Happy Easter to everyone! The Lord is truly risen, alleluia. To him be glory and power for all the ages of eternity, alleluia, alleluia.

Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who submitted material for the Spring newsletter. The newsletter is on the website, please share it with everyone.

Diocesan Reports

Thank you to everyone who got in their yearly reports. I know the position of communication chair is difficult to fill and only 90 parish councils out of 134 responded.

Pornography

On Friday March 30th, the Whitehorse Star reported that the RCMP were investigating multiple complaints after women found their Facebook photos being used on a pornographic website. Innocent photos were taken and users of the porn site were invited to combine those pictures with x-rated ones. The RCMP reported that prosecution would be difficult as when a person signs up to use a social media site they agree to a long user contract that states quite clearly that if photos are posted publicly, it is at their own risk.

This news story should make us aware that once pictures are on the internet they can be used for purposes that we did agree too and it is very difficult to stop this unintended use.

Media for Evangelization

Salt +Light is again offering the DVD on St. Gianna Beretta Molla, called, Love is a Choice, for $19.95. The DVD can be ordered from the website, saltandlighttv.org.

The DVD is excellent for parish meetings. St. Gianna’s life is an inspiration for all Catholics.

St. Gianna is the patron saint of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation. She was selected by Fr. Rosica, CSB, CEO of Salt and Light who saw in St. Gianna a powerful role model for the Church and the world today.

Salt and Light is in the process of producing a documentary on Kateri Tekakwitha in time for her canonization on October 21st. She will become the first Native American women to be declared a saint.

Media to Promote the League

Keep checking the B.C. Provincial website, www.cwl.bc.ca, as all the provincial executives’ communiques are posted there. The forms for the bursaries and the provincial convention, are also posted on the website. The Provincial Policy and Procedure Manual will be placed on the website once revisions are finalized.

Media Evaluation and Promotion of Good Content

One of the provincial executive brought to my attention a program that French CBC was broadcasting which was considered soft porn. The show was being shown late at night when children were not able to view it. I have not seen the programme.

CBC is paid for by our tax dollars and our tax dollars should not be spent on pornographic material. After James Moore, Heritage Minister, complained to the CBC, the programme was dropped. The Hubert Lacroix, CEO of the French CBC, commented that the show was good value for money, popular in France and perfectly in line with CBC’s mandate.

Email

Some members are concerned that when emails are forwarded, all the email addresses are also being forwarded. If you are forwarding emails, please delete all the addresses that have been sent to you, before you forward the email.

Often we receive emails that have been forwarded from many people. Please be very careful forwarding emails that have been received from others. I recently received an email that after checking on www.snopes.com was a hoax. Apparently this information had been circulating around the internet since 2001. Spreading false information is a waste of our time.

Bulletins & Keeping In Touch

Bishop Currie, at the National Midterm, told the executive that we have to “sell ourselves.” When I first heard this, an image of our members with price tags hanging from our necks as we paraded around the church came to mind. However, I hope the Bishop meant that we have to tell others about the good works we do and promote ourselves in the parish and in our communities.

What better way than using the parish bulletins and newsletters to promote our valuable work. Pope Benedict XVI wrote that faith in God is a gift from God to be shared; it is a talent, which must bear fruit; it is a light that should not be hidden. As women of faith we must tell others of the work we do that illuminates our faith.

This is my last communique as communications standing chair. I have found this position very interesting and challenging. My computer skills have improved considerably.

May our Lady of Good Counsel keep inspiring and guiding us in our CWL work.

A huge Thank You to everyone who submitted their annual reports with so much wonderful information on the great works that our members are doing throughout BC & Yukon! It was truly a joy to compile and submit my report to national.

TLC: I will be submitting an article for the June issue of the Be League regarding all the incredible projects that have been undertaken for `Toonies for Teeth` `Loving and Warm` `Care Kits` please send me any pictures your councils may have taken during your project endeavours. I would also like to encourage all councils to continue in their TLC projects for the remainder of 2012 at which time both our national and provincial themes will change.

CNEWA: This acronym stands for: Catholic Near East Welfare Association a papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926 and continuing under the guidance of Pope Benedict XVI. I pray all of you have read the article in the Winter 2012 League magazine on pages 14 & 15 entitled; Why the Holy Land’s Christians are a Priority for Canadian Catholics. Our national president, Velma Harasen is asking members across the country to share in her vision to assist the Christians in the Holy Land who now represent less than two percent of their population and feel abandoned and isolated. Velma states, “The current conflict in the Holy Land has resulted in a very high level of unemployment and much human suffering. The first affected by conflict are women and children.” There are many specific projects and endeavours that the League can support to help the Christians in the Holy Land through CNEWA yet presently the national executive has chosen a project named; Education Program for Children and Youth at Risk. This project will create an education program for 100 children and youth that are at high risk of drug addiction, alcoholism, high school dropout, unemployment, violence and/or criminal conduct; all of which unfortunately now plagues the Old City of Jerusalem. The program would staff professional psychologists, psychiatrists and teachers and would help five Christian schools in the Old City. To bring this project to fruition $16,500 is needed (93% of donations are spent on the program and services). Individuals or councils wishing to contribute to this project can send their cheques to: CNEWA 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, Ontario

K1H 6K9 with a notation that the money is for the CWL project. (Individual donations will be issued tax receipts.) Let’s work together to `share with others at home and abroad` and take on the challenge to offer humanitarian aid and pastoral support to those in dire need!

Kateri Tekakwitha: Will be canonized October 21, 2012. This will be a wonderful opportunity to invite our 1st Nation Sisters to join us in celebrating the sainthood of our patroness of ecology, nature, and the environment.

Catch The Fire: Congratulations to Debbie Cloutier from Mission, BC who was chosen from the national leadership committee to attend the 2012 national convention with all expenses paid and to attend the day long training session for Catch the Fire. Debbie will then return home to help train other members throughout the province to facilitate the workshop as well as facilitating throughout the province herself. We all wait with anticipation for Catch The Fire!!

A CWL Dream: To train Women Leaders of Tomorrow could soon be possible through the establishment of a private foundation to educate Catholic women to assume leadership roles both in the Catholic church and in society as a whole. This exciting new proposal will be expanded on at each of the six diocesan conventions. I pray you will join us to learn more and share in the excitement of the dream!

Provincial convention 2012: I look forward to seeing many of you up in Whitehorse from June 14 – 16. We have incredible speakers lined up, including two bishops as well as some invigorating resolutions and inspiring reports. It will be a convention not to miss!! Hope to see you there.

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.

I am pleased that all six dioceses supplied me with annual reports – good work ladies, I can see you are continuing to work most generously “for God and Canada” through resolutions. You made it easy for me to write my annual report! I see a huge improvement in letter writing reported and have passed this information on to our National Chairperson, Anne Gorman. This is so very important to our work, and I now know for a fact, that the government officials do read our letters. May I ask that you continue to keep track of your letters sent/received. I know it is very hard to remember when you write a letter in March and then have to report on it the following January. Perhaps you could make up a reporting form for your councils to fill out. It could be like this:

Resolution

2011.01 National Organ and Tissue Donor Registry

Number of Responses: 7

I look forward to hearing your actions on this as we will most likely include it in the annual reporting next year.

I provided you with a list of pending resolutions for this year in my column in our Spring Newsletter. By providing these titles to you, I encourage anyone with any expertise in these subjects to contact me immediately in order to offer their help to make the resolutions as strong as they can be. I ask that everyone please pray for those members who are researching and preparing the resolutions.

When writing the resolutions, please be sure to use the checklist in “Appendix A” in the National Policy and Procedures Manual. Don’t forget to use the proper bridging clauses in order to send the resolution to the provincial council and, if applicable, to the national council. Again, Appendix A has the procedures outlined very clearly.

You must have a separate letter all ready to go for each resolution being presented at your diocesan convention so that if a resolution is passed, it can be signed by the diocesan president and secretary and sent to the provincial level immediately.

The letter should be addressed to the provincial resolutions chairperson and say:

“Enclosed is a resolution titled “xxxxxxx”.

This is to verify that the resolution was adopted as required by a majority vote at the 2012 Annual xxx Diocesan Convention of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, held in xxx (town) on xxx (date).”

Diocesan Resolutions Chairpersons, please review my Communique #5 that lists the steps taken in presenting a resolution. You should form a resolutions review committee now. If possible, circulate the proposed resolutions ahead of time so members can educate themselves on the issues. At your diocesan conventions, try to schedule a resolutions dialogue if time allows, so that you can discuss and make any required changes, by motion, prior to presenting them to the floor. When presenting resolutions at your convention, use that time as an educational opportunity, presenting them in a way that will educate members on the process required.

I am so excited to report to you on the recent and very successful trip to Victoria by Nancy Simms, President; Doreen Gowans, President-elect and myself, and have attached a copy of a report that I presented to the executive at our recent mid-term meeting at Rosemary Heights. I continue to thank those councils who work so hard on our resolutions, this is what the League is all about and I am truly thankful for our hard working members.

This is my last Communique as your Resolutions Chairperson. When I was ‘gifted’ with this standing committee, I must say it was a huge step for me. I have grown to absolutely love working with resolutions and still find it exciting and challenging! I feel truly blessed and thank you for allowing me to represent you through this committee at the provincial and national conventions.

In closing, I hope to see all of you at the provincial convention in beautiful Whitehorse. It promises to be a great one, with our National President-elect, Betty Anne Brown Davidson giving a workshop on Leadership and the League, many other good speakers, and an excellent agenda set in place by our President, Nancy Simms who has some very exciting news of upcoming national initiatives to share with us. It is also an election year, which is always fun. The Resolutions Dialogue will be at 3:00 – 4:30 pm on Thursday, June 14th in the basement of Sacred Heart Cathedral. Please try to attend.

As you are all aware, President, Nancy Simms, Legislation Chairperson, Lorrilee Jordan and I visited the MLA’s in Victoria in November. We were graciously welcomed by both the Liberals and the Opposition party who were very interested in our resolutions.

After hearing our presentation, they suggested that the members of the CWL should meet with the MLAs of every province to present the resolution on Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material in order to ensure their governments are aware of the situation.

The MLAs were encouraged regarding our initiative on the TLC program, and suggested councils contact their offices so that the MLAs may support this initiative within their offices.

One MLA is on a committee regarding the Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women and requested if he could use our resolution as back up material for the committee. A huge compliment!

Following the government meetings, we met with Bishop Gagnon of the Victoria Diocese and upon return to Vancouver, with Archbishop Miller, presenting them with our resolution folder. They were very impressed with the work of the League members and encouraged us to continue with these good works. Later on, Nancy, Doreen and Lucille met with Bishop Monroe. In future, this will be an important aspect of our meetings to present resolutions.

Report on visit to Ministry of Health – March 14, 2012

Attending this meeting were Nancy Simms, President, Doreen Gowans, President-elect and myself. We were warmly welcomed by Joan Geber, the Executive Director of Women’s Health, and Sara McLaughlin, Manager of Women’s Health.

Nancy presented the resolution on Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material. They were very aware of this issue, listened with great interest, and explained that although they were aware that nothing had been done to date by any provincial entity, they were all awaiting direction from the federal government, or, initiatives from another province to implement any legislation. There are many legal implications that this issue creates.

They suggested that a cohesive approach needs to be in place by each province, and that because we have presented this, it would inspire them to begin consultation on this issue. To their knowledge, this is not being dealt with in any other province, even Quebec.

The provinces are waiting for federal direction, and the federals are waiting for the provinces to act by proposing legislation on this subject. Once this has been done, there will be an opportunity for people like us to provide formal feedback to them as to our support on this issue. We need to be ready for this.

They emphatically stated that ‘letters help’, and that they should be individual, personal letters, as opposed to form letters, and really do make a difference and are more widely received and acted upon.

Caffeine in Energy Drinks

They said they would forward our resolution to Laurie Woodland the Executive Director, Population and Public Health who is responsible for this issue.

Organ Donation – National Registry

They suggested we send our resolution to the Hospitals and Provincial Services Branch and the MSP.

They requested we send the script of our presentation to them, to use when forwarding to others.

Strategies and Related Dementias

They would forward this resolution to Seniors Healthy Living Secretariat and the Home and Community Care Health Ministry – Seniors Care for their information. These contacts will be provided to us.

Chrysotile Asbestos

They will send this to Tim Lambert, Executive Director, the Health Protection Branch, BC Ministry of Health – Living & Sport.

They volunteered to send the information on the pertinent agencies and put us in contact with the right people to move these resolutions forward to the Minister involved and also to the Ministry Advisors involved in each issue.

Ms. Geber expressed interest in the resolution regarding the children of missing aboriginal women and will forward this. She suggested we contact Minister Mary Polak, Min. of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, from Langley – re this issue.

