HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Council of Catholic Women celebrated its 80th Anniversary on Oct. 1. Father Kent Ouellette officiated at the 5 p.m. mass at St. Mary of the Visitation Church. Also, participating in the mass were council members: Janet Barker as lector, while Mary Grant, Alta Reardon, and Jane Stile, brought the gifts to the Altar for the Offertory.
Immediately following Mass members and guests enjoyed a potluck dinner in the Parish Center. Gloria Slauenwhite and Melissa Berube assisted with kitchen duties. Mary Grant, Alta Reardon, and Jane Stile were in charge of decorating. The dining tables were adorned with handmade rosaries, which were a gift from Father Kent, and lovely statues of the Blessed Mother Mary, with silk rose floral arrangements surrounding them.
Jane Stile, historian for the club, had an array of tri-fold posters depicting various activities that the council has participated in. More than 20 albums filled with stories and pictures were also on display.
The council was organized back in 1938, according to records, and a history compiled by Anna Schools, who had been a long time member. Father Joseph Sullivan was the pastor who invited women from the Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women to come to St. Mary’s of the Visitation, to see if there was any interest in organizing a group from the parish. Many ladies did show an interest, in fact two groups were formed: The Council of Catholic Women and the Junior Guild.
During the course of these 80 years, the Houlton Unit has been affiliated with the Northern Maine District, Houlton District, Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and National Council of Catholic Women.
In the earlier years, various projects included women helping with the war effort, donations for War Bonds and stamps, United Service Organization, Christmas boxes to soldiers, support for the Red Cross, American Heart Association, and March of Dimes.
Locally, Council members assisted with the Parochial School, donations to Madigan Hospital, and projects with the Houlton Regional Hospital Auxiliary to name a few. Currently, the Council is faithful in supporting their church and parish family in countless endeavors, such as providing money towards St. Mary’s Library, Faith Formation, fuel oil, pellets and a pellet boiler. Council members continue to be generous to the greater Houlton community by assisting agencies such as; The Hope and Justice Project, The Humane Society, Ark Animal Sanctuary, Pregnancy Care Center, Backpacks for Kids Project, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and Cary Library.
The Houlton Council of Catholic Women has truly been Blessed. God has directed us with his love and spiritual guidance. For that we can be forever grateful.
