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

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: Alice Hallgren

Our Diocesan convention held at Holy Cross in Creston, went well and was well organized. I received many positive comments regarding the convention as a good social and learning experience. We said our goodbyes to Fr. Jim Ratcliffe; our Spiritual Advisor who has retired after ten years of giving us much valued guidance. Fr. Rex Velmonte is our newly appointed Diocesan Spiritual Advisor; he will be officially installed in September.

We had the honour of having Marianna Caldwell, Provincial President attend our convention, and, assisted by Sandra Stajduhar presented a workshop “Changing the World” a how-to do a resolution. This was well received and I might add a pleasant experience as we went through the process. Let us pray it bears much fruit next year and in years to come with Resolutions from our Diocese. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Alice H.

We are an amazing group of women whose accomplishments are many and diverse. Most councils report working on basic duties in the parishes.  Councils use whatever means necessary to keep councils active. Co-operation among members is evident as the League meets the needs of individual parish councils in ways which are  productive and positive. To improve communication in parish councils various means to relay messages and/or information may be explored as only the Bulletin is used by most.  Councils which do not have Resolution & Legislation Chairpersons report the members have interest in resolutions presented at Provincial and National levels. The Standing Committee Chairpersons have done a good job delivering their designated duties. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Caroline A.

Rev. Fathers, Madame President Sisters in the League:

Well it is just over one year now, since my elevation to Nelson Diocesan President! It has been an interesting year, one of learning, listening and supporting!

Many councils in my diocese have or are having problems filling positions on there councils. But the amount of accomplishments in each parish council are huge, totally overwhelming in fact! Councils continue to achieve the impossible with fewer and older members! Report forms at year end were a huge problem – yes and no questions do not complement a report for a report book. Our diocesan newsletter which we started in Sept. is very successful and well received by all. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol R.

Madame President, Reverend Fathers and members of the Catholic Women’s League:

My name is Carol R., and I am the newly elected president of the Nelson Diocesan Council. I am from Holy Spirit Parish in Kelowna, the smallest of the five parishes there. We currently have 29 councils with 1960 paid up members.

The table officers enjoyed a spring retreat at Marywood Prayer House in Cranbrook , with much praying and planning for the diocesan convention, which took place May 4th to 7th in Oliver, B.C. This was a great time and our theme of Companions on the Journey was incorporated throughout the convention. We were delighted to have our Provincial President-Elect, Barb D. with us. She provided us with much food for thought with the Discerning Workshop, and she was also guest speaker at our banquet.

Our Spiritual Advisor is Father Jim R. from St. Theresa’s Parish in Kelowna. This is his second term as the Spiritual Advisor for the Nelson Diocese. I am proud to have with me here in Whitehorse: Father Jim, Alice H. – diocesan president-elect from Kimberley, Jean F. – Life member from Kelowna, Doreen R. – my Education and Health chairperson from Creston, Pollyanna K. – Life Member Liaison from Oliver, Jan K. – President of Holy Cross council in Creston, Carol P. – Provincial Treasurer from Golden, and Elaine A. – Provincial Chairperson of Community Life from Castlegar.

I am also proud to have a full slate of table officers. My goals for the coming year: to listen, to study, to be a mentor to my executive. I am happily looking forward to the challenge of being Nelson Diocesan President. Thank-you.

Carol R.