Spiritual Development Communique #1

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

Dear League Sisters,

Greetings and welcome to Diocesan Spiritual Chairpersons; Sharon G….. of Salmon Arm (Kamloops Diocese), Marion N….. of Creston, (Nelson Diocese), Jill M….. of Prince George (Prince George Diocese), Terri D….. of Maple Ridge (Vancouver Archdiocese), Deanne P…… of Courtenay (Victoria Diocese) and the ladies of the Whitehorse Diocese.

Although I was Secretary of the Provincial Council for four years for those who do not know me I would like to tell you a little about myself. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Vancouver, my husband John and I moved to Aldergrove in 1973. Our four boys, who still play hockey, now live scattered around the Lower Mainland with one in Germany. Two are married and I patiently await grandchildren. I have been a CWL member at Sts. Joachim & Ann (formerly St. Ann) in Aldergrove since 1977; served on the Diocesan level for 10 years and am presently past-president of Domestic Abuse Services-Our Lady of Good Counsel Society. I was one of the presenters for Grow and was chair of Tickets and Printing Committees for the National Convention in Vancouver. For 10 years I worked in the local pregnancy centre as a crisis and post-abortion counsellor. My passion is cooking, gardening, crocheting and the League. Next month I plan to attend the Parliamentarian Training workshop in Coquitlam.

You will be pleased to know that Cecile Miller has been appointed as National Chair of Spiritual Development. Cecile shared the following about herself in her first communique which I would like to share with you:

“I am a charter member and was the first president of St. Patrick Parish Council, North East Margaree, N.S., in December 1983. Since then, I have developed a great love for the League and have been actively involved. I have chaired or been a committee member of this standing committee many times. I served at the diocesan level for 11 years and on the provincial level for 10 years. I became a life member in 2000. I was a Gertrude in the Fieldworkers Program, a facilitator for Spirituality: A Day of Discovery, and served on a resource team and as leadership facilitator on the diocesan level. Most recently, I was chair of the liturgy committee for the 86th annual national convention in Halifax.”

Resolution 2006.01 Religious Freedom was accepted at the National Convention in Halifax and I commend the Kamloops Diocese for all their effort. Now, it is time for all members to follow up using the action plan. We are reminded that, while letters are effective, a telephone call or personal visit to a member of parliament will yield the best results. If you know the name of a good speaker who may be accessible to other councils, please share this information. Is there any other action you have taken?

Anti-Trafficking in Persons: 1st International Weekend of Prayer, Fasting and Action. We have been invited to join with others around the world to fast and pray for an end to the trafficking of persons on Friday, September 29th. The Community Life Chairperson will have more information on this event.

We walk in the Footsteps of Mary. In her final communique, Betty Anne Brown shared a prayer service which was offered to the WUCWO General Assembly as a resource. A copy is available on the National website, under “Programs”.

49th International Eucharistic Congress, Quebec City 2008
The Eucharistic Congress which will take place on June 15 – 22, 2008 has for its theme: The Eucharist, gift of God for the life of the world.

This is a gathering of the Universal Church to celebrate Jesus living and present in the Eucharist, source and summit of evangelization and centre of the life of the church. A binder of education sheets has been prepared for use individually or in groups. A copy has been sent to all Bishops, diocesan delegates (one per diocese) and provincial presidents. The reflection and prayer sheets are available online at www.cei2008.ca. They may be photocopied to be used at meetings for members to reflect on the meaning of the Eucharist in their lives.

A Temporary National Voluntary Fund was set up at the 2006 annual national convention to assist the planning committee in their work to prepare for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress. Councils are encouraged to support this work both in prayer and financially.

Prayer of the Ascent to the Eucharistic Congress of 2008
God our Father, look with favour on your Church as we prepare with hope and with joy to celebrate the International Eucharistic Congress in 2008. Help us to better welcome the gift of your Son Jesus in this memorial of his death and resurrection, which nourishes our lives as your children and as brothers and sisters. Send forth your Holy Spirit that we may better appreciate this gift, and become messengers of the life brought by Jesus to our world searching for meaning. In following the example of Mary, woman of the Eucharist, may we always give thanks to you, and make a continual offering of ourselves to respond to your love and fulfil your will. We ask this through Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Please send Notification of Deceased Members Forms for Provincial to:

Marianna C……., Spiritual Development Chairperson
26814 – 26th Avenue, Aldergrove, B.C. V4W 2Y6
Phone: 604-856-2638
Email: marianna_caldwell(at)shaw.ca

God Bless you,……………….Marianna