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

Submitted by: Gisela Montague

A few years ago at a convention one of the speakers stated that “God has given us many gifts at birth and it is up to us to unwrap them.” I believe that as members of the CWL we help each other unwrapping some of these gifts, and at convention time we show how well we have done this through our reports and by affirming each other.

In January we celebrated the Priest Appreciation Dinner, it was a beautiful event where we thanked and affirmed our Spiritual Advisors along with other priests in our diocese. Each Priest received a bookmark with the Priest’s Logo and a Spiritual Bouquet of many masses, rosaries and adoration hours. Over 400 members and guests attended this celebration.

February brought us the Olympic Games and as true women of “Peace and Hope” we greeted over 4000 visitors at the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Welcome Centre. A total of 30 councils were involved providing volunteers and donating refreshments. Our diocesan council shared the cost of a special CWL ad in the Olympic edition of the B.C. Catholic with the provincial council.

Four weeks ago we were busy with our 87th Archdiocesan Convention, which was held at Christ the Redeemer Parish in West Vancouver and hosted by Region 3. Our theme of “Tell His Glory among the Nations” was well represented by flags from various countries and I was amazed how the theme was incorporated in the homilies and spiritual presentations. We were able to show Fr. Tad’s DVD “Cutting Through the Spin” on stem cell research and cloning and Fr. Scott enlightened us about Jesus’ parables about “leadership without fear”.

Other presenters were: Dr. Romayne Gallagher from Providence Healthcare on “Palliative Care”, Stephanie Gray from the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR) on Reaching Hearts & Minds on Abortion, Mrs. Bonnie Glassford on the “Holy Land” with a Slide Presentation, Michele Smillie from Domestic Abuse Services – Our Lady of Good Council Society as well as Kamal Dhillon, sharing her experiences as an abused woman, the Panel Discussion on “Human Trafficking” followed by the “Way of the Cross” a power point show. Our Provincial President Marianna Caldwell had members in lively discussions in her presentation on “Leading and Reaching out into our Communities”.

We were delighted to learn that Star of the Sea Parish Council in White Rock recorded the highest absolute increase in membership out of 1,294 councils across Canada for the year 2009. The president is very excited, as she will be attending the National Convention in Ottawa to receive a special award from the National Chairperson of Organization Velma Harasen.

Can it get any better? You bet, Fr. Thompson, Spiritual Advisor from “Our Lady of Assumption Church “ in Port Coquitlam was one of the two Priests that were awarded an all expenses trip to the upcoming National Convention in Ottawa, paid for by National.

Through our Leadership Development Team we have shown CWL presentations at deanery meetings, have mentored councils, formed new ones, and delivered workshops. This team is headed by our immediate past president Evelyn Rigby and assisted by other past presidents, diocesan officers and Life Members. In the past year we had several applications to our Archdiocesan League Development Fund.

This year I was able to participate in the 3rd annual “March for Life” in Victoria on May 13th. The Bishops from Kamloops, Vancouver and Victoria celebrated Mass at St. Andrews Cathedral, along with many Priests. It was estimated that 2000 people marched from Centennial Square to the Legislative Buildings, where we listened to various speakers. It was good to see so many younger people as well as school groups in the crowd and of course so many CWL members.

I can’t believe that my first year as president has passed by so fast and I am looking forward to the next year. There is a lot of work to do, we are establishing new CWL councils but we have to be available to councils that need leadership promotion. Our city is becoming more diverse with different cultures, our parishes have more small communities, and some people believe that there is a lack of interest in the League. But look around you, when we come together at conventions and are celebrating our Catholic Women’s League by being fulfilled, motivated and inspired don’t you want to tell every catholic woman to be a part of this awesome organization? I know I do. We all are different and bring different talents to the League as we serve with faith and joy. If we remember to see each other as sisters in Christ, there is always a solution.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us as we “Tell His Glory among the Nations”.

