Provincial Convention 2009: Education and Health Oral Report

Submitted by: Jeanne Wilson

Madame President, Fr. Tran, spiritual advisors, sisters in the League, guests

2008 was a provoking year for education and health. After reading the 2008 diocesan reports regarding education and health, I realized that this chair is a very active and committed chair. Chairs reported on tremendous interest in education and health concerns in their parish councils. One chair reported, “One thing that I am so very impressed with is the enthusiasm of women in the league. Whether the women are new to CWL or members for many years, all the ladies, who chair this committee, want to reach out to their members giving them insightful information, on every strand of this committee. No matter the age of the women, one of the ladies is in her 80′s, she researches constantly on websites, viewing Catholic information and brings the information to her parish meetings.” – A great example of a dedicated education and health chair and an inspiration to the League.

One issue that has arisen, from a request from the National chair of education and health, is to look at the state of palliative care in British Columbia and the Yukon. The excellent reports that I have received from the diocesan chairs have shown the great respect and care that members are showing for the end of life issues. Councils have fundraised to help construct hospice facilities. Members have volunteered many hours for training and work in hospice and palliative care facilities. Members have advocated in their areas for hospice and palliative care facilities.

In Dodie’s Christian Family Life report, she spoke about euthanasia.

What is the answer to those who push for euthanasia of the sick and terminally ill? It is good palliative care.

If your council has not talked or dealt with palliative care and investigated the facilities available to the terminally ill in their parish, I urge them to do so.

Become involved and be an advocate for end of life issues, do not let euthanasia become acceptable in Canada.

Education is always a hot topic. When I began teaching in the 60′s, education involved the 3 R’s. Now schools are being pushed by society to take on the role of the parent. Catholics have to be vigilant and keep aware of what is happening in their schools whether public or Catholic. Monitor the new curriculum that is being developed. You can be on the department of education’s email and receive curriculum updates. Discuss your concerns with the local school board and school advisory councilors.

Dear sisters this chair encompasses the gospel of life whether it is caring for the environment, caring for the education of the young and the old and caring for the health of everyone at all stages of life from the beginning to the end.

If you do not have an education and health chair, I urge you to consider your gifts and interests and take on the interesting job of education and health.