They were impressed with the work our CWL councils were doing to implement the TLC programs in our communities and suggested we contact the College of Dental Surgeons and the BC Dental Association.

Joan then told us about a program that has in the pilot project stage entitled “Nurse-Family Partnership Program”. This is will be set up in communities in collaboration with community health nurses to provide support and education to low-income pregnant women who will be mothers for the first time. This support is from 28 weeks of pregnancy until the child’s second birthday and has 3 primary goals; improve pregnancy outcomes by helping women improve pre-natal health, improve child health and development by helping parents provide sensitive and competent care giving and improve parental life course by helping parents develop a vision for their future.

We told them that we were very interested and could possibly provide volunteer support to help with this program, providing that it does not promote abortion or contraception.

In summary, it was a very productive meeting and we came away with the feeling that our resolutions were understood and would be forwarded to the parties most concerned with these issues. They gave us the encouragement to contact those persons in charge of the various issues we are addressing and will give us contact names.

We found this meeting very important, and that it was necessary that our delegation meet with both the MLAs and the Ministry’s involved with our issues (i.e., Ministry of Health, Education, etc.). This may need to be a two day meeting in order to meet with the MLAs, the Ministry’s and the local Bishops.

“CATCH THE FIRE”

Is National’s newest Leadership Development Day that will be rolled out at the 2012 CWL National Convention this August in Edmonton. It will be available for the entire country to use this fall. “….I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you….” (2 Tim 1.6) As our National Organization Chair , Betty Anne Brown, states “to ‘rekindle’ means to stir into flame, to rustle the embers so they can catch fire again. This image has been with the National Ad Hoc Leadership Development Committee as it tried to develop a training package for future leaders in the League.”

In order for this Leadership Day to “Catch the Fire” and “take off” National office is going to do something it has never done before:

• A younger member has been selected from each province to attend the National Convention including the “Catch the Fire” training session with their expenses being covered by the national development fund.
• Two facilitators from each diocese are to be chosen by each diocesan executive. These facilitators will receive complementary training on August 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm and will receive a per diem of $60.00 to offset meal costs and a shared accommodation subsidy for their extra night’s stay. These members must already be planning on attending the National Convention.
• “Catch the Fire” is designed as a day-long development day, presented by trained facilitators using a multi-media approach.
• It will be followed up next year with another workshop entitled “S’mores”. The local members will have an opportunity to choose four topics most needed for their council’s workshop.

Upon receiving this information from Betty Anne, I immediately had some questions which she so kindly answered as seen below.

Diocesan Presidents you will be receiving a letter from our National President Elect / Organization Standing Committee Chair Betty Anne Brown Davidson, as stated in questions #2 and #3 within the next week or so.

1.  Should the Diocesan members come from the Diocesan Executive or would you suggest members who the Diocesan Executive would like to move forward in the League?

• We would like to see diocesan members who are first and foremost enthusiastic about the League. They could be members of the present executive who have presentation skills rather than older life members. In the long run, they could very well be “future leaders” of the League. This training could help them to personally fall even more in love with the League.

2.  Do you have any suggestions for the criteria for Diocesan Executive to consider when choosing the two Diocesan Trainees?

• Each diocesan president will receive a letter from me with the criteria, seeking members who are:

• enthusiastic and positive about the League;
• experienced in presenting to small and large groups;
• willing to deliver this new leadership training program one to three times over a two-year period, along with a trained provincial facilitator (hopefully in a team of three);
• planning to attend anyway, the 2012 national convention in Edmonton and be
• prepared to stay for a post-convention training session on August 16, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.;
• able to begin the local training role effective September 2012; and
• capable of operating laptop and projection equipment.

3.  How soon would National Office require these Diocesan Trainees names submitted to National Office? By May 31, 2012

4.  Is there a process to send in a change of name in the event the chosen member cannot attend at the last minute?

executivedirector@cwl.ca is Kim Scammell; she is woman of understanding and mercy.

5.  If our recommended member either executive or interested member is not planning on attending the National Convention due to financial reasons would National look at contributing monetarily other than the “per diem of $60.00 to offset meal costs and a shared accommodation subsidy for their extra night’s stay”? We know that you stated the member must be planning on attending the National Convention, however there may be members we would like trained, however they cannot afford the financial commitment.

• No, this is the extent of national’s offer. Remember, we are paying for one delegate from each province to attend the whole convention at our expense, so she can “Catch the fire” and be trained with the rest of us, for her whole provincial membership. It is hoped then that she can spread that “fire” to the rest of her provincial members. Some provinces may decide that they will need even more members trained to be facilitators for this endeavour. In that case, the prov. rep + the diocesan chosen ones + any national and provincial executive that have been trained will get together and train more people for their particular province once they have returned home from convention. That decision will be theirs to make and execute.
• In fact, the per diem will actually be a provided buffet breakfast and buffet lunch with a stipend for dinner. Some people may not even need to stay an extra day depending if they can leave Edmonton after our training finishes at 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday.

6.  Who is responsible for covering the costs of sending the two Diocesan Trainees’ to the various councils to train the members?

• It is planned that several parish councils will get together for a diocesan Development-type Day to receive this leadership training package. The funds for that Day would come from the national Development Fund via application as per usual.
• For example the Whitehorse Diocese is in need of training however the distance they have to travel is horrendous and costly for a small diocesan council. Perhaps in unique circumstances, an extra Day could be added on before a diocesan or provincial convention in 2013. This would have to be evaluated at the time of planning and requested.

7.  Also – Provincial President Elects may be trained. When will that be confirmed? The BC & Yukon Provincial Council is having elections in June and I may not know till then who my President Elect will be. Do I register an unnamed President Elect in hopes that she will be attending the National Convention?

• To me, it makes sense since leadership training falls under her standing committee. We are having a national executive meeting in Toronto at the end of February – beginning of March. I intend to request this permission at that time. Before the national convention, all the provincial elections will have taken place. Before Edmonton, we should have a name of each provincial president-elect. If this idea passes, then they would be invited to stay the extra day and be trained with the rest of us. This could be mentioned to her by you after the provincial election. Perhaps she would be someone who had already been selected by her diocese. Worst case scenario, she might have to be trained locally or go along with the three presenters to a Catch the Fire! presentation and watch as a trainee. Nothing is impossible.

In summary I would suggest the Diocesan Presidents together with the Diocesan Organization Standing Committee chairs suggest names of members either on your current executive or members at large that would make good enthusiastic facilitators to be trained for your diocese and encourage them to take the next step to become your Diocesan Facilitator by attending the Catholic Women’s League National Convention in Edmonton this August. I pray these members are planning to attend the National Convention.

If I can be of assistance, please contact me.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

It was with great sadness that we heard of Lorrilee Jordan’s death (may she Rest in Peace). Lorrilee was a gracious lady with a deep love for the League. Our prayers are with Dave and the family.

When Provincial President, Nancy Simms asked me to be the Interim Provincial Legislation Chairperson, I was honoured and took time to speak with my husband, Pat and pray about my decision. I said “Yes”! I am Saskatchewan-born, transplanted to Nanaimo 44 years ago. I am a 37 year member of St. Peter’s Catholic Women’s League in Nanaimo. Pat and I are headed south on February 24 for five weeks for a long overdue golfing holiday, but I did want to touch base with the Provincial Councils before I went.

Thank-you to all the Diocesan Legislation Chairpersons for their comprehensive reporting, the BC & Yukon Catholic Women’s League is indeed a force to be reckoned with!

From Terri Scott’s, National Legislation Chairperson, February 14, 2012

HUMAN RIGHTS for the UNBORN

Members are encouraged to support the efforts of members of parliament who press for legislation to recognize the humanity of and offer protection to the unborn. Two such members are Brad Trost (Saskatchewan, Humboldt) and Stephen Woodworth (Kitchener). League members may visit their web sites for further information.

Stephen Woodworth has filed a motion in the House of Commons calling for the formation of a multi-party committee to examine the legal impact of denying full human rights to an unborn child. The motion will be debated in March and June followed by a vote. Members are encouraged to learn more about current legislation and follow progress of debates in the House of Commons.”

ANTI-BULLYING DAY Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Resolution – 02.02 Anti-Bullying Programs League parish councils are urged to encourage their school districts to implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs that involve parents, students, teachers, support staff and the community at large.

From the School District #68 Website: “Focus on Bullying: A Prevention Program for Elementary School Communities

The Ministry of Education has distributed to all elementary schools a resource developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Attorney General and the Safe School Centre. The program provides a framework for developing school action plans aimed at preventing and responding to bullying behaviour.

Bullying and harassment prevention programs

One of the most serious behaviour concerns in schools is bullying. Parents and school staff agree that safety of students is a great concern, and that bullying can lead to violence if left unchecked. Schools looking to improve school-wide behaviour have successfully implemented antibullying programs as part of their discipline or school safety initiatives.

Successful programs usually have three components:

• information for schools and the community about the nature of bullying or harassing behaviour and why it is unacceptable
• suggestions for implementing a strategy to reduce bullying and/or harassment
• actual instructional activities for students.

Ladies please wear PINK on February 29 to show our support for Anti-Bullying!

BILL 304

From Evelyn Rigby Provincial Secretary – Brian Storseth’s Bill C304 which just passed second reading in the Commons, has been recommended to go to Committee! The vote was fairly close, so if we want to ensure this gets through we will need to contact all our MPs, there should be a list of the yeas and nays on the Parliament Website.

There is excellent background material on Lifesite News, and also on Brian Storseth’s website.

Conservative MP Brian Storseth’s private member’s bill that would repeal the Canadian Human Rights Commission’s power over hate messages disseminated online is likely to survive its next test.

MP Brian Storseth opened the debate on Bill C-304, stating that “this bill will help protect and enhance our fundamental freedoms, the freedom of speech.” Storseth continued to express the importance of freedom of speech, adding that it “is the only real tool that democratic societies like ours have to fight bigotry and ignorance.”

“Lord, for the times I have disturbed your peace through unkind gestures or words, I ask your forgiveness. Grant me the grace to see you in my sisters and brothers thereby creating new world – a world of peace” from the book of Humble Prayer

Hi! To all!

I hope all are well and that your C.W.L. work is going along well. It is a busy time for the Provincial Executive as we have our mid-term meeting coming up very soon. I have just finished my oral report for that meeting, and now have information to pass on to you. First of all I want to say a big “Thank You” to you, Christian Family Life Chairpersons, from the six dioceses for the great job you did on your Annual Reports. I am just starting my report.

Now Lent is here. On Friday, February 24—Friday after Ash Wednesday, one of the Readings at Mass was from Isaiah 58.6, Is not this the fast that I chose, to loose the bonds of injustice…?

From a book that I read every day, Isaiah bluntly challenges us to grow up. Fasting is more than absence—”giving up” as children say. It is active and challenging: oppose injustice, free the burdened, share bread with the hungry, find homes for the homeless, cover those who are naked and vulnerable. What are you doing for Lent?

MARRIAGE AND FAMILIES:

That reading made me think! Then in last Wednesday’s paper I read an article, Youth and Families crowd the homeless picture. It said, “While overall homeless numbers in Greater Vancouver remain virtually unchanged in 2011 (compared to 2008), youth homelessness has jumped by 9% over this time. ” It read, “You see kids living in cars and vans, or youths that are living in a “safe house”. Also it states two reports released in February say “the cost of healthy food is unaffordable” and “the basic necessities of housing and food are out of reach for many in our province.”

I also read that B.C. is to have a Family Day Holiday in February starting next year.

SANCTITY OF LIFE:

In her last Communique, Peggy Roche, National Chair of Christian Family Life, encourages all C.W.L members to take action on Resolution 2011. 01, “Prohibition of Practices re: Human Life Reproductive Material “She suggests writing letters or getting a speaker to a meeting. We are also asked to write letters to voice our concern about Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide to:

Hon. Rob Nicholson, Attorney General of Canada, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON, KIAOA6

Peggy Roche also mentioned Living Wills and how all of us should make clear our wishes about “end of life issues”. Many people do this in their wills but wills are usually not read until after the funeral. I had a friend—her daughter had her cremated and no funeral was allowed.

During Lent, Vancouver Diocese is focused on its “40 days for Life Campaign: 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of Peaceful Vigil, 40 days of Community outreach.

This campaign has already mobilized over 500,000 people worldwide.

MINISTRY TO YOUTH:

In Communique #5, Peggy Roche writes that many youth face problems from peer pressure -being bullied etc. One Christian Family Life Chair mentioned a nephew who committed suicide.

