Madam President, members of the League and guests:

You will find a condensed version of my annual Christian Family Life Report in the convention booklet.

We must continue to fight against Euthanasia; it says in the Declaration of Euthanasia on the value of life. (No one can make an attempt on the life of an innocent person without opposing God’s love for that person, without violating a fundamental right and therefore without committing a crime of the upmost gravity).

We must not stop the fight to end Human Trafficking. Continue to write your Member of Parliament and educate those around you of the atrocities.

Bishop Gerald Wiesner OMI from the Prince George Diocese is on the board of directors of “The Catholic Organization of Life and Family” as some know as COLF. You can go on line for more information on this organization. Go to www.colf.ca

There is a new document from the Vatican on Bioethics entitled “Dignitas Personae”. It talks about the right to life of every human being from conception until natural death. And the right to be born from a mother and a father. It is so sad that the gift of life that God has blessed us with is referred to today as a group of cells by some. I quote from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith found on the Vatican website. “The Human Being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception; and therefore from that moment his rights as a person must be recognized, among which in the first place is the inviolable right of every innocent human being to life.” End quote.

With all the technology that is out there we are getting more distant as a family. Parents and children both are either working, watching TV, texting (instead of talking) or on the computer. I have a vision of the family coming back together. I see bringing the family back to the table. In our busy lives we are all over the place-but-not together. We need to sit at a table as a family. Studies have shown that children who eat with their families have healthier diets and teens that eat at the table with their families are twice as likely to get “A’s” in school and half likely to abuse substances and parents are more likely to grow as a unit. This is a time where we as parents can teach and listen to our children. Keep meal times pleasant. Keep the conversation positive and make sure everyone has the chance to talk and be heard. Focus on the meal and your family. If you haven’t sat down together for while, talk it over with them and make a commitment to have at least one meal together per week and stick to it. Don’t answer the phone, turn off the TV. Remember to bring Jesus to the table with you. Give Jesus thanks for all he has given to your family. As parents we must never give up on our family and prayer.

What is your vision for your family? There are possibilities out there you just have to see them and believe the vision and it will come. As women we must keep Faith and Hope alive in our Families. You are their first teacher. Trust in God.

I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

I pray that you all have a very spiritually filled Christmas. Know that my prayers are with you and your family.

Haiti: for those who don’t have computers or access to the internet, I would like to share with you some to Pope Benedict the XVI message to the Haiti’s President and Bishops. You can get the full message by going to www.zenit.org/article-28143?1=english.

This message was written on January 24, 2010. = We Won’t Abandon You =

This message affirms the Pontiff’s sorrow for the quake victims and his nearness to the survivors. The Holy Father expressed through prayer that God would “Welcome into the peace of his kingdom all those who died in the earthquake” and “grant consolation to their families, who often, were unable to provide their deceased loves one a worthy burial.” Pope Benedict also prayed “that the spirit of solidarity will live in the hearts of all and that calm will reign in the streets, so that the generous aid that is arriving from all countries will bring relief to all and the people today who have lost everything will be comforted in knowing that the entire international community is taking care of them in concrete way.” “In this moment of darkness,” Benedict XVI said “I invoke Our Lady of Perpetual Help, that she would be a mother of tenderness and guide hearts so that solidarity will prevail over isolation and (the attitude of) ‘every man for himself. Amen…What can we as individuals do to help? What can we collectively do to help? We can help through our local churches, by having special collections. We can all so collectively help by sending our donations to Development and Peace and earmark it for Haiti Relief Fund. What you decide to do is up to you either as individuals or collectively.

Human Trafficking

As you know the Olympics are just about upon us. The Catholic Women’s League has been relentless as to their feelings on Human Trafficking.

On May 28th, 2005 we signed the following declaration at the 58th Annual BC & Yukon Provincial Convention: Declaration of Trafficking: “We the more than 8,000 members of The Catholic Women’s League in BC and the Yukon, part of nearly 100,000 women of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, reflecting on our theme, “Contemplate the Face of Christ” and believing in the Objects of the League, propose this declaration statement that addressed the trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation and all other forms of exploitation”. As was stated by our Provincial President that we were assured that the 2010 Olympics were a big concern and that since September of 08 there have been meetings with the RCMP in BC. While the police are doing their part we must continue to do our part. Talk to your MP’s; educate those around you of the atrocities that are happening around us.

I am sending you a copy of Stations of the Cross on Human Trafficking to all my Diocesan counterparts for you to copy and send out to your diocesan counterparts. This is the time to do it while the Olympics are on. Don’t put it on the shelf do it now! The women and children need us.

Notes from our National Christian Family Life Chairperson (Pearl Bridgewater)

Bill C-384 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity). Due to the Winter Olympics this has been put on hold until March 3rd 2010. It have been reported that the earliest this bill will be voted on is March 17th or 24th but that is very changeable…please continue to write personal letters to local members of parliament and meet with them if possible regarding the sanctity of life. Don’t forget to bring up palliative care at the same time.

Youth: Christian Family Life chairpersons are encouraged to offer mentorship to Catholic Girls League (CGL) councils. Anyone interested in finding out more about this can contact Ann Doucet who is the sub-chairperson for youth. She can offer you assistance and advice. Contact her through Pearl Bridgewater at pearl_gill@yahoo.com for her address etc.

The Elderly: The League continues to honor the elderly by advocating for and monitoring care programs and facilities. Focus is devoted to fair treatment and protection from abuse and injustice.

Reminder: the deadline for diocesan to submit your reports to Provincial is February 15, 2010. Keep your history alive. Waiting to hear from you. I would like to close with this prayer I found on the Internet; please copy and take to your home and pray for the Haitians. God Bless you all and my Our Lady of Good Counsel guide and keep you as you continue your work for God and Canada.

Pray for Haiti

Our hearts are breaking, God.
The human mind cannot grasp the enormity of the loss.
The cries echo through the universe.
Innocent blood is calling us
To rise up from our heartbreak and act.
We pray for Haiti.

Help us, God,
To understand that destruction can come in a moment
But healing may take a lifetime.
Teach us perseverance, teach us dedication.
We pray for Haiti.
God of the weak, God of the broken-hearted,
God of the living, God of the dead,
Send healing to Haiti.
Send hope to the children who are lost and alone,
Send strength and resilience to the wounded,
And comfort to the grieving.
Fill the leaders of Haiti with the wisdom to raise their country up.
Fill relief workers with resolve.
Bless the doctors and nurses with the power
And the skill to save as many lives as possible.
Open their eyes, steady their hands.
We pray for Haiti.

Bless us, God,
Work through us.
Remind us that every one of us is filled with the power to heal.
Do not let the passage of time lead us to indifference.
Open our hearts, open our hands.
We pray for Haiti.

Let all nations unite as one in a time of reconstruction and repair.
Raise up the people of Haiti, God, out of helplessness and despair.
Teach them to believe
That cities shall be rebuilt on their ruins
That the cries of the children will soon return to laughter.
Be with them, God, watch over them.
And gather the souls of the dead
Whose homes and schools became their graves
Into Your eternal shelter,
Let them find peace in Your presence, God.
We pray for Haiti.
Amen.

Well we are back at it.  I hope that you all had an awesome holiday where ever it may have been.

I hope that you received my last communiqué number 5; it had a lot of meat to it.  You will find information on what was to go on at the 12^th Annual National March for Life (Future without Abortion), and the ongoing concern of Euthanasia and assisted suicide.   Please these matters in the forefront.  Please continue to write you MP’s your voice really matters.

Family is “Spiritual Terrain” Pope Benedict XVI said Catholic parents should make sure to create a fertile spiritual terrain for priestly vocations as they educate their children in the faith. (Prairie Messenger September 2^nd 2009).  As this is the “Year for Priests” it is up to us as parents to nurture our children and guide them to discover that God’s true design for us is Love.  We were made by God for God.  If we do this they may find their way to the Priesthood.  Pope Benedict offered a prayer for the Year for Priests that “Christian Families may become small churches in which all vocations and charisms given by the Holy Spirit will be welcomed and valued.  Don’t be afraid to talk to you children about vocations and the consecrated life.

Christmas is not far around the corner.  There are a lot of lonely persons out there.  If you know someone who will be along a Christmas, now is the time to visit the rest homes and find out what you can do to help them out. You may want to invite them to special celebrations you are holding.  It might be something that the parishes can think about as team work.  I am sure that they could do with some friendly voices and company.

This may be a good time to ask your Parish Chairpersons of Christian Family Life to ask their President if they haven’t already, to give them a copy of the “CWL Day of Peace and Hope Activities Kit”.  They may want to implement some of the suggestions in it regarding their chair at one of their meetings.

Remind the CFL chairpersons of the resources that are out there to help them, i.e. Chairpersons Handbook, Christian Family Life Study Kit, local events happening at their parishes etc, newspapers (it’s nice to bring important things that are happening in their community involving the family to the members’ attention).

Please note: the Provincial CWL forwarded three resolutions to National and they all passed.

• Resolution 2009:01 Exit Strategies for Prostituted Persons
• Resolution 2009:02 Legislate Protection and Support Services for Human Trafficking Victims
• Resolution 2009:03 Repeal Section 13 of the Human Rights Act regarding Hate Messages.

Remind your ladies to write letters on these areas as well of any other resolutions that have been passed at National that are important issues to them.

As I get notified about anything new in regards to this Chair from National I will let you know as it comes in.

This is a short overview or history of trafficking, a brief background from the provincial point of view, some good news, Pat will tell of recent action and we’ll close with a meditation.

Trafficking update

In 2004 after a presentation to a CWL meeting by a member of parliament, League members were shocked to find out that Canada was involved in the trafficking of people including children.

