Houlton Council of Catholic Women meet

The Houlton Council of Catholic Women met after the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Jan. 4 at the parish hall.
Betty Ann Childers, president, greeted everyone and thanked them for coming on a cold day. There were 30 ladies present including two guests, Bunny Tidd and Kim Lycette. They were given a round of applause. Bunny is a sister of Jane Stile and Mary Grant.
Father David Raymond was also present and prayers were recited. Ethel Mersereau gave the secretary’s report and Bernette Roach gave the treasurer’s report. Lois Downing read a letter from Sister Carol Martin giving us an update on Sister Juanita Robichaud.
Betty Ann thanked the Giving Tree ladies, Mary Grant, Jane Stile and Alma Reardon. Toys were received from Aroostook Country Riders Club, North Country Cruisers, Joyce and Urban Hughes and ACAP. The Giving Tree bought 74 gifts using the donations. The committee was given a round of applause.
Betty Ann had received a request for baptismal blankets or shawls. They need to be white and 15 inches by 25 inches. Anyone who can knit or crochet the blankets can give them to Deacon Al Burleigh.
A state meeting will be in Winthrop Jan. 24. Anyone who wants to attend should contact Betty. The council will take a $25 gift raffle item, and each participant needs to bring their own sandwich.
The unit will do Valentine baskets for shut-ins again in February. Janet Barker will buy the fruit for the bags and members are to bring sweets and other goodies to fill the baskets or bags.
It was announced that Cathy Bither would cater the June banquet on Wednesday, May 27.
Rose Bushey won the door prize and Bernette Roach distributed the seminarian fund. President Betty Ann acknowledged birthdays and anniversaries.
Judy Reid and Margaret Casey treated us all to a chicken stew or corn chowder with biscuits, sandwiches and sweets. The January committee hosted the luncheon.
Following the luncheon, the members and guests participated in a spiritual time of reflection led by Father Dave. He ended his talk with the Sacrament of the Sick for a parishioner undergoing a procedure. Members formed a circle around the person and said the Lord’s Prayer.
The next meeting will be the first Sunday in February, after the 11 a.m. Mass.