We recently had an incident with our youngest son (in his 40′s). He is married and lives in another part of the province. He was in the hospital with depression. Doctors who worked with him got him talking and it turns out he was bullied in high school and this had always bothered him. I knew his self-esteem was not good, but we never had a clue about the bullying. Thank goodness his wife realized that he may be suicidal and got him to the hospital. He is home now and getting back into his regular life again—with a much brighter outlook on his life.

MINISTRY TO DISABLED, SENIORS, WIDOWED, SEPARATED, DIVORCED:

We are encouraged to involve these people in Parish Ministries and make them feel needed. Perhaps give them a phone call and talk about happy events, BUT—most of all listen to what they have to say. Listening is very comforting to someone who feels lost and alone.

VOCATIONS:

I went with three ladies from the Vancouver Diocesan Council to the Seminary in Mission. This had been done in Vancouver when I was Diocesan President and had been discussed at a provincial meeting. The Diocesan Executive made the arrangements with the Seminary. We had supper with the Seminarians, and then all four of us took parts in a presentation to the older seminarians about CWL. It is hoped this will be helpful when they priests and are in a parish -they will know what we are and do.

Please pray for the Provincial Executive when we are at our Spring Mid-term Meeting at Rosemary Heights in Surrey March 15th to 17th. Thank you all for your good work and cooperation with me I hope to get out one more Communique after the Mid-term meeting.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel bless all of you!

My New Year’s prayer for our six hardworking secretaries at Diocesan level is that you may have another rewarding year working for our League, keeping records up-to-date, compiling accurate minutes, attending to details, making smooth transitions to new computers and computer programs, and, last but not least, enjoying a year that is free of email problems! I also hope that we can all meet up at the Whitehorse convention, June 13-17! Please let me know if you plan to attend so we can arrange some time together.

Diocesan Annual Reports (Due February 15th)

Four of you have already sent in your annual reports. I know that those of you who are dealing with more than thirty parish councils need those two months to collect, collate and summarize the annual reports. I appreciate the hard work involved in sending reminders and making extra phone calls to collect the necessary information. All of these efforts will result in a more accurate picture of the state of secretarial work in our parish councils, and also help me meet my deadline to National. Thank you!

Parish Registers 2012

Another word of thanks to the parish secretaries who have already sent me their complete 2012 parish registers. Many of these arrived here in hard copy by regular mail. A number of parish councils may not know that provincial officers and chairpersons can be reached by email through the address on the provincial website: http://www.cwl.bc.ca Go to the top ribbon on the Home Page. Click on ABOUT for the drop down menu. Click on CONTACTS. Click on the position, and the relevant email address will pop up, e.g. secretary@cwl.bc.ca . Both ways have advantages. The former saves on our ink, the latter saves on parish council postage.

A number of parish councils did not hold their elections until February, so I hope all the lists will be in before the end of this month. See the enclosed 2012 register form which I hope you will circulate to all the councils who have not yet checked in. Before doing so, as Diocesan Secretary, you will need to add your name, email and postal address to the footer. In the case of vacant positions, simply give the title and print “vacant” beside it. If any of these councils are without an email connection please names them and I will mail a hard copy to them. To avoid duplication of requests, I will send to each Diocesan Secretary a list of registers received up to February 13th, 2012.

Provincial Convention Credentials

Credentials for the Provincial Convention have been printed and will be mailed to all Parish Presidents shortly after all registers are received. Each parish can send one accredited delegate. For these, two signatures are needed: Spiritual Advisor and Parish Council Secretary. Please ensure that your president (or her designate) remembers to send the top copy to the provincial secretary no later than May 15th, and to carry the back copy of her credentials to present on arrival at the provincial registration desk.

The credentials, one Voting and two Accredited, will be given to the Diocesan Presidents at Mid-term. The former needs to be signed by the Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, the latter by the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor or Diocesan President and the Diocesan Secretary. There are so many things that delegates have to remember prior to leaving for convention, that a gentle reminder from the secretary to the delegate can save a lot of bother and possible embarrassment.

Life Members’ credentials will be signed by the Provincial President or Spiritual Advisor and the Provincial Secretary before being mailed. At one recent diocesan meeting, a Life Member requested that the required signatures for the Diocesan Convention also be handled in this way that is with Diocesan signatures. I hope you will consider this courtesy for your Life Members, that is, if it is not already your diocesan policy.

Re Call to Action (posted on our website)

If you have received any replies which may be useful background material for a Resolution addressing responsible broadcasting/protection of our faith beliefs and traditions, please contact me.

Before closing, I wish to thank you for all your prayers which have helped sustain us both during my husband’s illness. Several years ago a wise Diocesan Spiritual Advisor prepared quotations from St. James’ Epistle for his new executive. This is what I received, and what I heard again in today’s readings:

“You will always have your trials, but, when they come, try to treat them as a happy privilege; you understand that your faith is only put to the test to make you patient, but patience too is to have its practical results so that you will become fully developed, complete with nothing missing.”

May the example of Our Lady of Good Counsel inspire us to greater efforts for God and Canada.

I hope wherever you are in B.C. or Yukon, winter is being kind to you. The good news is spring is just around the corner! It is a very busy time of year as League members and as Catholic Christians.

As we approach this special contemplative season of Lent, we are given the opportunity once again, to assess where we stand with regard to following the precepts of our faith, and to try to make an improvement in our goal to achieve a deeper understanding and knowledge in our faith life. What a blessing…. another chance to strive for holiness!

Improvement can be achieved in many ways. For example, by attending special retreats and lectures conducted by our own or visiting clergy and theologians. Many of these retreats are sponsored in our parishes and we are fortunate to have them available. Hopefully, you have access to retreats in your areas. We can also achieve a deeper insight by reading spiritual books, and periodicals on our own, and/or by studying with others in Bible Study groups.

So the questions are asked:

• Are we in good standing in our faith?
• Are we on the right track or is there room for improvement?
• Do we really have an understanding of what is required of us as Catholic Christians?

Don’t despair or lose heart. It is the sheer nature of ‘being a Christian’ that we fall / then we rise. The only danger to our souls is if we fail to rise! We may all start off with good intentions but over a period of time, sometimes we slip backwards and need to redirect our efforts to explore our faith. To determine what is amiss or what we may be missing. … but one thing is certain – - If we are lax or if we fall backward…  We must always be sure to rise up and try again!

Here are some ideas to help you achieve that level or which you might like to explore:-

Books are available from the Catholic publication:

The Word Among Us (waubooks.org) or e books available from (wau-ebooks.org).

You can write to them to subscribe: 7115 Guilford Dr. Ste. 100, Frederick Md. 21704-5234 U.S.A. Or obtain information & subscribe by visiting: (wau.org/new4).

This publication is a wonderful comprehensive booklet for Catholics.

The Word Among Us is published in the U.S. but is also available in Canada. It contains articles highlighting Gospels & O/T Readings in the Bible, Daily Mass Readings complete with commentaries and provides great insight and clear understandings adapting Bible stories of long ago to our life today. It is also a great resource for Spiritual Development Chairpersons to assist in preparation for meetings.

The following are some Lenten books available from waubooks.org , designed to help you achieve your goals. Suggestions for your consideration:-

Conversing With God in Lent (Stephen J. Binz) Promises a “transforming experience for Lent”

How to Listen When God is Speaking: (Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.) Fr. Pacwa draws from St. Ignatius’ spiritual exercises using everyday examples.

Mary’s Life In the Spirit (George Montague, S.M.) Highlighting how Mother Mary can teach us to live our lives in the Holy Spirit.

Other reference material can be accessed through, Living With Christ, Daily Missal offering supplements for Lent with daily meditations. Christian Book Stores always offer great options as well, and hopefully there is one located in your town. For children & grandchildren, books explaining the season of Lent can be found. We should begin early to explain the special seasons of our Catholic faith to children.

Last but certainly not least, I refer you to the CWL booklet, Prayers and Workshops for Women of Peace and Hope. This is a wonderful resource full of inspiring prayers and workshops.

I hope you are taking advantage of all of the resources available and these are just a few ideas for your reference. Hopefully you will find ideas which can be adapted and brought forward to teach others and perhaps be useful to plan your meetings as well.

Remember…. Faith is like a ‘rose’…

A rose begins its existence as a beautiful bud. . .

As the rose matures and many delicate layers are developed the rose bursts forward with incredible beauty to be enjoyed by the eye.

But as the flower of faith develops. . .Faith develops slowly over years but if nurtured well

Faith blossoms into something that is magnificent to the eyes of God!

Lenten Practices:

When we were younger and our faith was developing, we may have given up candy, sweets, or the movies for our fasting requirement – (even if begrudgingly!) Fasting from food is still the practice of many. However, as we became adults and mature, we also realize the value and importance of other ways of leading us to love Jesus more each day.

As CWL members, we are called to be “Centred on Faith & Justice” Let us always remember to try to also keep the following ideas for ‘ Fasting from bad behaviors ‘ at the forefront of our minds and hearts:

Forgiveness – Pray for those you find difficult

Compassion – Nightly Prayer:

“God Bless All My Eyes Have Seen Today Lord”

Understanding – Everyone has their own story & trials

Kindness – Be kind to all others first and foremost

Promoting peace – In your families and communities

Unity and Love – In all situations!

Positivity – Negative attitudes contribute nothing

& should have no place in our lives

Indifference – Indifference to others kills the Soul

Remember, a smile and a kind word or gesture costs you nothing!

Special Intentions of Pope Benedict XVI

I especially appreciated the first paragraph of the Pope’s special intention for February and urge all my sisters of the League to remember all women of the world in your prayers. ”During this holy season of Lent, we pray in gratitude for women throughout every land. Lord, may the whole world recognize the genuine contribution of women to the development of society. . .

We also pray for all persecuted Christians. Father, may your Holy Spirit grant these brothers and sisters the perseverance that they need as they endure discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ. We particularly pray for persecuted Christians in Asia”.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

World Day of Prayer – Friday March 2nd

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th

Feast of St. Joseph – March 19th

Feast of the Annunciation – March 25th

Palm Sunday April 1st

Good Friday – April 6th, Holy Saturday – 7th, Easter Sunday 8th

Orthodox Easter – April 15th

Earth Day – April 22nd

Feast of Our Patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel – April 26th

Every Council should plan a unique and special celebration of the Feast Day of our Patroness. How about “Bring a Friend Lunch” Your council can convene “A Pot Luck Lunch”… and everyone who comes invites a friend. The ‘friend’ could be a non member or even a non Catholic! Prepare a fun program with plenty of laughter and cheer. Celebrate the League and celebrate our Lady! Guaranteed Success!

MAY – Mary’s Month

Honour Mary with: A living rosary, Sing Praise to Mary, Special Marion Prayers, Remember to Pray for All Mothers during the month of May

Feast of St. Joseph the Worker and International Worker’s Day – May 1st

World Day of Prayer for Vocations – May 6th

Canada Health Day – May 12th

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima – May 13th

Mother’s Day – May 13th
Feast of the Visitation – May 31st

Happy New Year – a year full of God’s blessings!

I hope all of you were able to share the Christ Child’s peace and joy with friends and family.

Annual Reports

Judy Lewis, National CWL Treasurer, has sent a friendly reminder about submitting annual reports on time and using them as a means of sharing and assisting all members.

A report form is on the national website, www.cwl.ca – that I need to complete. It has all the donations listed by standing committee. This does not match the form that you will have received from the parishes, nor the one that has been sent to you for completion. Please complete the forms as sent – I will do my best to allocate the donations to the proper committee. If I need to, I will contact you for clarification. Next year we will do better

Dear sisters;

I realize that I sent a communiqué #8 last month. But something has come up, which I have been asked to look at, from one of our sisters in the League and our Provincial President Nancy Simms.

It is in regards to our schools and the programs that are being implemented in some of them. I have gone on the web-sites and had a look at some of the issues. I found it to be very interesting. Not all schools are involved in the implementation of the program in question, “Out in Schools”, among other issues as well.

A web-site to go to is www.cultureguard.com . I feel that as CWL members we should be vigilant on what programs are being offered in our schools around B.C. and Yukon. Check out the schools in your area and see if there are issues that need to be addressed. Write to your local school boards as well as the provincial or territorial government if you find programs that infringe on our religious values or parental rights. Be sure to get all the facts before you write and remember to write your letter as coming from “yourself” not as “we” and not on CWL letterhead as our Provincial President is the only one who may speak on behalf of the CWL.

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada has a resolution on Anti Bullying Programs. Bullying can come in many forms. Implementing offensive programs in our schools is one form of bullying.

While writing your letter on a concerned subject, be sure to compliment the school board or government department for the good work that they are doing in other areas.

