Dignity for all Campaign Presentation Feb/2012

So what is next, for a poverty free Canada?

Some interesting facts:

• Poverty costs Alberta 8 million dollars a year
• About 8 provinces have a plan to combat poverty
• An old bill #C-304 has once again been introduced to support a national housing

Strategy

• Over 3 million people live in poverty in Canada
• Food bank use is up 26%
• 10 provinces have a poverty reduction plan or are working on one
• All MP’s in every party see poverty as a problem

Things have to change. We cannot afford poverty.

All MP’s at the presentation agreed we have had enough studies and reports, the time to act, move forward is now. All of us have been touched by poverty, loss of dignity and power.

What are our priorities for action?

We must work together, spend wisely and all parties in Ottawa must agree and be nonpartisan. So what can CWL members do in our continuing process to eliminate poverty?

Letter writing campaign, lots and lots of letters to every MP and MLA letting them know that as Canadians we are outraged that poverty costs us $30 billion dollars a year. We must also let them know that we are aghast that an affluent country like Canada tolerates poverty. I realize that all councils have been busy with TLC projects, programs and fund raisers this past winter. But we can do this. I urge every council to write 50 letters to 50 members of parliament, asking them to start some were, to stand tall to be heard for all of Canada. Think positively, 25 members each one writes 2 letters, not too hard, Right!

Draft letters are not that effective, personal hand written is better. Please help me make this work, we have to do this in the month of April before your convention, and the changing of executives. Diocesan chairpersons please rush this out to all councils ASAP with many thanks. Again I offer my help if anyone needs help to write a letter please contact me. This being my last communiqué as your provincial community life chairperson, let me again thank all diocesan chairs for your great work and wonderful reports.

The position of executive director was eliminated on June 29th and no staff has been hired to cover maternity leave. This in effect has shut down the main office in Victoria and leaves OCTIP with two full time employees in Vancouver and a meagre budget of $300,000.

As BC is a recognized source destination and transit province for sex trafficking, the OCTIP has since 2007 coordinated critical assistance to over 100 trafficked persons in our province.

OCTIP runs a 24-7 victim support hot line, coordinates victim services, trains front line responders and raises public awareness about future crimes.

The future of this life saving program is in jeopardy!

Prime Minister Harper has recently promised a National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, backed by $20 million, beginning in 2012. Other provinces have launched major initiatives to crack down on brutal crime.

The CWL of Canada feels that immediate action needs to happen.

- Caroline Ann-Alter Provincial Community Life Chairperson

What does community mean to you? When you hear the word community what comes to your mind? Becoming a community life chairperson can be an awesome task. So many challenges, topic’s and concerns to choose from, how do you do justice to all these issues/problems. The temptation might be to despair and think what we do is so small and useless!

We could just throw up our hands in despair OR we can join hands in prayer, light a candle, write to MP”s or MLA”s, OR give of our time and talent to solve one issue little by little, and at the same time move forward with positive passion in all that the League holds dear. Who are we? We are women of peace and hope, looking ahead centred on faith and justice.

We declared April 26th “Day of Action” how has this helped councils to focus on poverty and all its ramifications. Did you know poverty is not only being hungry, naked or homeless? The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, abused, uncared for this is the greatest poverty! All of us need to focus on how to remedy this kind of poverty in our homes, schools, parishes and communities.

So how can you and I help, or change these issues? How many times have you listened or sang the hymn “Here I am Lord” did you feel the Lord speaking directly to you? Did you feel or hear his presence in your life? I have several times. In the past year I have focused my communiqués to my counterparts on what concerns are most important in their own parish and community. Zoning in on issues one by one seems to work best and prevents one from feeling overwhelmed. I have made contact with the diocesan community life chairs in five communiqués:

Information on Bill C474 Genetically altered foods; poverty in our communities and around the world; challenge to declare April 26th A Day of Action; information on resolution 2009-01 asbestos manufacturing and sales in Canada and recommendation to members on what they can do to keep resolution 2009-01 Exit strategies for prosecuted women up front.

Two letters were sent by mail to diocesan community life chairs welcoming them to their positions and introducing myself, and what I expect to accomplish with their help and a directive on issues that arose in their annual reports on how to focus in on one issue at a time, and how to let their councils know how to do reports and why they are so important.

How have councils in BC participated re Day of Action on anti poverty issues?

What some councils reported:

• Some went without lunch and donated the money to a poor family.
• Some did the change to change and donated the money to local charities.
• Some members volunteered at St Vincent de Paul
• Some invited neighbouring councils to lunch were a collection was held for D&P
• Some had collections at mass to alleviate poverty and make a change.
• Some councils let members choose something they wanted to do to help the poor.
• One council paid registration fees for students in there parish to attend youth net ministries.
• Some built a mountain with food donations for St Vincent de Paul.

In closing let me end with words from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta!

The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love,

The fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace.

All CWL councils are asked to declare April 26th, A Day of Action. On this feast day of Our Lady of Good Counsel, we are encouraging all councils across Canada to take this opportunity to make a difference, effect a change.

Please take one anti-poverty issue and bring it forward in your council. All CWL members are well equipped to involve themselves and all sisters to do one thing that will make a difference.

There are so many issues to choose from; pick a subject, topic or issue that will grab your members

Sisters in the League:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Today a Savior is born and his name is Jesus!

Already we are into the 3rd week of advent, are we prepared for His coming, have we been open to His word, praying and serving? Merry Christmas to all my sisters, a time to celebrate our history as Catholic Women in our homes and with our families.

2011 calls us to be centred on Faith and Justice the new National CWL theme! Discussion, dialogue and deliberations have made it clear that the issue of poverty in its many forms is the greatest problem across our country/world.

As we work and pray to motivate councils to come up with practical and concrete actions to enrich our mission to service and justice. There are so many issues of poverty. In the coming weeks and months, can we look for ways to raise awareness for the right and dignity of women at risk?

As Christians, we all believe freedom from poverty is our human right; everyone is entitled to social and economic security. Our faith commitment moves us to eliminate poverty.

Visit the web at www.dignityforall.ca and have all your councils sign on

Directive for Community Life Chairs!
Re: Resolution 2010-01

Update re the Ontario legalizing of certain aspects of prostitution:

Message from Barb Dowding: National CWL President Velma Harasen is away in Jerusalem at the WUCWO conference so no official statement from National CWL at this time.

But a few recommendations to members at this time:

1. Members can try to inform themselves on the actual case and responses already on record from the Attorney General as reported in the Globe and Mail.
2. The case has been stayed for the traditional 30 days and given the early response from the federal government this could be extended.
3. The details can be reviewed at: http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2010/2010Oonsc4264/.html#Toc270411986
4. Review the League’s relevant resolutions e.g. 2009.01Exit Strategies for Prostituted Women.
5. Encourage members to continue to monitor this situation so they stay informed and have a clearer understanding of what the issue is here.

Hope this is helpful in the meantime.

Dear Sisters in the League:

Hello to all! Hope every one had a great summer, even though the heat was slow in coming! Welcome back to those who were lucky enough to go to National Convention! I was sad to have missed the National, my 1st miss in 6 years, but my financial help was needed by a grandson (with wife and child) for the past several months.

I am very excited about my election to the Provincial CWL executive and my appointment to Community Life Chair. Some of you may know me, and some do not but in the next two years we will get better acquainted. Just a bit about me; I am the mother of 4, the grandmother of 8, and now already the great-grandmother of 4. The family continues to grow! This past June, I was awarded my 50 year CWL pin.

With the fall activities about to start, I want to bring your attention to Bill C474! Bill C474 needs to be passed and supported by all MP’s so we can stop the planting of more gene-altered (GM/GE) crops for economic considerations. We would like the health and environmental reasons to be considered as well. Despite the marketing promises of creating solutions to world hunger, what has the bio-tech industry actually achieved in the past 15 years?

In Europe, GE/GM packaged foods are labeled so that consumers can choose what they want to eat. Since it is not labeled here, we are all guinea pigs for the “new food”. GE now means genetically engineered foods and animals, a man made form of extreme human interference into the natural order of things.

So please email, or write your MP’s letting them know that we want this bill to be passed! You can watch the future of food on line for free!  www.truefoodfoundation.org

Thank you to all for your time, energy and dedication to the work for God and Canada!

In the C.W.L. book “Leading the League”, a quote from the “Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity”. says: Wherever there are people in need of food and drink, clothing,  housing,  medicine, employment, education;  wherever (people) lack the facilities necessary for life or are afflicted with serious distress or illness or suffer exile, or imprisonment, there Christian charity should seek them out and find them, console them with great solitude ,and help them with appropriate relief. This obligation is imposed above all upon every prosperous nation and person”.

This decree sets out for us the work of the Community Life Committee. This Committee has

Five main categories to work on.

DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF PERSONS:

The Charter of Rights says we have rights to many things such as: life, freedom, food, water, housing, clothing, protection of the law, medical care, education, a job etc.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Supporting Domestic Abuse Services
• Letters and  petitions to Government such as “No Legalized Prostitution”
• “No Legalization of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (Bill C-384)” and Bill C-58–Child Protection Act (on-line Sexual Exploitation)
• Educating the public about such things as Human Trafficking, and supporting minimum sentences for trafficking ,

Recent Resolutions:

2008.01>Preventing Human Trafficking at  2010 Olympics

2009.02> Protection and Support for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE:

We are called to help and protect people who need it. Our responsibilities to others cross national, racial, economic, and ideological diversities. We must give support locally, country- wide and globally to people suffering these injustices. We can do this individually, through our League, through community services organizations , and through all levels of government.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Support for many local, provincial, country-wide and global programs
• Support for programs like Restorative Justice
• Protecting our environment and educating others to do this
• Holding the government accountable to ensure companies have good work ethics when working in third world countries

Recent Resolutions:

2003.01>Affordable Housing for Low-income Canadians

2005.04>Ratification of International Covenant re: Death Penalty

REFUGEES, IMMAGRATION, AND CITIZENSHIP;

The C.W.L. was formed in the First World War to help women immigrants.  We have been known for a long time for welcoming new-comers of all kinds—at all times. We must become informed about the needs of immigrants and refugees, and welcome them into our Parishes.

Some examples of work in this area:

• We can assist by providing needs such as food and clothing, by assisting those learning English (ESL classes), by encouraging integration into our society etc,  In 2008 the Archdiocese of Vancouver helped relocate 130 refugee families.