What followed from that day, well, as they say, the rest is history!

The first resolution to come forward, called “End trafficking of children” – 2004.05 began its journey from a parish in Kamloops to diocesan, provincial, all the way to national. And it didn’t stop there – it went to WUCWO where it passed at their general assembly and thus received worldwide attention.

This is not the story of a solitary journey. Simultaneously, many other things were going along in the area of trafficking. The CWL was particularly active and our provincial council got involved in a significant way.

2004-06 – When Pat Battensby was president, she made it a point of having education about the issue of human trafficking and gave it priority status. Many of you will recall the workshops and presentations during that time, especially Sisters Pirette Boisse, CND and Nancy Brown.

Members were appalled, horrified and even put off with all the sordid details and graphic imagery that was so hard to take. Some felt it was an issue being forced upon us and, not unlike domestic violence, something many did not want to know about. Is this because it really is too awful? Or that we can’t possibly make it go away? That we are unable to fix it?

We continued to forge ahead, as the resolution made its way up our CWL ladder, travelling along, raising awareness at all levels and gaining attention, striking at the heart of the matter; human trafficking is an offence that violates the dignity of persons, it is human slavery. Defense of the dignity of the human person is a basic principle of Catholic social teaching. Our conviction that God is at the origin of human life radically affirms the equal dignity of all persons. This belief ensures that nothing can justify any servitude of the weak or less fortunate.

On May 28, 2005, we signed the following declaration at our 58th Annual Provincial convention: READ IT

In the fall of 2005, we wrote to the Bishops of BC and the Yukon for the first time asking the bishops to encourage promotion and protection of the human dignity of women and minors through pastoral letters. We asked that they join us and like-minded organizations like the CRC to work toward the eradication of human trafficking.

2006.8 Two years later (2007) when I (Barb Dowding) was president, I wrote a follow up letter offering support and assistance in the drafting of such a letter or plan. After lots of back and forth correspondence a first draft of the pastoral letter emerged.

As you know, Church time is not our time; committees get stalled; Archbishop Roussin retired and was succeeded by Archbishop Miller.

By now you may have heard of or seen the Pastoral letter on Human Trafficking from the Bishops of BC and the Yukon. On your tables is the nearly final draft of the brochure which will be reproduced by the thousands for distribution in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

We are hoping the other dioceses will consider doing likewise – making it their own and distributing in all parishes. I really want to commend all those bishops who worked so hard to make this happen, particularly Bishop Monroe and Archbishop Miller.

This issue is so complex and almost overwhelming. But much is being done. There are workshops and educational kits available for use in parish councils. The CRC (Canadian Religious Conference) has an amazing workshop for high school students, that is easily adaptable for any group. Take part in local forums and presentations – learn what you can do to recognize trafficked victims and how to lobby government.

If you access the government of Canada website and look up trafficking you will be astounded at what is being done by the various levels of government. When the national CWL council representatives were at the meetings with government officials in Ottawa earlier this year, I was truly impressed by what I learned. In particular, the amount of work being done through the Foreign Affairs Office where we spent a whole hour. There are 17 departments working together on human trafficking. This includes collaboration with the Department of Justice and Public Safety as well as working with the RCMP, Border Services Agency and local governments like the BC Office to Combat Human Trafficking. We were given the ‘hot off the press’ release concerning the partnership between the Department of Public Safety, the RCMP and Crimestoppers to better inform the public about human trafficking through a national awareness campaign.

We were also assured that the 2010 Olympics were a big concern and that since September 2008 there have been ongoing meetings with the RCMP in BC. They want to promote national awareness, train Border Service agents re victim identification and to work with local law enforcement agencies.

While they are trying to do a lot, we must continue to be vigilant and hold the government to account. What is more important is that we have access to these government ministers and policy makers through the CWL where we are respected and our opinions valued. The words ‘open door’ were offered more than once. So there is hope!

To end my part of this presentation, I wish to quote the following:

“Today, the buying and selling of women and children for sexual purposes is one of the most profitable criminal activities in the world… On the internet, child pornography and enticement of children for sexual purposes are the most significant cyber crimes, and distribution of obscene material is the most under prosecuted cyber crime. Tolerance of the sex trade around the world has resulted in increased prostitution, sex tourism and ubiquitous pornography.” (Hughes, Online Course on Sex Trafficking).

Much has been done; there is still more to do.

Pat will give you some ideas of what that might look like.

WUCWO

WUCWO, World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations was founded in 1910 and has a membership of almost 100 organizations active in over 60 countries including all continents and representing missions of Catholic women from every walk of life. All paid up members of the CWL are counted in this number and are represented at that table by our own national President, Danielle McNeil-Hessian.

The mission of 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. A priority for 2006-2010 is Building a Culture of Peace through the alleviation of poverty.

It has canonical status as a public international association of the faithful and honours the tireless efforts of faithful Catholic women.

In 2001 our beloved Pope John Paul II said of WUCWO: Working together you must seek to provide increasing material and moral support to women in difficulty, victims of poverty and violence. Never forget that this important work is rooted in God’s love and will bear fruit to the extent that your witness reveals his infinite love for every human person…..

At a conference in Rome in 2009, His Holiness Pope Benedict XV! Sent a message to the women’s organizations who were meeting on the theme of Life, Family and Development: the Role of Women in the Promotion of Human Rights which WUCWO co-sponsored with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, saying: “The genius of women to mobilize and organize endows them with the skills and motivation to develop ever-expanding networks for sharing experiences and generating new ideas. The accomplishments of WUCWO are an outstanding example of this, and I encourage their members to persevere in their generous service to society. May the sphere of your influence continue to grow at the regional, national and international levels for the advancement of human rights based on the strong foundation of marriage and family.”

Karen Hurley, President General of WUCWO wrote to say she knows well of the programs and activities of the CWL. She noted that Agnes Bedard, WUCWO North American Regional Vice President was among a five person, five nations study group which travelled to the Holy Land at the end of February to visit sites in preparation for the October 2010 WUCWO assembly which will be held at the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem and will include other pilgrimage options – of which more details will be forthcoming.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful for a great representation from Canada to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of WUCWO?Agnes also prepared the 2009 WUCWO Day of Prayer on behalf of Canada to be used on May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. It is available on-line or I have a copy and it is truly wonderful – as per Agnes.

The WUCWO magazine called Women’s Voice latest edition has just arrived. You can subscribe to this wonderful book or get more information on line.

Karen also reports sadly that the US based endowment campaign has been adversely affected by the economic situation. While several US donors have made substantial gifts, the 100 Years of Faith campaign has not garnered the support experienced in the past from WUCWO members, individuals and religious communities or global support. However, they have not given up, and continue to hope?

Karen sends her thanks to all our CWL members for the witness of faith and the loving influence of CWL Canada.

Madam President, members of the League and guests:

You will find a condensed version of my annual Christian Family Life Report in the convention booklet – if anyone would like the full report – email me and I will see that you get it.

We must continue to fight against Euthanasia; it says in the Declaration of Euthanasia on the value of life. (No one can make an attempt on the life of an innocent person without opposing God’s love for that person, without violating a fundamental right and therefore without committing a crime of the up most gravity).

We must not stop the fight to end Human Trafficking. Continue to write your Member of Parliament and educate those around you of the atrocities.

Bishop Gerald Wiesner OMI from the Prince George Diocese is on the board of directors of “The Catholic Organization of Life and Family” as some know as COLF. You can go on line for more information on this organization. Go to www.colf.ca

There is a new document from the Vatican on Bioethics entitled “Dignitas Personae”. It talks about the right to life of every human being from conception until natural death. And the right to be born from a mother and a father. It is so sad that the gift of life that God has blessed us with is referred to today as a group of cells by some. I quote from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith found on the Vatican web site. “The Human Being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception; and therefore from that moment his rights as a person must be recognized, among which in the first place is the inviolable right of every innocent human being to life.”

With all the technology that is out there we are getting more distant as a family. Parents and children both are either working, watching TV, texting (instead of talking) or on the computer. I have a vision of the family coming back together. I see bringing the family back to the table. In our busy lives we are all over the place-but-not together. We need to sit at a table as a family. Studies have shown that children who eat with their families have healthier diets and teens that eat at the table with their families are twice as likely to get “A’s” in school and half likely to abuse substances and parents are more likely to grow as a unit. This is a time where we as parents can teach and listen to our children. Keep meal times pleasant. Keep the conversation positive and make sure everyone has the chance to talk and be heard. Focus on the meal and your family. If you haven’t sat down together for while, talk it over with them and make a commitment to have at least one meal together per week and stick to it. Don’t answer the phone, turn off the TV. Remember to bring Jesus to the table with you. Give Jesus thanks for all he has given to your family. As parents we must never give up on our family and prayer.

What is your vision for your family? There are possibilities out there you just have to see them and believe the vision and it will come. As women we must keep Faith and Hope alive in our Families. You are their first teacher. Trust in God.

I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Dear Sisters in the League;

Blessings to you!  I concur that we have to speak for the voiceless and that the League’s policy regarding the precious gift of life is that it must be respected from conception to natural death.  We must continue to oppose the legalization of laws that threaten the lives of vulnerable members of society – the unborn, the disabled, and the aged or chronically ill.  The League supports groups that share its values and sometimes withdraws when they behave in opposition to these values.  We as members of the Catholic Women’s League must act in non- violent ways, by writing letters, petitions, resolutions, etc to achieve goals.

