encouraged. As a result, the need for the Holy Name Society seemed to diminish and the membership gradually declined.

THE ALTAR SOCIETY

There is very little available information about the Altar Society which was possibly first organized in the parish in the early 1900's.

The ladies of this organization were mainly responsible for seeing that the church was kept clean and that the altar linens and altar boys' gowns were in a good state of repair. From speaking with former senior parishioners, there is no recollection of the women of this society having any other specific role in regards to parish life activities.

Women of those days were certainly not given the opportunity nor were they expected to serve in the parish as they do today. Their job was to stay at home and take care of the family. Although there were many parish events such as picnics, bazaars, card games and plays, there is no knowledge of the women having had any leadership roles in these activi— ties. No doubt they helped out when called upon to do so.

In any event, after a number of years and possibly with the forma— tion of the Catholic Women's League, the Altar Society was gradually

phased out.

ST. ANN 'S PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The parish pastoral council is an institution that brings together lay people and pastor to work together to build a parish into a living Christian community. It was with this in mind that the decision was made to organize St. Ann's Parish Pastoral Council.

Two planning meetings were held in January and February, 1987, resulting in the formation of a Council on March 19 of the same year.

Father Leo Trainor, as pastor of St. Ann's at that time, became the Council's first president and it was mainly due to his efforts and leader— ship that the Council became a reality. Other members of the first Council were Chairman Eugene Larkin, Vice-Chairman Inez Doiron, Secretary Kathleen Doiron, Brian Doiron, Frank Doiron, Marina Doiron, Shirley Doiron, Irene Gallant, Mary Alice Gallant, Marion Murphy, Oswald Murphy, Marion Reid and Sandra Doiron.

Father Leo, Eugene and all the Council worked very hard, some- times through difficult times, to lay the groundwork for an effective,

working Council. During the first year, the Council members attended workshops and

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