CANADIAN CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIUON FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE;

Canada’s official Catholic overseas development organization was launched by the Canadian Congress of Catholic Bishops. In 2009 donations to this organization (C.W.L. and Canada-wide) were down because of accusations being circulated. Besides raising funds this group does many other good works in developing countries–such as the fight against the work ethics of mining companies in Africa.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Participating in the 1% C.W.L. program
• Participating as individuals and in CWL Councils, by sending funds to the National C.W.L. fund for CCODP. Suggested donations: Councils:1% of Funds raised.
• Ladies: 1% of money spent on yourself—clothing, cosmetics etc., etc.
• Promoting and helping with the Share Lent Fundraising in Parishes.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES;

Many countries need much help. Organizations make appeals for funds, fostering of children and families, donations of supplies and goods. If we help individuals or families, we are, in turn, helping a communities and countries.

Some examples of our work in this area are:

Adopting a family through Save-a-family Plan, adopting a child or children through Chalice, buying gifts to be sent to needy places through the Chalice gift catalogue i.e. water systems, farm animals school supplies, etc., donations to “Buy-a-Net”  which sends mosquito nets to countries where malaria (which is spread by mosquitoes) is prevalent, supporting Canadian Food for Children a Langley based volunteer group that sends large containers of goods to many countries., donating to special funds for places in great  need—often because of natural disasters—like Haiti. The needs in these places are endless.

Recent Resolutions:

2005.06>Developing Countries and Water

2007.02>Global Accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies

To see what Community Life Committees in B.C. & Yukon have done in 2009, please read my report in the Convention Book. When reading Diocesan reports about  this Committee, I am over-whelmed to see the work being done in Parishes, Dioceses, the Province,  and the Yukon Territory.

REMEMBER: Together with our CWL sisters across Canada we can accomplish a great deal and really make a difference in many peoples’ lives. Thank You!

Hi! To all!

Well, the Convention is fast approaching and I am trying to finish up most of the work as my husband and I are supposed to go camping this weekend. I just want to send a short message, as this will be my last Communiqué as Community Life Chairperson.

I also want to ask the Diocesan Community Life Chairpersons to look for Bill C-268. It is about minimum sentences for Offenses involving Trafficking of persons under the age of 18 years. When it comes you should encourage people to express opinions in favor of this. I was told that one of the problems is they can catch the Traffickers and charge them—but when they get to Court the Judges just give them a small fine—not enough to bother them. It should be a good jail sentence and put them out of commission for a while.

I want to say “Thanks” all the Diocesan Chairpersons for the work they have done this term. I have just been working on my Oral Report for the Convention. Are you Chairpersons coming to the Convention?  Also if you would like a copy of my Oral Report—please mail me, and I will send it to you—but it may be after the Convention. Thanks to all of you for your Cooperation and support.

I begin this Communiqué by sending you our Duties as listed in the Constitution and Bylaws:

• dignity and rights of persons
• social and economic justice
• refugees, immigration and citizenship
• Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) and
• developing countries

As it is more than a month after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, I hope all of you had a great time and, as Mary Nordick said in her last Communiqué to me: “Welcome to a new year and a new decade”.

However, many of the issues we have been working on are not new and are still with us: human trafficking, human rights, violence against women, poverty—especially child poverty, “global accountability for Canadian registered mining companies”—Resolution 2007.2. I will begin with this last issue. Bill C-300 was put on hold when parliament was prorogued.

It dealt the fact that Canadian Registered Mining Companies are operating around the world and engaging in unjust and unethical practices causing much harm to the environment and to the people. Your support and letters are urgently needed to ensure that Canadian Mining Companies live up to International human rights and labour standards, and also use the best environmental practices when they operate overseas. Other bills affected by closure of Parliament were C268—Human Trafficking and C-384 Right to Die with Dignity (this issue is important to Christian Family Life Chairpersons). These 3 bills having a C-and a # are all Private Members bills, and should return to the floor when Parliament returns in March.

Mary Nordick sent me two messages dealing with the problems in Haiti caused by the Earthquakes and she asked us to help these people by donation of funds by our Parish C.W.L. Councils and also as individuals. In our Diocese this has definitely happened. Mary was able to go to Africa in the Fall with a delegation from CCODP, and wrote about the difficult plight of the people there. She asks us to help the African people and especially the women, by joining them in prayer and by making donations to CCODP. Mary also wrote about a report tabled in the Senate on December 8th, 2009—it is entitled “In From the Margins: A call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness”. This report contains 78 recommendations. It is available on-line at: http://www.parl.gc.ca?40/2/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/citi-e/repe/rep02dec09-e.pdf. Mary says it is worth closer examination and may prove to be fertile ground for resolutions.

On the topic of poverty, I read about the “2010 Poverty Olympics Torch Relay Through Metro Vancouver”. The purpose of this relay is to emphasize the “ devastating reality of poverty and homelessness within communities in B.C.” Their slogan is “End poverty–it is not a game”. The article mentions that our province has the highest child poverty rate in Canada for 6 years in a row. If you wish to write letters on this topic you may wish to look at Resolution 2004.02.

With the Olympics beginning very soon, I would like to mention the work being done by the Vancouver Archdiocese to welcome the people coming to our city—many C.WL. members are involved in the hospitality being provided. This reminds me that part of our mandate is to “Welcome the Stranger”. This can mean visitors coming for a short visit, or refugees and others coming to live in our communities. If you have the opportunity and are able to do this, it is a great part of our work.

As I close this Communiqué, I thank all of you for the work you are doing—also for keeping me informed about this work, I also pray for all of you and especially I ask Our Lady of Good Counsel to guide all of us in this work. I pray God will bless all of you!

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. The weather here has certainly been great. Now it is time to get back to C.W.L. and the Community Life Committee. I want to welcome back those who were Diocesan Community Life Chairpersons last year and I want to extend a special welcome to those who are new to this position.

While doing Community Life Communiqués and reports, I realized how many different communities we all belong to—our family, our social groups, our workplace, our neighborhood, our Parish, our Diocese, our Province, our Country and our World. Above all we are all Christians, people created by God, united with God, with Christ and with Holy Spirit. The “three – in one” guide us. So, how does this fit in with our work in this committee? First of all we must be women of Peace and Hope–guided by Scripture and prayer. Some simple suggestions for prayer for us to use are found in the new Kit “The Day of Prayer for Peace and Hope “. All Parishes should have this kit and there is a section in it for each Standing Committee—be sure to look at the Community Life section. The kit can be downloaded from the National C.W.L. Website.

I attended all 3 levels of Conventions and as always received much important information and renewed enthusiasm for our work. Our Resolutions were great and 3 of the B.C. & Yukon Resolutions were accepted by the National Convention and all 3 of them were 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 Canadian Human Rights Act Regarding Hate Messages

Please encourage individual action such as letter writing on these topics and the topics of the other Resolutions passed at the Provincial Convention.

In her Oral Report at the National Convention, Mary Nordick—National Chairperson of Community Life said, “ Two issues that have been of particular concern this year are Child Poverty and Human Trafficking. We must keep working on these issues as they are not going to be disappearing any time soon.” We must work toward eliminating the root causes of poverty and injustice by studying the issues , taking action on them in our communities and writing to our Governments, Support for Development and Peace is an integral part of the work of the Community Life Standing Committee. Unfortunately, allegations from Lifesite last spring made many people question Development and Peace’s work. This has been investigated and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) have reaffirmed their support for Development and Peace. The Bishops report can be accessed through the CCCB website. Donations to the National 1% Fund were down this year. These donations to Development and Peace enable women and their families in less fortunate parts of the world to live better lives. Development and peace programs bring hope and practical help to those who struggle in these countries.

Prayer is such a powerful tool for tackling the problems in our communities here, in our province, in our country and in the world community. Please keep all these important issues in your prayers. May our Patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel bless us all and the work that we do.

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.

We all belong to many communities—for instance Church, CWL, Local, Province wide, National and Worldwide. When reading your Diocesan Reports, I realized that I must congratulate you for the great work you are doing in many of these communities. My report in the Convention Book is much the same as the one I sent to National Chairperson Mary Nordick about the work we are doing in B.C & the Yukon.

This committee is very interesting and I have been busy doing the usual work of a Chairperson—Communiqués, Oral Reports, reading about issues, distributing ideas and materials, etc. I am also serving on the Resolutions Committee. I did some research on these issues, and I hope that all of them will pass at this Provincial Convention and at the National Convention in August.

I have also kept up-dated by e-mails from Nazanin Afshin Jam about the important issue of Child Executions in Iran. In December, there were 140 children under 18 years old in Jails in Iran awaiting Execution. This is a very important issue that we must be concerned about and try to help her when we can.

At the Vancouver Diocesan Convention, they had brought in two excellent Speakers on very “timely” topics. First was Alex Schadenberg from Ontario, leader of the “Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Coalition”. His speech was titled “End of Life Issues”. I have brought a sample of Post Cards from him, and also another Post Card regarding Prostitution. I have one for each Diocesan President to take home. Perhaps you could get some more, or make some like these for your members to use. If you send them to Federal M.P.’s, there is no postage required.

Especially important to our Committee was speaker Benjamin Perrin from U.B.C. who spoke about “Trafficking of Persons”. I spoke to him and one thing he said to me was very important—he said we must encourage our Police Departments and especially the Justice Departments of our governments to apprehend and charge Traffickers. It is especially important for them to be sure that when Traffickers are charged and convicted, the sentences given must be as serious as the crimes and not just a “slap on the wrist”. Mr. Perrin had buttons to wear regarding the Anti-trafficking campaign for the 2010 Olympics. We must defend people’s rights—especially we must promote the need for justice.

A while ago I read that we are the hands and feet of Christ in our world. If this is so, what kind of Handprints and Footprints are we leaving? I think we must work very hard to leave good “prints” for HIM. I received a Communiqué from Mary Nordick our National Chairperson for Community Life. She expressed concern regarding two issues – “Child Poverty and Human Trafficking.” I urge all of you to continue the good works you are doing. Also, please make your voice is heard about the issues expressed in our Resolutions. Be sure that action is taken on the Resolutions that are passed—some pertaining to our Province and some to our Nation. I would really like to see some good things happen in response to the resolutions, especially the ones pertaining to Community Life. ALSO…Be sure to keep all our important issues in your Prayers. Prayer is such a powerful tool in tackling the problems we have on our communities here in our country and in our World Community.