Resolution – 02.02 Anti-Bullying Programs Submitted by Saskatchewan Provincial Council

Whereas, the federal government has launched an anti-bullying awareness campaign; and

Whereas, Bullying in schools violates the human dignity of both victims and perpetrators and often leads to anti-social behaviours destructive to students, families and communities; and

Whereas, There are many serious, negative, long-term consequences for bullies, such as higher risk of criminal conviction, and for victims, such as depression, suicide and aggressive retaliation; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the national council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, in 82nd annual national convention assembled, urge League parish councils to encourage their school districts to implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs that involve parents, students, teachers, support staff and the community at large.

Reminder: Feb 15th is the deadline for your annual reports to be sent to me. Thanks go out to the dioceses of Victoria, Kamloops and Nelson for getting their reports into me early. If anyone if having a problem with their report, please contact me and I will endeavour to help you.

World Day of the Sick is Feb. 11th.

In 1992, Pope John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick on 11th of Feb., the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, for its annual celebration. On this day the sick are encouraged to reflect on the Christian meaning of suffering and to recall God’s health-giving presence. We are also reminded that God often heals and restores life in unexpected ways.

Some parishes in your area may be celebrating a special Mass of Anointing to mark this special day. I encourage all councils to attend and to facilitate in any way they can to help by giving rides etc. to those who can’t get there on their own.

Quote from the Vatican, 20th November 2011, Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King. POPE BENEDICT XVI “To all those who work in the field of health, and to the families who see in their relatives the suffering face of the Lord Jesus, I renew my thanks and that of the Church, because, in their professional expertise and in silence, often without even mentioning the name of Christ, they manifest him in a concrete way. (cf. Homily, Chrism Mass, 21 April 2011)

To Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Sick, we raise our trusting gaze and our prayer; may her maternal compassion, manifested as she stood beside her dying Son on the Cross, accompany and sustain the faith and the hope of every sick and suffering person on the journey of healing for the wounds of body and spirit.

Happy New Year! It is my prayer that 2012 will be filled with love joy and hope for all the members of BC & Yukon.

Annual Reports: It’s that time of year once again. I encourage Diocesan Presidents, their chairpersons and Provincial Chairs to work diligently to obtain 100% reporting. If you have not received reports from all councils by their deadline date please contact them through both emails and phone to get the information needed. Without their story the tapestry of our work in the League is incomplete.

Pro-Life Donations: At the fall national mid-term meeting discussion took place regarding the Pro-Life National Voluntary Fund. It was noted that presently there is not a national pro-life group that meets the League criteria of supplying an annual financial statement; therefore it is recommended that councils not send Pro-Life donations to national office. Councils are instead encouraged to support their local pro-life organizations.

Meeting with Government: On November 3/11 a delegation consisting of Pat Deppiesse, Resolutions Chair; Lorrilee Jordan, Legislation Chair and myself had very productive meetings with both Liberal and NDP MLA’s regarding many of our resolutions. On January 25/12 Pat and I along with Doreen Gowans, President-Elect will be meeting with an Executive Director in the Ministry of Health to further discuss our past few years of resolutions regarding issues of Health. Please keep this meeting in your prayers.

TLC Projects: A huge congratulations and thank you to all the councils across BC & Yukon that are working so hard to help the homeless and those with mental illness through your TLC projects! When we met with the MLA’s they were very impressed by the work we are doing through TLC and asked if a council is working on one of these projects in their riding they would like to be informed so that they could support the project in their local office (possibly even placing a jar for donations in their office). Diocesan Presidents, please ask your parish presidents to contact their MLA’s regarding this.

Conventions: Along with a new year comes the anticipation of annual conventions at all levels of the League. Diocesan conventions will be taking place in the spring, then from June 14-16 we will be gathered together in Whitehorse for our 2012 provincial convention and from August 12-15 the national convention will be taking place in Edmonton. Encourage all members to attend these conventions. Each will be filled with faith, fun and fulfilment!

Prayers: Please keep Lorrilee Jordan and her husband Dave in your prayers as she continues in her fight against cancer.

First I must apologize for sending this Communique so late—but fall has been very busy for me.

I kept wanting to get it done and sent, but I was away from home three times and once when I did have time my computer was not working right—so I just never got it done—and now here it is.

I want to tell CFL Chairpersons that we had a very “full” Mid-term meeting in October. We had a great presentation by four members of the Kelowna branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association about their efforts to address homelessness in their community. After this talk we discussed what we could do and decided on three initiatives: Toonies for Teeth; Loving and Warm (as the cold weather is here), and Care Kits. I have a little more information if anyone needs it. We need to educate our members about the fact that together we can make a difference.

I also want to mention that Vancouver Diocesan Council (and myself) arranged to go to the Seminary in Mission to talk to the “Older” Seminarians about the C.W.L. and what we do. This had been done when I was Diocesan President and we felt it was a good idea–so that when these seminarians are ordained –they would have some idea about CWL work in the parishes.

I hope that the Parish Christian Family Life Chairpersons have prepared their Annual Reports and that the Diocesan Chairpersons will soon be working on their Annual Reports. The time goes by so quickly when you’re involved and have reports and meetings etc. There is always something to do. I want to say “Thank you” to the Diocesan Chairpersons who have sent me their Reports and/or Communiques. Please contact me at any time by e-mail if I can help you. You can also get information from the Provincial and National Web-sites and the E- Newsletter.

And now, I want to send my Christmas Greetings to all who receive this. May your Christmas be filled with joy and love, and may the New Year bring good health, peace, and happiness.

I pray that your Christmas was filled with Wonder, Hope, Faith, Family and Love.

Now that Christmas is over and the New Year is upon us…it is time to start thinking about what is ahead of us for the next year in the Catholic Women’s League.

One of the reasons I am sending this communiqué to you is to let you know that you will find on our provincial web site www.cwl.bc.ca . The new revised “Molly Boucher Award” along with the criteria for the application. Please be sure to inform your counterparts of this fact. I am sending you a hard copy. Also, if you go the National Web site, www.cwl.ca, you will find the new “National Bursary “application form along with its criteria. I am encouraging members in our province to make use of these funds. Chairpersons of all levels should be talking up the bursaries at their general meetings etc. We need to talk them up more…educate, educate…

For information on the bursary for graduation students offered by Catholic Health Association of BC, please contact Susan House at smhouse@shawlink.ca. All diocesan education and health chairs have received a copy of a letter from Susan House, Executive Director, CHABC in regards to information on a very important court case that was launched in November in Vancouver seeking to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, via the court , in Canada in what is being referred to as the Carter/Taylor Case.

Reports to me are due in by February 15th. Here are a few suggestions from my National counterpart, Pearl Bridgwater, to help you with your reports:

In General:

• highlight your activities as the chairperson
• do not include scripture, prayer or poetry
• include information from sub-committees
• do not list every activity from ever report received. Summarize the common activities; e.g., all councils give bursaries to high school students. Highlight one or two that are unique in some way.
• do not include activities that pertain to other chairpersons committees. Activities under education and health include MaterCare, Bursaries, the Coady International Institute. National Manual of Policy and Procedure.

Specifically:

• Catholic Education: Catholic Schools and Catechesis, Rites of Christian Initiation
• Literacy and continuing education
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Wellness and sickness/disease
• Environment
• Genetics

Be sure to check the other communiqués for their exciting information that is happening in their committees.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope the year started off with a burst of energy and ambition to do all those activities that you had been waiting to do after Christmas. A new year is always a great time to make a new start and a good time to tackle new projects and to try something new. Whenever I go into uncharted waters, I always sing, “Be Not Afraid” and pray to the Holy Spirit to guide me.

Newsletter

Please remember that the deadline for the spring newsletter is March 1^st. Items can be sent before. Please edit your photos and just send one photo per article. Also please include a permission form to publish the picture.

Diocesan Reports

Diocesan Reports are due on February 15^th. I have received two reports. Thank you to the communication chairs who got their reports in early.

Please keep to the outline that is suggested on the report form. For more information refer to the Executive Handbook available on line from www.cwl.ca,which outlines the duties of the communication chair.

Pornography – WRAP campaign

The WRAP campaign is over, but pornography and is still here and we still have to educate our children regarding sexual predators on the internet. Check out the C.A.S.E.

Website, www.case.ca, for interesting articles and material.

Media for Evangelization

Catholic Organization for Life and Family has a brief presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care titled, A Matter of Solidarity by Dr. Jose Maoris, MD from McGill University. The brief can be downloaded from the website www.colf.ca.

Novalis has a new book on Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha for children 8 -12 years. Pope Benedict X VI announced that Kateri will be canonized a saint later this year.

Also available from Novalis, www.novalis.ca, is a new book, 99 Words by Liz Gray. The title is intriguing: You have breath for no more than 99 words. What would they be? The author set a challenge to 99 people to come up with the 99 words they would speak, if that was all they had breath for. This would be an interesting exercise for a CWL meeting.

Media to Promote the League

Keep checking the B.C. Provincial website, www.cwl.bc.ca, as all the provincial executives’ communiques are posted there. The forms for the bursaries and soon, for the provincial convention, are also posted on the website. Check out the links especially the National website www.cwl.ca and National’s e newsletter that is published monthly on the 15^th of every month.

Media Evaluation and Promotion of Good Content

Thank you to those who protested the Russell Peters Christmas Show. The protest procedure was a good learning experience to everyone involved. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) is another avenue for complaints as well as the networks and advertisers. According to the CBSC website, www.cbsc.ca, the CBSC is an independent, non-government organization created by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters to administer standards established by its members, Canada’s private broadcasters. On their website there is a complaint form that can be filled out online and submitted. The form has to be done as soon as possible after the airing of the programme and must contain the following information: the name, date and time of the programme; the name or call letters of the broadcaster and a short summary of what concerned you.

Bulletins & Keeping In Touch

Make a new year’s resolution to do one small activity to keep in touch with one parish member who is often overlooked as a member and needs that extra encouragement to develop fully as a member.

May our Lady of Good Counsel keep inspiring and guiding us in our CWL work.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are all refreshed after the holidays and are energized to continue to work for God and Canada! I want to encourage you to ensure your new, proposed resolutions have been researched thoroughly and have the required backup material. You must complete the checklist in Appendix A of the National P&P binder.

This short communique is mostly just a reminder about upcoming dates.

January 25 Nancy Simms, Doreen Gowens and I will visit the Ministry of Health representatives in Victoria to present our resolutions and we ask for your prayers for our success.

January 31 Please send me the titles of your proposed resolutions by this date.

February 15 Your annual reports must be sent to me by this date. Please be sure to include a short report on the number of letters sent to government officials and responses received. Ann-Marie Gorman, the National Chairperson of Resolutions is particularly interested in receiving this information and I will include it in my annual report to her. I would also like to hear if you and your President (for those concerned) had the opportunity to visit your local bishop to present our resolutions binder to him.

April/May Resolutions passed at your conventions must be sent to me immediately following your convention, along with a suggested defence.

Dear Sisters in the League and Fr. Tran:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be Alert!” We too as Catholic Women’s League members also need to be watchful and alert to opportunities to invite new members into the League. Have you done all you can do to invite every lady in your parish council to become a new or renewed member of the League? Unfortunately our membership in the BC & Yukon Council is slipping for the 1st time in 9 years. We would like to see that change and go back to an increase in membership for 2012. What can you or your council do to help?

On-Line Membership is so efficient and easy to use. Encourage all your councils to use this wonderful method of recording members paid, un-paid, deceased members, and to update addresses, including email addresses etc. in a simple timely manner! This is one sure way of staying on top of those who haven’t renewed enabling you to either contact them in person or send them a reminder. Should you require assistance in getting started contact Janice Jones, office assistant at the National office, or me as we are both willing to help. To get started contact National Office to register your council, fill in the form, return it to National office and then you will be set up to enter your 2012 membership. Once you have registered with National Office I encourage you to follow this link  to view an easy step by step video explaining the easy use of the On-Line Membership system. It is an excellent training tool for you and your parish council.

Binders: How many parish/diocesan councils implemented the binders for each table officer and standing committee chair? I would appreciate any feedback on these binders. Have they been helpful?

At National Convention 2011 a motion was passed unanimously by all provinces to increase our per capita from $8 to $13 effective January 2012, keep this in mind when collecting your 2012 membership dues. Membership dues for 2012 can be collected and submitted now – you don’t have to wait.

Leadership Training & Development Reminder: In order to keep our members and to entice new members we must educate and re-educate them in the ways of the League. Don’t assume the councils know everything as every two years the table officers and committee chairs change bringing new and energized members to the fore front. Some of your parish councils will have held elections – this is an excellent opportunity to host a workshop.

