadline. A reminder to the Circle that the Daughters of Isabella Scholarship form is available for anyone interested. The Daughters were advised to consider various donations to: Religious Retirement, Share Your Love Scholarship and the State Regent’s Project, Presence Radio. Correspondence from International was shared with the Circle: the 2018 International Convention will be held from August 5-8t, in Montreal. Discussion centered on delegates to send to the convention from our Circle. Recording Secretary Jeanine Morneault motioned to send Regent Elaine Haines as delegate; Madeline Guerrette seconded motion. Motion passed. Debbie Chabre motioned, with a second by Teena Sirois, to send Mary Ellen as alternate delegate. Motion passed. Dolores Martin motioned, with a second by Gail Hjort, to send Michelle Hersey as 2nd alternate delegate. Motion passed. State Regent Martha Dufour, according to Mary Ellen, is looking to team up with girls in Canada and charter a bus.
Regent Elaine shared a letter from International Regent referencing: recruitment and reflecting on future of the Daughters of Isabella. We are encouraged to actively recruit. Robin Fortin suggested hosting an Open House for those interested in knowing more about the Daughters of Isabella. Bea Pirie suggested approaching girls in Youth Ministry with information. It was also suggested to team up with the Knights of Columbus and focus on both our organizations with our youth.
Scribe Bea Pirie and the local newspapers have been in communications about getting our articles in print and on line. Please, read the articles that are online with the Aroostook Republican and the monthly articles that appear in the paper.
Past Regent Gail Hjort reported 4 layettes were given to Cary Medical Center. Thank you went out to Bea Pirie who donated many baby boy items for future layettes.
Dolores Martin reported that “Thinking of You or Get Well” cards were sent to: Germaine Michaud, Theresa Wunderlich, Omerine Cyr, Jeannine Belanger, Rita Worley, Vi Cummings-Sirois. Cards will be sent to: Sonia Labbe and Germaine Albair.
Dolores Martin reported one more member signed up for the 40-Week Club! No winners as of late from our Circle.
Dolores Martin informed the Circle that we still have Discount Cards to sell. Anyone wanting to purchase a card; please contact a Daughter. This fundraiser allows us to go many great things for our parish and community.
Regent Elaine thanked Chancellor Long for leading a decade of the Rosary prior to our meeting.
The Circle agreed to invite Jane Pinette, RSVP, to attend and address our Circle at our next open meeting in May.
Regent Elaine shared with the Circle information about a retreat being held in Biddeford on February 10, from 10AM-2PM. Deadline to register is February 7, 2018.
Past Regent Mary Ellen Field asked if there is any other interest in purchasing a 75th Anniversary Booklet. The cost is $7.00. Please, let a Daughter know if you are interested in purchasing this part of our parish’s history.
Past Regent Mary Ellen also reminded the ladies about the Daughter of Isabella T-shirts. There is a sign up sheet with cost and size, if interested.
Chancellor Long invited our ladies to join the Holy Rosary Small Group Faith Sharing during Lent held on Thursdays.
Chancellor Long led the Circle in Closing Prayer.
Regent Elaine Haines closed the meeting.
In closing, The Daughters of Isabella is open to all women, age 16 and over, who are Catholics. As a member of the Daughters of Isabella, you have the opportunity to make new friends, express your views, enhance your spiritual life and become as active as you wish. Your talents are needed, please consider talking to a Daughter and joining our organization.