Happy New Year to all of you. You will notice our new themes above. They came into effect January 1st and will be in effect for the next 2 years. They certainly fit with the work of our Standing Committee. In her Communique, National Community life Chairperson, Mary Nordick, wrote:  “The National Executive has decided to focus on two areas – “Welcome Friend” and “Palliative Care”. The League has also declared April 26th, 2009 (the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel) as CWL Day of Peace and Hope. All of us are asked to pray and act for peace and hope – especially on that day.

The annual Share Lent Campaign -the major fundraising project of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace will run from February 25th to April 12th. We must make all members aware of the good work done by this group and encourage support of this Campaign. I gave a copy of some brochures, including the new CWL brochure about the 1% program to each Diocesan President at our Fall Mid-term meeting and asked them to pass them on to you. I hope you have had a chance to look at these brochures and will pass on the information about the 1% Program to the Parish Councils in your Diocese. For 40 years our League members have contributed to the 1% Fund – members should give 1% of personal and luxury spending and Councils should give 1% of all funds raised.From July 1st, 2007 to June 30th Councils donated $77,161.00 to this National Voluntary Fund.  Mary Nordick also said;” Every time we say our League Prayer, we say “Help us to share with others at home and abroad the good things you have given us.” Donating to Share Lent is a good way to put this into practice.

Mary also sent me a copy of a pamphlet “Growing Together-Sustainability: Hands and Feet of Christ in our World”. She obtained this from the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism in Saskatoon. It is very interesting and says: “If we are the hands and feet of Christ, what kind of handprint and footprint are we leaving. We cannot continue to live like we do. The Church (that’s all of us) must choose to take an active role in reducing the impact of our lifestyle on the earth’s resources.” This is certainly something we should all think about.

Your Annual Reports are due soon. I must have them all by February 15th. I wish to say a special “Thank You” to Victoria and Kamloops Diocesan Chairpersons who have already sent me their reports.

Summary of Community Life Work:

I try to keep aware of things that help us in this work through reading and talking to others.

The work of this Committee covers a very large area and we should share any information we have about subjects that are under our “umbrella”. Please share your communiqués with me and also with the other diocesan chairpersons – I hope to learn from you. Please let me know if you are doing something new or special in your Dioceses – I would like to hear from you – and if there is something new or special, I would like to pass it on to others.  My preferred means of communication is by e-mail – but I will gladly send paper copies if you need them.

I pray that Our Lady of Good Counsel will bless all of us as we try to do the work of this Standing Committee to the best of our abilities.

Dear League Sisters and Father Tran, 

Hello again to all of you!  I hope you all received Communique #1 sent out in early September. Since then the Provincial Executive Fall Mid-term meeting took place in Kelowna      

October 23^rd to 26^th . To begin our few days together, Father Tran gave an excellent Spiritual presentation about St. Paul. The we began our very busy and “fruitful” few days as we had much business to attend to. I sent  all of you a copy of my “Report to Mid-term Meeting” and hope you received it.  

In my report, I mentioned the Vancouver YWCA Research project titled “Mothers Without Legal Status”. Mary Nordick-National Community Life Chairperson replied to me wondering if someone might make a Resolution on this topic. Is there any one who has knowledge about this and/or access to materials regarding Immigration and/or Family Law which would pertain to this topic?

Also, at Mid-term, I received information on BC & Yukon Resolution presented by Kamloops Diocese at our Provincial Convention and passed. It was 2008:07 – Protection of Human Trafficking Victims, a Priority. The National Resolutions Committee did not recommend accepting this Resolution for this years Convention. In November, I received information that this matter was being addressed through Bill S-218 “An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act”.  It had passed 1^st and 2^nd readings but was referred to the Human Rights Commission-and I have not heard if  it did proceed any further. If it did not proceed further, we would like to re-work this Resolution and present it again this year.  If anyone has information about these matters, please send it to me. I would welcome any information and/or assistance with these two matters as soon as possible-as titles of Resolutions must be submitted in January 

I would remind all Community Life Chairpersons that you should soon be working on your Annual Reports, as Diocesan Reports must be submitted to me by January 15^th, 2009. Please share your Communiques or reports to your Councils with me and with the other Diocesan Chairpersons. My preferred means of communication is by e-mail, but I will gladly send paper copies if you need them. I also wish to thank all of our Community Life Chairpersons for the work you are doing.  

As we begin this Advent season, and prepare ourselves, with our families, and with our Church Communities for the coming of our Savior at Christmas—I send warm wishes to all of you for a joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. I also extend to all of you my best wishes for a healthy, happy year ahead in 2009.  May Our Lady of Good Counsel bless us all at this special time of the year.

Madam President,

This standing committee has been interesting to chair. It covers such a variety of topics, relating to charity and social justice. Cudos to all those who have worked so hard on the trafficking of women and children issues.

Our heartfelt prayers go out to the peoples of Myanmar (Burma) and China after the recent tragedies. Support Development and Peace to help get aid to these people trying to stay alive. We’ve heard terrible stories of food and supplies on the tarmac with the Junta not allowing it to move. The latest news is that it is now being sent out. I watched Premier Campbell open the Canadian Pavilion at the Beijing Olympic site and heard him say the BC government was matching the donations that were given to China.Make Poverty History; Good news from Parliament just days ago. Bill C-293-The Better Aid Bill passed and became law. All political parties put aside their partisanship and worked together to pass this important legislation. Be sure to write letters to your MP congratulating them on this success This new Canadian legislation which will focus Canada’ s aid spending to make sure that Canadian aid is spent to 1; reduce poverty, 2- to respect human rights and 3. To take account of the things that people living in poverty really think is important. Accountability is said to be a top condition for the committee in charge.

Although the need to reduce poverty globally is a goal, we still need to reduce poverty at home. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada has kept this challenge of poverty among children uppermost in resolutions. In 1989 the goal was to eliminate poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000. Here we are 8 years later Every month over 770,000 people in Canada rely on food banks-40% of whom are children. Things are getting worse with the cost of living increasing daily. We can cite, high fuel prices fertilizers for crops, the creation of bio fuels that command higher prices for grain crops to make fuel rather than feed the people. There will be a summit of the Food and Agriculture Organization in June to deal with the food problem. More affordable housing is needed, I encourage you to give input to planning committees working on this issue in many communities, everyone has a right to a home.

Beverley Reid of Coming Home Films sent a report of the Uganda Library Project. The initial project of a new roof and windows and a heavy door was completed on February 9th. Beverley has promised that the project will continue with wiring the room, restoring and tiling the floor replacing an inner wall and painting. The 1000 children attending St. Theresa’s school are very excited about the new library. Beverley thanks her previous supporters and will accept donations for the completion of this project.

Pope Benedict urges us to remember Africa with our charitable donations, please donate through Development  and Peace. Thank you for allowing me to serve you through the League

I started this March 13 and didn’t finish as I was waiting for some information. Easter is upon us and this has to get out. I wish you all a blessed Easter. Christ is Risen, he is risen indeed. Alleluia. We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.

I think this is my last communiqué as Provincial Community Life Chairperson and it should provide you with some material to use for your oral reports to convention. Dr. Rayleen DeLuca recently prepared communiqué #8. I submitted my annual report to National on March 7. Thank you for your excellent annual reports, Rayleen congratulated us. If Rayleen sends out more info I will be sure to communicate again.

I read an interesting news article on Life Canada regarding Liberal MP Dr. Keith Martin (Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca riding) wanting an end to Human Rights Commission Assault on Free Speech. Dr. Martin introduced his private member’s motion M-446 on January 30,2008 calling for the removal of subsection 13 (1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act from the Act. This subsection deals with so called “hate speech” against individuals or groups. I have read stories of complaints against Maclean’s Magazine, Catholic Insight and the Christian Heritage Party. It seems the case against Ezra Levant (editor) was dropped in February. Write to your MP and pray.

I’ve received numerous emails from ECP centre in Langley where a convention is taking place March 28-29th 2008. The headlines say “Freedom of speech for Christians is a fairytale”. Theme: New media and a Christian perspective on free speech

Free Speech is under attack in Canada as never before. The Mark Steyn and Ezra Levant prosecutions before various Human Rights Commissions have brought the issue into sharp focus. What should the Christian response be in the midst of all the hype? Are free speech rights absolute? Does government have a role in regulating speech? How does the media fit into the picture? And how does all of this relate to “New Media” in this Internet age? Join us for an insightful weekend of discussion, analysis, and perspective on one of the most important issues facing Christians in our day. There is a registration fee. Regular conference price after March 17, 2008 Town hall only event – $55.00; Full conference event – $95.00 LOCATION Willoughby Christian Reformed Church, 20525 72nd Ave, Langley, British Columbia, V2Y 1T2. SPEAKERS Tristan Emmanuel, ECP Centre , Connie Fournier, Free Dominion , Ron Gray, Christian Heritage Party of Canada, Stephen Pidgeon, Lawyer , Al Siebring, No Apologies News Michael Wagner, Author. I don’t believe any speakers are Catholic but we should pray for the success of this conference as the topic affects us very much.

Excerpts from Dr. DeLuca’s Communique

Clemency for Canadians

The headline of the Toronto Star on March 5th read: “Canada to seek clemency over beheading sentence”. The article stated that according to a high level government source, Prime Minister of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper “…has ordered Canadian officials to seek a reprieve from a death sentence for a young Canadian man sentenced to beheading in Saudi Arabia. …The young man is jailed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he was arrested along with his younger brother Sultan, who turns 17 this week, in the death of a participant in a large schoolyard brawl.” The family of the young man has articulated that “clemency is not enough and that a fair retrial is necessary”. Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976 and for years have pressured foreign governments for clemency when its citizens faced execution. It is critical that members write to their members of parliament (MPs) requesting that the government continue to pressure foreign governments for clemency when Canadian citizens face execution. Further, it is important that members include a strong message that the young Canadian be given a fair retrial.

Call for Peace

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops President Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, recently called on the federal government to engage in a peace process in Afghanistan, debate Canada’s future involvement, and give citizens more information on Canada’s role in the armed conflict in Afghanistan and the implications for Afghan people. Clearly, members of the League, support Archbishop Weisgerber’s plea for a peace process.