National office sent out three workshops for our councils to use and share with your members. Your Parish/Diocesan President and/or Organization Chair will have these available. If you have not seen them ask for a copy. They are:

1. Leadership Workshop adapted from the workshop from the BC & Yukon Provincial Council;
2. “Take That Seat!” adapted from the Edmonton Diocesan Fieldworkers’ Workshop; and
3. Leadership Development Workshop developed from both the BC & Yukon Provincial Council and the Quebec Provincial Council.

Choose one workshop and use it in your council. By taking the opportunity to educate our members you can have FUN! Discover new talents in your members, be creative, and develop everyone’s spirituality in a safe environment.

Annual Reports: Thank you to those who have completed your annual reports and have sent them in. Our goal is to have 100% reporting, therefore if you have a report that is not complete please take the time to pick up the phone and contact the person and obtain the information over the telephone. National office uses the information and we need to complete all the parish and diocesan forms and submit them. Include in your annual reports actions pertaining to “Women Against Poverty” that were taken under your standing committee and include the amount of any funds that may have been collected for this cause.

Mirrors: Quote from a report from Betty Ann Brown Davidson, National Chairperson: When people look at you and your council what do they see? Do they see a woman so in love with Jesus that she cannot help but reflect HIM in the way she lives her life? Is your council an oasis of peace, love, faith and justice?

Members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada are called to be ardent women of faith. The church depends on us, the parish relies on us and our families see us offer the gift of self to the people of God. Our ultimate role is to mirror Christ in the world each day. How are you doing?

The other thing about mirrors is, if the sun hits them and reflects onto a nearby pile of dry grasses and kindling, a fire will start! Members should be happy to ignite sparks of interest in the women we meet. This opportunity can be used to invite them to join us in our commitment “For God and Canada”. Personal invitation and example are still the best recruiting tools. End of quote and thank you Betty Ann Brown Davidson for her wonderful explanation of what we as Catholic Women should exemplify.

1. Much concern has been expressed recently about the treatment of sacred faith tenets in some recently aired television programs. So I am appealing to all secretaries to use your skills in defense of our faith to newspapers, television networks, and the Canadian Broadcasters Standards Council (CBSC), whenever the need arises, remembering to use your council’s official letterhead only if you are writing on behalf of your council.
2. At your next parish or diocesan meeting request permission of your president to share the contents of a letter you have written. Preface the reading of your letter with reference to one of the 5 steps in our league’s Personal Letter Writing Guide and ask members to critique your effort.
3. Perhaps suggest that a workshop on “letter writing” be included in your next convention, or that a guest speaker on the topic be invited to your annual luncheon.
4. Some members of our councils may be diffident about expressing themselves in written form, so personally invite one or two to join you when you compose your letter. New immigrants would find the social and educational aspects of these one-on-ones very useful.

May the graces of our Advent spiritual preparations imbue our family Christmas traditions, and also our CWL responsibilities which keep us on our toes this season and all seasons!

~ Evelyn

“The new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture, creating in this way an entirely new world of potential friendships. This is a great opportunity, but it also requires greater attention to and awareness of possible risks. Who is my “neighbour” in this new world? Does the danger exist that we may be less present to those whom we encounter in our everyday life? Is there a risk of being more distracted because our attention is fragmented and absorbed in a world other than the one in which we live? Do we have time to reflect critically on our choices and to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting? It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives.” Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 45 World Communications Day June 5, 2011(full text at www.vatican.va)

Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who responded to the request for material for the Fall Newsletter. I appreciated not having to remind people to submit articles and news.

Just a few reminders when submitting articles: please do not send your articles as pdf files as I cannot open these files to edit or format in the newsletter; please send pictures as jpg or jpeg files so that I can edit them to fit the spot I have for them; do not concern yourself about the font or letter size as this can easily be changed; when sending pictures, please identify which diocese the pictures are from; please identify who has written the article and list any references if you obtained material from another source.

Everyone who attended the 2010 CWL Provincial Convention in Richmond was blessed to hear Daphne Gray-Grant presentation on writing and hopefully, now receiving her weekly Power Writing article by email. Her last, #297 is a gem. Daphne wrote, Communicating effectively is all about giving details. If you are going to be scared of anything related to writing don’t be scared of detail. Be scared of being vague or too general. (daphne@publicationcoach.com) Print her quote and paste it on your computer when writing your newsletter article or communique.

Items for the spring newsletter are due March 1, 2012.

Pornography – WRAP campaign

Send your petitions to Canada Family Action and present your white ribbons to your MP and write those letters. Keep track of any responses to your letters that you receive.

Media for Evangelization

Women’s Voice, the official newsletter of WUCWO, July edition, is dedicated to Education and the Media. Articles from around the world on communication and the challenges that the internet and mass communication bring are featured in this issue. Subscriptions to the newsletter can be obtained from www.wucwo.org

Also, noted in the newsletter was the announcement of the Pontifical Council of the Laity’s new website, www.laici.ca. The “Women” section is of special interest. The women’s section is attentive to all that pertains to women in the world. The section strives to advance ideas and activities that can contribute to the dignity and vocation of women in the church and in society. (Website) Articles such as: Exploitation of Maternal Mortality or The Biology of Sexual Faithfulness and Fruitfulness would be interesting for discussion at parish meetings.

Media to Promote the League

B.C. Provincial website, www.cwl.bc.ca was down for maintenance and updating. The website is now up to date. Please check out the extras on the right hand side, especially Other Sites of Interest. There is a wealth of information on these sites. The sites include CCCB; Salt + Light; Biblia Clerus; Catholic Missions; Coady Institute; MaterCare; the Vatican; EWTN; Catholic Canada Directory; Church Council on Justice and Corrections. All you have to do it click on the title and you are connected to these very informative sites.

Media Evaluation and Promotion of Good Content

The new fall lineup of television programs is always interesting. NBC was heavily promoting the Playboy Club. McLean’s magazine had a two page colour advertisement of scantily dressed women in bunny ears and tails. I watched part of one of the first episodes to see how women would be portrayed. I was appalled by the portrayal of women in the show which was the glamorization of prostitution.

Fortunately many others, including Gloria Steinem and media watch services- Morality in Media and Parent’s Television Council, felt the same and called for an advertiser boycott. The outcry (20,000 emails to Morality in Media) produced results and after three episodes being aired, the series was cancelled. Boycotting advertisers and complaining to advertisers about shows that are not appropriate is a valuable tool to use.

Bulletins & Keeping In Touch

The questions asked by Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the 45th World Communications Day are very important for CWL members. Even though the computer is a wonderful tool and it has made communication easier for our members, we must remember that not everyone has a computer. Are we still in contact with those members? Are we still making an attempt to make contact directly with our members and other parish members? Are we as CWL members fostering relationships which are truly deep and lasting?

May St. Francis de Sales guide us in our work of communicating the work of the CWL.

The Holy Season of Advent is upon us – a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the Birth of Christ – God’s wonderful and unending gift of LOVE for us.

On behalf of Nancy, Pat and myself, I would like to thank you for your prayer support during our visit to the Legislature earlier this month. For me it was a privilege to represent you under the banner of CWL and a great learning experience. The MLA’s reaction to our presentations made us hopeful that change is possible, in many instances, through the shared response of government, volunteer organizations and individual lay persons alike. The MLA’s were very interested and supportive of our TLC projects and wanted to learn more of how they could contribute to our efforts to help victims of poverty.

As you are well aware, our BC and Yukon Provincial Council’s focus on Poverty is Homelessness and Mental Illness, chosen over a year ago after Bishop David Munroe of the Kamloops Diocese, suffered a brutal assault from a mentally challenged person. We thank God for Bishop Munroe’s recovery, but are still left with challenges of our own as to how we can help these vulnerable persons to overcome the stigma of mental illness and break the cycles of poverty. Persons with mental illness face several barriers that prevent opportunities for economic advancement. They often encounter difficulty securing adequate education and employment and face undue discrimination because of society’s misconception of mental illness. Being gentle, kind and supportive to those hurting is a great first step. Please encourage, promote and take immediate action on the suggested TLC initiatives. Also, contact your MLA and MP regarding your concern for the mentally ill and homeless and find out what services they are providing. They listen to your suggestions.

ABORTION FUNDING? Approval for $6 million in funding was passed for Planned Parenthood which the public felt did not keep with Canada’s condition on its portion of the G8 program for maternal and child health. International Cooperation Minister, Bev Oda, got around the thorny issue of abortion, after a year of public waffling, by asking for money for sex education and contraception services and not abortion. The work is carried out in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mali, Sudan and Tanzania where abortion is illegal except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk.

Bills C-276 and C-279: I had written to my MP regarding the introduction and similarity of Private Members Bills C-276 and Bill C-279 (Gender Identity and Gender Expression). I received the reply that both were introduced in the first week of the 41st session of Parliament and both proposed explicit inclusion of transsexual and transgender people in the Canada Human Rights Act and the hate crimes clauses of the Criminal Code of Canada. I was advised this is not unusual to have multiple private member’s bills with similar wording or intent. Second Reading is expected in March/12.

Bill C-310 – Amend the Criminal Code Trafficking of Persons (Joy Smith) (First Reading Oct. 26/11) proposes two important amendments to the Criminal Code.

• Add the current trafficking of persons offences which, if committed outside of Canada by a Canadian or permanent resident, could be prosecuted in Canada.
• Amends the definition of exploitation in the trafficking of persons.

In addition to members of her own party, Bill C-310 has been jointly seconded by MPs from the Liberals, NDP and Green parties. During the debate, speakers from each party strongly endorsed the amendments proposed in the bill. Second Reading is expected December 14, 2011. (In 2009, MP Joy Smith brought forward Bill C-268 which was successfully passed into law June/10 creating Canada’s first child trafficking offence with mandatory minimum sentences.)

Letter writing regarding Resolutions passed at National. The following is a suggested outline that you could use to form your letters of concern to the Prime Minister and/or other Ministers. (Info. from Resolutions Action Plans and a letter written by Doreen Gowans)

2011.01 Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material: Ask the Federal Government to prohibit any practices of altering, manipulation or treatment of genetic material that would result in the death of a human embryo or the combining of species or genetic selection.

2011.02 Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: Ask the Federal Government to implement Canada-wide support programs and services for children of missing and murdered aboriginal women.

2011.03 National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Registry: Urge the Federal Government to establish and implement a national organ and tissue donation and transplantation registry.

2011.04 Caffeine in Energy Drinks: Ask Health Canada to engage in a program of public education focusing on the effects of caffeine in children and legislate stricter regulation re clearly identifying all additives and information re drug content in energy drinks.(Also concern of the Prov. Health Minister and Prov. Government. Send a copy to your MP and ask for the party`s position on the issue and also ask for a reply.

Assisted Suicide Challenge began in BC Supreme Court on Nov. 14, 2011. Gloria Taylor, (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s patient), says she wants her doctor to be able to help her end her life before she becomes incapacitated. The challenge is being opposed by the Federal and Provincial governments and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, which has intervener status in this case. In Canada it is illegal to counsel, aid or abet a person to commit suicide. However, three US States and four European countries do allow it.

Community Living BC (CLBC): The government agency under fire for cutting services to adults with developmental disabilities. CLBC has been trying to cope with limited money from government by closing group homes, moving people to less expensive home-sharing arrangements and using the savings to help people waiting for services. Families are arguing that people are being uprooted from their residences and special needs children are losing services once they turn 19. These families are also concerned over a severance package to be received by the former chief executive officer, which, says Nicholas Simons, (Opposition Critic for Community Living) “could potentially sustain a number of families“. We should be aware of and watching these actions closely and letting the government know that services should not be cut to people with developmental disabilities.

School Board Elections: Burnaby voters soundly rejected the five candidates from Burnaby’s Parents choice, a new political party that emerged from a fight over gay-friendly policy in that city’s schools. They had positioned themselves against anti-homophobic bullying policy 5.45. In June 2011, the district passed a policy of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity. The policy explicitly states that no student can opt out of teaching material they are opposed to unless it is part of the Health and Career Education curriculum. Susana Kovacic, a Burnaby parent and member of Parent’s Voice, says she fears BC might be heading in the same direction as Ontario, where faith-based schools are being compelled to teach beliefs contrary to their faith or allow ‘Gay-straight alliances’. This is follow-up information from my Communique #5. Please be aware of the position and policies of your local school board.

Polygamy: The BC Supreme Court is expected to release its long awaited ruling in a case on Polygamy on Nov. 23/11. The case on polygamy is based on allegations of child brides and sexual exploitation in Bountiful, B.C. Lawyers argued that the practice puts women and children at sufficient risk to justify limiting religious freedoms. Chief Justice Robert Bauman’s ruling will be posted on the BC Supreme Court website.

