Provincial Convention 2010: President Oral Report

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

One of the most rewarding aspects of being president is the privilege of being present at Diocesan Conventions. Each diocesan convention is unique and this year I was very pleased to attend the Vancouver, Kamloops and Whitehorse Conventions and I thank Nancy for attending the conventions in Prince George and Nelson on behalf of the Provincial Council.

It was also my pleasure to attend the Knights of Columbus 99th Annual State Convention on your behalf. It is interesting to note that the Knights of Columbus was established as a State jurisdiction within the order100 years ago on June 18th, 1910. Ten years later almost to the day, The Catholic Women’s League was founded and placed under the patronage of the Canadian hierarchy on June 17th. To acknowledge the Knights Centenary, we placed a full page greeting from the Provincial CWL in their commemorative anniversary book. The Knights and the CWL have always worked well together and for each other. As District Deputy Kevin Pinto pointed out, working together to defend Catholic Education and moral values is critical in this day and age.

The Diocesan Presidents and Chairpersons have covered everything so beautifully that there’s not a lot I can add. I noted that 95.4% of the councils sent in reports to their Diocesan Presidents. Very impressive, I know a few chairpersons who wouldn’t mind those statistics. I commend the Diocesan Presidents for their diligence, and efforts to encourage, educate and affirm their members. A total of five Bellelle Guerin Awards were presented in the last year. For anyone unfamiliar with this award, the Nominee must be an exemplary member of the League serving at more than one level, who does not and will not qualify for life membership. The complete criteria is in the National Manual of Policy & Procedure.

I am very pleased with the enthusiasm that councils have received the Leadership Workshops and would like to thank Nancy for all the work she put into assembling and making these workshops available to all who requested them.

Please take time to read the reports in the convention book and share them with committee chairpersons who were not able to come to convention. The fact that we are growing is a testimony to the effort that councils have put toward letting others know the value of belonging to the league. Despite the difficulties that some councils have encountered in filling executive positions I applaud their determination to remain active. On behalf of the Provincial Council I congratulate Star of the Sea Council, White Rock in winning the membership contest and look forward to seeing Barbara Willumsen accepting the award in Ottawa. Well done!

Can you believe that it has been 5 years since our last National Convention and convention planning has begun for 2015 with the appointment of Roxanne McDonald of St. Clare of Assissi as the 2015 National Planning Committee Chair. With the extra dollar being collected with our membership fee, we will be more than ready.

Our National theme is really our way of life. As National President Danielle Hessian put it, “The Theme Women of Peace and Hope, prompted reflection not only on the manner we live our own lives but on the example we provide for others in our family, parish & communities. Several councils took the opportunity to learn more about Palliative Care, the connection to our theme, while others are actively involved in ministering to the sick in their Parish and community.

Jesus has asked us not to hide our light but to hold it up high so that all may see. When you hold the light up high it throws a light not only on your own path but another’s as well. Actually what Jesus said in Luke 8:16 was, “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light. This is repeated in Mark 4:21 and Luke 11:33 as well so it must be pretty important.

I believe that you can apply this same philosophy to the Catholic Women’s League. Be brave, shine your light on the Catholic Women’s League by sharing your gift of the League with others who have yet to discover the beauty of the League. I thank you for being a gift to me.

May Our Lady of God Counsel and her son Jesus inspire and bless all you do for the League and Canada with “Faith & Joy”.