Submitted by: Edna Lorenzen

Learning is an experience, or is it experience in learning. What I have learned as diocesan president is an experience that has enriched my life. It has taught me many things that has made this part of my journey wanting more. Age has no limits, never stops finding something new in each day, and CWL has done this for me. I can’t imagine why all Catholic women are not members of our wonderful organization.

This year has brought speakers and guests to a parish council. Dr. Clem Persaud, spoke to us on stem cell research, local experts on palliative care, peace and development., living wills and the importance of this. We were blessed with a visit from our national president Danielle McNeil- Hessian. This is probably for next years report but I have to share this with you. Our right to life group had their first walk for life on May 13th. We thought maybe 15 to 20 people at the most would come out. Incredible we had 50 walkers Join our group. We were impressed with all the denominations present. What a wonderful show of ecumenical fellowship.

Our two councils are working together even though a distance of 1200 kilometers is between them. Thank the lord for modern communications. I could write volumes on the incredible support, love, and faith we have for each other. This I pray will continue and with the help of Our Lady of Good Council spread to each and every one we meet.

Submitted by: Daisy Mah

Congratulations are in order for the members of the Victoria Diocese. We have once again experienced growth amongst our member councils this year and continue to strive for unity of purpose as we look to the future.

2010 Highlights include:

• A Commitment to continue to strive for excellence and are encouraged by the fact that we have a full slate of officers chosen to serve. Our new executive will consist of both experienced members and newcomers to the Council. All were confirmed at our 82nd Annual Convention held in Port Alberni earlier this month.
• A revised – more comprehensive Victoria Diocesan Policy Manual was instituted in March. With the hope that by having a clear stated course of action and policy, we will become more streamlined and efficient.
• We continue to keep League issues to the forefront in our Diocese policy.
• We continue to encourage councils to improve and reinvent interesting topics to keep meetings upbeat and attractive.
• We continue to remember at all times our Diocesan motto: We Are Family!

Our future is bright, provided we remember our League experience should always adopt the three principals at meetings: Faith / Fun / Fulfillment

Our first order of business will be an educational workshop (as defined in our Diocesan Policy and Procedure manual) to familiarize the Diocesan Executive with their duties. This workshop will take place in mid-June, followed in mid July by a business/social gathering in part to get to know one another better and to follow up the June workshop with an opportunity for officers to ask any questions they may have arising from the information gathered.

Before the Fall interim meeting, parish presidents have been advised to review with their councils the newly revised Policy & Procedure manual discussed above and to familiarize the membership with Diocesan Policies.

It has been recommended that each parish council consider implement their own Policy and Procedures manuals to supplement the Diocesan Policy & Procedure manual as well as the National manual of Policy & Procedure.

Submitted by: Rose Sehn

The Nelson Diocesan Council reports for 2009 indicated that most parish councils are doing quite well. Some Standing Committee Chairs are not filled. However, most councils submit reports of activities in all committees. The challenge for all councils is to attract younger women to join and take responsibility on the executive level.

There has been an increase in our membership in the past two years and we hope that this trend continues. A majority of councils divide the meetings in the business/spiritual/ social components and this leads to better attendance and interest in league work. The best notes about parish councils were the ones which stated the camaraderie among the members is great, as is the love for one another.

We honored two women for their exceptional service to the League with the Bellelle Guerin Award. Perhaps, we could honor more of our deserving members with this award.

Nelson Diocese will host the 2011 B.C.& Yukon Provincial Convention in Penticton. Sharon Vaillancourt, of St. Ann’s Council is Convention Chair; she reports the convention is now a work in progress. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Linda McClinton

It has been a wonderful, learning experience year. Each new chair I take on I learn so much more about our League and why I choose to “Belong”. I admire those ladies who have taken these positions on before me and I am so grateful for their willingness to be mentors and help me whenever I ask.

