Nelson: President’s Report 2008

Submitted by: Alice H.

We are an amazing group of women whose accomplishments are many and diverse. Most councils report working on basic duties in the parishes.  Councils use whatever means necessary to keep councils active. Co-operation among members is evident as the League meets the needs of individual parish councils in ways which are  productive and positive. To improve communication in parish councils various means to relay messages and/or information may be explored as only the Bulletin is used by most.  Councils which do not have Resolution & Legislation Chairpersons report the members have interest in resolutions presented at Provincial and National levels. The Standing Committee Chairpersons have done a good job delivering their designated duties.

Five workshops were presented and, it would seem, well received last fall in the Diocese.  Topics discussed were: Chairperson’s Responsibilities, Dying and End of Life issues.

The Diocesan Convention in Kelowna at St. Charles Garnier was inspiring and informative. The spiritual enrichment sessions consisted of music and awesome presentations by Paulette W….. and Fr. Jim Ratcliffe on cultures very foreign to ours. These sessions were educational and interesting, and so riveting that we did not want the “Out of Africa” and Fr. Jim’s recollections to end. It showed us how ordinary people could do a lot of good for others. Our world view widened.

The  Nelson Diocesan  CWL Council does not have a full slate of officers. Motivating our membership to serve enthusiastically at Parish, and  Diocesan level is a challenge. A challenge to achieve the ideal which is to increase our membership numbers, encourage younger women to become active participants in our parish councils; fostering enthusiasm for and dedication to working for our great organization, The League.

We do need to work at revitalizing our councils. We ,of the Catholic Women’s League must remember our heritage and be proud members. We must remember how much good has been done by our predecessors. The resolutions which have been presented to governments at Provincial and National levels indicate how many times CWL has been on track long before the rest of Canada. CWL members are  pioneers, front-runners, groundbreakers, in issues which have impacted many Canadians for good.

My hope is we will grow in numbers to become more powerful for influence on governments.  Women in the League have been ingenious in their ability to create projects at the parish level that can and will make a difference in our communities, in Canada and beyond. Attendance at conventions teaches and inspires us to continue in the League, to persevere in our works ‘For God and Canada’.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel intercede for us.