The Houlton Council of Catholic Women met on Monday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. in the Parish Center for their annual Potluck Christmas party and Yankee Swap.
There were 11 members present and Deacon Al Burleigh, our spiritual adviser. We had two guests, Josephine Curry, a longtime former member and her daughter, Ann Curry-Smith. President Sue Hardy welcomed everyone and led in our opening prayer, salute to the cross and flag and our hymn. Deacon Al gave the blessing and a lovely meal was enjoyed by all.
Following our luncheon, Sue Hardy called the meeting to order. The secretary’s report for our November meeting was read by Kathy Klein. Jane Mitchell gave the treasurer’s report. Alta Reardon, correspondence secretary, read correspondence from the Hope and Justice Project and Catholic Charities. Jane Stile, historian, presented a photo album from 2010 which contained pictures of our Christmas party that year.
The Craft Fair was discussed and council will have a table to sell raffle tickets on a lighted Christmas wreath decorated with fifty $1 bills. Winner will be drawn at the Craft Fair on Dec. 8.
Members were reminded that council members recite the Rosary at Madigan Estates on the third Monday of each month and at Gardiner Nursing Home on the third Friday of each month. Members were reminded to pack a box lunch to be swapped for our January meeting.
Birthdays and anniversaries were noted. Prayer intentions were gathered and we recited five Hail Mary’s. Meeting adjourned and the Yankee Swap Christmas party began. Janet Barker conducted the swapping of gifts. A fun time was had by all. Our special guest, Jo Curry, was the grand prize winner.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. All Catholic ladies are invited to attend.