The theme for the 12th annual National March for Life is “Exodus 2009 – A Future Without Abortion”.  Campaign Life Coalition submitted proposed bills to legislation, to our Pro-Life MPs for their consideration:

• To make it a criminal offence under section 264.5 of the criminal code to knowingly coerce a female person to attempt or procure an abortion
• Protect health care workers by respecting their conscience when making a decision to not participate in an abortion
• A woman seeking an abortion to fully informed of the full truth about the procedure including a clear understanding of the reality of the child in her womb
• Require parents of their minor aged daughter living at home to be notified when she presents herself for an abortion
• The National Organization Committee of Campaign Life Coalition asks all Pro-Life people in Canada to join them in prayer at 8:45pm CDT on May 13th and again on May 14th.  Please call your MP and give them your support in prayer.

“Never Again” is the theme for the second symposium on euthanasia and assisted suicide.  Members of the national executive will be attending will be attending this conference.  The guest speaker will be sharing their views on how to become part of the strategy to influence culture to care, not kill.

Francine Lalonde a Member of Parliament will be soon presenting her bill calling for the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide.  These acts are currently criminal offences. We ask that all League members appeal to their members of parliament to request that euthanasia and assisted suicide criminal offences, as all life should be protected.  Please write letters to your members of parliament.  Personal letters are more effective.   A sample letter is attached to this communiqué as a guide only.  Please note that if it is used exactly as provided, it will not be counted by the government as an individual letter.  It must be modified by members prior to mailing.

Dear____________________:
I am writing to express concern over the private members bill, to be presented by Member of Parliament Francine Lalonde . The proposed bill, if successful would legalize Euthanasia and assisted suicide.

I (We) believe that life is sacred and must be protected from conception to natural end. The current Criminal Code recognizes both euthanasia and assisted suicide as criminal offenses.

I(We) urgently and respectfully request that you vote to keep euthanasia and assisted suicide within the Criminal Code as criminal offenses.
As a member of parliament it is your responsibility to protect the life of the vulnerable and the defenseless. What is needed in Canada is more accessibility to quality palliative care to reassure Canadians that they need not resort to euthanasia or assisted suicide when they are challenged by catastrophic illness.
Canada needs an immediate standardized approach to hospice palliative care that creates equal access to consistent, high quality end-of-life care.

Yours truly,

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
In the League as in a family, there must be a focus on developing the gifts of each other and at the same time developing the life of the League as a community.  We must think of the League as a whole and not only as individuals.  When we see the importance of each sister supporting the League community then the League functions as it should.  This is a real challenge today when there is so much focus on individual rights and individual freedom rather than on responsibility for one another in a community.  Finding the way to honor both the individual and the community is not easy to say the least.  When making decisions that will compliment both the individual and the whole League, it must be done in an atmosphere of peace and love.  We must pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten us in all our endeavors.  So let us trust in the Lord.

Blessings to you and your family on this beautiful day, God has made for us.

Please note the above new themes; National “Women of Peace and Hope” and our very own provincial “Serving with Faith and Joy” they are to be used for the next two years.  Our National Resolutions Chairperson Barbara Dowding said “As Women of Peace and Hope we cross all barriers when we extend a hand of comfort and welcome of friendship, understanding and compassion”  I ask that you stop and ponder that…put it in context with the family, widowed, divorced, elderly, unemployed, sick, depressed etc.  We can reach out and give Peace and Hope to those around us. What do we do to help bring Peace and Hope?

I have not heard from many of the Christian Family Life Chairpersons on the Diocesan Level.  When you send out your next communiqué please let you ladies know that I would love to hear from them.

This is a reminder that your annual reports are due to me no later than February 15th.  I have received one to date from the Diocese of Prince George.

The Government of BC resumes Feb. 26th and we must be diligent and keep up on what is happening with the old bills that may come back up with any other new ones that may be brought forward.Keep your eyes and ears open for any results of James Oler and Winston Blackmore of Bountiful on their charges of polygamy pursuant to the Criminal Code.  It seems these individuals have breached section 293 of the Criminal Code as they have entered into a conjugal relationship with more than one individual at a time.

If there are any Christian Family Life Chairpersons in your Dioceses’ that are planning on putting any Resolutions on the table for consideration and discussion etc the title of the resolution should have been sent to Provincial Resolutions Chairperson Sandra Stajduhar.  Also if there will be resolutions presented at your Diocesan Convention, inform your resolution review committee and keep them informed as the resolutions progress.

Please note: National said they have withdrawn their support from “Amnesty International” because of their stand on abortion:  Our Provincial President asked that those who have been supporting Amnesty International should write to them explaining why they are withdrawing financial support.  In regards to human rights issues, they can be helped in other ways-issue by issue.

Please note: I was asked by a member to have the Catholic Girls League (CGL) manual placed on our Provincial Web-Site.  I apologize to our members – for I should have asked first for permission if it was ok to do so.  By me not doing so it was taken off.  National has a policy saying what is National stays National. And if you want it please go to the National website www.cwl.ca .  I did however send copies to all our Diocesan Presidents as requested. Once again I am learning always….

The honeymoon is over and it didn’t take long. Quote from Raymond Arroyo EWTN “President Obama decreed that federal tax dollars will now support groups that provide and promote abortions abroad.  By overturning the “Mexico City Policy”, enacted by President Reagan in 1984, the US government is now funding abortions internationally through the back door.”  Monsignor Rino Fisichella, who heads the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life had this to say: “Among the many good things that he could have done, Barack Obama instead chose the worst…the arrogance of those who, being in power, believe they can decide of life and death.  Remember Obama’s line in his inaugural speech!!  “For those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our Spirit is stronger and cannot be Broken; you cannot out last us, and we will defeat you.”  I say back at you…We have to be strong in Voice and Pray… remember to write to your politicians and the media to let them know our views. It is up to us to be vigilant on this.   I am waiting to hear from National on this turn of events.

I just finished watching two very powerful videos I would like to recommend them to you.  1. Pope John Paul 11 (staring Jon Voight and Cary Elwes as Pope John Paul 11).  You can get it from Ignatius press johnpaul2movie.com or go to www.ignatius.com or phone 1-800-651-1531.  The second movie is a Salt and Light production called “Turning the Tide” its about dignity, compassion and euthanasia.  You can find out more about this by going to www.saltandlighttv.org

I would like to mention one more thing before I close.  The first communicate I read from your Provincial Secretary Pat Deppiesse is an inspirational read – wow – what a family – she has been happily married for “45” big ones.  She has 3 children and from those children she has 11 grandchildren 2 of those children live out of town and they visit at least every two months so the grandkids get to know them.  One of her children gave the gift of life to her own child by donating her kidney to her fifteen year old daughter.  That is family…God Bless them.  If you want to be inspired more…go on our web site www.cwl.bc.ca and look up Pat’s first communiqué.

I would like to end with something our Spiritual Advisor Rev. Tien Tran said “unofficial quote” “He asked us all to “Live in the Spirit in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control.”  He asked that we allow the Holy Spirit of God to work within us and act without fear.  BE PROUD TO BE CATHOLIC – let people know that we are CATHOLIC.

May the Lord and Our Lady give wonderful blessing and graces to each of you.  I will continue to pray for all the good works you are doing for the league and your community.

“We must give Hope to those who have none”

Greetings one and all on this Advent Season with it brings a strong sense of longing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you to those who send me their communiqués.  I enjoy reading them.  Thank you.

I received a communiqué from our National Christian Family Chairperson and from that I will inform you of timely and important issues.

A recent report commissioned by Life Canada shows that we on evenly split on the question of euthanasia versus palliative care (approx. 44 per cent either way).  Pending on the ages asked deemed how they answered.  I.e. over 60 years went with palliative care about 51 per cent.  We are to remember that; good palliative care provides effective pain management and support for those dying.  It is up to us members to petition political leaders to take action so that those in need get the proper palliative care.

I have been asked to share with you these definitions in regards to Elder Care.

Will:  a written document that directs how your assets are to be distributed after death.  It is not effective until death.

Power of Attorney: a written document that gives another person the right to act on your behalf.  It can be effective immediately or upon a certain contingency, for example, incapacity.

Health Care Directive: a Living Will or a Directive to Physicians.  You may be familiar to this document due to the Terri Schiavo case.  It sets forth your wished as to life support and related matters and names a person to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

Probate: a will is filled with the court and a legal proceeding started, the proceeding is called a probate.  Probate confirms that the filled will is in fact the last will and testament of the deceased and the named estate trustee has the authority to administer the estate.

Guardianship: is a formal, court-appointed method of substitute decision making on behalf of a person who is unable to manage his or her own affairs.  Guardianship of incapacitated adults is also known as conservatorship or interdiction, and can be necessary to provide a person with care.  It is, however, an undertaking in which the ward loses substantial right.  In recent years, there have been increasing reports of guardianship abuse.  You may want to look to these sites for more information.

www.facinglife.tv (Life Issues Institute, Inc.)

With the new national election over we must diligent in monitoring closely the new government to see what bills are being brought back, also any changes that have been made to the original bills presented that died on the floor when the election was called as well as any new ones to be brought forward.On December 10^th, pro-abortion groups will present petitions asking the United Nation’s General Assembly to make abortion a universally recognized human right.  The Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute created an alternate petition drive that calls for government to interpret the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as protecting the unborn child from abortion…

Check out their web site www.c-fam.org/publications/id.95/default.asp .

The Family: 

It is a challenge to raise children in a normal family.  Many of the values of the present age are radically different from the values of our Lord Jesus.

For us parents there is no possibility of separation from the world we live in to raise our children.  We have to work at raising our children with Christian values. 

Some of us parents have to make various decisions when it comes to our children; it could be to disconnect the television, or the amount of time on the computer, playing video games etc.  We may even have to make decisions about what schools our children will attend.  There are also family’s who make decisions about what other children are allowed in the lives of their own children and about what families can become friend of their own family.