I was grateful that our Diocese had a full slate of officers to begin this 2-year term. The past Life Member Liaison, Diana Mackenzie, passed away in December and our Treasurer, Sandra Silberberger, passed away in February. We miss both of these wonderful members. I am grateful to past treasurer, Pauline for taking on this job until convention and then I appointed a new treasurer, Dodie’s daughter, Jennifer Foster. In the 2 weeks prior to convention 2 more of the executive resigned due to one moving, and one being unable to continue due to ill health. I am grateful that with a phone call, 2 prior executive members will fill in until elections.

I started this year in hopes of visiting each area and attending their regional meetings. I visited 3 of 4 and so enjoyed their meetings. Susan Steiner, past Diocesan President, and I went to Fort St. John in October for their meeting and we had a wonderful time and I attended one in Prince George and one in the western region. All were very well attended. I will attempt to attend all regions this fall {that is a lot of miles}. I have tried to aid and encourage those councils, which are struggling and will continue to do so.

The other thing I have tried very hard to do is get all councils to submit reports, which 13 of 16 did. We will have a workshop on communiqués and reporting at our mid-term in September.

I had the honour of having Nancy Simms at our convention in April and to award Life membership to Dodie Bond. She is a very deserving member and continues to help with Spiritual and mentoring at the local level and is always willing and gracious in answering all questions for any members.

Thank you and may Our Lady of Good Counsel guide all our endeavors in the coming year.

Submitted by: Sharon Geiger

I stand her before you, wondering where my year as Diocesan president has gone so quickly! Did I begin to accomplish my goals that I set out to do for my term? I wanted to help members grow more spiritually, learn more about CWL, make new friends, and laugh a little.

Our Diocesan council has grown by one more Parish council, which is Our Lady of the Valley in Cold Stream. It is exciting to have a new council with a lot of young women as members.

We now have two councils, which have started the Catholic Girls League, these are exciting times. The Kamloops Diocesan members enjoyed having the Vernon Catholic Girls League participate at our convention.

How many of you know about the lives of St. Frances Cabrini, St. Dymphna, St. Marguerite Bourgeois, St. Anthony of Padua or Saint Josephine Bakhita? » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Edna Lorenzen

What profound themes we as members have, but to use them as tools and become more like our Lord through the example that has been set by our blessed Mother Mary.

The year of 2008 was a little bumpy for me as I stepped into the Diocesan Presidency in September.

Is any one ever prepared for the unexpected even if you know it is going to happen?  With two Parish Councils in our Diocese and 1200 kilometers; the Ladies were so supportive and quick to give all the help I needed.  One Council of six works with the parish to prepare for Holy Communion and Reconciliation, and Confirmation. The Council also helps with Parish functions, Pot luck Suppers, Pancake Breakfasts, Layettes for the newborn, and talks to everyone about encouraging the leagues growth. » Read the rest of this entry »

I bring greetings to all from the 15 Councils & Members comprising the Victoria Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada!  Thank you, for the opportunity to present an update of our progress!

This year our Council celebrates its 83rd BIRTHDAY! The richness of faith and the varied cultures of our Council members blend to present a beautiful mosaic of brightly coloured Wild flowers and we are spread throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Although few in number, (just under 1100 members), we continue to do our best to serve God and Canada making a difference in our respective parishes, communities and our world.

I am pleased to report the Salt Spring Council, has recovered from their potential crisis of disbanding and hopefully will emerge stronger in future because of that experience. This recovery was due, (in no small way), to the efforts of our 90 years young / matriarch and Life Member – Elsa Drummond. Without her determination, and the determination of the members, I am sure the outcome may have been disastrous. Extremely sad for a council tracing its roots back to 1945! They did it their way…. The only way! » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Gisela Montague

The Vancouver Archdiocesan council had elections this year and I am very happy to say that we have a full slate of Officers and Chairpersons. We even have a 1st and 2nd vice presidents. This all happened after the” Leadership Workshop” presentation this past year by Provincial Council, but I think I have to give a lot of credit to our great election team, and of course the willingness of members to let their names stand and “Step forward in Faith and Action”.