Red Mass: The Archdiocese celebrated the first Red Mass in BC on Sept. 22nd. The Red Mass is offered every year, around the world, to honour the Holy Spirit as the source of gifts needed to help lawmakers make proper decisions regarding justice. The celebrants wear red vestments to represent the tongues of fire descending upon the apostles at Pentecost. The Red Mass is intended to remind important public servants of the call of the apostles to live in truth and remind Catholic legal professionals to follow God’s commands rather than some of secular society’s more questionable legal policies. Its unofficial patron is St. Thomas More.

Family Holiday: The Government of Premier Christy Clark will bring in a mid-winter family holiday to celebrate families. To give BC employers time to adjust to the new statutory holiday the first will fall on Feb. 18, 2013.

New Family Law Act: Legislation introduced Nov. 14/11 expressly states that when making decisions involving children the best interest of the child should be the only consideration. It also emphasizes non-adversarial alternatives to resolving family disputes in court. Implementation of the Family Law Act is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

Yukon Legislative Assembly: Will reconvene in the Legislative Chamber on Dec. 1, 2011.

Canada Post Christmas Stamps: Please use the Christmas Stained Glass Stamps and do write and thank Canada Post for supplying them.

In closing I would like to wish all of you the Richest Blessings of the Christmas Season and ask that we remember those who are hurting – especially in the name of POVERTY and MENTAL ILLNESS. Let us share our TLC initiatives all year through in humility and generous LOVE.

Advent is here already and with it the new Liturgy! At our parish we have been practicing new songs and different responses – it’s actually been quite exciting. May I wish you a wonderful, joyous Christmas with many blessings in the New Year. It certainly feels like Christmas is coming, it’s been so cold; we’ve even had a sprinkling of snow yesterday and today. In any event, we still have some League business to take care of.

Nominations/Elections: 2012 is an election year for the Provincial Council and I thought that I would outline the procedure that we will be following.

• In January a letter will be sent inviting all members who are eligible to stand for nomination
• In February, after the deadline date for receiving acceptance forms from nominees, send letters requesting a picture, League experience and interests/goals.
• In March a letter will be sent to Diocesan Presidents enclosing a list with biography of the members willing to stand for nominations. It will be the Diocesan President’s responsibility to pass this information onto their parish council presidents if they wish to receive them in advance.
• A deadline will be set in May for receiving the instructed vote from diocesan presidents signed by president and secretary.

Another procedure used successfully in one Diocesan Councils is as follows:

• To send parish council presidents a list of those that are eligible for nominations together with a suggested candidates form, outlining eligibility and criteria. They are asked to look over the eligibility list and then recommend names they would like to see nominated.
• On the receipt of those suggested names the individuals are sent a letter informing them their names have been suggested and asked if they will let their name stand for election.
• Every eligible person whose name has been put forward is then sent a letter informing them they have been nominated and asking them to tick the position for which they would be willing to let their name stand. If the member declines to let her name stand, she should be called to determine the reason she is not willing to let her name to stand for election.
• The lists of nominees are then sent to the parish councils with a deadline for the return of their instructed vote.

The eligibility and nominations procedure is very well explained in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure pages 85-89 if you have any questions. Ensure your eligibility list is current. Regardless of the procedure used, experience is important for both the secretary and treasurer’s positions; listing criteria is a good idea. It’s best to use snail mail. Having a hard copy in front of you is hard to ignore.

Archiving Photos can be a challenge and time consuming, but with tips on how to do it well you can preserve all those beautiful memories for your council’s history. I am enclosing two articles of interest. The first article “Preserving the Past” goes into detail on how to preserve photographs expanding on the following points.

The first step being, identifying the subject.

Care in handling. By touching the image side of a photograph with your fingers, oils can attract dirt that lead to the growth of damaging mold spores.

Storage. What happens when photos are kept in “magnetic” photo albums and the importance of investing in archival photo boxes and acid free papers to store large quantities of photographs.

The three greatest enemies of photographic materials: temperature, humidity and light.

The second article “Storing & Archiving Digital Photos” is a great help for those who find they now have dozens, if not hundreds, of digital photos stored on their computer that also have to be identified and stored and retrieved for viewing at a later date. Briefly, here are three main rules.

Rule #1 – there should be one set of untouched (unedited) photos – consider these your ”negatives”.

Rule #2 – at any given point in time, ensure that no matter what you are doing, there are at least two separate sets of your photos. Before you erase the photos on your memory card, ensure that that the Rule of Two is maintained, make a backup of the set on your computer (to another HD, memory stick, offsite storage, a DVD, etc.). So, when you erase your memory card, there are still two separate sets of your digital photos. 
Rule #3 – Back- up your work – add a third, archival set, stored off-site.

Annual Reports: It’s that time of year again. Enclosed is the Diocesan Past Presidents Annual Report Form for 2011. Please remember that your report is due to me by Feb. 15. I look forward to reading about everything that has been happening from the Past President’s perspective in your dioceses around the province and in the Yukon.

May…
the spirit of Christmas which is Peace…
the gladness of Christmas which is Hope…
the adoration of Christmas which is Joy…
and the heart of Christmas which is Love…
be yours now and tomorrow. An Advent Blessing

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material

I would like to bring to your attention, resolution BC2011.02 Respect & Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material.

On December 22, 2010 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the constitutional challenge from the Quebec government who felt that sections of The Assisted Human Reproduction Act of 2004 infringed on provincial powers. The Court deemed many sections of the Act exceeded the legislative authority of Parliament, thus in fact removing them from federal jurisdiction and placing them under the provinces and territories where regulations and/or statutes for human embryos, reproductive material and licensing do not presently exist.

In total, 10 sections of the Act are now under provincial jurisdiction and are presently without regulations. I would like to share with you in part sections 10 & 11 to clarify the importance of the need for statutes or regulations as well as licensing for human embryos and reproductive material. Section 10 (1) reads:

10. (1) No person shall, except in accordance with the regulations and a licence, alter, manipulate or treat any human reproductive material for the purpose of creating an embryo.

In other words, since this section is now under provincial jurisdiction and our province has no regulations, there is presently nothing stopping any person from altering or manipulating human reproductive material to create embryos. Section 10 (3) reads:

(3) No person shall, except in accordance with the regulations and a licence, obtain, store, transfer, destroy, import or export

(a) a sperm or ovum, or any part of one, for the purpose of creating an embryo; or

(b) an in vitro embryo, for any purpose.

This means that since our province, as well as other provinces is without regulations on this, any person could, without penalty, destroy embryos and/or import and export them anywhere in the world.

Human embryos are total, unique human beings that only need time for complete development. They deserve respectful handling and protection. Neither embryos nor human reproductive material should be treated as commodities. This would be tantamount to the allowance of human trafficking.

Section 11 (1) reads:

11. (1) No person shall, except in accordance with the regulations and a licence, combine any part or any proportion of the human genome specified in the regulations with any part of the genome of a species specified in the regulations.

Therefore, we are presently without regulations for scientists to combine human DNA with other species. The ramifications of not having regulations on matters as important as this are beyond imagination. And this is just part of two of the ten sections currently without statutes, regulations and licensing.

BC must immediately implement regulations that will provide protection and respectful standards in the handling of human embryos and regulations for the handling of human reproductive material as well as all the licensing required.

Also, to avoid competition between provinces and territories we would ask the government of BC to make efforts to meet with other provincial and territorial governments of Canada to develop consistent respectful regulations throughout the country.

In addition to asking for provinces and territories to create regulations and statutes, the national council of the CWL has a resolution, which is in your package today, urging the federal government to prohibit absolutely practices of alteration, manipulation and treatment of human reproductive material that result in the destruction of human embryos. During the 2010 court proceedings the Supreme Court of Canada noted that parliament could have absolutely prohibited these practises and therefore we are asking them to do so. But until this happens, each province and territory needs to develop the regulations and licensing to protect the handling of reproductive material and human embryos. The very essence of human dignity is at stake here and immediate action needs to be taken.

Trip to the BC Provincial Legislature

President Nancy Simms, Lorrilee Jordan Legislation Chairperson, and Pat Deppiesse, 2nd Vice President, Resolutions Chairperson are happy to report that they recently had the privilege of meeting with our elected representatives at the legislative assembly. What a wonderful experience it was, with the beauty of the parliament building – the upper rotundas, mosaic tile work, along with the stained glass windows and the rose gardens (that were still in bloom!).

The delegation was most graciously welcomed by the MLAs, both the Liberal and the NDP parties. During the meetings, the MLAs paid close attention to the presentation and were very interested in what was being reported on. They asked probing questions which the members were grateful for, enabling them to expand on CWL issues a bit more! When discussing Resolution 2011.02 “Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material”, the MLAs expressed the concern that they had no idea about the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that important sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004 had been removed from federal jurisdiction and placed under the provinces and territories where regulations and/or statutes for human embryos, reproductive material and licensing do not presently exist.

In our resolution, Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material, the MLAs were asked to assist us in any way they can, urging the federal government to enact statutes and regulations to prohibit absolutely the practices of alteration, manipulation and treatment of human reproductive material that results in the destruction of human embryos. Until this happens, each province and territory needs to develop the regulations and licensing to protect the handling of reproductive material and human embryos. The very essence of human dignity is at stake and immediate action needs to be taken.

The MLAs suggested that CWL representatives meet with the Ministers of Health in every province across the country to ensure they were aware of this issue. The members appreciated this suggestion and will now be working at getting an appointment with Hon. Michael de Jong, Q.C., B.C. Minister of Health, as he was unable to meet us at this time.

The MLAs suggested that when President, Nancy Simms gets her list of actions each parish council is taking in each diocese regarding our TLC project, that she forward it to their constituency offices. They would be happy to advertise and help us in any way they can to gather items for our “Toonies for Teeth”, “Loving & Warm” and “Care Kits”. The cold weather is upon us and everything we can do to alleviate the suffering of the homeless is urgent – now.

We also took the opportunity to meet with Archbishop of Vancouver, J. Michael Miller and the Bishop of Victoria, Bishop Richard Gagnon. We had a lovely visit with both of them, explaining our issues. They asked many questions and were very pleased to see what good work the League was doing on such important issues and were particularly interested in our focus on mental illness and poverty and homelessness (TLC Project).

Unfortunately, travel time and costs make it impossible for us to approach every bishop in BC & Yukon, therefore, the four other diocesan presidents and resolutions chairpersons have been requested to make an appointment to see their bishop in order to present a Resolutions booklet to him.

Greetings one and all! I am happy to report that we have had the privilege of meeting with our elected representatives at the BC Legislative Assembly this past week. What a wonderful experience it was for me as I have never visited the parliament buildings before. We were so in awe of the beauty of the parliament building itself, the upper rotundas, mosaic tile work, along with the stained glass windows and the rose gardens (that were still in bloom!).

President Nancy Simms, Lorrilee Jordan Legislation Chairperson and myself were most graciously welcomed by the MLAs, both the Liberal and the NDP parties. During our meetings, the MLAs paid close attention to our presentation and were very interested in what we were reporting on. They asked good questions which we were grateful for and which enabled us to expand on our issues a bit more! They expressed the concern that they had no idea about the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that important sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004 are now under provincial jurisdiction. They suggested that we meet with the Ministers of Health in every province across the country to ensure they were aware of this. We accepted this suggestion and I will now be working at getting an appointment with Mike de Jong, our Minister of Health. Although we had tried previously, he was busy at that time and couldn’t see us.

The MLAs suggested that when Nancy gets her list of actions each parish council is taking in each diocese, that she forward it to their constituency offices. They would be happy to advertise and help us in any way they can to gather items for our “Toonies for Teeth”, “Loving & Warm” and “Care Kits”. I would ask that every President inform Nancy as soon as possible, as the cold weather is upon us and everything we can do to alleviate the suffering of the homeless is urgent – now.

We also took the opportunity to meet with Bishop Richard Gagnon while we were in Victoria and with Archbishop J. Michael Miller when we returned to Vancouver the next day, to present our Resolutions booklet to them. We had a lovely visit with both of them explaining our issues. They asked many questions and were very pleased to see what good work the League was doing in regard to such important issues, and were particularly interested in our focus on mental illness and poverty and homelessness.

Unfortunately, travel time and costs make it impossible for us to approach every bishop in BC & Yukon, therefore, I would ask the four other diocesan presidents and resolutions chairpersons to please make an appointment to see your bishop in order to present a Resolutions booklet to him. I have sent you the booklet by mail. You might also want to invite someone on the provincial executive to join you if they live in your area.

It made us think that all the bishops should receive our League Magazine and we urge every diocesan president to make sure he gets a subscription as soon as possible and that it is kept up each year.

