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

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Dear sisters in the League and Father Tran:

My summer flew by so quickly and I imagine yours was the same. I enjoyed happy times spent with family and friends. My niece was married at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey, August 15, Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As Godmother of the bride I was happy to have a part in the Wedding Mass. Now that September has arrived it is time to get down to CWL business. This communiqué is to give you something for your reports to the fall executive meetings. I will have another communiqué after I receive one from Terri Scott.

Welcome to the new Spiritual Development Chairpersons: Kamloops Diocese: Dia nne Pecor Prince George Diocese: Laura Esposito and Julie Rose from Vancouver Diocese. Therese Janssen of Victoria Diocese and Betty Houle of Nelson Diocese are like me serving their last term of office. Spiritual Growth of Members: Facilitate study of the League Theme Women of Peace and Hope. It is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. Be sure to make use of the suggested activities in the Activities kit. See what you can do to promote acts of kindness for those in palliative care or for a caregiver. In this Year of the Priest designated by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI remember to pray daily for your priest. Take advantage of the days of indulgence offered for parishioners in your Dioceses. Promote the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the church, I wanted to buy the new daily guide and it was not available. The clerk gave me a website to download for free but I think it is for the full edition. Website is www.stfrancisdesales.com click on Liturgy of the hours.

Promote modesty in dress when attending Mass. I remember Father Hawkswell speakingto the Provincial Executive at a retreat at Rosemary Heights and him telling us to bow to a mirror before leaving for Church, what you see is what he also sees when you approach for communion. I’ve read many articles on immodest dress on Life Site News Study of Catholic Teachings Promote good books. For example I am now reading “In Search of Belief” by Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister. The book is 27 Chapters with each chapter dealing with a few words from the entire prayer of the Apostles Creed.

Role of Women in the Church: This area of our standing committee was poorly reported on in 2008. Would it be possible to focus on this heading for 2009-2010. Encourage members to read new books which explore women in the scriptures, become a member of the parish liturgy team.

Evangelization and Mission Assistance Promote the collection for Catholic Missions in Canada, The magazine has a page dedicated to the Catholic Women’s League, see my communiqué from May 18 for the website.

REPORTING OF DECEASED MEMBERS: Please use the proper form for reporting your deceased members. The current form is dated 2008 and instructs you to send only one copy of your report and that is to National Office. They in turn will make two copies and send to the Diocesan Chairperson and Provincial Chairperson. It is now necessary to include the new identification number for the deceased as this will insure that the right name is put in the book of life. You may submit your report by email using the form from the National website www.cwl.ca

Prayer before reading scripture: Lord Jesus, we give you praise. Speak to us as we read your word, and send your Spirit into our hearts. Guide us today and each day in your service, for you are our way, our truth, our life. Lord Jesus we love you: keep us in your love for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer after reading scripture: Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, ruler of the universe: you have sent your Holy Spirit to teach your truth to your holy people. We praise you for letting us read your word today. Grant that we may continue to think and pray over the words we have read and to share your thoughts with others throughout this day. Father, we praise you and thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen

May our Lady of Good Counsel inspire us as we begin our works anew for God and Canada. God bless you all.