Our new diocesan theme is from Psalm 96 verse 3: “Tell His Glory among the Nations”. In our troubled times it is good to know that God is the King of the universe and we are to tell among all peoples of his wondrous deeds.

Celebrations were held in January for retiring Archbishop Raymond Roussin and for the new Archbishop Michael Miller,CSB, the 9th Archbishop of Vancouver.

With the Olympics only months away we were represented at meetings almost every week in the campaign against Human Trafficking. These groups, including our own, compiled and signed a Declaration focussing on Prevention, Protection and Prosecution to be presented to our government representatives.

Other projects include wearing different kinds of pins and buttons: the Salvation Army Sparkle of Hope Campaign, and Buying Sex is not a Sport.

We are approaching various hotels to see if they have signed the Code of Conduct. (but have not had much luck so far). If anyone is interested I have more information on the code.

We circulated a petition in support of Joy Smith’s Bill 268 to increase the minimum sentence to 5 years for human Traffickers of victims under eighteen.

Other ongoing meetings that we are attending in reference to the Olympics (More than Gold) deal with Hospitality, Catholic Services, and Athlete Family Homestay. Interesting for me was to find out that Whistler belongs to the diocese of Kamloops, so our diocese covers the area as far as Squamish.

This year our Diocesan Convention was attended by over 300 members and guests, featured speakers were Mr. Alex Schadenberg on “End of Life” issues (a total of three hours), Mr. Benjamin Perrin, Assistant Professor at UBC on Human Trafficking, including the video “Not my Life”. Monica Murphy spoke about “Life on Campus”, a real eye opener on the issue of Pro Life Groups on campus.

As in the last year our membership continues to increase. New councils “Holy Spirit” in New Westminster, and “Our Lady of Lourdes” in Coquitlam, are up and running and being mentored by Diocesan Officers. These bring our numbers now to 53 councils.

To continue our link with UBC one of our members sponsored a UBC student to attend our Convention. We are hoping she will act as a liaison in the promotion of various CWL projects.

The Archdiocesan Banner was carried in the Victoria March for Life on May 14th. It started with Mass being celebrated with three Bishops and about 20 priests concelebrating. Other denominations also held services, and the one day of summer weather made it a pleasurable event. The speakers were great, including our own Archbishop, a Rabbi and a Baptist Minister.

On the same day the Focus On Life Gala Dinner took place in Vancouver, with more great speakers and entertainment. This is a fundraiser for the life-affirming media initiatives of Signal Hill (formerly Pro Life), like ads for T.V., Internet media, bus benches and billboards.

Last year, our now immediate past President Evelyn Rigby showed you promotional cards for the CWL that one of our members designed. These cards are used by national office now and are available on the CWL website. You might even have received them for any non-renewed members.

As a new president I am looking forward to the challenges and pray that Our Lady of Good Council will guide us in our all our endeavours.

Submitted by: Linda McClinton

I have come to the end of my two-year term as President-elect and am now Prince George Diocesan President with a full slate of Officers. With a lot of prayer and encouragement, our ladies came forward and took leadership in each of our Standing Committees. I am very grateful for each one who has taken on this responsibility and pray that each one gets the wonderful benefits of the deeper understanding of each new experience. I attended Conventions at all three levels this past year, Diocesan, Provincial and National, a very enjoyable and great learning experience.

The goal of our past Diocesan President, Susa`n, was 100% reports from the Parish Presidents. She received 15 out of 16, 94%. That was fantastic. I also will attempt to do the same. We had hoped to visit all the councils in our Diocese, especially those who are struggling. We never managed that mostly due to winter conditions in the North but Susan was diligent in maintaining contact through e-mails and is fantastic at returning an answer to any questions we had. I pray I will do the same. » Read the rest of this entry »