Provincial Convention 2008: 61st BC/YK Convention

MAY 29th to JUNE 1st, 2008
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar, Outgoing Chairperson of Communications

Members and Spiritual Advisors from throughout British Columbia and The Yukon were joyfully welcomed to Williams Lake for the 61st Annual Provincial Convention of the B.C. & Yukon Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. The Kamloops Diocesan Council with Sacred Heart parish council in Williams Lake offered warm hospitality, and the students and teachers from Sacred Heart School generously shared their facility and equipment and entertained us with artwork and song. Members met to report on and celebrate League activities, to exchange information and education, and to receive spiritual enrichment.

Most Reverend Gerald Wiesner was the main celebrant and homilist at the opening Mass at Sacred Heart Church and the opening ceremonies were followed by a wine and cheese reception hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

Business sessions were conducted by President Barbara Dowding. Reports were given by the provincial executive, as well as a report on the Life Member Book Project by Thelma Varcoe. The Molly Boucher Bursary was won by Bianca Pecora from Golden. Life Member, Carol Penno of Golden, accepted the award on Bianca’s behalf from Education and Health chairperson, Nancy Simms.

The National CWL President, Lorette Noble, presented a workshop on the future and vision of the League. She shared information on government meetings and the Presbyterian Women’s Society AGM, an update on Argentinean Grannies, and reminiscences on her term. There was also a presentation on Health and Wellness by Regula, a fitness and life coach. Members were reminded that a balance of physical, emotional and spiritual wellness is necessary to properly care for the house (body) that God has given us to live in. Guest presenters at the convention were Barbara MacDougall, a lay missionary, and Kathleen Ancker, Director of National Development, for Catholic Missions In Canada. Members were happy to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of CMIC by designating the convention collection to them.

Reverend Terry Brock gave a Reflection on the spirituality of Mother Teresa and her Act of Faith to persevere in her calling throughout her own period of darkness. Members were reminded that Calcutta is everywhere and that they too can be “light” to the world. A presentation on the rosary was also given by Father Terry. Father Terry has completed his term as Spiritual Advisor to the Provincial Council and was thanked for his dedication, for his presentations on many interesting women, and for his spiritual guidance. As guest speaker at the banquet, he shared his growth in the League over the last five years with humour and a sincere appreciation.

Immediate Past President, Pat Battensby, continued education on World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) with a focus on China. Members attending the National convention in Winnipeg were encouraged to arrive early and attend the North American region annual meeting.

Information on cluster bombs was presented, and a motion was approved to send a letter to the secretary-general of the United Nations supporting a ban on cluster bombs. As well, six resolutions were presented and passed at this convention. A resolution on banning the use of cell phones while driving was directed to the provincial government. Resolutions to be forwarded to the CWL National convention concern making prostitution illegal; making protection of trafficking victims a priority; preventing human trafficking in particular at the 2010 Olympics; keeping polygamy in the Criminal Code of Canada; and awareness, prevention and treatment of depression.

In her closing remarks, Barb Dowding said she is “filled with the desire to support, affirm and share with each and every one my League sisters the importance and necessity to know and believe that we, women, hold the key to hope, that we have the necessary gifts to build peace in our world. John Paul II and Pope Benedict ask us use our feminine genius to collaborate in the building up of society. How can we not?”

Elections were held and the president for 2008 – 2010 will be Marianna Caldwell. Members of the executive are President-elect and Organization chairperson, Nancy Simms; first vice and Spiritual Development chairperson, Carol Penno; second vice and Christian Family Life chairperson, Dodie Bond; Past President, Barbara Dowding; secretary Pat Deppiesse; treasurer Elaine Audet; chairpersons Lois Charlebois (Community Life), and Doreen Gowans (Communications). Appointed as chairpersons were Sheila Quinn (Legislation), Sandra Stajduhar (Resolutions) and Jeanne Wilson (Education & Health). Retiring Past President, Pat Battensby, was appointed Life Member Liaison.

These executive members were installed at the closing Mass and Father Tien Tran was installed as the new Spiritual Advisor for the provincial council. Most Reverend David Monroe, Bishop of Kamloops, was the main celebrant and homilist.