Christian Family Life Communique #8

Submitted by: Marilyn VanDongen

My term is quickly coming to an end but my involvement in Christian Family Life will never come to end. A big thank you to our Diocesan Counterparts: Betty Kuntz, Catherine Stroman, Eileen Bouvier, Sammy Nelligan and the members in the Whitehorse Diocese for all the time and effort you put into these important issues. Eileen and Therese’s term is finished while the other chairpersons will be carrying the torch for another year. And, where would we be without Ann Doucet, our National Counterpart. I have enjoyed working with Ann and getting to know her both through her communiqués and emails.

Ann welcomed her newest granddaughter into their family on March 30, Lily Suze-Ann. Not to be outdone by Ann, I welcomed a granddaughter into our family the night of April 16, Taylor Mae. She is named after my Mother, Mae. I was out of town every other weekend (four day weekends) in April so I was fortunate that our Diocesan convention was in Kamloops April 17 – 19. I was able to attend the convention and also spend time with Taylor Mae. Babies bring so much joy and hope!

Marriage and Family

Ann asked for submissions for a prayer for married life and the prayer submitted by Life Member Glenda Klein was accepted. The Prayer is attached to this email. It will be included in the next revision of the League prayer card. Attachment: Prayer for Married Life (PDF)

Sanctity of Life

In Ann’s last communiqué, Margaret Beardon reported that there is a new pro-life organization called ProWomenProLife. The web site www.prowomenprolife.org.

National Campus Life Network is a pro-life organization for students, by students. Their reason for existing is to help the post-secondary students of Canada bring the pro-life message to campuses. Started in 1997, they advocate for a world where everyone has a true right to life, even if they are “defective” or “unwanted”. Where everyone is valued for who they are, not for what they can do. Women who attend university are twice as likely to become pro-choice. Sarah Hudson runs the Western Canada Office in North Vancouver. The National Office is Toronto. Their website is www.ncln.ca. Email at info@ncln.ca. Spread the word about this group.

National March for Life in Ottawa was May 7 – 9, 2008. In conjunction with the National March for Life, there was a March for Life in Victoria March 8. In Victoria it started with Mass in the crowded St Andrew’s Cathedral with Bishop Gagnon and fifteen other priests as celebrants. Over 1,000 participants marched with police escort from City Hall to the legislature building where everyone gathered to listen to numerous speakers including Bishop Gagnon. It was interesting that there was a lack of secular media coverage at this first annual pro-life demonstration. The organizers were the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life BC and Campaign Life Coalition BC. Let’s make a real effort to be in Victoria next year. I am sure the BC Catholic newspaper will have coverage on the March for Life this week.

Ministry to Youth – Catholic Girls’ League (CGL)

A lot of work is going into organizing new manuals for the CGL, making them more comprehensive and user-friendly. They won’t be ready until after the National Convention. Port Alberni was the first CWL council in our province to have a CGL. I know there are many other CWL councils that are considering starting a CGL council; hopefully they will be ready to start in September. Diocesan Christian Family Life Chairpersons, you should keep yourselves informed about what councils are working toward a CGL council and when the council is a reality.

Ministry to Disabled

The following two paragraphs I copied right from Ann’s communiqué:

The disabled are especially concerned with any discussion about the legalization of euthanasia and/or assisted suicide due to their extreme vulnerability. The report on the First International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide is available by contacting national office. The 2008 National Symposium entitled Death-Making will take place in Winnipeg, October 24 – 25, 2008.

Nova Scotia Provincial President Shirley MacDougall reported on a public lecture entitled Ethical Dilemmas in end of Life Care with Dr Nuala Kenny who is a renowned ethicist and professor of bioethics and paediatrics. I have attached a copy of Shirley’s very informative report for your consideration. Attachment: Ethical Dilemmas in End of Life Care (PDF)

Ethical Guidelines (taken directly from Ann’s communiqué)

The ad hoc committee on Ethical Guidelines for The Catholic Women’s League of Canada with members Betty-Anne Brown, Mary Hagen, Lorette Noble and myself (Ann Doucet) as chairperson met by teleconference. National Spiritual Advisor Archbishop Smith added his comments to the discussion via e-mail. The task was completed in January and the final draft was submitted to the winter national executive meeting. The document was accepted with amendments and is to be included under the “membership” section of the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. The members of this ad hoc committee are to be commended for their vision and insights with regard to this sensitive document. A special thank you to Lorette Noble for her leadership in bringing this timely document to the members.

Vocations

What have you done this term to foster vocations? Go back to The Canadian League magazine Spring 2006 and reread Creating A Vocation Culture. Remember, if families respected and appreciated each family member, respected and appreciated those in the ordained ministry and consecrated life, respected and appreciated our church we would create a vocation culture.

Your Sister-in-the-League
Marilyn VanDongen