Earth Hour, March 29th KAIROS wants you to turn off your lights for an hour at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 29th. KAIROS suggests that the federal government’s “lack of action on climate change” has been contrasted by the “amazing response to Earth Hour”. Throughout the world, people are asking their communities and governments to turn off the lights. Cities across Canada have made a commitment to turn off the lights. For example, the Mayor of Winnipeg recently announced that all buildings owned or operated by the City of Winnipeg other than skywalks and parkades will have all lights turned off between 8 and 9 p.m. on March 29th. To learn of the many creative actions planned for Canada, see the website.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking continues to be a focus for the League. It is imperative that we continue to strive towards eliminating the trafficking of women and children. I thank you for your communicating that you have attended and conducted workshops, written letters and have become educated on this most horrific problem. As indicated in a previous communiqué, MP Joy Smith (Kildonan/St. Paul CPC) has been instrumental in bringing forward human trafficking to the forefront of government business. Mrs. Smith has extensive information on this topic and indicated in a recent League meeting with her in Ottawa that she would be pleased to share it with members.

On February 28th the age of consent was finally raised from 14 to 16 years of age. Undoubtedly, this change in the law will aid in eliminating human trafficking. Of course, members must continue to have their voices heard especially with the serious concern relative to “co-op” brothels for sex trade workers. As indicated in an earlier communiqué, League members in B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council have already taken concrete action in developing and promoting a postcard campaign against legalization of prostitution.

Poverty

Rayleen extends her thanks to the councils that have contacted her about adopting a child. This is a most exciting project and another way members show that “we not only talk the talk – we walk the walk”. Yes, we are fighting child poverty – one child at a time.

International Women’s Day

In 1977 the United Nations General Assembly (UN) adopted a resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace. Following the UN’s lead, Canada chose March 8th as International Women’s Day. I hope members had the opportunity to celebrate the collective power of women, past, present and future on March 8th. Rayleen states:

Serving as the keynote speaker at an International Women’s Day celebration in Winnipeg, I spoke on “Women and Stress”. It was most interesting to me to find studies citing the importance of friendships between women. For example, a study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) found that female bonding activities serve as very important stress management strategies and have quantifiable health benefits that males miss out on. League members not only gain benefits spiritually and psychologically – but it would seem they can benefit physically as well!

While compiling the annual report there were comments about the postcard campaign. The postcard campaign is still ongoing and we would love to have more dioceses participate! They will ALL make an impact, If you wish to receive numerous postcards you can email Krista Bones at this email canadacanpostcards@gmail.com and she will mail them to you. Do it now so you can distribute the postcards at your conventions. No postage is necessary if the title MP is in the address. To read all the articles about decriminalization of prostitution visit www.CanadaCan.blogspot.com scroll down and you will find the address of your member of parliament. Act now while there is time!!! Please circulate to all your circles of influence. We need a flood of postcards send now. This comment is from Rayleen ” I strongly encourage members to join in B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council’s initiative to ensure that we don’t have legalized prostitution at the 2010 Winter Olympics”.

An item I mentioned in my Communique# 08 February 06.2008, needs clarification and more information. The last thing I want to do is create confusion. This is what I wrote “E. Audet mentioned a $15 donation to Plan Canada to pay for a birth registration in Sudan. Apparently this would help in the problem of trafficking.” “While a worthwhile project, we are advised to support our Catholic organizations” was the next sentence and was a reply from Dr. DeLuca after I wrote to her requesting information about Plan Canada to see if their aims and objects are compatible with our faith and morals. I found this info on their website. Plan Canada is the new name for Foster Parents Plan. They have a few projects under Gifts of Hope A $25 donation pays for a mosquito net in Uganda to help prevent malaria. The $15 donation to pay for a girls birth registration would ensure that the child has a national identity. Because they are not registered they have no legal rights and are vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and abuse. I sent an email to Plan Canada asking them to clarify their position and they have not responded. Delving into the myriad options on www.Plancanada.ca I discovered: 1. click on Work With Us 2. click on “About Plan” 3. click on “How we Work” 4. click on CIDA projects and 5 choose Uganda for a country. Under HIV/AIDS read that they support sexual and reproductive health.

Now having said all this, continue on with working through our Canadian Catholic Organizations so our Catholic Church is seen as working for the glory of God. To propagate the faith we must be seen as working for God. We must also support countries whose citizens are predominantly Christian. To come to their aid is a duty of justice even prior to being an act of charity Do you remember about six years ago Fr. Tom Rosica telling us that it was important to support the Canadian Missionaries as they were doing Gods work and needed to be taken care of? Care for your own first.

A quote from Pope Benedict XVI

“In this way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Mt 5,16). Everything, then, must be done for God’s glory and not our own. If, in accomplishing a good deed, we do not have as our goal God’s glory and the real well being of our brothers and sisters, looking rather for a return of personal interest or simply of applause, we place ourselves outside of the Gospel vision.”

Remember to bring something Red along with you to your conventions so we can be a sea of Red on Friday to show support for our Military Troops and their families.

Sheila Quinn kindly drew up a chart to track your personal 1% donations to Development and Peace. I do not have a copy of this but it would be easy to draw a chart, have five columns, column 1 would have a listing of things that you would consider a luxury. The other four columns would be one for each week of the month. Some suggestions of luxuries, perms, hair colouring, movies, starbucks or coffee shops, lunches out, clothing, travel, makeup and perfume. You would tick off items on your list and give 1% of the value to be totaled up at months end and donated at the next CWL meeting. The Diocesan Presidents all have a copy of Sheilas handiwork so perhaps they could give you a copy and see how mine stacks up against it.

May the Risen Lord bless you and May His Mother Mary our patroness under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel guide you in the path of charity and love.

It is Ash Wednesday today and the beginning of Lent.  May this holy season  bring us closer to God and give us  a greater awareness of our duties to God and  neighbour.  Help us to be aware of those who are suffering materially, physically and spiritually throughout the world.  May we be in solidarity with them with our Lenten sacrifices.

I am pleased to report that I have received two annual reports to date and look forward to receiving the other four by the deadline February 15.  Please email your reports asap.

Would the Diocesan Chairpersons please note that I send a copy of my communiqués to the National Chairperson so she knows what I am doing.  Despite my pleas, I have not received copies of diocesan chairperson’s reports to their parish councils; this is with the exception of Vancouver and Prince George.  I have no clue of what the other Dioceses are doing. It is simply a matter of clicking  an email button and I would have it. I hate to keep harping on this but it is important.  Share with other Diocesan chairpersons too.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Community Life Chairperson sent Communique #07 a few days ago.  Rayleen is speaking about events from 2007, nevertheless she has some interesting statements. I am not taking any liberties by putting her remarks into my own words.  Regarding Poverty, there appears to be momentum building for a Canadian poverty reduction strategy. KAIROS has reported that progress has been made across Canada on poverty issues. For example, Newfoundland and Labrador renewed its poverty reduction strategy, Ontario ad Nova Scotia are developing strategies and there are indications of strategies being developed in Manitoba ad Prince Edward Island.

KAIROS stated that Canadian churches are doing their part.  The Canadian Council of Churches  relased a newletter, visit www.ccc-cce.ca/english/home/nov26_2007.htm to read a copy of the letter sent to Prime Minister Harper.

Over 75,000 Canadians rallied against poverty at over 500 events on October 17, 2007, the United Nations International day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Campaign 2000′s new 2007 Report Card on Child and family Poverty  can be accessed at www.ccb.ca. After reaching this page, scan the listings on the right hand side and click on National report Card Nov 2007.  I had the whole address typed in here but it wouldn’t open so this was the easiest way.  Very interesting articles here.

She (Dr. De Luca) thanks everyone for their wonderful letters advising of the children that parish council are sponsoring/adopting.  The League is really making a difference for many children, remember, councils can fight child poverty – one child at a time.

During meetings with the federal government, the League delegation made up of National President Lorette Noble, National Chairperson of Resolutions, Betty Anne Brown and Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Chairperson of Community Life emphasized the critical importance of a national strategy for poverty reduction.  Members writing letters to their MPs would undoubtedly help.

Government funding for Police Records Check

Betty Anne Brown reported that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Rob Nicholson welcomed League concerns about police records checks. It seems that police records checks are currently considered a municipal and provincial matter but the delegation addressed its importance in today’s society and asked him to consider a future budgetary allocation.

From Pain to Hope

The CCCB has published a document of Orientations to assist catholic dioceses in Canada in updating diocesan protocols for the prevention of sexual abuse.  More info is available at www.cccb.ca/site/content/view/2555/1214/lang.eng/

Sub Committee Reports from Mary Ryan

(a) The United Nations has proclaimed 2008 as International Year of the Planet Earth to have decision makers and politicians focus on the need to use scientific knowledge related to our planet to promote sustainable development. They have also proclaimed 2008 as International Year of sanitation.   This was a Millenium goal to have basic sanitation by 2015.  In addition 2008 has been proclaimed as International Year of the potato focusing the world’s attention on the importance of the potato in providing food, security and alleviating poverty.

(b) The Afghanistan Reference Group (ARG) is a network of NGO’s including the CCODP. It has made three submissions to the Independent Panel on Canada’s future role  in Afghanistan.  The ARG is calling on the federal government to change its top priorities in Afghanistan to peace building and sustainable development and is urging Canada to separate military operations from the importance of humanitarian and development efforts.

(c)  This year is the 60^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  Dignity and Justice for all of us was the theme for UN Human rights Day 2007.  The Council of Canadians and other groups worldwide are campaigning to ensure that water is enshrined as a human right.

(d)  Begun 10 years ago, the Global March Against child labour is a movement to mobilize worldwide efforts to protect and promote rights of all children.  Another website to visit:  www.globalmarch.org  Happy reading everyone.

On a happy note, I am pleased to report that Beverley Reid of Coming Home Films is back in Africa and they are very busy with the Ugandan Library Project.  Work is coming along and the major work has been completed.    Thank you everyone who supported this project.  They had money left over so were able to add some windows and a heavy door.

I did not attend the winter meeting at Rosemary Heights Jan 25-27 but I did provide a report to the meeting.  E. Audet mentioned a  $15 donation to Plan Canada to pay for a birth registration in Sudan. Apparently this would help in the problem of trafficking. While a worthwhile project, we are advised to support our Catholic organizations.

