Provincial Convention 2007: 60th BC/YK Convention

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

MAY 30th to JUNE 3rd, 2007
VICTORIA, B.C.

Provincial Executive 2007
back, l to r – Susan S. – Prince George diocesan president, Nancy S. – Education and Health chairperson, Caroline Ann A. – Nelson Diocesan president, Elaine – provincial treasurer, Sandra S. – Communications chairperson, Gloria G. – Legislation chairperson, Doreen G. – secretary, Nicole G. – Whitehorse diocesan president, Lorilee J. – Kamloops diocesan president, Evelyn R. – Vancouver archdiocesan president, Agnes G. – Victoria diocesan president; front – l to r. – Carol P. – Community Life chairperson, Pat B. – immediate Past President, Barbara D. – President, Sheila Q. – Resolutions chairperson, Marilyn V. – Christian Family Life chairperson, Marianna C. – Organization chairperson; Missing: Dodie B. – Spiritual Development chairperson, and Father Terry B. – provincial Spiritual Advisor

The Victoria Diocesan Council, with the Parish Councils of St. Patrick’s, St. Joseph’s and St. Andrew’s, welcomed more than 200 members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada to the 60th Annual Provincial Convention, held May 30th to June 3rd in Victoria. Members and Spiritual Advisors from throughout British Columbia and the Yukon gathered to celebrate sixty years of service to God and Canada. Twenty-four Life Members, including ten Past Provincial Presidents, were honoured for their contributions to the League in B.C., and they set the tone of joy and love that was evident in all of the activities. From the opening Mass and ceremonies at St. Patrick’s Church to the closing Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the banquet at the Harbour Towers, Victoria offered a beautiful setting in which to celebrate being Catholic women.

Business sessions were conducted by President Barbara D., and interesting and informative reports were given by the provincial executive. A short workshop on resolutions and legislation was presented, as well as a quick quiz on parliamentary procedure. Committee chairpersons had an opportunity to meet with their counterparts, and the Spiritual Advisors met to discuss their concerns and to present recommendations for action. Anawim House, a local home that offers training in life skills to help rebuild lives, received the convention collection. The Molly Boucher Bursary was won by Monique D. from Vernon. Monique’s mother, Life Member Pat D., accepted the award from Education and Health chairperson, Nancy S.

In a special ceremony, members of St. Peter’s Council, Nanaimo, presented a prayer shawl to Past Provincial President Jackie L., who gratefully accepted the shawl on behalf of all members with health concerns and acknowledged with thanks the many prayers. The shawl was made by members of Our Lady of the Rosary Council, Victoria.

Dedicated to learning more about Africa and what we can do, and to developing the national theme of “Love One Another” and the provincial theme of “Walk Humbly With Our God”, the convention agenda was full and varied. Many guest presenters ensured that we learned, and laughed, and shared.

Keynote speaker was Dr. Nancy Reeves, a clinical psychologist, spiritual director, poet and author. She was accompanied by Linnea Good, who shared her original and inspiring music. The program was based on Dr. Reeves’ book, “A Match Made in Heaven”, which explains that one can turn to the Bible for psychological as well as spiritual wisdom, and that a personal growth in faith can help one develop healthy, intimate relationships with others. Members were called to love fully and to say and show gratitude; they were told that in developing self-awareness, they are unwrapping their own gifts and growing into the person God meant them to be; and all were reminded to consult God and each other when making decisions. Daily spiritual practices help one to discern when God is calling and to form a deeper relationship with Him.

Dr. Reeves, in her capacity as a clinical psychologist, also facilitated a presentation on Mental Health and Wellness and the viewing of a video entitled “Bringing Depression to Light”. Clinical and reactive depression, and some of the causes of each, were explained and discussed. There are medical means available to treat depression, but a combination of medicine and spiritual or emotional counseling offers the best results. Members were referred to “Seeing Beyond Depression”, a book by Jean Vanier.

Spiritual enrichment was given by Bishop Richard Gagnon, who spoke on Evangelization – on spreading the Gospel through love. Jesus, through His teaching and example, showed us that to obey is to serve and love. We are commanded not only to love God and our neighbour, but to let God love others through us. Faith comes through the medium of other people, and as a community the Church must practice love. The treasure of the Church is the Eucharist, and it is given to us so that we can come out of ourselves and go out to others.

Education on Africa was presented in many ways. Community Life chairperson, Carol P., reminded members that donations through Development and Peace can be designated to help the victims of Aids/HIV in Africa.

“Anita’s Africa”, filmed in the village of Wandegeya in Uganda, was shown by Beverley R. of Coming Home Films. It was designed for Canadian elementary school children, and its purpose is to explore the fundamental ties that bind all children of the global community and to foster in young viewers a sense of responsibility reaching beyond their own community and nation. The visit to St. Theresa Gayaza Girls’ School generated a project to build a library. Fundraising has begun, with the goal of reaching $22,000 by November 2007. When the construction is complete, plans can be made to obtain book, computers and other resources.

Provincial Spiritual Advisor Father Terry B. continued to educate as he shared the story of Immaculee Ilibagiza, author of “Left To Tell”, who survived the massacres in Rwanda that saw almost all of her family brutally murdered. Immaculee’s journey of faith and forgiveness caused members to reflect on their own experiences and the need to forgive and to accept forgiveness.

Immediate Past President, Pat B., presented a slide show and information on the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO). She related how one parish council successfully took on a water project – just one example of how parish councils can organize help for people around the world.

Although there were no resolutions presented at this convention, work continues on the problem of trafficking of persons. Education on this began with Resolution 2004.05 End Trafficking of Children, and was furthered with a presentation at last year’s convention and workshops during the past year. The provincial council is working with the Bishops of B.C. to prepare a pastoral letter on this topic. With 2010 and the Winter Olympics approaching, the potential for an increase in trafficking is alarming and calls for action by all members. Sister Marie Z., SSA, facilitated a workshop on a response and action plan regarding trafficking, pornography and legalization of prostitution. Members were reminded to be advocates for society.

In her closing remarks, Barb D. reaffirmed the intention of the provincial council to provide education to all members and to develop healthy leadership skills. The hospitality of the hosting councils, the reminiscences of the Life Members, and the wealth of information given all contributed to a great convention. The T.E.A.M. approach – to teach, evangelize, animate and motivate – was an excellent working theme which provided an opportunity for all to grow as League members.

Past Provincial Presidents, Bishop Gagnon, Barb D.
Back, l to r. – Pat B., Rose K., Barbara J., Bishop Gagnon, Ruth H., Margaret B., President Barbara D.
Front, l to r. – Lorraine F., Pollyanna K., Jackie L., Elsa D., Mabel A.

Sandra S.
Chairperson of Communications