Kamloops: President’s Report 2008

Submitted by: Lorilee J.

Madame President, Special Guest National President Lorette Noble, Your Excellency, Spiritual Advisors and Sisters in the League:

The CWL membership of the Kamloops Diocese has been a hum-drum of activity the past few months. I would like to acknowledge and thank our very dedicated members of Sacred Heart Council, Williams Lake for their hard work and tireless effort in preparing to host this convention. Thank you ladies.

Our Diocesan Council has been challenged to function with revolving secretaries this past year as our Diocesan Secretary, Diane P….., has struggled with breast cancer.  We are pleased to announce that she is here today.   Diane’s illness has been a stark reminder that our spiritual commitment and Trust in God is most important in life’s journey.

Three CWL parish councils celebrated significant anniversaries this spring. Sacred Heart Merritt – 50 years; Holy Family Kamloops 25 years and St. Ann’s Quesnel 60 years. Charter presidents of Merritt and Holy Family attended their milestone celebrations.

In January, 2008 we began the ‘Novena for Struggling Councils’ (which are included in your convention packages) throughout the Kamloops Diocese. Each council was asked to pray the prayers at their general meetings each month with members continuing to pray the prayers in private for the following eight days. We continue to implore the intercession of Our Lady in a united effort as so many councils are struggling.

The Leadership Development Workshop, facilitated by Barb Dowding and Marilyn Van Dongen was deemed  a definite success.

Many members attended a CWL Spiritual Retreat in March.   The theme was “Risking the Sacred Journey”. It challenged attendees to journey into their hearts, God’s Heart, into Creation and into the Heart of the World.

Prov. President, Barb, presented a workshop on Communications at the Diocesan Convention. Her suggestions brought a new awareness of communicating within the League.

Our guest speaker, Dr. Clem Persaud, a retired professor of biotechnology, spoke on ‘Ethical Stem Cell Research’. Dr. Persaud helped us to examine the dignity of life and stem cells in regenerative  medicine. He asked us to write letters requesting that only embryos to be implanted be frozen – and  that only adult stem cells (not embryonic stem cells) be used for research purposes.

Members are sharing their gifts and talents and reported support, inspiration and encouragement from their League sisters. A few success stories were monthly themes for meetings; promoting awareness on environmental issues  and making meetings fun.

Plans for Kamloops Diocesan Council:

• Promoting Catholic Girls League. Purchasing “Turning the Tide” video  and developing an information session  to raise awareness  of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
• Continuing promotion of sub committees – purpose to include all members.
• Implementing the Communication suggestions by Velma Harasen in the League Magazine – emphasizing spending more time promoting the good – eliminating the bad and destroying the ugly when communicating. To recognize the positives of the Catholic Women’s League.

We will encourage spiritual growth, support, affirm and Love One Another as we  answer our personal and united ‘call’ to Walk Humbly with Our God on our CWL journey.