A member from Castlegar BC has put on the trafficking of women and children program with material from my files.  It is good to see grassroots members getting enthused.

The postcard campaign to  let your Member of Parliament  know where you stand on the issue of decriminalizing brothels is still ongoing.  Click on the following website and follow the directions.  www.CanadaCan.blogspot.com

There is a wealth of information on this page.  Please read the 10 reasons for not legalizing prostitution.   Susan Schembri, Vancouver Community Life Chair has been working overtime on the Trafficking issue and 2010 Olympics. I don’t believe she shared her report with other Diocesan Chairpersons and her first communiqué September 22 had information that would be helpful to others.  To quote Susan:

“Dignity and Rights of Persons:   “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10)

This is the topic I will be focusing on during my term among other topics. With the hosting of 2010 Olympics come many issues and concerns about Human Trafficking.

Getting educated about this topic should be our main objective. The federal government is taking a serious look at trafficking and introducing new measures. These new measures are meant to help assist victims of human trafficking brought into Canada from abroad. The new measures extend the length of the temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking to 180 days up from 120. This extension allows victims to apply for a work permit – an option not previously available. Other measures involve assistance with health care benefits including medical treatment and counselling services under the Interim Federal Health Programme. The fees for these initial resident and work permits, which normally cost $200 and $150 each, will be waived. In addition to these measures, and depending on their particular circumstances, a number of other avenues may also be pursued by possible victims of trafficking.”

A reminder to protect yourself from Identity theft, be careful and shred papers with your personal information on it.  I have to find out how to get information about me removed from google. My daughter in Sicamous told me about googling yourself.  I was shocked to see the BC CWL website pop up when I clicked on an item about the CWL under my name and even  my Arizona mailing address was listed.   Google states that a “spider” robot crawls the web searching for links. I sent an email requesting removal but haven’t had an answer back.   I believe this is something to be greatly concerned about especially when we write about sensitive issues common to our faith and morals. Of course I have used google to get information myself but that was typing in important peoples names, who would think that ordinary people would get featured.

In my report to the Winter Meeting I mentioned :  “An item of current interest is the issue of Nursing Homes and making them safer.  This could be a potential resolution for an enthusiastic parish.  Society is getting greyer and greyer as the pre baby boomers are now over 65 and the next onslaught of the real baby boomers are only a few years behind.” Will there be sufficient facilities for care?” A news article I read on poverty stated that the flood of immigrants is causing  a strain on Canada’s largest cities, namely, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.  These immigrants are coming from China, India, Philippines and Pakistan.  It sees the immigrants prefer to live in cities where there are great services, language training, social housing, libraries, community recreation, public health and schools.  The rural communities have room to take immigrants but lack facilities to help care for them.  How can immigrants be encouraged to take up residence in rural communities? In closing I ask God to bless your work to help those needing it most in our communities. May Our Lady of Good Counsel smile upon you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008 EVERYONE: May Our God bless us with every blessing that we need to lead good and holy lives. May Peace Joy and Happiness fill your homes. We leave for AZ in a few hours, 5 AM January 03.

I expect that the Diocesan Chairpersons of Community Life are starting to work on their annual reports due February 15, 2008. Please email the report to me at communitylife@cwl.bc.ca.

Dear Ladies would you kindly send me copies of your communiques that you send out to your parish councils. I requested this and only heard from one person. Thank you Shirley.

Dignity and Rights of Persons
Dr. Rayleen De Luca prepared her Communique #6 December 03, 2007. It was nearing Christmas and I didn’t see that it contained anything too urgent to pass on to you immediately as I had communicated with you a month earlier. I did send out a notice that Rayleen had a new communique out and you could read it on the National website I was pleased to see that Rayleen acknowledged the concrete action taken by British Columbia CWL Councils in their fight against Human Trafficking particularly with the postcard campaign.

Some highlights from her communique: National executive members, President Lorette Noble, Resolutions Chairperson, Betty Anne Brown and Community Life Chairperson, Dr. Rayleen De Luca visited Ottawa the week prior to December 03, 2007. They met with MP Joy Smith (Kildonan-St. Paul, CPC). Mrs. Smith has been instrumental in bringing forward human trafficking to the forefront of government business. Her initial motion read, “That, in the opinion of the House, the trafficking of women and children across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation should be condemned, and that the House call on the government to immediately adopt a comprehensive strategy to combat the trafficking of persons worldwide.” In speaking to her motion Mrs. Smith stated, “For years the international community has been aware that vulnerable people have been tricked into believing they could find a better life in North America, only to become the victims of a cruel and horrendous deception and land up as prisoners in the sex trade against their will.”

Rayleen provided a website where you can print your own postcard. I opened this site and it contains wonderful information. Please visit www.CanadaCan.blogspot.com.

Rayleen continues on with statistics about water. We all know to do our part in conserving our water resources. Try not to use bottled water as it is detrimental to the environment. The one fact that tap water is on average 500 times more economical than bottled water should be enough to deter us from bottled water.

Development and Peace
In British Columbia we are making an extra effort to provide more funds for Development and Peace to help countries in Africa deal with the many problems created by the AID/HIV pandemic. I wrote about this at length in Communique #6

We have a project where we can now fund raise in a manner that is not against our morals and faith. See Dr. De Luca’s article in The Canadian League Fall issue page 10.

Resolutions
In the Fall issue of The Canadian League the two resolutions that come under Community Life Chair are listed. You are encouraged to work on these in your parish councils.

• 2007.01 GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR POLICE RECORD CHECKS. Follow the action plan.
• 2007.02 GLOBAL ACCOUNTABILITY FOR CANADIAN REGISTERED MINING COMPANIES. Follow the action plan as well.

Remember Darfur in your prayers and charitable donations. The stories coming from there are horrendous. Really is there anyplace in the world that doesn’t need help in one form or another. Pray for Peace in the World. Pray for the safety of our troops in Afghanistan especially in this volatile time after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan.

Do you remember the little article I wrote in the spring issue of the Provincial Newsletter about the word counsel or council? I notice that some continue to use the word in the wrong context. I was gently correcting a Diocesan Chairperson about the misuse of council and she said she had copied the spelling directly from the Provincial chairperson’s report. So there you go. It is Our Lady of Good Counsel and the other spelling is, I am a member of Sacred Heart Parish Council.

Thank you for all your good works promoting social and economic justice, helping the recent immigrants, upholding the dignity and rights of persons, donating to Development and Peace and your work with developing countries. The world will be a brighter place. I await your reports with great anticipation. Let’s make this a wonderful reporting year. I would like to have 100% participation from the parish councils. A suggestion: If you haven’t heard from a parish, it is acceptable to telephone or send an email asking about the missing report.

May God bless you and keep you. May our Lady of Good Counsel guide us in this wonderful work of Community Life.

Your sister in the League,

Carol P….

Happy All Hallow’s Eve everyone, and Happy All Saints Day and All Souls day as well. What great days in our Church for witnessing to the holy aspect of these days. I was preparing a communique to bring everyone up to speed on important information in our Community Life department of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada and when I checked my morning email there was Communique #05 from Dr. Rayleen DeLuca, National Chairperson of Community Life, I shall add her comments to my report to you. A reminder for Diocesan Chairpersons to send me a copy of the report they send out to their parish chairpersons.

Our last Provincial Convention held in Victoria was dedicated to Africa as you well remember. Beverley Reid presented a children’s film entitled Anita’s Africa. Beverley kindly gave a copy of the film to each Diocesan President which I handed out to them at the Fall meeting in Rosemary Heights Oct 11-14. She also updated us on the Uganda Library project and only $22,000 is left to be raised before January 08, 2008 when she returns to Africa. If you have any fundraising going on for this project see that it gets sent to her before that. I just received news yesterday that Beverley Reid of Coming Home Films won First Prize in their division Documentary Film or Video. We offer our congratulations.

Still on the topic of Africa, read the following from Pope Benedict XVI:

Pope Appeals for Aid for African Nation

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 22, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI called for international support to help the Central African Republic overcome poverty.

The Pope made this appeal Saturday, when he received in audience the president of the country, Francois Bozize. After the two leaders talked for a little more than 10 minutes, the president went on to meet with the Pope’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.

The Vatican press office reported: “During the cordial discussions consideration was given to questions concerning the situation in the Central African Republic, with particular reference to the peace process and the role played by the Church in the fields of national dialogue, health care and education.

“Mention was also made of the need for the international community’s support to help the country overcome poverty and the other difficulties it currently faces.”

About 25% of the nation’s 4 million inhabitants are Catholic. Another 25% are Protestant, 15% are Muslim, and the remaining 35% adhere to indigenous belief systems.

Just a few days before departing for Rosemary Heights I received many pages of information from Development and Peace. A formal project to help Grandmothers helping Grandmothers has not materialized yet but Louise Charbonneau, from CCDOP asks that we work especially hard to help our ongoing projects under our 1% program with CCDOP. This will get help to those that need it. Rather than make another document I will cut and paste the letter from Development and Peace, Louise Charbonneau so you will have the right words.

Dear Ms. Penno,

It was a pleasure speaking with you last week. I Hope I have caught you before your departure for the CWL regional meeting. As we discussed, your regional group has decided to stop supporting the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Go Go Grannies project, in favour of supporting the accompaniment work that Development and Peace undertakes with fledgling community groups, particularly women’s’ groups, helping them to organize their community and find their voice in their own community’s or region’s affairs.

On behalf of Development and Peace, my sincere appreciation goes out to all your members and active participants in advancing the life of women in the Global South. However, as we also discussed, we highly discourage gift designation from even our most generous supporters, and we do not like to accept designated donations of less than $25,000. If the Catholic Women’s League wishes to designate its gift so that its members might get involved, we are very open to helping you do that through timely and regular communication of progress of certain women’s groups in Africa. If you would like Development and Peace to share information about a specific partner, we4 are delighted to do so, in any format possible, even if your group did not designate your donation. It is important to organizations like ours to maintain as much flexibility as possible when accompanying and providing funding to our partner groups. Designation is important to groups like yours so that your members feel involved and active in their solidarity. We can accomplish this for you, without the designation to a specific project.