When we as parents or children go out of our homes, we (they) encounter so many influences that are opposed to following Jesus Christ.  We must always continue to keep Christ in our home and in our Family…no matter what!

We must have Love in the home!  Love is; about serving one another.  I took a course and this is what I learnt about Love; our role model is Jesus at the Last Supper when He gets down on His knees and washes the feet of His disciples.  That image, of Jesus on His Knees, should be the role model for all of us.  Let it be a challenge for us to wash each other’s feet even in our own families.

Quote: from a Benedictine Monk; “in families many go through difficult times in life.  The Spiritual traditions of our church teach us, to be silent and still.  If we cannot be silent and still, then we must work at being silent and still.  Nothing is gained by haste.   Surely there are times when decisions must be made immediately, but normally there is time to think, pray and ponder.  We are always invited to love more and to be more faithful in following our Lord.” 

We can learn from this.  (from Provincial Newsletter)

I will keep you and your family in my prayers sincerely your sister in the League. Have a blessed Christmas.

While the Lord’s coming is getting ever closer. It is also the time for reports. The dates are:

Parish report to Diocesan – December 15th
Diocesan report to Provincial – February 15th
Provincial report to National – March 15th

Looking forward to seeing what your areas have accomplished in your Diocesan report.

Please encourage your parish Christian Family Life Chairpersons to look to their local and Catholic Newspapers etc of items of importance and to present them along with other items of interest at their meetings for discussion.

While I was growing up divorce was not so common, abortion was illegal, same sex couples where not mentioned and I never heard of assisted suicide, and the idea of a marriage was only between a man and a women and for sure I don’t remember ever hearing any one talk about embryonic cell research. How the world has changed…Where did the morals and God’s teachings go? We must protect our faith and stand by it.

It is great to live in a free country is it not? We are so blessed to be able to practice our faith and that we should be faithful to the teachings of Christ and our Church. We must keep our families strong in our Catholic faith and respect the authority of our Pope. We have a lot of outside influences and that makes it difficult for us to remain faithful with the various pressures all around us. This is why it is so important to put prayer first in our lives and within the family because prayer gives us time to be still and silent. Not only does it help us to rest with our Lord Jesus Christ it gives us time to really listen to what he is saying to us.

Our faith binds us together as family…So with that I wish you my family the Blessings of Christ on this Christmas Season. Keep Christ in Christmas and in your family. Peace be with you all.

This is my first communique as your Christian Family Life Chairperson for the Province of BC. It will be learning experience for me as I have a lot of reading ahead of me. So please bear with me. I will endeavour to keep you updated with what is new and upcoming in this chair. If you have any concerns or questions pertaining to this chair please feel free to contact me.

Congratulations to our Immediate Provincial Past President Barbara Dowding to her position as Resolutions Chairperson on the National level.

The National March for Life, May 14th 2009 will mark 40 years since former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s omnibus bill decriminalizing abortion in Canada. Let’s be part of this and help defend the unborn.  See if you can get your parish involved in a march to coincide with this date.

On July 1st the governor general of Canada named Dr. Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada. A letter was sent to R. Honorable Michaelle Jean expressing the League’s disappointment and distress in the mater and that they revoke the decision.  We must continue to write our letters to our MPs.  We have to protect the unborn!Bill C-484, (an act to amend the Criminal Code (injuring or causing the death of an unborn child while committing and offence), passed 2nd reading in the House of Commons and was sent to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.  We have been asked to send individual letters to all committee members urging them to have full hearings on Bill C-484.  A list of committee members may be obtained from the government website.

Bill C-562, (An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity) was introduced by Francine Lalonde and received first reading on June 12th 2008.  The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) warns that the reintroduction of such a bill threatens the lives of people with disabilities and other vulnerable Canadians. There will be a National Euthanasia symposium on October 24-25, 2008 at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg.

I would like to leave you with a story written by Bernie Shehan: (read Bible passage Job 12; 1-12)

We live in a culture that reveres its youth and ignores its elders.  Nearly every other culture does the opposite and is the richer for it.  We are the poorer for having put our grandparents in retirement villages, far away from grandchildren who don’t know the wisdom they are missing by not having Grandpa and Grandma around.

The things we can learn from our elders are limitless. They were born in a time that was very different from our own, and their perspective on life can be of great value as we struggle with our daily lives in this fast paced, unsettling era.  Imagine for a moment: A person born at the end of the last century would have lived through the First World War, the Great Depression, yet another world war, and the suburbanization of our country.  A telephone would have been a rare thing in the home of their childhood; now their grandchildren can have phones in their cars, their purses and their pockets.

Life has changed at a speed never seen before in human history. More than ever, we need the sagacity of those who lived in a slower time.

Are the elders all gone from your life?  Look around – people who have lived rich, full lives are sitting near you in a pew, at the train station, in a nursing home.  Ask them questions.  Listen; really listen, to their answers.  Let them teach you with their stories.

Prayer for Priests

Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord, keep them, for they are Thine
Thy priests whose lives burn out before Thy consecrated shrine.

Keep them as spotless as the Host, that daily they caress; their Host,
That daily they caress; their every thought and word and deed, Deign,
Dearest Lord, to Bless.  Amen.

Peace be to you family and friends.

Family Life in our modern world has gone through many changes that have affected our society and culture. In the quest for materialism many people have lost sight in what it means to nurture the family. Children are no longer viewed as blessings but as hindrances. Many moral values that we held sacred have now been discarded and viewed as old fashioned. What can we do to make a difference?

National council has started a Catholic Girls’ League (CGL) encouraging parish councils to organize a council in their parishes with guidelines based on faith, fun, friendship and formation. The only CGL council that I know of in BC is in the Alberni Valley. The counselors are Myrna R……. and Debbie M…….. They are excited to see a way to draw our youth into service and community before the catechism years end. They are hoping that this will promote continued participation in their parish community and they will be encouraged to join the CWL when they become 16. Catholic Women’s League Campus Councils are comprised of young women in university. They are enthusiastic about the development of a women’s group based on the principles of sisterhood and promotes spiritual growth, service activities and social events. These are CWL members and will transfer their membership to a parish council when they are ready to leave their Campus Council. August 15 – 17 there is a conference in Edmonton to teach the fundamental steps in creating a CWL College Council. I have information and registration forms for the conference. (email Marilyn for information)

I was contacted by Sarah Hudson from the National Campus Life Network (NCLN). This is a pro-life organization for students, by students. They maintain an active pro-life presence on campuses. Taken from their brochure Nowhere is there a greater urgency for the pro-life message than on the university campus. The university is the place where the ideas and values of our society take root. An active pro-life presence is needed to promote ideas and values that embrace the objective truth that all human life is worthy of protection. Sarah runs the Western Canada Office in North Vancouver.

We must support our youth. They need the support of like minded Christians in order to get through this period of their life with their faith intact.

A new prayer for Married Life has been written. This prayer will be included in the next revision of the League prayer card. I have photocopied it for you.

May God bless each of you in all your endeavors.

My term is quickly coming to an end but my involvement in Christian Family Life will never come to end. A big thank you to our Diocesan Counterparts: Betty Kuntz, Catherine Stroman, Eileen Bouvier, Sammy Nelligan and the members in the Whitehorse Diocese for all the time and effort you put into these important issues. Eileen and Therese’s term is finished while the other chairpersons will be carrying the torch for another year. And, where would we be without Ann Doucet, our National Counterpart. I have enjoyed working with Ann and getting to know her both through her communiqués and emails.

Ann welcomed her newest granddaughter into their family on March 30, Lily Suze-Ann. Not to be outdone by Ann, I welcomed a granddaughter into our family the night of April 16, Taylor Mae. She is named after my Mother, Mae. I was out of town every other weekend (four day weekends) in April so I was fortunate that our Diocesan convention was in Kamloops April 17 – 19. I was able to attend the convention and also spend time with Taylor Mae. Babies bring so much joy and hope!

Marriage and Family

Ann asked for submissions for a prayer for married life and the prayer submitted by Life Member Glenda Klein was accepted. The Prayer is attached to this email. It will be included in the next revision of the League prayer card. Attachment: Prayer for Married Life (PDF)

Sanctity of Life

In Ann’s last communiqué, Margaret Beardon reported that there is a new pro-life organization called ProWomenProLife. The web site www.prowomenprolife.org.

National Campus Life Network is a pro-life organization for students, by students. Their reason for existing is to help the post-secondary students of Canada bring the pro-life message to campuses. Started in 1997, they advocate for a world where everyone has a true right to life, even if they are “defective” or “unwanted”. Where everyone is valued for who they are, not for what they can do. Women who attend university are twice as likely to become pro-choice. Sarah Hudson runs the Western Canada Office in North Vancouver. The National Office is Toronto. Their website is www.ncln.ca. Email at info@ncln.ca. Spread the word about this group.

National March for Life in Ottawa was May 7 – 9, 2008. In conjunction with the National March for Life, there was a March for Life in Victoria March 8. In Victoria it started with Mass in the crowded St Andrew’s Cathedral with Bishop Gagnon and fifteen other priests as celebrants. Over 1,000 participants marched with police escort from City Hall to the legislature building where everyone gathered to listen to numerous speakers including Bishop Gagnon. It was interesting that there was a lack of secular media coverage at this first annual pro-life demonstration. The organizers were the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life BC and Campaign Life Coalition BC. Let’s make a real effort to be in Victoria next year. I am sure the BC Catholic newspaper will have coverage on the March for Life this week.

