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

Submitted by: Elaine Audet

Thank you to all who sent in their annual reports. An amazing amount of work is done at the Parish levels and considerable funds are donated to support people at home and abroad. It is clear members are sharing the “good things we have been given.” I am sure with 100% reporting the amount would be even more impressive.

An area of congratulations is increased membership. Although we hear that long roster of deceased members each year, we continue to grow in membership. That is a very positive and assuring statistic.

Interest rates are a matter of concern. We rely on the interest earned in most of our terms to supplement our annual income. Luckily we had invested a couple of terms for a 2-year period, so missed the low interest rates last year, but sadly they do renew this year.

Slow per capita payments are another concern – by May 2009 we had received $7,415, by May 2010 we have received $3,452. Not sure if they are late going in from councils, or slow at getting posted at National. We cannot do much about the later, but we can do something about the first – please go back to your parishes & assure your per capita fees are sent in.

Our account for 2015 National Convention in Vancouver continues to grow, we are quite hopeful that we will have the extra funds needed to host this great event. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Madam President What a joyful standing committee to chair, One that draws our hearts and minds closer to God our Father, Jesus, and Mary his Mother. Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence. It’s an essential part of a meeting. Before I began writing this report I prayed the chairpersons prayer asking that I might say the right words. We have an interesting concept this year to make our reports meaningful to you. I will outline the duties of the Chairperson and give an example taken from the reports I received from Diocesan.

Everyone kept spiritual growth of members at the forefront at their meetings. The National Theme “Women of Peace and Hope” was utilized through song, prayer and deeds. The National webpage as well as Provincial webpage are becoming popular sites to visit for information. Some councils attributed attending conventions at all levels as a great way to enhance spiritual growth. In this year of the priest, councils are being extra supportive of their priests. And during this convention you will have the opportunity to have your very own priest to pray for.

In one diocese they have a spiritual spa, a way to surround yourself with God and provide relaxation for your soul. Speak to the Kamloops Diocese to get more information.  Acts of Kindness in giving assistance to caregivers coping with a terminally ill family member can easily be given. Simple gestures of helping are much appreciated. Suggestions are in the Activities Kit. If you have the inclination there are Palliative care and Hospice courses so you can be properly trained in this compassionate work. Extend a Hand in friendship to someone new in the parish and gain a new friend. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Pat Deppiesse

Marianna extended our time for reporting to you today, asking that we make this a teaching opportunity, and to be informative, light, and fun. I will attempt to cover all three, hoping that my enthusiasm for the role of Secretary will shine through!

Information for my brief presentation today will be taken from the Constitution and Bylaws and the Executive Handbook with a few personal tips thrown in! How many members have been Secretaries at some time or another? OK, I will highlight the suggested activities of a parish council Secretary which can include the following:

Signatory:

You are a signing officer for official documents for your council.

Correspondence:

It is important that a record be kept of correspondence both sent and received. Sometimes, the president will ask you to draft letters on her behalf and you would usually send congratulatory cards, thank you cards, etc.

Notice of Meeting:

You should always send out a formal Notice of Meeting, either by Email or in your church bulletins. One parish council I know very well, places a large sign on a tripod in the vestibule the Sunday prior to the meeting inviting all interested ladies.

Agenda:

Assist the president in preparing the agenda for both executive and general meetings – making sure you bring forward any unfinished business from the previous meeting.

Roll Call:

Have a sign-in sheet available for members at your meetings. I would advise you to definitely do a roll call of your executive, using the full name and position titles so that members become more aware who has which standing committee. » Read the rest of this entry »

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. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Nancy Simms

Good morning everyone!  I would like to share some good news with you. Last year our province increased its membership by 113 members! We were one in only four provinces in the country to have a membership increase, and that’s something to be proud of!

Although, having said that, our membership total at the end of 2009 was 9,549 members and my goal for 2010 has been to increase our provincial membership to 10,000, so this year we all must work together as women of peace and hope to increase our membership by 451 members. It can be done! Between our 131 parish councils, each council only needs to invite 3 new members and we will have reached the 10,000 membership goal. As an incentive national has introduced a competition for this year, called The 2010 Membership Incentive Program. The per capita fees for 2011 will be waived for all members in two councils – first: the one with the highest absolute increase in members and second: the one with the highest percentage increase in members from the 2010 membership drive. So, who have you asked to join the League lately?