I urge the regional meeting of CWL to consider Guinea and Togo, and I would be pleased to pass on further information on these countries as a follow up. I was unable to get the country profiles translated in the short few days I had to get this to you in time, so attached are the partner profiles only.

GF2D (Women’s democracy and development and action group) in Togo, Africa. Togo, like Benin, receives very little help from the world for its development efforts. We are one of the very few organizations helping Civil Society in these countries.

<>

CONAG-DCF (Rights and Citizenship of Women) in Guinea, West Africa. Women represent half the population of this country, and they have a long way to go.

<>
Women for Change, Zambia. As you requested. However, we need to renew this group’s support on our next country mission to Zambia.

<> I look forward to your feedback, and we hope you will consider supporting Development and Peace, and its partners in the Global South, so as to ensure that we can respond in the most flexible way to our African partners’ needs.

Sincerely yours,

Louise Charbonneau
Director of Advancement
Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
1 888-234-8533 ext. 309

As you are aware I was corresponding with Dr. DeLuca as well trying find out what special project National may be lining up for us. Here is the note sent by email.

Dear Carol:

Thank you so much for your message. As you are aware, the Bishop has been very firm relative to Grandmothers helping Grandmothers. Part of his statement follows: (Rayleen means Archbishop Smith, our National Spiritual Advisor).

“In this matter, as in others, I think it is important to distinguish between goal and means. This goal of supporting grandmothers is wonderful and should be pursued. The means to do so is another question. In both our choice of goals and our selection of means we need to be unambiguously true to who we are. In this particular case of the grandmothers, the desire to help them seems, for some, to be so strong that they are not sufficiently distinguishing it from the question of how best to do it. By choosing only the Stephen Lewis Foundation program, goal and means are being identified and not distinguished. Since this is a pro choice organization we run the serious risk, by association with it, of introducing ambiguity in what we want to be our unambiguous stand for life. Therefore, to be true to who we are in both goal and means, I believe we have to find some way to support the grandmothers other than through the SL foundation.” Carol, at the present time, we are reviewing the projects that we support with D & P. We are again requesting to support a project that directly helps grandmothers. In the meantime, I hope that your members will be open to helping the children directly — via adopting a child from a developing country or from our Canadian missions. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every council adopted one child? It would certainly follow our theme to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us on our Journey in Faith to Love One Another.
Rayleen

With respect to how we might look in the public eye should Lewis be granted the peace prize, I think we all agree that our accountability to the Gospel and Church is more important to us than public opinion. So dear League members, in order to keep ourselves true to our morals and values we must avoid any collaboration with those that work against us.

In Communique #5 received October 31, 2007, Rayleen writes that one goal as national chairperson of community life was to prepare a power point presentation that could be used by councils throughout Canada. This would showcase the many good works of member through community life. The presentation is nearly completed and may be used to (a) attract new members: (b) provide an overview for current members: and (c) encourage councils to attempt new initiatives. We will look forward to this with great interest. Rayleen continues.

Environmental issues are at the forefront as well. Social and economic justice is a major focus of the League’s work through community life. However, while reviewing the responsibilities and activities associated with this standing committee, it was evident that there has been relatively little activity spent on issues associated with the environment. Recently, environmental issues have been identified as a critical area. The state of the world’s environment is of growing concern. For example, on September 1, 2007 at a prayer vigil, an estimated 500,000 youth heard the Holy Father strike a strong ecological theme, saying young people need to press for courageous changes to save the planet “before it’s too late”.

Child Poverty
Dr. DeLuca would like a survey taken by the Provincial Chairpersons. Would the diocesan chairpersons kindly find out how many parish councils have adopted a foster child from a developing country as well as from our Canadian Missions. Please report back to me before year end. If you have not adopted a child, please consider doing so.

I logged onto Development and Peace Website to get the report issued October 24, 2007 in which D&P delivers strong message to Ottawa on the need to call Canadian mining companies to account. Seeing that this is one of our resolutions it would be wise to read this press release in its entirety. Visit www.devp.org/devpme/eng/pressroom/2007/pf-comm2007-10-24-eng.html

I believe I have given you a lot of information to digest and work your way through.

So until our next communications I wish you well. Work hard at helping your fellowman under this Community Life Committee. Rayleen now says “Community Life Rocks with Love, Faith, and Wisdom.

Remember that email will easily reach me wherever I may be. May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us in all our endeavours.

Carol P….

September is upon us and already a 1/3 way through. The celebration of Labour Day brought the days of leisure to a grinding halt and alerted us to the fact that it was time to be moving forward in our League work. Diocesan Councils will be soon having their fall executive meetings and need information for the parishes. At this time of year we have a lot of material as reports and resolutions from the National Convention are trickling down the levels. I sent a communique out July 12 along with a Special Alert from the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. It is important that this Special Alert information be made available to the parish councils immediately. If you have lost it please send me a note.

Women for Change (HIV/AIDS PROJECT)
Throughout August I corresponded with Development and Peace to secure more information on our project to help with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Due to much red tape I do not have any more details or an address to submit funds to at this moment. Perhaps Ms. Rosanne Athaide will have my requested information tomorrow. I will send it out as soon as I hear anything.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Chairperson of Community Life has sent her 4th communique . Among the items of importance are the resolutions adopted at the National Convention. Two of the three resolutions pertained to this standing committee.

2007.01 Government Funding for Police Records Checks and
2007.02 Global Accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies.

Detailed action plans and all resolutions will appear in the next issue of The Canadian League.

Three proposed resolutions were referred to the community life standing committee for action.

1. Prevention of dating violence among teens: A fact sheet from the Department of Justice Canada on this topic has been circulated to the provincial presidents. Standing committee chairpersons will be studying the report submitted with this resolution in order to safeguard young people.
2. Banning expiry dates on purchased retail gift/cards/certificates: An article in The Canadian League will undoubtedly raise consumer awareness of this issue for members across the country.
3. Dangers of alcohol-impaired driving – education and awareness: This issue will be addressed throughout the year ensuring that members are made aware of the serious ramifications of driving while impaired.

World Suicide Prevention Day
Resolution 2004.06 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention indicated that the national rate of suicide in Canada is the highest in the western hemisphere and that it is preventable. The requested action plan for the members included:

1. Write letters to the federal minister of health; send a copy of your letter to your local member of parliament and the prime minister.
2. Invite guest speakers who are knowledgeable about suicide prevention to a parish council meeting.
3. Support Catholic Missions Canada as a way to address the needs of the aboriginal population. World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, is an annual event sponsored by the International Assoc for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization. This years theme is “Suicide Prevention across the Life Span” which emphasizes the fact that suicide occurs in all ages and suicide and intervention strategies may be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups. Visit the Suicide Prevention website (www.med.uio.no/iasp)

Child Poverty
Dr. De Luca was reviewing the results from the focus groups and found it was evident that members wanted one or two nationwide annual projects they could “sink their teeth into” A CWL member from Kelowna wrote her a letter suggesting that every CWL council adopt a child in efforts to help children dying each day of hunger, etc.

Rayleen strongly urges your councils to sponsor/adopt a child. She wants to hear from each and every parish council and member who is currently sponsoring/adopting a child in a developing country. We can fight child poverty-one child at a time.

May our Lady of Good Counsel guide and inspire us in our work for God and Canada.
God bless you.

Carol P….

We’re in the midst of summer at long last and I have some important material to share so you are aware of what is happening on the Community Life Scene. You can start working on this so your Parish counterparts will be ready to spring into action.

Welcome to the new Community Life Chairpersons Rose G. of Kamloops Diocese, Shirley L. from the Diocese of Prince George, Susan S. from Vancouver Arch Diocese. and our unnamed member from Whitehorse. Our returning Chairpersons, Janet O’F. from Nelson Diocese and Pauline S. of Victoria Diocese will help welcome the newcomers. Working together I know we’ll make a strong stand in BC. I have Kathy F. of Victoria Diocese as Sub Chair for Dignity and Rights of Persons. I would heartily welcome some additional help for any of the other sub titles which are listed in the handbook

It was my pleasure to visit and share with Susan S., Rose G., & Janet O’F. at the Provincial Convention last June. Carol L. from the Military Ordinariate also joined us for the luncheon.

In British Columbia we have taken a positive step in helping with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa by supporting “Women for Change”, a program approved by Development and Peace. You have our blessing to raise funds and submit through Dev and Peace to aid these ladies in Zambia. Remember we have disassociated ourselves from Stephen Lewis foundation (Go Go Grannies).

Remember to support the motion put forth by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women that I sent to you July 12 as well. I’m sure every member will contact her MP to ask for support on this motion to curtail the trafficking of women and girls at the 2010 Olympics. We are appreciative of help from this committee, it goes to show that we are not alone in this struggle.

Many brochures from “Call of the Poor “in St. Norbert, Manitoba were distributed at the convention. I would ask that you take a close look at this appeal and pray over it. If you can help out even a little it would make a difference. God bless your efforts.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca, National Chairperson of Community Life has Communique #3 prepared. It’s full of up to date information. I’m almost copying her report word for word as it is too hard to condense without losing the intent. Community Life is still rocking.

Trafficking of Women and Children
The federal government is taking a serious look at trafficking and introducing new measures. A news release dated June 19,2007, stated: “The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today introduced new measures to help assist victims of human trafficking brought into Canada from abroad. The new measures extend the length of the temporary resident permit (TRP) for victims of human trafficking to 180 days, up from 120. This extension also allows victims to apply for a work permit – an option not previously available. The new measures will also continue to allow victims of human trafficking to receive health-care benefits, including medical treatment and counselling services, under the Interim Federal Health Program…. The fees for these initial resident and work permits, which normally cost $200 and $150 each will be waived. In addition to these measures, and depending on their particular circumstances, a number of other avenues may also be pursued by possible victims of trafficking. For example, they may apply for permanent residence from within Canada through the refugee determination process, on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or, over time, as members of the permit holder class.”

Let’s Make Poverty History
Poverty continues to be at shockingly high levels in Canada. Those who are particularly affected include new immigrants, Aboriginal people, single mothers, older people and people with disabilities. However, KAIROS, in June 2007, identified some recent progress in addressing poverty in Canada and stated, “We should celebrate these successes.” Minimum wages will rise this year in eight provinces and territories (Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador). In March, Nova Scotia became the third province to commit to the development of a poverty reduction strategy. Momentum is gathering for a federal poverty reduction strategy as well.

