Resolutions Communique #1

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

Greetings to my Resolutions companions -

Whitehorse members, Lucille W. (Kamloops), Elaine R. (Vancouver), Lorraine T. (Prince George), who are serving their second year; also, Ann M. (Nelson), like myself, starting her first year and hopefully a new chairperson from my home diocese of Victoria.

Congratulations and welcome to National Resolutions chairperson, Betty Anne Brown, a widow, who, when she is not tending grapes in her vineyard in Prince Edward County, Ontario, is busy raising her eldest grandchild and enjoying her ever increasing brood of grandchildren.

Betty Anne and I served on the Toronto Archdiocesan level together many years ago and I look forward to journeying with her again and hope that we will accept her invitation to pray, co-operate, make good things happen “For God and Canada”.

With conventions at all levels behind us and fall meetings fast approaching, it is time to set goals for a new League year and to encourage and assist parish councils in preparing resolutions.

At national convention, Bishop Smith encouraged CWL members to write personal letters, which are more effective that petitions, and also make phone call to members of Parliament especially regarding redefining marriage. He suggested that more attention be focused on moving resolutions passed at the national level back down to the parish level for action.

Bill C-338 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (procuring a miscarriage after twenty weeks of gestation). On behalf of the 801 members attending the National convention, a letter was sent to Mr. Paul Steckle, MP registering support of his efforts in tabling this Bill and wishing him success in this worthy endeavour. (quote from National President’s letter)

Attached is a copy of a letter (3 pages) from National stating the reasons why some of our resolutions were not accepted by the committee to be presented on the convention floor. Please note the recommendations, suggested plan of action and make sure this information is passed down to parish councils, especially to those where the resolutions originated. Thank them on behalf of the Provincial council for the work and time they spent preparing the resolutions and not to be discouraged.

One resolution from our Province – Religious Freedom – was accepted and passed. You will find all resolutions passed on the national website www.cwl.ca and also in the fall issue of the League magazine.

Previous resolutions chairperson, Dr. Rayleen De Luca, in her convention oral report, stated that a total of 17 resolutions had been received and that it was decided that only six would come to the floor of the convention. Six were forwarded for action and five were not accepted. She urged councils at all levels to hold resolution workshops.

In communiques you are sending please remember when quoting from another source to give mention of that source.
I look forward to receiving your communiques and suggestions.

More than ever we need to make our voices as Catholic women of faith heard, we need to promote and defend Christian and moral values that are in contradiction to the teachings of the church and what better way than through resolutions!

Diocesan meetings are a great time to start planting the seeds of resolutions, nurture them and pray they will produce a bountiful harvest.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide and bless you.
Sheila A. Q.