Now I have another question for you. What does it take to be the organization standing committee chairperson? Does it take incredible organizational skills? I hope not completely, because if it did I have a feeling my husband might say I need another two years at this job to try and get it right! Being organized definitely helps, but it is not the sole criteria. So, is the duty of the organization chairperson to recruit and gather memberships? Well, yes it is, but if that was all the position entailed I, on the provincial level would have a wonderfully easy job, since membership is taken at the parish level and our provincial numbers are sent with the per capita from national to our provincial treasurer and she informs me of our membership stats. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding

The role of a past president is a funny one and can be compared to many things. It’ s sort of like being a grandmother – we have all the fun of the experience, but don’t have to shoulder the main responsibility. We can enjoy more and worry less! We can speak up or stay silent; interfere or just be there.

Having experienced first hand how things work, we are in the best position to share some of what we learned (only when asked of course!~). Having gained some wisdom and faith, our passion and energy for the League can, and should, be channeled differently in this role. And, just as not all grandmothers are the same, neither are past presidents! From the annual reports it is clear the differences from one past president to another are as numerous as we are.

It is what we have in common that binds us together for the good of the League.

Servant leadership is a current buzzword but it really makes sense. Past Presidents, serve by offering trust, peer support and understanding, because they’ve been there and done that, so to speak. Even though it does not make us experts – far from it, it makes it clear how much more there is to learn! The view from the Past President’s window is much different – it’s broader, sharper and has great color and depth – like the grandmother who sits back and watches her children’s children on their own particular journey, we see our League sisters’ sisters embark on theirs. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

This report for me is a bittersweet experience. On the one hand this past year, we have lost four dear treasured Life Members from our province who are now enjoying their just rewards and I am sure, pulling for their dear League sisters as we continue our work for God and Canada.

We have also lost two husbands of Life Members. We empathize with them. The golden thread connects us all in joy and sorrow.

Our deceased Life Members are:

• Diana MacKenzie, Prince George
• Pollyanna Kilgour, Nelson
• Ruth Hazlett, Victoria
• Mable Allen, Kamloops

Diana had just completed her term as Life Member Liaison for Prince George Diocese as had Ruth Hazlett for Victoria, Pollyanna was the Liaison for Nelson at the time of her death, and of course Mabel’s long and legendary role in service to the league is well known. Three of these members were past Provincial Presidents. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Jeanne Wilson

Education and Health is a very active standing committee dealing with education and health in six areas.

First is Catholic Education which includes Catholic schools and catechesis. Our members are very engaged in these two areas -whether it is teaching in the Catholic schools, serving on school councils, advisory committees or school boards or teaching catechism or raising funds for our Catholic schools.

Education and Health chairs also monitor the BC Department of Education website as to developments and changes in curriculum.

Second area is literacy and continuing education.

Under our theme of Peace and Hope, we are asked to reach out to women of other cultures and backgrounds. One ways is help immigrants with reading and writing. The CWL was established in 1920 to provide support for immigrant women and girls and the work is continuing today in parish councils. Members are supporting new Canadians by acting as tutors and assisting adult learners.

Adult faith formation classes are provided in most dioceses and all members are urged to attend classes to strengthen their faith.

Third area is scholarships and bursaries.

Some parish councils, all the diocesan councils and the provincial council and national council give bursaries. Life Members have established a bursary in the area of arts and culture. What a wonderful way for the CWL to promote education of its members and member’s children and grandchildren. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

What does it mean to legislate?

According to the dictionary definition – to make law.

What are government elected representatives responsible forÉ

To study, debate, and consider Canadians’ views/concerns before supporting or rejecting a Bill however bare in mind that once a government Bill is introduced to the Legislature it is the government’s expectation that the Bill will pass and they will bring considerable resources to make this happen.

Did you know that a Bill must pass three readings in the House of Commons or the Legislative Assembly before it becomes law?

Here are the three steps -

• Bills are introduced in the House, given First Reading, put on the agenda and the Minister may explain the purpose of the Bill
• Before the Second Reading debate begins, a Bill may be ordered referred to a Standing Committee for review and/or hearings.
• If given a Second Reading, it may, by unanimous consent be ordered for a Third Reading otherwise it is referred to a Committee.
• When the Committee reports the Bill to the House it is ordered for a Third Reading.
• Federal bills once passed are sent to the other House, the Senate, where the process starts again from the First Reading.
• Last step – If the Bill passes Three Reading stages it is then presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent, if approved it is then known as an act given a statue number.

What are the duties of the legislation chair?

• To become familiar with parliamentary web sites
• Monitor and study the progress of the Bills on a regular basis » Read the rest of this entry »

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 » Read the rest of this entry »