Ministry to Youth – Catholic Girls’ League (CGL)

A lot of work is going into organizing new manuals for the CGL, making them more comprehensive and user-friendly. They won’t be ready until after the National Convention. Port Alberni was the first CWL council in our province to have a CGL. I know there are many other CWL councils that are considering starting a CGL council; hopefully they will be ready to start in September. Diocesan Christian Family Life Chairpersons, you should keep yourselves informed about what councils are working toward a CGL council and when the council is a reality.

Ministry to Disabled

The following two paragraphs I copied right from Ann’s communiqué:

The disabled are especially concerned with any discussion about the legalization of euthanasia and/or assisted suicide due to their extreme vulnerability. The report on the First International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide is available by contacting national office. The 2008 National Symposium entitled Death-Making will take place in Winnipeg, October 24 – 25, 2008.

Nova Scotia Provincial President Shirley MacDougall reported on a public lecture entitled Ethical Dilemmas in end of Life Care with Dr Nuala Kenny who is a renowned ethicist and professor of bioethics and paediatrics. I have attached a copy of Shirley’s very informative report for your consideration. Attachment: Ethical Dilemmas in End of Life Care (PDF)

Ethical Guidelines (taken directly from Ann’s communiqué)

The ad hoc committee on Ethical Guidelines for The Catholic Women’s League of Canada with members Betty-Anne Brown, Mary Hagen, Lorette Noble and myself (Ann Doucet) as chairperson met by teleconference. National Spiritual Advisor Archbishop Smith added his comments to the discussion via e-mail. The task was completed in January and the final draft was submitted to the winter national executive meeting. The document was accepted with amendments and is to be included under the “membership” section of the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. The members of this ad hoc committee are to be commended for their vision and insights with regard to this sensitive document. A special thank you to Lorette Noble for her leadership in bringing this timely document to the members.

Vocations

What have you done this term to foster vocations? Go back to The Canadian League magazine Spring 2006 and reread Creating A Vocation Culture. Remember, if families respected and appreciated each family member, respected and appreciated those in the ordained ministry and consecrated life, respected and appreciated our church we would create a vocation culture.

Your Sister-in-the-League
Marilyn VanDongen

Dear League Sisters,

As I am writing this communiqué, I am watching the snow fall, quickly piling up in my yard. We are into the Lenten season but it is hard to think of preparing for Easter and spring, with all this snow.

We were back at Rosemary Heights for our winter mid-term meeting January 25 – 27. I have attached my mid-term report with this communiqué.

Marriage and Family

St Joseph’s Workers for Life and Family has a 10 CD audio set entitled Naked Without Shame – A Crash Course in the Theology of the Body. The series explains John Paul II insights on marriage and sexuality in a clear and dynamic way. I will snail mail information. It can also be accessed on their website www.sjw.ca. This is a fantastic course that, with the tapes, you can facilitate it in your parish. Hopefully you have ordered copies of Families, where are the saints of the third millennium? at only .40 each from Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF). It can be ordered online www.colf.ca, or by phone (613) 241-9461. It can also be printed off their website.

Sanctity of Life

The following was copied from the Ann Doucet’s Communiqué #6 which was submitted by National sub-committee Chairperson Margaret Beardon. LifeCanada is marking the 20^th anniversary of the Morgentaler decision regarding abortion. It has come up with a proactive plan to refocus public attention on the real issue of life and death entitled Abortion: Have we gone too far. It is not too late to order postcards that may be sent to members of parliament (MPs) and physicians then handed out to the general public by calling (866)780-5433 or by emailing gschultz@lifecanada.org. The cost is .10 per card plus shipping.

Have you ordered the new DVD/video, Turning the Tide: Fighting for our Lives, produced by Salt † Light Catholic Media Foundation and the EPC, one copy $50, two copies $70, or four copies $100? To order call (877) 439-3348. You may be able to borrow it from your diocesan resource center.

Also from Ann’s communiqué: The Knights of Columbus would like to see everyone participate in the National March for Life May 8, 2008. Councils that cannot attend the national march in Ottawa are being asked to go to their provincial legislature on the same day to participate. There will be more information on this worthy initiative from the Knights of Columbus at the national winter executive meeting the end of February.

Make sure you read Ann’s article in the winter 2008 League magazine entitled How Pro-Life Are We? then order our Pro-Life pamphlet from national office at $1 each.

Ministry to Youth – Catholic Girls’ League (CGL)

Our first CGL in BC is in Port Alberni! If there are any other BC councils, please keep me informed. I know there are a few parish councils that are considering starting a CGL council.

A discussion at the fall national executive meeting on the future of the CGL brought forward the following three motions:

1. that the designation “pilot project” be removed from all references to the CGL
2. that the national Christian Family Life standing committee chairperson support parish councils’ efforts to develop faith-based youth groups for girls
3. that the existing CGL group leaders network to develop basic guidelines, including steps to organizing and the process of screening, for presentation at the winter executive meeting with expenses to be covered by the national treasury

From Ann’s communiqué she states that there are presently 17 CGL councils in three provincial councils; five in Alberta Mackenzie, 11 in Ontario and one in Quebec.

Ministry to Disabled, Seniors, Widowed, Separated and Divorced

On Friday I was at the ribbon cutting for The Hamlets Westsyde with 62 units of seniors assisted living and 112 bed residential care. One building is for those that are not seniors but require care. There is a need for facilities that offer care for non-seniors. They could have dieses like MS or brain damage from an accident. The Hamlets Penticton is under construction.

There is a great need in our church to make widowed, separated and divorced Catholics feel accepted. This is an area where our members can make a difference with our compassion and love.

Vocations

On the Archdiocese of Vancouver website, www.rcav.org, there is information under Fishers of Men and also under Vocations. Other diocesan websites also have good information.

Those that attended the Christian Family Life lunch at the provincial convention last year received a pamphlet It’s Your Call. Promote this pamphlet which can be ordered from Novalis at $2.50 each. There is information on Novalis’s website www.novalis.ca or by phone 1-800-387-7164.

The Christian Family Life standing committee has such a wealth of information. You don’t have to look very far to find it.

Your Sister-in-the-League,
Marilyn

Dear League Sisters,

Advent is just around the corner. “Advent means the coming, and is used by the church to represent the four thousand years of preparation for the coming of the Redeemer and at the same time points us to His second coming as our judge.” Goffin’s Devout Instructions, copyright 1896. This was my Grandmother’s book; she would have been 11 years old when it was copyrighted. Our Catholic church was the same yesterday as it is today. We must be ready for the second coming of Christ. “Keep awake therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” Matt 24:42.

The Provincial Executive was at Rosemary Heights in Surrey for our Fall Mid-Term meeting October 11 – 14. Our time at Rosemary Heights was wonderful. The Spiritual Programs were awesome thanks to Dodie Bond. We attended Saturday evening Mass at Star of the Sea parish in White Rock where we were warmly welcomed. Sandra Stajduhar gave copies of the fall issue of our provincial newsletter to diocesan presidents for each parish council in their diocese. We received our newsletter by email before the meeting. There are two newsletters per year. Ask someone, your diocesan president or me your committee counterpart, to forward the newsletter to you. I have attached my National Convention Report that was submitted with my Midterm Report.

Marriage and Family
In Ann Doucet’s Communique #6 she mentioned another brochure from the Canadian Organization for Life and Family (COLF). It is titled Families, where are the saints of the third millennium? As usual it is a beautiful well done brochure. You can order this brochure from COLF, the suggested donation is .40 each. I printed one for myself from their website www.colf.ca. They can be reached by email colf@colf.ca or phone at (613) 241-9461.

Sanctity of Life
There is a new DVD/video, Turning the Tide: Fighting for our Lives, produced by Salt + Light Catholic Media Foundation and the EPC. In Ann Doucet’s communique, she states that it is available from EPC; one copy $50, two copies $70, or four copies $100. To order call (877) 439-3348. Consider getting together with other councils/members to view this important video and participate in the discussion guide; it is important for members to be well informed on this timely and critical issue. You may be able to borrow it from your diocesan resource center.

From LifeCanada E-News “You can participate in a national media campaign to mark the January 2008 twentieth anniversary of the Mongentaler Supreme Court decision removing all restrictions on abortion in Canada. LifeCanada has produced postcards with Abortion: Have we gone too far for individuals to pass around, to join in reaching as many people as possible. The post cards show the image of a pregnant woman on the front with Statistics Canada information on late term abortion in Canada on the back. The cards are available for a small fee through the LifeCanada office at 866-780-5433. Mail them to your MP, leave them in your Church, pass them out to family and friends…engage in ‘creative littering’ to help spread the message of respect for life!”

Ministry to Youth
From our National Office I ordered Steps to Forming a Catholic Girls’ League and Catholic Girls’ League Administration Manual. Plan to start a Catholic Girls League in 2008.

Ministry to Disabled, Seniors, Widowed, Separated and Divorced
As we approach the season of Advent and Christmas, be sensitive to those around us that are alone this time of year. Invite them to join you in your advent and Christmas activities.

Vocations
There are always many excellent articles in the BC Catholic; my only problem is not having enough time to read as much as I want to. In the November 5, 2007 edition there is a supplement titled Fishers of Men. I enjoyed the “profiles of men who answered the call and are marking 25, 50 and 60 years of service.” “Pope John Paul II, in many of his writings and homilies, said “The Christian family is the first place where vocations develop. It is a seminary or novitiate in germ. It is vital for families to nurture, encourage, and promote vocations. First, we need to teach our children to pray and second, we need to help our children cultivate a spirit of willingness to make a sacrifice.” This article by Father Hien Nguyen is on page S1 of the supplement. If you can obtain the supplement, made sure and read the whole article. It would be good for our youth to read the profiles of the priests in the supplement to see what a life of adventure they live.