There is the implementation of the Working Income Tax Benefit, which will provide up to $1,000 per year to low income workers. The new Ontario Child Benefit will improve the income of low wage working families and parents on social assistance in Ontario by about $600.00 per child in 2008, rising to $1,100 per child by 2011. Good news for Ontario.

The federal government’s Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities has agreed to hold public hearings on poverty this fall.

Finally, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal for the Confederation des syndicats nationaux and le Syndicat National des Employes(es) de l’Aluminium d’Arvida concerning the federal government’s use of the surplus of the Employment Insurance fund as general revenues.

KAIROS further stated, “Much work remains to be done, but these actions reflect the success of citizens and social justice advocates in putting poverty on the political agenda.” Again, League members are to be commended for their innumerable hours of work in this area “For God and Canada.” Not everyone hears the cry of the poor, only those who listen with their hearts.

Friends of St. John the Caregiver
Friends of St. John the Caregiver is an international Catholic organization that promotes care for family caregivers. We are advised that their material is free. If you would like more information, check out the following websites: www.fsjc.org; www.YourAgingParent.com; or, www.CatholicCaregivers.com.

New Horizons for Seniors
The federal government has provided funding to seniors across Canada through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The purpose of the program is to support local projects that encourage seniors to contribute to their communities through social participation and active living. Additional government seniors-focused initiatives include projects to make cities more accessible for seniors, help seniors become prepared to emergencies, prevent fall-related injuries, and develop guidelines on seniors’ mental health issues.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
“Development and Peace is raising concern about the huge numbers of people displaced by war in the world, especially in Iraq and the Darfur region of the Sudan. Numbers are currently estimated to be around 5 million displaced persons. (This is roughly equivalent to the populations of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.) Development and Peace is signalling that both efforts and funding have to be increased substantially to overcome these extreme challenges.” (www.devp.org)

May God bless you and may Our Lady of Good Counsel inspire you in your important work

“For God and Canada.” And, remember: COMMUNITY LIFE ROCKS!

Your sister in the League,

Dr. Rayleen De Luca
National Chairperson of Community Life

Wasn’t that an uplifting informative report? There is no question about it, it gave us a lot to think about and work on. Rayleen will be presenting her oral annual report to the National Convention in August. Shortly after we’ll be sharing that with you.

In the meantime read your handbook and keep up to date on issues relating to our Standing Committee. Remember that you can’t do it all so pick out something that is touching your heart and give it your best shot. Where your passion lies, there also lies your heart. You can ask for help from other members so you won’t suffer burnout. Remember that I am as close as your telephone or computer. Don’t hesitate to communicate.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel impart her special blessings upon you as you work for God and Canada through Community Life.

God Bless you all

Carol P….

Madam President:

We have been truly blessed. Our Holy Pontiff , Benedict XVI has given us the encyclical Deus Caritas Est, God Is Love. The second part of the encyclical has instructions for us on Christian Charity; needless to say, this goes hand in hand with our Community Life standing committee.

Secondly our National President Lorette Noble was inspired to choose “Love one Another” as the theme for the next two years. Remember to love yourself as well. What a privilege to listen to Lorette provide a workshop on the theme at our Nelson Diocesan Convention. How can we love one another? What comes to your mind? That is where Community Life comes into play. We are God’s hands and feet. Our sisters and brothers in the world look to us for financial assistance and aid. “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me.”

It was interesting to read the article written by Kim Scammell in The Canadian League winter issue 2007, that we should look to the Manual of Policy and Procedure to keep our Leagues focused and to only support those groups that promote our values. This calls to mind Go Go Grannies. We have now distanced ourselves from aiding the Stephen Lewis foundation. Dr. Rayleen Deluca had an informative article, in this same winter issue of The Canadian League, writing about, daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers aiding sisters, daughters, mothers, grand mothers working and sharing through CCODP .(Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace). We definitely know that our values are upheld. and we get the most bang for our buck as their administrative costs are very low. This is now our focus to grant support to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We will work through Development and Peace. Surprisingly, there has been a group in Zambia being supported by Dev and Peace since 1994. They are a NGO (non governmental organization) called “Women for Change” Shall we embrace these ladies?

It has been reported by Archbishop Mario Conti at the three day HIV/AIDS conference organized by Caritas Europa in Kiev Ukraine, (Zenit, April 30, 2007) that the Catholic Church is leading the AIDS battle, serving patients is a corporal work of mercy. However the message needs to get out to the Media as they fail to recognize this fact and choose to condemn the Church.

Thanks to the workshops on Trafficking last year, many became aware of this great problem in Canada and to a lesser degree elsewhere, that continually needs to be addressed. We have been notified that Human Trafficking could be a huge issue during the 2010 Olympics. We know what happened in Germany during recent games. We must write letters encouraging the government and police authorities to keep close watch on further developments to exploit women and children. Perhaps the new application for visas for exotic dancers will be of some help. There are two cases before the courts at this moment reinforcing that Canada is beginning to get serious about human trafficking. We can hope and pray, together we can make a difference.

What are some other needs of our times? The proliferation of casinos being built in virtually every neighbourhood in larger centers is detrimental to the disposable income of many seniors and poor families. The negative social cost to society as a whole is worrisome even though charities benefit to some degree. We have resolutions to increase the pensions of people to keep them above the poverty level lets not bring more temptation to them.

It seems that some of our mighty efforts are beginning to pay off mainly by the Grace of God, and the willingness of people to lend a hand, We are doing more than throwing a few dollars at the problem and hoping it will go away. Are we finally making a bit of headway in reducing the amount of children living in poverty as we keep bringing the problem before the Federal government?

A resolution was presented in 2006 pertaining to Dignity and Rights of Persons. This resolution did not pass but everyone here is encouraged to help spread the word, check out your local Health Care facility to see if a changing room is available and accessible for handicapped persons, if not meet with the facility’s administrator, write to the Provincial Minister of health and meet with your Member of Legislature. This will provide dignity to those more vulnerable.

The latest environmental sin is the ever increasing use of bottled water. Even though we maintain that water is not for sale, companies like Dasani, Aquafina, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are raking in huge profits and we are giving up our right to clean affordable water that is guaranteed by government. The empty bottles are littering the landfills and other scary reports suggest that toxins are leaching into the beverages. This may not be entirely true but do take heed.

A goal I accomplished was to read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, only 5-1/2 pages.

Continue to wear something red on Fridays to support our military and remember to pray for Peace in the World especially the crisis zone in Darfur and Lebanon. I have the backup material here in my files if anyone desires to look at it.

Respectfully submitted

Carol P….

Happy New Year, May God bless you abundantly with everything you need to enjoy the New Year. Good health, happiness, peace in your families and fullness of life.

I know that you’ll soon be very busy compiling the 2006 annual reports. I look forward to receiving your report by March 15, 2007. Please send them to me by email (most economical) [or to my address]. Please remember to send me a copy of your communiques and also share with your diocesan executives. Last fall I tried to recruit subconveners, I am happy to report that Kathy F. of the Victoria Diocese has kindly offered to be a subcommittee chair sharing her knowledge by reporting on Dignity and Rights of Persons. I would like two more volunteers that would monitor issues in BC for CCODP, and Immigration and Citizenship.

Dr. Rayleen DeL., National Chairperson of Community Life has sent her second communique. Some excerpts from Dr. DeLuca’s communique follow.

Trafficking of Women and Children: Rayleen is excited about the letters she has received outlining activities councils are participating in, to end trafficking of women and children. Resolution 2004.05. Showing movies like Born into Brothels, holding seminars in church halls and schools, conducting prayer vigils, fasting, and writing letters are only a few ways that League members have demonstrated action.

Let’s Make Poverty History: There is no question that a major contributing factor to trafficking of women and children is poverty. One member wrote, “The more we can do to provide food, clothing, and shelter, the fewer people (women, girls and boys) will be driven into slavery and prostitution.”

A charity to consider: Canadian Food for Children

If you would like more information, see the website <www.canadianfoodforchildren.org>.

Rayleen provided some statistics on the problems of world hunger.

These statistics can be viewed at <library.thinkquest.org/C002291/high/teacher.htm>.

A suggestion from KAIROS: On a large white banner, write a brief message to your member of parliament or the prime minister, calling on the government to keep its commitments to the world’s poor and make poverty history. Have the entire congregation sign the banner and then send it to Ottawa.

The CWL delegation to federal government has presented Resolution 2004.02 Children Living in Poverty on each visit with the government The plan was to eliminate poverty of children by the year 2000.

Protection of Farmers Rights to Save Seed – Resolution 2005.03: Rayleen reported on a workshop on seed modernization held in Winnipeg on November 30, 2006. It was well represented by people from the many seed companies/growers, Universities, Farmers Unions, Agriculture-Ag Canada, Canada Wheat Board, doctors and CWL members. Discussion was lively and included such topics as biotechnology, variety registration, program delivery and seed standards.

Right to Water: “Development and Peace applauded the resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on November 29, 2006 to conduct a detailed study on the relevant human rights obligations related to equitable access to safe drinking water. The resolution means that UN legal experts will study all existing UN human rights treaties, to determine exactly what is set out in each on the right to water, and the ensuing obligations on states that have ratified. “‘This decision to carry out a formal legal study on the right to water is a very positive step in the direction of universal recognition of the right of water,’ said Michael Casey, Development and Peace’s Executive Director ….’ “Development and Peace was also encouraged to note that on November 9 the United Kingdom declared its formal recognition of the right to water, in response to the UN Human Development Report on Water and Sanitation. In defense of why it has refused thus far to recognise the right to water, Canada has cited that other G8 nations also oppose this right. ‘We urge Canada to follow the UK’s lead on recognition of the right to water,’ said Mr. Casey. ‘Recognition of this right is now a mainstream position, and Canada should follow suit.” (from CCODP press release December 8, 2006)

Immigration and Citizenship: “The Episcopal Commission for Social Affairs, representing the CCCB, has continued its plea in favour of refugees and migrants…. At the hearings, [they] urged reforms to ensure the treatment of refugees, migrant workers and immigrants respects their human dignity and the needs of their families.” (from CCCB media release November 28, 2006) “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)

Dr. Rayleen DeL., National Chairperson of Community Life

The Congregation of Notre Dame is very involved with Social Justice. There are so many issues in the world that it boggles the mind. Sister Jeanne B. has taken over from Sister Pierrette B. (our guest speaker on Trafficking of Women and Children at the Provincial Convention in Whitehorse,YT. Sister Jeanne B. requests letters be written to Amnesty International. Although too late for the letter writing campaign, there are important issues in January. <www.amnestyusa.org/act > is the link, click on countries, choose Canada.

