Members work together to support community
CARIBOU, Maine — The Circle 638 of Daughters of Isabella held their March and April 2016 meetings at the Parish Center of Holy Rosary Church.
In March, Regent Mary Ellen Field led the meeting and Chancellor Jeanine Morneault led opening prayer. In April, Vice Regent Elaine Haines conducted the meeting and led opening prayer.
The ceremonial draping of the charter was held in recognition of deceased sisters Doris Albert in March and Shirley Holtgrefe in April. After each ceremony the Circle sang the hymn, “Oh, What Could My Jesus Do More?”
Though no birthday sisters were present in March, Michelle Hersey and Rena Lagasse were the April recipients of a small birthday gift and “Happy Birthday” was sung for Daughters born during these months.
The 50/50 raffle winners were Rena Lagasse in March and Elaine Haines in April. There were no circle winners for the 40-week Club.
For March get-well and thinking-of-you cards were sent to: Jeanne Jalbert, Vi Cummings Sirois, Jeanine Morneault and to Norma Shaw’s husband. A telephone call was made to Theresa Ouillette to see how she was doing. In April, cards were sent to: Judy Dubois, Cindy Gagnon, Omerine Cyr, Germaine Michaud, Debbie Chabre, Joan Lott and Theresa Wunderlich, with some to be sent to Jeanne Beaulieu and Omerine Cyr. A sympathy card was sent to the family of Shirley Holtgrefe. Maureen Wotton, past state treasurer from Lincoln has passed away. A card will be sent to the Lincoln Circle.
Marjorie Murchison made a donation of onesies to the layette committee. Donations are always appreciated.
Recorder Dolores Martin read correspondence, including the following: Carmen Thibodeau will soon be celebrating a 95th birthday. Michelle Hersey asked for mentors to help in the sacraments program. Volunteers of all ages are needed for the new sacrament prep program for children and their families at Holy Rosary Church. For information, call or text Michelle Hersey at 949-1424, or any member.
The Daughters are selling the 2016 Discount Cards at $10 to be used at local vendors. Contact Dolores Martin or any member.
Several members are planning to attend a one-day workshop in Lincoln on May 14. Those planning to attend are: Mary Ellen Field, Dolores D. Martin, Rita Worley, Rena Lagasse and Priscilla Foley.
Members voted to name Past Regent Gail Hjort as an alternate at the international convention in Henderson, Nev., in August if for any reason the regent is unable to attend.
Elaine Haines chaired the Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee; other members included: Mary Ellen Field, Dolores Martin, Gail Hjort and Jeanine Morneault. Haines reported back to the circle about some language changes. The circle will receive a copy of the new rules and bylaws shortly.
In March, the Rite of Election was held at Holy Rosary. A luncheon was held in thanksgiving for the launching of the Presence Radio Network in our area. The Mass of the Oils was celebrated in Fort Fairfield with Bishop Robert Deeley. The group donated $50 towards the luncheon; Phyllis Brown matched the donation.
Scribe Bea Pirie reported that the circle’s article appeared in the Aroostook Republican and everything was working well. The sisters gave a round of applause in appreciation of the Republican and Bangor Daily News working with them so well.
The Daughters were reminded of the commitment to the 31 Club, which is to pray the rosary every day.
Theresa Wunderlich expressed gratitude for the circle’s prayers and the prayer line, as she has had to deal with some major health issues. She thanked everyone for all their prayers and well wishes; she stressed that prayer really is powerful — she received good news that the doctors have declared her cancer-free.
Gail Hjort also spoke on the power of prayer; she is in charge of the prayer line. If anyone needs or knows someone in need of prayers, let her know and she will put them on the line. Members were reminded to pray the rosary on the day of their birth for our seminarians, clergy and vocations.
Mary Ellen Field, Nancy Saucier, Donna Sturzl and Rena Lagasse attended a one-day retreat in Frenchville with Bishop Robert Deeley. The importance of prayer was stressed. The morning session was on the Trinity and the afternoon session was on mercy and forgiveness. There will be three upcoming retreats and all are encouraged to attend.
Presence Radio cards and decals were distributed. Father Kyle Doustou appeared on a program. The Presence is at 97.5 FM in Fort Kent and 1390 AM in northern Maine and includes Catholic radio from around the country and the world. There is Mass every morning, along with the rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and many other features.
In March, the refreshment committee were Elaine Haines, Donna Sturzl, Bea Pirie and Theresa Wunderlich, for their St. Patrick’s Day decor and refreshments. Madeline Guerrette displayed a blessing sign for all to enjoy. In April, the spring refreshment committee included Phyllis Belanger, Michelle Hersey, Rita Worley and Rena Lagasse. The ladies were thanked for making the social time so pleasant.
The Daughters’ May meeting will be a potluck and an open meeting, which means members may invite a guest(s) to attend and get to know what we are about. New members are always welcomed to join in the Circle’s good works.
The Holy Rosary Circle currently meets the first Tuesday of each month, from September to June, at 6 p.m. at the Parish Center. The charitable organization, open to all Catholic women 16 and older, is named after Queen Isabella of Spain. The founding principles are unity, friendship and charity. The sisterhood upholds the teachings of the Catholic Church, bringing spiritual benefits to members and contributing to the common good of humanity.
The circle has many ways to get involved; they hold fundraisers, contribute to local causes, support hospitals with layette packages, support state circle charities and fund an annual local and state scholarship for members, their children and/or grandchildren, to name a few activities.
In the U.S. and Canada, D of I membership totals more than 60,000 women and strives to prosper and establish bonds among Catholic women throughout the world.
New members are always welcome. Contact any Circle member for information or a membership application.