Your Sister-in-the-League
Marilyn V……..

Dear League Sisters,

WELCOME back from the land of summer! Enjoy the summer weather while it lasts while at the same time respond to our CWL responsibilities that are calling us. I had an awesome time at the National Convention in Montreal. I found the Commissioning of Life Members was very emotional. I am so thankful to God for choosing me to be a Life Member; it was only with a lot of help from God that I was able to fulfill the criteria. Our theme Love One Anther ran through the full convention. I am sure you will hear a lot about the convention. After the convention my husband, Casey, joined me and we traveled around the province of Quebec.

We went on a pilgrimage of all the great Catholic churches in Quebec where we prayed for the people we know with cancer and those with other health problems. In Montreal we went to Mary Queen of Heaven Cathedral, Notre Dame Basilica, St Joseph’s Oratory, the shrine to St Peregrine the patron saint of cancer patients. By Magog we visited a Benedictine Monastery. In Quebec City we went to Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral. We were blessed to be able to spend three nights in a beautiful B & B built in 1897 in St Anne de Beaupre. What a wonderful, peaceful place to spend a few days. I would have liked to stay longer, will have to go back someday. We visited the Ursulines and the CND museums. Quebec is a province of churches. I have listed only a few churches we visited. We visited heritage churches, churches built in the 1950s, and modern churches. Wineries were fun to visit. There were lots of other places we visited with a historical significance or just for fun. We finally arrived home about mid-night on September 7th.

Welcome to your new position Betty K….., Eileen B…… and Sammy N…….. You join Catherine S……, and Therese J…… as diocesan chairpersons of Christian Family Life. Every Catholic woman is involved in some area of this Standing Committee. I have attached the contact information for Christian Family Life Chairpersons. I changed Therese J…….’s contact information; I didn’t realize I hadn’t changed it on the list when she moved. Eileen B……. sent me changes of phone number so don’t keep the draft copy I emailed to you, destroy it right away.

When you write a communique, you are writing it TO the Parish Christian Family Life Chairpersons in your diocese. Please send a copy of your communiques to me and also to each Diocesan Christian Family Life Chairperson on the list. You don’t send it to the National Chairperson; I have her name on the list for information only.

Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF)
COLF has a large selection of information you can order. Our National Chairperson had a table at the convention with leaflets we could take home Marriage Matters and Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide to mail to each of you. Their contact information is on the back of the leaflets.

Ministry to Youth – The Catholic Girls’ League (CGL)
There was an informational lunch meeting one day to encourage the formation of CGL councils in their parishes. At present there are 19 councils in six provinces. The councils that are formed are doing very well. This is still a pilot project that the National Executive fully supports for 9 to 15 year olds. This will be our life blood with a solid foundation (our Catholic Women’s League) to build on. CGL starts younger than youth group because it is hard to get children into youth group as teenagers. Edmonton has two CGLs, one group draws from two parishes. There are many advantages in having a group with just girls. Girls and boys are different. The girls enjoy belonging to a group that their mothers and grandmothers belong to. Or they can recruit their Moms. They start with a spiritual program and crafts at every meeting. Girls like social action projects, service to others. Exercise and games are incorporated into the meetings. The girls can sell items at sharing tables at diocesan and provincial conventions which can bring their Moms to the conventions. The CGL can unite girls across Canada. It builds stronger links with the church, keeps up communications between girls and church. These groups could be funded by the parishes. Groups charge $5 a year but it should increase. Some also charge a loony or toony a meeting. Most groups have one meeting a month; two groups have meetings twice a month. I have often heard that we use to have a Junior Catholic Women’s League. We also use to support the Girl Guides. The Catholic Girls’ League is filling a void. Please seriously consider starting a CGL in your parish. We have members that love working with our youth.

The Catholic Women’s League St Joseph’s Campus Council in Edmonton
Some members from this University Campus Council attended the National Convention both because they are CWL members and to promote campus councils. To appeal to younger members we have to go to where the younger women are. The women from the campus council were very enthusiastic! The CGL will feed into the campus councils. As a fund raiser, the campus council is selling shirts and aprons with More than Just Good Cookies, Catholic Women’s League printed on them. I will enclose the order form in my mail out. Let’s support them.

ProLifeSearch – What happened to ProLifeSearch that we got used to using? Many of you may have received the same email that arrived in my inbox while I was in Quebec. I copied part of the email dated August 27, 2007.

Sadly, the bottom line is that some of the web developers we hired for this project left our employ and changed all of the passwords to the site. This meant that for months we could not access the site, change the site, or post any new information on the site. It also meant that we could not access our list of book purchasers to notify them of the problems we were having. As we tried to force the new passwords from these developers, the URL –http://www.prolifesearch.com — expired, and it seems some rock and roll site was all too ready to snatch it up because of all the traffic we created over the past 2 years. Legally, the site now belongs to that organization. We have tried, but we cannot get it back. The good news is that during our operation, through your support, we were able to generate over $20,000 for Pro-life charities. Good was done, and we accept responsibility (and apologize to all of you) for a rocky wind-down to our efforts. Of course, we also hope that we might have inspired others to come up with their own ideas on how to blend every day activities and our cause for Life so that those charities on the front line of the fight have what they need to continue their good work each and every day. I am a little sad to have to say good-bye. But ProLifeSearch was never about Jack and Joe. It was always about you. You are the ones who made any good works we did possible. And for that I just want to say Thank You. Please go forth and continue to fight the good fight.
God bless you all, Joe Hanley, Jack Manhire

May Our Lady of Good Counsel watch over all our endeavours.
Your Sister-in-the League
Marilyn V…….

There is no shortage of resources for the issues dealt with in this standing committee. I always carry reading material with me in case I am stuck waiting somewhere. Conferences are fun to attend and are a wealth of information. Right now Edmonton is the place to be. A conference on euthanasia and end-of-life issues was held in May 25 in Edmonton.The newly formed Diocesan Vocation Directors of Canada are holding a conference in Edmonton June 11 – 15. Novalis has published an excellent resource aimed at teens 12 – 17 years old titled “It’s Your Call”. It reminds young people who feel lost and aimless that God has a call for each one of them. Also in Edmonton June 15 & 16 is a conference on Towards a New Sexual Revolution, National Symposium on the Theology of the Body. Margaret Beardon, as national sub-committee chairperson, will be representing our league. Watch out for conferences you are able to attend. It will be well worth your time and money. What you do with your time and money shows what is important to you.

We must continually be on defense of our beliefs and morals. The National Post recently reported that the National Abortion Federation is lobbying the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) to remove its “conscientious objector policy, which allows physicians to refuse to refer patients for abortions.”

Currently, the CMA’s abortion policy allows doctors to refuse to make an abortion referral when it would violate their religious/conscientious beliefs. The director of ethics at CMA recently clarified CMA’s position in the April 24, 2007 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal after the CMA’s policy was misrepresented in a guest editorial in the CMA Journal last July by lawyers who claimed that doctors who refuse to refer for abortion are committing ‘malpractice’. The National Abortion Federation is lobbying CMA to change its policy to take away a physician’s right to freedom of conscience.

If CMA’s policy were to be changed so that doctors were obligated to make abortion referrals against their conscientious/religious beliefs, Canada may one day find itself without any practicing pro-life doctors. Canadian Physicians for life are already in dialogue with the CMA.

We should write and thank CMA for upholding conscience protection for Canadian doctors. The address is 1867 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6.

The right to life is scared from the moment of conception to natural death. We must affirm groups that respect life and uphold the right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Respectfully submitted
Marilyn V…….

Dear League Sisters,

HAPPY EASTER! “I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.” Ps 30:2
During winter nature seems to die. Leaves drop off the trees and other vegetation droops. Next comes the yucky time of year when the snow melts and everything looks so dirty and unkempt. Out of the mess new life appears. Buds appear on tree branches and shrubs. Tulips break through the ground, their green leaves appear. Resurrection, new life! During Lent we tidied up what was yucky in ourselves, we prayed “I cried out to you and you healed me; you brought me up from the nether world” Ps 3-4. Jesus triumphed over death and has given us new life!

Towards a New Sexual Revolution
I received some leaflets in the mail today about the National symposium on the Theology of the Body presented by The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) in Edmonton June 15-16, 2007. I mentioned this symposium in my last communique. Please promote it as it will be well worth attending. You never know who might be interested and able to attend. Free advertising material is available, contact Lea Singh, COLF’s Assistant Director, by phone at 613-241-9461 ext 162 or by email at lsingh@colf.ca. The registration fee includes a buffet lunch on June 15 and a continental breakfast on June 16. It will cost $89 for adults and $69 for students before May 2, after May 2 it will be $109 for adults and $89 for students.

Ministry to Youth
Do you make the youth and young adults in your parish welcomed? Have you included them in celebrations and, especially, in the Triduum?

Ministry to Seniors
Do you appreciate the ‘elders’ in your parish? Do you ask them for guidance, respecting the knowledge they have that comes with age, their life experiences? Do you have an outreach in your parish that will visit shut-ins?

Vocations
Did you remember the seminarians from your diocese this Easter? This is a good time of year to let them know that their efforts are appreciated.

Visit to Victoria – Presentation to our Provincial Government
We had wonderful meetings in Victoria. We first did our presentation to three NDP MLAs. The NDP just have the MLA critics for the topics we are presenting attend. We then presented to 22 Liberal MLAs. The resolutions we presented were BC 06.05 Discontinue the use of Styrofoam, 06.01 Religious Freedom, 06.02 Legal Protection for All Those who Object to the Solemnization of Civil Marriage for Same-Sex Partners, 06.03 Increase Old Age Security, 06.04 Renewable Energy. We didn’t have 06.05 GST Exemptions on Funeral Expenses or 06.06 Labeling and Disposal of Pest Control Products in our presentation but we do give the MLAs present a book with all the 2006 resolutions and since we had finished early they wanted to discuss those two as well.