Sister Jeanne sends a news alert that a ceasefire in Darfur has been called for March 15, 2007. Visit <www.Savdarfur.org> for the latest on this.

There is yet another group “Make Poverty History for First Nations.” The website for this is <makepovertyhistory.ca>. Also with this same group, Lucille P. sends the following note: “I am currently working with the Sustainable Forest Management team to produce a new and desired future for Aboriginal peoples living in the Boreal forest. We put together a 5 point plan and over the next 6 months [and] will put a lot of time and effort into discovering what could be done to help our first peoples in our country to share resource wealth and to work towards a future free from poverty.” God Bless, Lucille

By Kathy F., Victoria Diocese – my subconvener for Dignity and Rights of Persons:The Road to Treaty Negotiations in B.C. is a fascinating read. It goes back to 1763 with the Royal Proclamation be George III of Britain with respect to Indians in North America colonies.

The signing of Final Agreement pertaining to compensation for land, etc. follows years of negotiations. Once a Final Agreements is ratified by the First Nations members, the B.C. Legislature and the Canadian Parliament and Senate, the Final Agreement is passed into law and becomes a Treaty.

• An example, Nov. 27th 2006 saw B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and Federal, Provincial governments sign a First Nations Health Plan memorandum of understanding. The purpose of this agreement is to close the gaps in health outcomes between First Nations and other British Columbians through increasing collaboration and just decision making.

Education of First Nations children and youth:

• In the Ladysmith/Nanaimo School District, aboriginal representatives and representatives from the district and the Ministry of Education met for the signing of the Second Agreement. The First Agreement has shown that the district could come closer to closing the gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal students. The aboriginal completion rate in the district increased from 31% in 2001 to 58% in 2006.

- Kathy F.

Now back to me!

I am not suggesting that you visit all these websites I have provided you with as there is just so much information in the world that we have access to with the internet. There may be something that will tweak your interest.

In communique #2 I gave you information on how to access the Papal Encyclical Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love). Part 2 is all about Christian charity.

Regarding Canadian Food for Children, many in British Columbia already help out in this regard as we have a group based out of Langley, BC with sub-groups in Dioceses.

Call of the Poor – I didn’t have anyone call to say they wanted information about this Catholic group in St. Norbert, Manitoba, I still have the information.

Things to remember: recycle, reduce your use of water, wear something red on Fridays to support our Canadian Troops, save your used postage stamps for CCODP. Work on Resolution 2006.03. And pray, pray, pray for those who are suffering.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel give you strength and patience to undertake all these activities. God Bless your work

Carol P….

Happy All Saints Day everyone:

I am preparing to leave for Arizona shortly but before I go I have to communicate with you. For your information I am enclosing my oral report given to the Mid Term meeting at Rosemary Heights Oct 20-22, 2006. There isn’t a formal communique from National at this time but I do have some thoughts to share with you that may be of some help in fulfilling your duties listed in your handbook. These duties are what we are to be concerned with; the other chairpersons of standing committees take care of the duties listed under their standing chair. Many people “complain” for lack of a better word about all the overlapping reports. Perhaps if we contain ourselves to our own duties we can alleviate this overlapping. We received copies of the annual report forms that have been revised while at the fall retreat. Our year end is coming soon so when you communicate with the parishes remind them to report on the new forms.

Report to Fall Mid Term/Retreat COMMUNITY LIFE

“COMMUNITY LIFE ROCKS” is the theme song chosen by Rayleen DeLuca, my National counterpart. We hope that we will be rocking with this large standing committee by years end. It has been years since I had this standing committee at the parish level.

The aim of Community Life as described in our handbook is to show that we are Christians by our love. The Christian virtue of charity is personified by our action to help others. Call to mind the song “Whatsoever You Do” to remember all the ways to help others.

I am seeking individuals from each diocese to work on the sub committee. I believe that having an enthusiastic member from each Diocese researching or touching on the pulse of events taking place will benefit us in the province as a whole. These ladies will not be infringing on the work of the Diocesan Chairpersons. This is to aid us to keep abreast of the many issues under Community Life.

My short term goals:

• To encourage councils to support the one resolution passed under Community Life “Increase Old Age Security” by writing letters;
• To promote the wearing of Red on Fridays to support the military and to remember the troops in our prayers;
• To promote care of the environment, recycle, reduce, re-use;
• To promote a greater support and awareness for the CWL 1% program. Are councils donating 1% of their revenues to the program? A few are, but many are not.
• To keep the trafficking of women and children awareness programs going throughout the dioceses by encouraging councils to sponsor workshops and education nights.

Long term goal:

• To communicate frequently with the Diocesan chairpersons to get to know them better and to keep them up to date on any developments.

Now onto some new items. Vancouver ArchDiocesan in association with the Sisters Association will present “The Lost in Traffic” play at two venues in the Greater Vancouver area November 11 and 12^th I believe. Pat D………, Vancouver Archdiocesan President had tickets for sale. Her address is in the roster.

Pope Benedict XVI has written his first encyclical entitled “Deus caritas est” (“God is Love”). Social Doctrine and charity lie at the heart of this encyclical. This is great reading for the laity. If you visit www.prolifesearch.com and type in the encyclical name in the search area, you can print off your own copy. I used the heading “Deus Caritas Est Encyclical letter to Bishops, Priest and Deacons, Men and Women Religious and all the lay faithful.” The print was larger. Part 2, starting at chapter 19, deals with Christian Charity.

For another “hot topic” keep abreast of developments with emission of greenhouse gases and the Clean Air Act. The National Post, Friday October 20, 2006 edition in glaring headlines stated that emission rules begin in 2010 and we have 44 years to cut greenhouse gases in half. There’s moving and shaking going on in Parliament. It’s anybody’s guess as to what will happen.

Provincial Council has received a request from a Catholic Organization named “The Call of the Poor” based in St. Norbert, Manitoba to help make their cause better known. I know that we support many missions and worthwhile charities at home and abroad right now and we support our food banks in our own home towns but if your heart feels touched to distribute appeals to your parishes please let me know and I can forward some material to you.

The United Nations released statistics on Child Poverty in the world and it is not good news. This topic has been on the slate for so many years without headway. Can you think of ways to address the issue?

May our Lady of Good Counsel Guide you in this important work of caring for others. God Bless

Carol P….

Dear Sisters in the League:

Welcome to Community Life. Welcome to the returning chairpersons, Theresa V.-Kamloops Diocese, Tina G.-Prince George Diocese, Sammy N.-Vancouver Archdiocese, Whitehorse council, and a hearty welcome to the new ladies on the block, Janet O’F.-Nelson Diocese and Pauline S.-Victoria Diocese. Together we’ll make a difference! Summer is quickly coming to an end and Catholic Women’s League members across the province are busy getting back to regular activities, meetings and CWL work.

Dr. Rayleen De Luca of Winnipeg is our National Chairperson of Community Life. We congratulate her on her appointment to this standing committee and look forward to working closely with her. Rayleen has an interesting biography. She is a wife, mother and grandmother along with being a full professor and a clinical psychologist in private practice. She is one busy lady. Rayleen says the new song for Community life is “community life rocks.”

Some personal information so you can get to know me a little better. I am married to Arnold with four children (three daughters and one son), thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. This family keeps me on the go. I love golfing, reading, traveling, knitting, drinking coffee and my computer. Talking is a great past time as well. … I serve my parish as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. I joined the League as a young bride and have kept busy ever since. I served on the Provincial Council for 6 years, two as Communications Chairperson and four years as Treasurer. I am happy to have been re-elected and commit myself to my work. I received my Life Membership in 2005. Now let’s get to work.

I should imagine you all have a copy of the chairperson’s handbook, if not, then please acquire one. It lists the duties of the chairperson under five subheadings. This standing committee covers a lot of topics which are listed on the next page.

Dignity and rights of Persons; Social and Economic Justic; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenshi; Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace; Developing Countries

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of this, appoint a subcommittee chair to help you. Just maybe there is a new member in your council who would be excited about one of the headings.

It is a bit early to be thinking about Development and Peace – Share Lent but time passes quickly and by the time my next communique comes out it will soon be time to work on this, in conjunction with the parish coordinator if you have one. At every meeting, promote the CWL 1% of personal expenditures to benefit CCODP.

The items below are taken from Dr. Rayleen D.L.’s communique, in a slightly abbreviated manner. Please try to use your own words when passing on this information to your Parish Councils. If you quote, please acknowledge the source.

Resolutions
A resolution was adopted at the 86^th annual national convention, pertained to this standing committee. Please review Resolution 2006.03 Increase Old Age Security and the action plan. All resolutions will appear in the fall issue of The Canadian League magazine.

Dignity and Rights of Persons
Against Sex Trafficking: An International weekend of Prayer, Fasting and Planning for Action. September 29^th to October 1^st has been selected as a weekend for people around the world to fast and pray regarding the tragedy of human trafficking. September 29^th is the feast of St. Michael and All Angels. The purpose is to “Petition God to change things, to put an end to these evils, and to hear from God how He calls all people to serve, prevent, rescue, and restore.” ( At the provincial level we had the intensive Trafficking workshop presented by Sister Pierrette Boisse at the annual Provincial Convention in Whitehorse. Let’s put what we learned to good use and see what we can do in our Province to aid those enslaved.)

Refugees, Immigration and Citizenship
KAIROS is a coalition of Canadian churches, church-based agencies and religious organizations dedicated to promoting human rights, economic justice, peace and ecological justice. It has developed resource material entitled “God’s People: A People on the Move.” To order this kit call Fahira Golich at (877) 403-8933 ext. 221 or email <orders@kairoscanada.org>.

Things to do: Visit the BC Provincial Website on a regular basis www.cwl.bc.ca and check out the National website at www.cwl.ca

Remember to send a copy of your communique to me as well. I look forward to hearing from you. I also welcome questions and suggestions. May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide and inspire you as you work for God and Canada and may God bless and keep you.

Carol P.