National Convention 2007: BC/YK President’s Oral Report

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding 

Madame President,

It has been another very good year in BC & the Yukon. Our numbers continue inch ever closer to the 10,000 mark and more and more members are getting out to diocesan and provincial conventions – further proof of the wonderful rewards of hosting a National convention!

Our first year has been a huge learning curve as we got to know one another and appreciate our various talents and gifts. Our TEAM theme worked well and continues to guide us as we walk humbly with our God. I notice, as we teach, evangelize, animate and motive one another to open and share these precious gifts, a renewed feeling of ownership in our vision and mandate. We are committed to developing leadership skills, spiritual growth and appreciation for the Catholic Women’s League of Canada.

Whether at government meetings, where this year delegates had to withstand intense pressure and anger or in presenting to the Knights of Columbus convention a picture other than us being in the kitchen, or gathered with our BC Bishops in collaboration of such important topics as trafficking and pornography, League members are prepared and proud of who they are and what they stand for. Our six dioceses truly represent the changing face of our League and all embrace creative ways to reach out and include ALL women.

Education and training is a priority. Recent workshops on Standing Committee structure and the focus groups made it clear that many of our grass roots members do not see the big picture very well. Unlike you, of course, who are here today. By allocating extra funds, we will dispatch teams over the next year to cover the entire province as we respond to a pressing need for basic training and education around League structure and leadership. Our Development Days will focus on how the League is relevant in today’s world. With emphasis not only on our existing members, who are our bread and butter, so to speak, but also as an invitation to others to come and see.

We are committed to teaching the teacher. That way we can help every parish enhance its understanding and appreciation for the CWL. We will ask questions like, What kind of mentor are you for the League? Do you know the Mission Statement and are you committed to it? Do the Objects of the League determine your work for the League? Can you name them? And please, let us eliminate, once and for all, the ‘no report’ syndrome – how on earth can one know what’s going on outside the parish council if reports are considered tedious, boring or not relevant?

As president, I wanted each member to be proud of what the League stands for and to work tirelessly in affirming one another. If more of us were truly inspired to the kind of holiness that comes from the true meaning of service, AND if more of us were affirmed, pushed or shoved by a mentoring League sister, we wouldn’t have to search for or recruit more members. Women would want to walk with us as we find ways to Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate one another and make the League strong and viable. How many of us have been so moved? Many I am sure, so now its up to us to do likewise.

We’ve been given a legacy of kindness and trust in the Holy Spirit. I hope to build on this by instilling a sense of urgency in our members to learn, to respond unselfishly and to collaborate not only with the Holy Spirit but with one another

As Judy so aptly reminded us, we should listen to our Mother Mary when she tells us to do whatever He tells us and respond with heartfelt fervour, Here I am Lord, use me!

Barb D…….