Our meeting at the Ministry of Education office with Pierre Gilbert was very informative. The Ministry of Education agreement with the Correns does not give them any more rights than anyone else could ask for. They have been added to the list to review curriculum when it is updated. Curriculum revisions are done every eight years. Pierre asked Nancy for her email address so she can be on this review list.

We had a lunch meeting with Robin Pike on Trafficking. In 1999, 134 unaccompanied children with no form of ID arrived on boats as refugees from Fuchow, China. Robin didn’t think it was right to detain children, that they should go to school and live a normal life. Robin found places to house the children. These children could have easily found themselves at risk of being trafficked. BC is the only province that is doing anything with the trafficking problem. We are leading the way. There is no Federal protection/prevention. There is a social impact re: trafficking from 2010 Olympics and like events.

After lunch we ran back to the parliament building to the Spectators’ Gallery for a very lively questions period from 1:30 – 2:30. After that we have a very nice visit with my brother-in-law, John van Dongen, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations. John was impressed at how much we had accomplished that morning. You will hear a lot more about our visit at the Provincial Convention.

Communicate – Share ideas
For many of you this is an election year. Share your experiences, information and ideas with your incoming Christian Family Life Chairperson. This is a wonderful Standing Committee full of issues that are a concern for all members.

Your Sister-in-the League,
Marilyn V.

Dear League Sisters,

During this time of lent we reflect on Jesus’ life, suffering and death. I ordered leaflets titled Living, Suffering and Dying: what for? from the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) <www.colf.ca> and will mail them to the Diocesan Christian Family Life Chairpersons. I will also mail the brochure and leaflet order form from COLF; they have many good titles.

Towards a New Sexual Revolution
COLF are putting together their first National Symposium on the Theology of the Body. It will be held June 15 – 16, 2007 in Edmonton, Alberta. It is titled Towards a New Sexual Revolution. The symposium will be promoting Pope John Paul II’s teachings on the true meaning of life, love and sexuality. Free advertising material is available. Contact Lea Singh, COLF’s Assistant Director, by phone at 613-241-9461 ext 162 or by email at lsingh@colf.ca. The registration fee includes a buffet lunch on June 15 and a continental breakfast on June 16. It will cost $89 for adults and $69 for students before May 2, after May 2 it will be $109 for adults and $89 for students.

Marriage and Family
On December 7, 2006 a motion to reopen the debate on the definition of marriage was defeated. The opinion of some MPs was that the motion was vague and misleading. It called for legislation to restore the traditional definition of marriage while at the same time respecting existing same-sex marriages. This was a clear and impossible contraction leading to MPs who voted against the redefinition of marriage in 2005 voting against the motion to reopen the debate in 2006.

In Ann D.’s Communique #3 [CWL National], she stated that a decision by the Court of Appeal for Ontario recognizes three legal parents for one child. The following was copied from Ann’s communique.

A statement was released by COLF on January 8th entitled “Three parents for one child? Time has come to pause and reflect.”

A letter using the COLF statement as reference was sent to the prime minister and the minister of justice on behalf of the League under the signature of the national president expressing “profound concern and distress” with respect to this ruling. The letter states in part that “The Catholic Women’s League of Canada considers that legislators historically have had the responsibility of defining social policies and strongly urges the federal and provincial governments to assume their responsibility in making responsible, thoroughly studied decisions regarding the structure of the family. Furthermore, the League contends that these policies need to promote the natural two-parent family model. The effect of redefining marriage and parenthood needs to be thoroughly examined and studied in view of its future impact upon children and upon society itself.”

Our Sunday Visitor has a new hybrid mini-magazine, Take Out: Family Faith on the Go. This eight page mini-magazine will engage, inform and inspire family members to live their Catholic faith. Each issue includes new and unique ways to meet families’ real needs with fresh, fun, must-try ideas for connecting their Catholic faith with real life. If you have questions or would like further information, contact Amy Thomas, Marketing Coordinator, at (800) 348-2440 or athomas@osv.com, or see the website.

Sanctity of Life
Two reminders from the National sub-committee chairperson Margaret B.

• 10th Annual National March for Life – May 10 in Ottawa – Organizers are hoping to have 10,000 in attendance to mark this event.
• Pro-life search engine – It works like Google and is run by Google, but every time www.prolifesearch.com is used, a donation is made to a pro-life charity. Please promote the use of this pro-life tool.

More information that Ann D. is passing on:

Ontario Provincial Council is asking each diocesan council to declare the month of April 2007 as Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Awareness Month. I encourage other provincial and diocesan councils to follow their lead. Councils could be encouraged to have guest speakers at council meetings during this month. Priests, doctors and palliative care workers could be considered as presenters. We are still waiting for the DVD Fighting for Our Lives, due to be released this month by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC), at a cost of $50.00. The DVD is being sent along with a presentation format. The presentation material allows people who care about the sanctity of human life and vulnerable Canadians to present to groups without being an expert on end-of-life issues.

Ministry to Youth
While working on this communique I have been working on scheduling the lectors for the month of April for my parish. The Palm Sunday and the Triduum need extra readers. At the Easter Vigil in my parish all seven readings are used with two readers alternating. I have an adult and a teen reading them. Another teen has a part in the Good Friday passion. I know they will both do very well. We need to encourage youth to take part in liturgical services in their parishes. They need to feel they are accepted, that they belong. Support youth rallies, days of recollection and other functions for our youth. Our youth will be running our country someday; support now can help them make major decisions throughout their life, many of these decisions will be how, as adults, they treat us as seniors.

Ministry to Seniors
I will also mail the enclosure Trust and betrayal in the golden years by Kyle G Brown; he is a freelance writer based in Calgary. I received this article from Ann who got it from the January 27, 2007 Globe and Mail. “Just when they’re needed most, a growing number of children are turning on aging parents – taking away their nest eggs and their independence. But as KYLE BROWN reports, getting justice is no easy task.”

This next paragraph from Ann Doucet’s communique is not just for seniors but it does have a real impact on seniors.

“How Will You Say Goodbye: To Someone You Love?” features articles on palliative care, elder abuse, disability concerns, etc. If you would like to order this paper, telephone (877) 439-3348. Elder Abuse, Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide – Must we consider the link? It was researched and written by Philip Prins, a free-lance researcher and Research Director for the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) in London, Ontario, and prepared by the EPC for Niagara Region Right to Life. Copies may be ordered for $15.00 each from the EPC, Box 25033, London, ON N6C 6A8; telephone (519) 439-3348; toll-free (877) 439-3348; or e-mail info@epcc.ca.

Vocations
Read my article on the family in our Provincial Newsletter #14. This newsletter isn’t published yet but hopefully your Diocesan President will receive a copy to give to each Parish President in her diocese at the Diocesan Conventions. This article is not about vocations, but if we can return family life to what it should be we will have more vocations. If families respected and appreciated each family member, respected and appreciated those in the ordained ministry and consecrated life, respected and appreciated our church, we would create a vocation culture.

Visit to Victoria – Presentation to our Provincial Government
March 28 a delegation of four will be bringing our resolutions to our provincial government. The delegation includes Sheila Q. 1st Vice-president and Resolutions Chairperson, Gloria G. Legislation Chairperson, Nancy S. Education and Health Chairperson, and myself 2nd Vice-president. Usually the Provincial President and President-elect are part of the delegation but our president is away and we do not have a president-elect. All four of us will get together the day before to go over our presentation. The next day we will have to be at the Parliament Building before 8:30 am as we will meet with the NDP caucus from 8:30 – 9:30 am. We will then rush to another area of the building to meet with the Liberal caucus from 9:30 – 10:30 am. You will then find us rushing to the Ministry of Education Office for an 11:00 am to discuss the Correns case. Next we will go to Jonathons at the other side of the Parliament Building for a 12:30 pm lunch meeting with Robin Pike to get an update on trafficking. From there we will proceed to the Legislative Gallery to view the House in session. It will be a busy but fulfilling day. Please remember to pray for us while we represent The Catholic Women’s League.

Communicate – Share ideas
Thank you very much for your annual reports. It is so uplifting to see how much has been accomplished by our League sisters. I always look forward to receiving the diocesan and provincial convention books and the League magazine to see what everyone across my diocese, my province and across Canada are accomplishing. Let people know what we do. It is not personal bragging, it is promoting our League. Also share what we are doing with our League members, you may give them ideas they hadn’t thought of.

Your Sister-in-the League,
Marilyn V.

Dear League Sisters,

Winter has now come of all parts of Canada. I am sure Eastern Canada was hoping that winter would forget about them this year but January is known to be the worse weather month of the year.

Marriage and Family
The vote taken on December 7, 2006 to decide if the same-sex marriage debate should be reopened was defeated by 175 – 123. Polls have found that the majority of Canadians want traditional marriage to be restored but the Bloc and the NDP did not allow their members a free vote. Groups that have been defending the traditional definition of marriage have stated they will continue to do so. “We will not give up our efforts to restore marriage to Canada because it is so vital to the future we bequeath to our children and to future generations.” Taken from Restore Marriage, Canada Newsletter, December 8. “I am convinced that families who follow God’s design and His teachings on grace, loving one another and selflessness, will be a witness for Christ in our communities at a time when hope is needed by so many.” Focus on the Family Canada December 15 email.

