Diocese of Portland

Generosity of Women's Council of St. Paul the Apostle Impacts Parish & the Community

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label that says Gift of the Women's Council

The Women's Council of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Bangor has shown its giving spirit in meaningful ways this holiday season. 

When president of the council Bonnie Hamm proposed a donation to purchase new vestments for the parish, the group voted enthusiastically to move forward.

"I was so pleased with the generosity of the council," said Hamm. "It was such a joy when Father Bruce [Siket] and Father Joseph [Osunde] attended our December meeting and gave us a chance to see the vestments in person."

Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Monsignor Andrew Dubois, said of the gesture, "During the National Eucharistic Revival, we are grateful to the Women’s Council of St. Paul the Apostle Parish for their generous donation which has made possible the purchase of some new vestments to enhance our praise and worship of God."

Four vestments were purchased for use in the six churches of St. Paul the Apostle Parish. Two vestments are white, for use on feasts, solemnities and funerals, and two rose vestments for use on Laetare and Gaudete Sundays. The Women's Council of St. Paul the Apostle Parish meets monthly and new members are always welcome. 

Last week, the council also collected donations of baby supplies with a value of $2000 to be given to CourageLIVES, a branch of Saint Andre Home and a program for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation in Maine. Carey Nason, executive director of Saint Andre Home, spoke about the mission of CourageLIVES at the women's council meeting in October. This inspired council member Elaine Suzor to propose that a donation be made to the organization. Suzor approached local businesses BJ's, Target, Shaw's and the Hannaford in Brewer, and all four businesses agreed to cooperatively match the amount of the council donation.

"We are very grateful for the help and support from the Women's Council of St. Paul the Apostle Parish and each of the businesses," said Nason. "This donation truly helps the families that we serve."
 

Three priests
Father Bruce Siket (middle) and Father Joseph Osunde, OP (right) are modeling two of the new vestments. Deacon Luis Sanclemente (left) is showing the embroidery on the inside of the vestment.
Three women standing outside a van
Elaine Suzor, Bonnie Hamm, and Carey Nason (left-to-right) with the van of supplies for CourageLIVES.