Provincial Convention 2010: Community Life Oral Report

Submitted by: Lois Charlebois

In the C.W.L. book “Leading the League”, a quote from the “Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity”. says: Wherever there are people in need of food and drink, clothing,  housing,  medicine, employment, education;  wherever (people) lack the facilities necessary for life or are afflicted with serious distress or illness or suffer exile, or imprisonment, there Christian charity should seek them out and find them, console them with great solitude ,and help them with appropriate relief. This obligation is imposed above all upon every prosperous nation and person”.

This decree sets out for us the work of the Community Life Committee. This Committee has

Five main categories to work on.

DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF PERSONS:

The Charter of Rights says we have rights to many things such as: life, freedom, food, water, housing, clothing, protection of the law, medical care, education, a job etc.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Supporting Domestic Abuse Services
• Letters and  petitions to Government such as “No Legalized Prostitution”
• “No Legalization of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (Bill C-384)” and Bill C-58–Child Protection Act (on-line Sexual Exploitation)
• Educating the public about such things as Human Trafficking, and supporting minimum sentences for trafficking ,

Recent Resolutions:

2008.01>Preventing Human Trafficking at  2010 Olympics

2009.02> Protection and Support for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE:

We are called to help and protect people who need it. Our responsibilities to others cross national, racial, economic, and ideological diversities. We must give support locally, country- wide and globally to people suffering these injustices. We can do this individually, through our League, through community services organizations , and through all levels of government.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Support for many local, provincial, country-wide and global programs
• Support for programs like Restorative Justice
• Protecting our environment and educating others to do this
• Holding the government accountable to ensure companies have good work ethics when working in third world countries

Recent Resolutions:

2003.01>Affordable Housing for Low-income Canadians

2005.04>Ratification of International Covenant re: Death Penalty

REFUGEES, IMMAGRATION, AND CITIZENSHIP;

The C.W.L. was formed in the First World War to help women immigrants.  We have been known for a long time for welcoming new-comers of all kinds—at all times. We must become informed about the needs of immigrants and refugees, and welcome them into our Parishes.

Some examples of work in this area:

• We can assist by providing needs such as food and clothing, by assisting those learning English (ESL classes), by encouraging integration into our society etc,  In 2008 the Archdiocese of Vancouver helped relocate 130 refugee families.

CANADIAN CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIUON FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE;

Canada’s official Catholic overseas development organization was launched by the Canadian Congress of Catholic Bishops. In 2009 donations to this organization (C.W.L. and Canada-wide) were down because of accusations being circulated. Besides raising funds this group does many other good works in developing countries–such as the fight against the work ethics of mining companies in Africa.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Participating in the 1% C.W.L. program
• Participating as individuals and in CWL Councils, by sending funds to the National C.W.L. fund for CCODP. Suggested donations: Councils:1% of Funds raised.
• Ladies: 1% of money spent on yourself—clothing, cosmetics etc., etc.
• Promoting and helping with the Share Lent Fundraising in Parishes.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES;

Many countries need much help. Organizations make appeals for funds, fostering of children and families, donations of supplies and goods. If we help individuals or families, we are, in turn, helping a communities and countries.

Some examples of our work in this area are:

Adopting a family through Save-a-family Plan, adopting a child or children through Chalice, buying gifts to be sent to needy places through the Chalice gift catalogue i.e. water systems, farm animals school supplies, etc., donations to “Buy-a-Net”  which sends mosquito nets to countries where malaria (which is spread by mosquitoes) is prevalent, supporting Canadian Food for Children a Langley based volunteer group that sends large containers of goods to many countries., donating to special funds for places in great  need—often because of natural disasters—like Haiti. The needs in these places are endless.

Recent Resolutions:

2005.06>Developing Countries and Water

2007.02>Global Accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies

To see what Community Life Committees in B.C. & Yukon have done in 2009, please read my report in the Convention Book. When reading Diocesan reports about  this Committee, I am over-whelmed to see the work being done in Parishes, Dioceses, the Province,  and the Yukon Territory.

REMEMBER: Together with our CWL sisters across Canada we can accomplish a great deal and really make a difference in many peoples’ lives. Thank You!