I am attaching a copy of our oral presentation in the hopes that you will encourage your members to write letters, and it will give them the key words they might need. I know we always talk about this, but I am here to assure you, those MLAs do listen and they do read their mail! It would give us so much more ‘clout’ if they heard from you more often. Particularly, I ask you to write to the Health Minister, Mike de Jong, as I will be doing in the next few days. I will send him our full resolutions pertaining to his health portfolio, also a copy of our presentation on the health issues contained therein. In that manner, I hope to raise awareness so that he will perhaps meet with us in the new year. That is my new goal!! Please help us by committing some time to letter writing.

In closing, I thank you so much for the privilege of representing you and all of our grassroots members in reporting to the provincial government what The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is all about and informing them of our very important resolutions. I will keep you informed about any further visits and outcomes of our efforts.

Please remember that the deadline to submit the titles of your new proposed Resolutions to me is January 31, 2012. I look forward to hearing from you!

As the song goes… ” and the times…they are a-changin” !

It seems whenever we turn around these days, whether it be in our own lives or the turmoil of our society and indeed throughout the world; it seems we notice nothing but upheaval everywhere in this old world of ours. People everywhere seem to be protesting, we are plagued with terrible financial problems both personal and in many countries, not to speak of the natural disasters and much destruction everywhere etc. These are happenings we personally cannot prevent. There is sadness everywhere in our midst but we can do something about that – if only in our own small ways.

We can be especially effective when we work together in our individual councils and we can make a bigger impact, with our League, working together within Canada and globally. Perhaps all peoples, no matter what religion, need to just pray more to beg for God’s help and guidance, but we are the hands and hearts of God on earth, so let’s begin in our own backyard…so to speak.

BC and Yukon Provincial President, Nancy Simms, in her last communiqué #5, reported on three new and innovative ideas to help us make a difference. Perhaps you might think – well this isn’t really a spiritual development area but I ask you to think again. I think it is all our area of focus, so I bring this forward to encourage all councils to participate and if it takes the spiritual chair to bring it to the forefront…so be it !

Each council has been requested to choose a focus and here are three great suggestions:

#1 “Toonies for Teeth”

Many of our brothers and sisters, who are homeless, or even just temporarily out of work and just plain down on their luck, cannot keep up with health issues, especially hygiene maintenance and proper care of their teeth. Did you know that many street drugs destroy teeth over time? Have you ever had a toothache? Try to imagine how a nasty toothache or abscess feels. Do folks with rotten or missing teeth ever have a chance at a job? Probably not! What about the children or these unfortunate folks, who suffer from poor diets, or lack of dental hygiene. (Do I hear a resolution in the making?)

Some communities are fortunate to have dental outreach programs, but in many cases it is not free and therefore out of the reach of those who need it most. Councils are asked to investigate if this service is available in their area and how we can be of assistance.

#2 “Loving and Warm”

As the cold weather will soon be upon us, blankets, coats, warm socks, toques and mitts are always needed. These items don’t have to be new! Good clean, used items are always appreciated.

#3 “Care Kits”

Care kits can be made up for women and men. Either for emergency shelters and/or for shelters for women leaving abusive situations if you have (and I hope you do) in your area – combs brushes, toothpaste, soap, face cloths, towels, feminine items, deodorant etc. and men’s items such as razors, and shaving cream.

Some councils (as does my own) have been doing this for the past few years and it really does make a difference. I know in my town, the emergency shelter relies on St. Edward’s CWL to the point that our homeless shelter and street outreach workers phone and request our help. We call our group “Care Angels”. Just on a personal note, we ask for parish donations and we are never disappointed with their generosity.

General Planning Calendar:

November:

• Prayers and remembrance of all deceased, especially for deceased members.
• Nov. 11th – Remembrance Day
• Here is a prayer for deceased and loved ones, why not make it more meaningful by involving members at your next meeting, using either floral tributes or candles or both:

God of life and death, today we remember our loved ones -

(List Names _____________, of deceased members and ask members to recite names of those special people they wish to remember) who have passed into eternal life.

Have a moment of silence and reflection.

Final acknowledgement – (can be recited by Spiritual Chairperson or other appointed):

“Even though they no longer exist in their physical body, we firmly believe they are fully alive and happy within your sacred embrace. We treasure their memory and their love deep within our hearts.

We know that we all must die but are confident that when our time comes, you will take our hand and guide us to your everlasting peace.

God of compassion, grant eternal joy and peace to our dearly departed loved ones.

This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.

…this amended except is from Spiritual Development Chairperson, Vancouver Diocese comm.#2, Oct. 2009)….

Don’t forget to display the Book of Life in a prominent place,

• Please remember to update your Book of Life on a regular basis and report all deceased members to National Offices as soon as possible.
• Prepare special advent devotions. If you can, try to have an advent retreat or mini retreat. Perhaps your spiritual advisor can help with this.
• Nov. 21st – Feast of Presentation of Mary.
• Pope’s Intentions for November: Pray that the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect would grow in true harmony and peace.
• General Intentions / Missionary Intention

December:

• Advent devotions / Christmas program.
• Dec. 3rd – St. Francis Xavier Feast Day,
• Dec. 8th – Feast of Immaculate Conception.
• Dec. 12th – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -
• For the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe – May I suggest a special program, A Novena for the unborn and those in danger of being aborted).
• There are wonderful prayers and suggestions on the website of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
• Pope Benedict XVI Special Intentions for December: During this Advent season, we pray that the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect, would grow in true harmony and peace, for you are the Prince of Peace. We also pray that children and young people may be messengers of the gospel and that their dignity may always be respected and preserved from all violence and exploitation.

January:

• Pray for families and the need for family and personal prayer.
• Jan. 1st Feast of Mary, Mother of God
• Focus upon ecumenism during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25th.
• Also during January, pray for peace and unity. (Here’s a lovely peace prayer you may use:)

Send Thy Peace O Lord

which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

that we may think and act and speak harmoniously.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.

Send Thy peace O Lord

that amidst our worldly strife we may enjoy Thy bliss.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

that our lives may become a Divine vision and in Thy light

all darkness may vanish.

Send Thy peace O Lord, our father and mother,

that we Thy children on earth

May all unite in one family.

February:

• Feb. 2nd – Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord,
• Feb. 3rd – Feast Day of St. Blaise
• Feb. 11th – Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick

Yes, Fall is even reaching the balmy Sunshine Coast. Two days ago while walking with a friend I marvelled at the annual phenomenon of salmon returning to their spawning grounds. As we watched the fish fighting their way upstream I recognized that this contained a lesson for me, and possibly for you: “Whatever the odds, get your work done.” So here I am, working to complete another project while others continue to pile up!

Thank you

I want to begin by thanking you for informing me promptly about parish and diocesan changes. You will have noticed that I have adopted a numbering system for emailed register changes. This helps me keep track of those who have acknowledged receiving them, and is hopefully a help to you too. When you notify your president of any changes, simply cc me rather than send another email.

Postage Stamp Supplies

Recently while in the Post Office I spotted the notice about this year’s issue of religious Christmas postage stamps, and came home in an excited frame of mind that Resolution 2005.1 is alive and well. The 2011 issues will be out November 1st. As secretaries we can really support this resolution, so head out soon to refresh your annual stamp quota. The permanent domestic rate stamp shows the angel appearing to St. Joseph. For your personal Christmas mail the international rate stamp shows the Epiphany ($1.75), and the U.S. stamp with the Nativity scene is ($1.03). No doubt some of you are emailing Christmas Greetings, but you might consider using traditional ways of greeting your scattered family and friends, thus underlining the true reason for the celebration.

Perhaps you have toured the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston, Ontario and studied its collection of stained glass from which these postage stamp images were taken. If not, you can visit the parish’s website as I did, and view the rest of its collection depicting the salvation story.

I suggest that you write a short letter of appreciation to Canada Post for these stamps and encourage your parish secretaries to do the same. It would be beneficial to express appreciation for the U.S., and international denominations which were not available last year on this theme. Before leaving this topic I would be interested in knowing if any of you have a diocesan policy which includes the sending of Christmas greetings to Life Members, and, if so, which chairperson is attending to this.

Other Mailings

In an effort to keep provincial convention packages under 100g, and with the help of a diocesan secretary, I investigated how many items could go in a brown envelope (30.5cm X 23.5cm/ 9 X 12in ) to qualify for the minimum mailing charge. A package up to 100 grams presently costs $1.25 and can accommodate 18 sheets of computer paper. Over 100g and up to 200g the cost jumps to $2.06, and over 200g to 300g is $2.85. I would be interested to know what method you are using to send packages to councils that are unable to send a representative to your meetings. The answers to these and any other queries in this communiqué could be placed in your annual reports. Speaking of which…

Annual Reports

You will soon be receiving annual reports from your parish secretaries. If any don’t materialize by the December 15 deadline, try a friendly phone call. I can attest to the fact that a phone call is much appreciated especially when circumstances prevent the deadline from being observed, and together you can work out some mutually satisfactory way to compile the required information. This can also be a good opportunity to check up on any changes to positions or addresses. The deadline for your report to me is February 15.

Computer Expertise

I would also be interested in knowing if any of you have enrolled recently in college or university computer courses, and how many of you prefer to rely on the help of family or friends to solve computer related problems as they occur. Please recommend to your parish counterparts that they investigate what training is available in local communities, and encourage members to use it. Remember too that help can be found at local community or seniors’centres, usually for a small fee.

A Secretary Remembered

On September 16th I had the privilege of delivering the eulogy for Margaret Inkster, who served as Vancouver diocesan secretary 2001-3. She held many positions during her long years of membership in the league, mentored many new members, and served at two levels with dedication until ill health caused her to curtail her activities. Margaret was one of the first recipients of the Bellelle Guérin award. May she rest in peace.

Through the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and of Sts. Catherine of Alexandria and Genesius of Arles, may we ask the Lord for the necessary patience and joyful willingness to improve our skills and perform our secretarial duties to the best of our ability.

Subject: Report on 2011 National Convention held in Toronto August 14 – 17, 2011

It truly was a great honour to represent every member of the Catholic Women’s League in the BC & Yukon Territory at our National Convention. My only wish is that everyone could have attended with me, but unfortunately you wouldn’t fit in my pockets or suitcase. The spiritual development and education one gains from such an experience cannot be purchased at any other place. The friendships formed, and the fun we share adds to our knowledge and confidence in the League. I cannot thank you enough for finding me the worthy candidate to represent you and for sending me as your delegate to this wonderful convention. Next year the National convention will be held in Edmonton, start saving and make plans to attend.

President Nancy Simms asked me to report to you regarding the Resolutions Dialogue meeting and the FUN! part of the convention. Prior to leaving for the national CWL convention I received an invitation from Anne-Marie Gorman, National Chairperson of Resolutions asking me if I would be a facilitator at the Resolutions Dialogue meeting. After prayer, discernment and encouragement from our president Nancy Simms, I replied in the affirmative. The night before the Resolutions Dialogue I was nervous, worried and concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do the job, as so many of our members are highly educated and are more knowledgeable about resolutions and the process than I am. I said a prayer and went to bed. The next day I walked into the convention hall to see many women already gathered at the tables and ready to dialogue. I went to 10 different tables and as each table had a facilitator I thought perhaps I wasn’t needed. Then I approached table 11 with trepidation and as they didn’t have a facilitator I asked if they would like me to join them, and they responded “yes”. I sat down, introduced myself and in turn asked them to do the same. The ladies present were of ethnic decent, 1st time attendees at a convention and didn’t know what a resolution was nor the process we follow. To the best of my ability I explained the importance of resolutions and the process. Then we were joined by a priest from the Maritimes and 3 other ladies from Ontario. We were ready to start.

Anne-Marie Gorman had assigned each table with a resolution to review and our table had the BC & Yukon Resolution 2011.01 “Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material”. As each person was taking turns reading one paragraph of the resolution and the brief I could feel the butterflies in my stomach taking over. I asked both the Holy Spirit and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys to give me the strength and ability to handle the discussion. Questions were asked, answered, and discussion held. One of the members at our table asked Father to explain why the Catholic Church is against In Vitro Fertilization. The priest responded with “I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer that.” Now where do I go or what do I say? All of a sudden words were coming out of my mouth – I know the Holy Spirit took over. I stated that to me God has a plan for each and every one of us as Catholic Women, but it isn’t in His plan for some of us to bear children as He has other directions He would like us to take. Therefore if we choose to have In Vitro Fertilization we are going against God`s will, and we may find ourselves delivering not one child but many children from the same pregnancy. Should we conceive many babies we may no longer have the time to devote to what God had wanted us to do. In other words we have taken our own direction and have not followed God’s plan. Should we choose to follow His will and are listening to His direction God will show us in such a way that we will know what He would like us to do. I turned to the priest next to me and asked him if my statement made sense. He replied that it certainly did and everyone at the table was happy with the response. We continued reviewing the other resolutions, educating everyone as we went through them. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, His guidance and direction the ladies at our table left feeling inspired with the knowledge they had gained and some were anxious to return to their councils and start writing resolutions. All together there were 21 tables at the resolutions dialogue with members providing great ideas and questions. Members deepened their knowledge of the resolutions, which made it easier when the resolutions were presented on the floor of the convention.

