Resolutions Communique #2

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien,

Greetings to all of you on this beautiful November day – cold but bright! Welcome to the Resolutions chairperson from the Nelson Diocese, Beth B.

Remember to share your communiqués with each other as well as with me – we can all learn from each other.

A parish mailout from National included a message from our National Resolutions chairperson, Barb Dowding. If you have not received it from your president, it can be found on the National website at http://www.cwl.ca/recentupdates/pcm%20fall%202008%20resolutions%20memo.htm

Also on the website is a link to a complete list of Members of Parliament. If anyone needs help accessing this list and addresses please let me know.

At this time of the year, our committee has two focuses:

The first is to encourage work on current and past resolutions. The ‘gift’ of resolutions that we have received needs to be opened and used – and the action plans show us the way. Work with the committee chairpersons involved (e.g. Community Life for 2008.01 > Preventing Human Trafficking at 2010 Olympics) to promote following the action plans. Encourage parish councils to spend some time at each meeting on resolutions, or if able, to devote one meeting to reviewing the resolutions – letters could actually be written at this meeting. A council may choose just one resolution to concentrate on – one that is most relevant to their council or their area. When letters are written, consider copying them to your own MP – let him/her know your concerns and educate them on the issues.

The second focus is on the development of new resolutions. Is there a special concern that you would like to see addressed? Can we raise awareness on an issue or educate our members? Spend ten minutes at a meeting in open discussion – determine if there is an issue that could and should be formulated as a resolution. If the answer is ‘yes’, take that next step – consult your Resolutions Appendix in our P&P, ask questions, and come up with a plan. Consult the Resolutions chairperson at the next level, and use your Life Members.

The provincial deadline to receive the title of a proposed resolution is January 31, 2009. Please set your diocesan deadline accordingly. If there will be a resolution submitted in your diocese, consult our resolutions appendix and form a review committee – AND be available to advise the parish councils involved.

As yet, we have not been successful in setting up meetings with either the provincial or federal governments. Please pray that our resolutions may reach our government representatives and that meaningful dialogue with them be achieved.

Wishing you all a blessed Advent as you prepare to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. And thank-you for your ‘yes’ to serve as Resolution chairperson.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us in our work.