September 27 – 28, 2006 Ann D., National Chairperson of Christian Family Life, attended the Family Service Canada Conference Celebrating the Power of Families and Communities held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her report on this conference is on the national website on the Christian Family Life page .

Sanctity of Life
CWL Provincial Council sent me to the International Pro-Life Conference in Richmond in November. It was titled Healing the Culture: A New Beginning. What an awesome educational experience! The whole conference gave us so much information. I took 24 pages of notes on an 8 x 11 note pad. I hope to type all my notes and save them with the handouts we received. “Healing the Culture is a unique organization which seeks to end abortion and euthanasia by guiding the culture and individual hearts toward healthier attitudes and beliefs about happiness and meaning of life”. Their motto is Upholding the Intrinsic Dignity of Every Human Person. My report is attached with this communique. I will photocopy and mail the Ten Life Principles.

The Right to Die Societies are changing their terminology. They have found that many people consider suicide morally unacceptable so assisted suicide has changed to Aid in Dying which is much more “acceptable.” Don’t be fooled by a simple change in terminology. Ask yourself what they are really talking about.

Ann D. (National) asked Margaret B.to be chairperson for the Sanctity of Life sub-committee. It is so nice to see someone from our province as a National Sub-Committee Chairperson.

I have copied the following two paragraphs from Ann Doucet’s Communique #2. Those of you who were at the National Convention in Saskatoon will remember Lorraine Hartsook and her beautiful music along with her witnessing. I have received and would like to recommend a pro-life music DVD Bring That Child To Me by Lorraine Hartsook, a member of Sacred Heart Parish Council, Eston, Saskatchewan. This is a very beautiful and powerful video to promote the pro-life cause. It is available for $15.00 by contacting Lorraine at L and L Music, Box 698, Eston, SK S0L 1A0; tel: (888) 962-4538; or, e-mail: lhartsook@xplornet.com. If you would like to learn more about Lorraine and her pro-life ministry, go to the website: www.lorrainehartsook.com.

The DVD Fighting For Our Lives is now available from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, at a cost of $50.00 and includes a presentation guide. Also available is the book Forced Exit: Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and the New Duty to Die, by Wesley J. Smith (2006), at a cost of $30.00. If you would like more information or to order one of these resources, contact the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition: tel: (877) 439-3348; e-mail: info@epcc.ca; or, write to: Box 25033, London, ON N6C 6A8; or you may visit the EPCC website.

Ministry to Youth
Ann reported that there are currently 12 councils either sponsoring or considering the sponsorship of a Catholic Girls League (CGL) council in their parish. Six are in Ontario, three in Alberta, two in BC, and one in Quebec. National would like to encourage councils to consider this project. From the national office you can obtain the following two publications. Steps to Form a Catholic Girls League and the Catholic Girls’ League Administration Manual from National office.

Ministry to Seniors
It was decided at the national executive meeting that each Standing Committee reviews two resolutions from the past that are still current. Ann chose Resolution 1986.01 Needs of the Elderly in our Parishes. It is shared with spiritual development and is listed on the national website under that standing committee . Also Resolution 1996.03 Advance Directives for Health Care. You will find this one under Christian Family Life .

National office sent me a pamphlet from Nova Scotia titled Elder Abuse: We can’t always see it, but we know it’s there. I will photocopy and mail it.

The following paragraph also comes from Ann’s communique.

I have in my files the Elder Care Kit – A Gift to Be Shared! assembled by Ontario Provincial Council. It contains a wealth of information and resources that pertain to each of these resolutions, e.g., videos on elder abuse, guide to advance care planning, guide to end-of life care for seniors, federal government services for seniors, and guides for support services specific to Ontario. These guides would be available from all of the provincial departments of health and community services.

Vocations
Sister Susan Kidd CND was in Kamloops presenting her version of Vocation 101 last fall. I took notes. What are you doing with God’s Love? The promotion of vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life cannot be understood in isolation from the universal baptism’s call to holiness and service. Each member can identify and consentrate to live out a call to life and holiness; to discipleship and communion and to witness the mission.

Changing a culture takes time.
What is needed is the presence of significant models who can give appropriate witness and to translate into language more accessible to a new generation of Catholics. This is a long term process.

1. Pray – to be converted to worship.
2. Evangelize – to teach, to form, to catechize.
3. To experience – worship, community service.
4. To mentor – to accompany, to guide, to model, and to witness. Be available, share your love and excitement of Christ and His church.
5. To invite.

Sister Susan handed out a sheet of eleven questions she made out for The Catholic Women’s League. I will attach them with this communique. Sister Susan suggested picking a couple of the questions to focus on each meeting.

Make sure and read or reread Creating A Vocation Culture in The Canadian League/Spring 2006 .

Communicate – Share ideas
Please share your communiques and ideas. Email is a fantastic way to share your ideas with the other diocesan Christian Family Life Chairpersons including myself. Don’t forget your annual report. Your annual report is sent to your president, your convention book and me. The deadline date to send your annual report to me is February 15. I would appreciate it if you can send it early. I have received one so far.

Your Sister in the League,
Marilyn V.

Dear League Sisters,

September has arrived. Welcome back to both first and second term Christian Family Life Chairpersons: Iris B.-Kamloops Diocese, Catherine S.-Nelson Diocese, Paulette D.-Prince George Diocese, Afra N.-Vancouver Archdiocese, Therese J.-Victoria Diocese, and our members up north in the Whitehorse Diocese.

We are blessed to have Ann Doucet as our national counterpart. … On the National Council she has been Chairperson of Education & Health and Community Life. Read more about Ann on our National Website www.cwl.ca then click on the Christian Family Life icon.

I joined the League in 1979 in a new parish in Kamloops, St. John Vianney. I was Parish President 1988 – 1990 and Diocesan President 1999 – 2001. I have served in many positions on those levels. On Provincial Council I have been Communications and Legislation Chairperson.

Communiques: Use the information from my communiques when you compose your own communiques to the parish councils. You are writing your communiques To the Parish Christian Family Life Chairpersons; please send a copy of your communiques to me and to each of your diocesan counter-parts. This way we can help one another. I have attached the addresses of the CFL Chairpersons. You will not send your communiques to Ann D. I included her address for your information only. When quoting directly, give credit to the source.

Definition of Marriage is how Sheila Q. (previous Christian Family Life Chair) and I (Legislation Chair) started and ended our communiques last term. It is the most pressing issue in this standing committee right now. Resolution 2006.02 Legal Protection for All Those Who Object to the Solemnization of Civil Marriage for Same-sex Partners was passed at our National Convention last month. You can find the resolution on our National Website www.cwl.ca click on the Resolutions icon, then ‘By Year’.

The following was taken from my oral report at the Provincial Convention in June.

This fall, as promised in the last election by our Prime Minister, Steven Harper, it will be decided if the same-sex marriage debate will be reopened. If it is decided that the debate should be reopened, then the question will be “Should the Civil Marriage Act, Bill C-38, which redefined marriage to include same-sex partners, remain in effect or should the Act be amended to permit marriage between opposite sex people only, as it was before the enactment.”

The Equal Marriage committee has been reestablished and is working hard not to let the marriage issue be reopened. On our side, twelve pro-family organizations have established a Defend Marriage Coalition. In less than a year since the same-sex marriage law was passed in Canada, many cases have arisen which negatively affect religious rights.

This summer visit your MP and make sure he/she knows how you feel about the same-sex issue. You will also need to put your views in writing to make it official. If you are not able to visit your MP, make sure and send a letter. It doesn’t matter how many times you have contacted him/her, it needs to be done again. We don’t want your MPs to return to Ottawa in the fall stating that it is not an issue with their constituents.

National Family Week October 2 – 8, 2006 with the theme Nourishing the Family. “National Family Week has been celebrated since 1985 when it was proclaimed an official week by the Government of Canada. It is always the week before Thanksgiving which is a time of family togetherness.” Visit the website to read more about it and encourage families to celebrate National Family Week . National family Week is under Services and Products. Ann recommended a resource book, A Treasure Chest of Traditions – for Catholic Families by Monica McConkey. Check your local bookstore or email.

Below are a few points taken from Ann’s Communique #1.

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide We are also asked to continue to be vigilant with respect to the possibility of a new private member’s bill on the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide. In (previous national chair) Cecile Miller’s April communique, she stated, “It is expected that Member of Parliament Francine Lalonde (Bloc Quebecois) will introduce a private member’s bill in the House of Commons to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. Members must be ready to fight for a culture of life in Canada, and once again make the prime minister and members of parliament aware of the value we place on life at all stages.”

The Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) document, Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide – Urgent Questions, is a valuable resource to assist with letter writing. It is available by contacting COLF by telephone: (613) 242-9461, ext. 161; or e-mail: .

Ministry to Youth – Exciting Project! Interested councils across Canada are asked to pilot a Catholic girls’ league council using the manual and Steps to Forming a Catholic Girls’ League (adapted by national office from guidelines developed by Hamilton Diocesan Council). It is hoped that there will be at least one council in each province piloting this exciting project. We would ask for a report with suggestions for changes/improvements from those councils near the end of the first year. All suggestions would then be used to develop a final document(s) for the formation of girls’ groups across Canada. Please contact national office for the required material if you are interested.

­Vocations are another area I would like to see us work on. The Executive Handbook states Vocations ‘are a gift of God’ and ‘they are born in communities of faith”¦’ (Ecclesia in America). Let’s share our ideas on what we are doing to encourage vocations and to help those in the seminary.

Use the Christian Family Life Standing Committee section in the Executive Handbook as your guide.

The path towards the future passes through the family.

Your Sister in the League
Marilyn V.