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

Front Row Left to Right: Marianna Caldwell, Doreen Gowans, Nancy Simms, Pat Deppiesse, Evelyn Rigby, Sandra Stajduhar Back Row Left to Right: Dodie Bond, Lorrilee Jordan, Jeanne Wilson, Caroline Ann-Alter, Betty Hoskins, Lois Charlebois Insert: Fr. Tien Tran, Provincial Spiritual Advisor

RICHMOND – The 63rdAnnual Convention of the BC & Yukon Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada was held at St. Monica’s Parish and hosted by Region 1 of the Vancouver Archdiocese, May 27 – 29, 2010.

Most Reverend Michael Miller, CSB Archbishop of the Diocese of Vancouver gave the Keynote addressing the CWL theme “Women of Peace & Hope” and challenging the CWL members to be “Heralds of Hope”. He offered a reflection on how CWL members can be women of hope and witnesses of hope to all the different communities they are associated with by understanding the concept of eternal life, the relationship between purgatory and hope and being able to share that hope with others. Further speakers included: Denis Boyd, M.A. registered Psychologist, who gave a compelling presentation entitled “Communication in a Great Relationship” offering practical tips and proven strategies to enhance listening skills, beat stress and communicate better; Daphne Gray-Grant spoke on “Beating Writer’s Blank” opening our imaginations to ‘mind-mapping’ a concept to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas; and Fr. Tien Tran Provincial Spiritual Advisor gave an enlightening talk explaining many of the nuances that will be coming from “The New Roman Missal” which will affect us all. This workshop format and the many questions and concerns were addressed with clarity. Reports from the Executive, Standing Committees and the 6 Diocesan Presidents were informative as well as educational. Two Resolutions came to the floor and were passed. The resolution entitled “Safe Haven Law” will be forwarded onto the CWL National Council to be considered for presentation at their convention in August, while the other resolution “Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias” will be sent to our Provincial & Territorial Governments.

Members previewed The Catholic Women’s League of Canada’s 90th Anniversary celebration by dressing in 1940’s attire and by singing and listened to music from that period as together they celebrated the day with fun, faith and fulfillment. At the National convention in Ottawa each Province and the Military Ordinariate will represent a different decade.

The newly elected officers and executive include President Nancy Simms, Kamloops, Past President Marianna Caldwell, President Elect (Organization) Doreen Gowans, Kamloops; 1st Vice President (Education and Health) Dodie Bond, Prince George; 2nd Vice President (Resolutions) Pat Deppiesse, North Vancouver; Secretary, Evelyn Rigby, Powell River; Treasurer, Sandra Stajduhar, Trail; Standing Committee Chairs: Betty Hoskins, Duncan (Spiritual Development); Lois Charlebois; Surrey (Christian Family Life), ; Caroline Ann-Alter, Kelowna (Community Life); Jeanne Wilson, Whitehorse, YK (Communications); Lorrilee Jordan, Armstrong (Legislation); and Sheila Quinn BC & Yukon Life Member Liaison.

The Executive and table officers were installed in the presence of Most Reverend Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, Bishop David Monroe, Bishop of Kamloops, Fr. Tien Tran Provincial Spiritual Advisor, Coquitlam, Fr. Dale Normandeau, Kamloops Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, St. James, Vernon, and Fr. Tony Boniface, St. Monica’s Parish, Richmond.

Life Member Pat Battensby presented the BC & Yukon Life Member’s Arts & Cultural Award to Lucille Schaubroeck, from Williams Lake, BC. She is a talented musician and is studying to become a high school teacher. Lucille also received the Molly Boucher Bursary presented by Jeanne Wilson, Provincial Education & Health Standing Committee Chair.

Both President Nancy Simms and Past President Marianna Caldwell together with the executive are educating members to reach out to their parish and communities in Peace and Hope serving our members with Faith and Joy.

For more information, please visit our web site www.cwl.bc.ca

Respectfully submitted,

Doreen Gowans, BC & Yukon Prov. Communications

Please see the attached PDFs for Archbishop Michael Miller’s homily and report from the 2010 BC/Yukon CWL Convention.

• Archbishop Miller – Trinity Sunday
• Archbishop Miller – Women of Hope

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding

How many of you know when WUCWO, World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations was founded? It was in 1910. How many members does it have? Almost 100 organizations active in over 60 countries including all continents and representing missions of Catholic women from every walk of life. Do you know when the League became affiliated with the International Union of Catholic Women, now known as the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO)? It was in 1921 and is an affiliation still enjoyed today.

All paid up members of the CWL are counted in this number and are represented at that international table by our own national President, Danielle McNeil-Hessian.

The mission of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) is to promote the presence, participation and co-responsibility of Catholic women in Church and society in order to fulfill their mission of evangelization and to work for human development. The priority for 2006-2010 was Building a Culture of Peace through the alleviation of poverty. » Read the rest of this entry »

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 »