Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding

Madam President:

Jesus’ Team was made up of individuals as different as night and day. We know what kind of leader Jesus chose: Peter who was impetuous, flighty and denied Christ. Peter and Paul clashed often and yet both are saints and both made a great difference to the growth of the Church.

Our CWL councils are not unlike Jesus’ group. We are saints with different talents, passions and leadership traits – we often disagree but it is how we do this that makes the difference. The qualities of an effective team are trust, respect and a commitment to a common goal. I am really enjoying my new role as past president and seeing things from a different perspective. You may recall my focus as president was the TEAM theme (Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate) and now as past president I am totally committed to support, affirm and coach as best I can.

I am happy to welcome in to our ranks, Susan Steiner, Lorrilee Jordan and Evelyn Rigby and encourage you to make the most of this special time. However, like any new job, becoming past president can have its ups and downs, its joys and its sorrows.

It’s a learning curve of a different kind – where whatever knowledge and hands on experience I may have must be kept in a safe place and only unlocked upon request. There must be easy access to this information and I must be willing to get it out and share it or review it and most of all be prepared to revise or change it!

Apart from the specified duties such as policy, laws, history and archives, Past Presidents at all levels have a unique opportunity to help our League sisters move from words to deeds as we take up John Paul II’s challenges. We can mentor one another, teach other women how to fish, grow, or sew (as in the old African saying, if one educates a woman, one educates a whole village); pray every day for peace, have a happy heart and be builders of peace.

God calls us to be peace-makers. We are born with what we need to change the world. We are healers; we offer comfort, friendship, support and love. Like the TEAM theme again, I want to help in anyway I can to instill the belief and conviction that we hold the key to hope and have the necessary gifts to build peace. Whether we are learning about the C & B, policies, or working on nominations, we need to start from a place of peace.

I am blessed to have a President who asks for advice and makes me feel very much valued and important to her and the council. I love being part of the League Development Team and look forward to the development of Part Two and am very excited about the provincial history book project.

Affirmation is truly one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It is a gift we can give away over and over again. Past Presidents unite – you are awesome!