Communications Communique #3

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

In my first communique, I stated that my goal was to encourage communication between all chairpersons in order to help each other.

I would like to add that our goal as communications chairpersons could be to equip our members with the tools to communicate effectively. There is a Personal Letter Writing Guide on the National website – free to download. There are also some excellent letters written by our national president, Lorette Noble, on our behalf on a number of concerns. Encourage our parish councils to check them out, and be inspired to write their own letters. Offer to get paper copies for them if they have no one in their council to do so.

C.A.S.E. – from an e-mail from Velma Harasen with quote from C.A.S.E.

“In June 2006 Justice Minister Vic Toews introduced Bill C-22 to raise the age of consent to protect teenagers from adult sexual predators. This bill passed first reading and has been well received by the majority of Canadian citizens, politicians and the media. With this positive response we expect the bill to pass into law. But at this point in time nothing seems to be happening with this bill. It has not been tabled for second reading. After passing second reading it must be debated in committee and brought back to the House for third and final reading. This is a good bill focusing only on one issue: the raising of the age of consent for sexual activity from 14 years of age to 16 years of age.”

Do not let this wonderful opportunity pass by to encourage your MP to support Bill C-22. We must speak now when the age of consent issue is a focus of the government. When the age of consent is changed, it will send a very clear and powerful message that the Canadian government and the Canadian laws will now protect children from adult sexual predators.

Collect signatures on your white ribbons and send the ribbon to you MP. You might want to write a letter or phone your MP and discuss this issue with her or him. If you have a picture or unique story related to the presentation of the white ribbons to your MP that we might be able to use in our League magazine, please send it along to national office. The deadline for the next magazine is November 30th.

Bill C-22 has reached Second Reading in the House of Commons and Referred to Committee (October 30, 2006). Please write your letters and follow the progress of the bill and your own MP’s position.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
Growing up, I always loved reading the Christmas cards and letters that came – many from people that we children didn’t know. The bright cards decorated the house, and helped build the excitement and anticipation. The exchange of cards and letters has dwindled over the years – e-mail is fun, but I think we have lost something. But – whatever way you communicate at Christmas, please make sure that CHRIST is present and prominent. Send cards with a spiritual message and please ask for the Madonna and Child postage stamp.

I extend my wish that you experience a prayerful Advent and receive many blessings as you share Christmas with family and friends.

May we Communicate, Co-operate and grow in Love for One Another in 2007.

Sandra S.