FUN! FUN! And more FUN! was had by all the delegates at the 2011 Convention. We were treated to a Toronto Harbour Dinner Cruise. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and we left on the cruise. Oh, the food was superb, especially the variety of desserts – and of course I couldn’t help but over indulge. After dinner we went to the upper deck where music played while some of us danced and the rest enjoyed the scenery. I met Fr. Paulin from the Maritimes and as we were talking I asked him if he knew Fr. Billy Brennan and Sister Eleanor McCloskey. The world becomes so small – of course he did and he is a personal friend of both these wonderful people. Pictures were taken and I promised to send copies to them. Fr. Billy is a nephew of my girlfriend, and Sister Eleanor works with me on our JPIC, “Justice and Peace of Integrity of Creation” Committee with the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. As the sun went down we witnessed a beautiful sun set followed by a very colourful fireworks display. The display was part of the “Wong Family Reunion” which was going on at the time of the convention. There were 1200 members of the Wong family from across Canada and China who come together every year to celebrate.

At my 1st National Convention I attended in Calgary many years ago, I met Joan Bona and Debbie Sampson both form Nova Scotia. We have kept in contact since that 1st meeting. They came to the Vancouver convention and stopped in Kamloops for a visit. At the 2011 convention we found time to have lunch together, get caught up on family and CWL events. Long lasting friendships are one of the great benefits that are formed by attending conventions. Today we are following in each other’s footsteps as Joan is a past provincial president of Nova Scotia, while Debbie is President elect for Nova Scotia.

“Taste of Toronto” – was a fabulous dinner which included various ethnic dishes and desserts, many of which I had never heard of or seen. We had the opportunity to taste dishes from many countries such as Greece, China, India, etc. The food was awesome, flavourful and it was presented in an extremely colourful fashion. After dinner we were treated to many ethnic dances, and singing. We had fun, fun and more fun. Our CWL National office summed up the evening by stating on the daily convention communication as the evening provided Great hospitality! Amazing talent! A feast for all the senses! It truly was all of that.

I was truly honoured to be commissioned as a Catholic Women`s League Life Member. It was a very humbling experience that I was able to share with Lois Charlebois and 16 other members from across Canada. Sandra your name was called and how I wished you were there to join Lois and myself. Following the commissioning the new Life Members were invited to join other life members at the Life Members lunch. It was an awesome opportunity to sit with the more experienced “lifers” and hear and share their stories. As part of this celebration the ladies of the Toronto Diocese had one little present at each table. This was to be received by the lady who had a birthday in the month that was stated on the gift. There were two with the May birthday, and the other member so graciously said I could have the gift as I was the newest life member. I opened the box to see a tiny set of emerald earrings set in white gold. Wow was I thrilled- what an exciting way to always remember my first ‘lifers’ luncheon.

We also had a ride on a double-decker bus which toured us for 2 hours to all the touristy sights in Toronto. Once again the weather was great, the sights were spectacular, and the driver even stopped for some of us to obtain a coffee and others to have a washroom break.

BC & Yukon Dinner was held at the Pickle Barrel Grand Atrium Restaurant. This was located within a very short walk of the hotel. We had 34 members along with 2 priests in attendance. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced which made everyone happy – even Fr. Frank complimented us on a great choice of restaurant! That say’s it all.

In years past the BC & Yukon members always seem to have difficulty sitting together at the gala banquet. I think it is because we always have a wonderful turn out of our members at convention. Anyway this year they gave us numbered banquet tickets, the numbers representing the table we were to sit at. This worked out extremely well as we all had seats; it mixed us up as we didn’t have a say as to who we would be sitting with. I was very impressed and it is something we should remember when we host the next National Convention in 2015. The banquet was excellent and culminated with the results of the silent auction.

At the end of each day more fun is always had as members take turns each night hosting their room as a hospitality room, where the BC & Yukon members gather, share memories of the day’s events, ask questions and formulate plans for the next day. It gives us an informal opportunity to get to know our members in a more relaxed environment.

It was a very humbling experience, to carry the Yukon Territorial Flag into St. Paul’s Basilica for the opening Mass and out of St. Michael’s Cathedral for the closing Mass. Bishop Martin Currie summed the convention up by stating “Women need to discern, walk by faith and not by sight. The Church has a rich tradition of faith, speaking of Justice.” Thank you for this wonderful growth opportunity!

Write to the Federal Gov’t. to prohibit any practises of altering, manipulation or treatment of genetic material that would result in the death of a human embryo or the combining of species or genetic selection. Send a copy to your local MP.

2011.02: Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women

Write letters to Prime Minister and MP’s urging the Federal Gov’t. to implement Canada wide support programs and services for children of missing and murdered aboriginal women. Send copy to your MP.

2011.04: Caffeine in Energy Drinks

Although the government made a first step in addressing this issue earlier this week many feel Ottawa has bowed to industry and that the announcement falls short. Energy drinks are now regulated as Food rather than Natural Health Product but the regulation will not take effect for up to two years.

Write letters to Prime Minister and Minister of Health and local MP’s asking that Health Canada engage in a program of public education focussing on the effects of caffeine in children and legislate stricter regulations, making it mandatory for manufacturers to clearly identify on its labels that the additives in energy drinks are stimulants; ensure these drinks are not marketed to children (teens); and to limit the amount of caffeine that is contained in the drinks.

Write letters to Premier Christy Clarke and Health Minister, local MLA and territorial legislatures asking that provincial/territorial governments enact legislation that determines where, how and to whom energy drinks can be sold in BC or Yukon.

BC 2011.02: Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material:

Write to Prov. Gov’t. asking them to implement regulation to protect human embryos and to develop respectful standards for the handling of human reproductive material and all licensing required. Also, asking them to convene consultative meetings with their provincial counterparts to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and all the licensing required. Send copies to your local MLA and MP.

BC 2011.03 Mandatory Abortion Reporting

Write to the Federal Minister of Health and the Minister of Industry (responsible for Statistics Canada) and ask for mandatory abortion reporting to Statistics Canada from all hospitals and clinics and send copies to your local MP and Prime Minister.

Write to PM and Bev Oda opposing governments support of Planned Parenthood of $6,000,000. Support should not be given to take the lives of the unborn, resources should not be reallocated and it is not in keeping with Canada’s position of the G8 program for maternal and health care.

(Note my email re Denied Funding for Matercare International Oct. 7/11)

National Convention 2015:

BC & Yukon has the wonderful honour of being the host to the rest of Canada for the 2015 National Convention! The convention will be held in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, yet each of us as members of the BC & Yukon Council are the hosts, and to be great hosts we need to be in attendance. I recommend and encourage every parish council to start working on fundraising activities to help members attend the 2015 national convention. And for all six diocese to find creative means for their members to experience the amazing chance to be a part of the faith, fun and fulfillment of a national convention with members across Canada, right here in our own province.

National Membership Initiative:

2012 is fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking of membership drives! We are also into our second year of our national focus on eliminating poverty in all its forms. Therefore, National has announced that they will give $250 to the anti-poverty projects of the first two councils that get 50% of their 2012 membership into National Office. ~ Wouldn’t it be wonderful if both councils were in BC & Yukon?

TLC:

Each provincial CWL council in Canada is focusing on different aspects and ways to alleviate poverty in their province. In BC & Yukon we are focusing on homelessness and mental illness. At our recent provincial midterm meeting, we brainstormed on tangible means in which we, as members of the League, can help these vulnerable children of God in our province. We had three ladies from the Canadian Mental Health Association Outreach program in Kelowna come and speak to us to help us understand the obstacles facing many homeless and ways in which we can help. Yet, it also was made clear to us that every community is different across our province and the services offered in each community may vary. Therefore, we came up with three projects we would like to encourage every parish council to choose one to embrace and work towards. The first is:

Toonies for Teeth; many homeless have not had the opportunity to keep up with proper hygiene and have through the years developed teeth that are in great need of dental attention. Many outreach programs in communities provide dental services for the homeless, yet unfortunately, there are always costs involved. Councils would need to research if this service is provided in their community and if so, then they this may wish to chose this project. The second is: Loving & Warm; as the cold weather surrounds us, many homeless are shivering on the streets with never enough to keep them warm, some even dying in the cold. Blankets, coats, toques and mitts are always in desperate need. Councils would need to find out what organizations there are in their community to help disperse these items and may wish to choose this project. The third is: Care Kits; these could be one of two different kits. One kit could contain items such as, comb, brush, toothbrush and paste, shaving cream & razors, women’s feminine items, etc. for the homeless. The other kit could contain tenant starter kits for councils that live in communities that have outreach programs which help the homeless find suitable housing. These people would need items such as, pots & pans, dishes, sheets, towels, etc. Once again, councils would have to research what is offered in services in their communities and what would be most in need.

The key to success for any of the three projects is education. Members need to be educated as to the reasons and obstacles of homelessness and mental illness, what organizations in their community are already working to help, what is most needed and then to take action. Together we will make a difference in the lives of those who need our help and our love! Let’s not let them down. It is my prayer that every council in BC & Yukon joins in to share some TLC (Toonies for Teeth, Loving & Warm, Care Kits).

To get a vision of how TLC is being implemented throughout the province and in the Yukon I would appreciate all Diocesan Presidents sharing these three project ideas with all their parish councils, having the councils report to their Diocesan President which project they have chosen and in turn the Diocesan Presidents informing me as Provincial President by December 15th 2011.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to bless each of you in your work for God and Canada.

Happy Thanksgiving!  We have so much for which we have to thank God. What promised to be a terrible year for gardens didn’t turn out so bad after all.  The last of the corn has been picked, the beans are long gone and fall has certainly settled in here in the Fraser Valley.  I can’t say I’m disappointed the zucchinis are finished.

I welcome Sharon G (Kamloops), Linda M (Prince George) and Gisela M (Vancouver) to their new position as past-president, a very different role from the past two years but a very important one as well. Warm greetings to Alice H (Nelson), Betty H (Victoria) and Jeanne W (Whitehorse) as you continue to fulfill your responsibilities as out lined in the Constitution & By-Laws:

• Serve in a consultative capacity
• Be responsible for archives and history
• Facility the study and implementation of the C&B
• Perform other duties as assigned by the president

Policy & Procedure Manual: At the moment, I am in the process of updating the Provincial Manual of Policy & Procedure.  I believe each Diocese has their own P&P and it is highly recommended that each parish council have a policy and procedure manual in order to assist them as they carry out the business of the League. It simply states the rules of the game and is an invaluable resource for all members.  It is always a work in progress and should be revised as decisions are made and kept up to date.

It has been suggested that all parish, diocesan and provincial executives create or review their policy and procedures and have it approved at a general meeting, share the knowledge as it may peak the interest of a future leader within the League.

Nominations/Elections:   For those councils facing an election, I take a quote from Barbara Dowding who said it best:

“Your involvement, enthusiasm and care for your diocesan council should prompt you to take the personal approach as much as possible. We all know that an invitation from one League Sister to another is the single best way to coax a reluctant or shy member to try.  Letting one’s name stand for election takes courage but more than that it takes the support of others. We owe it to those members who have gone before and to the future success of our great organization to find and encourage women to step forward. 

If you are on the nomination committee, be sure to include members that have experience in the League but who also know your members. Elections are a serious and important part of our League’s constitution and bylaws. Every effort must be made to follow the established procedure using the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (Article XV: Eligibility, Nominations and Elections, pages 85-93) as well as referencing your own diocesan policies.  Be sure to work closely with your Secretary who is responsible for keeping the Register of Eligibility up to date.”

National Archives:  National Past-President Danielle McNeil has advised that:

“The National Archives Committee continues to organize and catalogue the materials at national office. Honorary Life Member, Marie Cameron has tendered her resignation as chairperson of the committee and I would like to thank her not only for her wisdom, but for her unwavering commitment to preserving the history of the League. The recent fire at national office underlines the importance of safe guarding records that document the League’s history.  The committee will continue to benefit from the experience of professional archivist Judy Cumming and the knowledge of Life Member, Shirley Bernier. This year due to the office fire, the committee will not be able to meet in the fall. We are fortunate that none of our archived material was destroyed.

Currently we have national archive material in Ottawa at the National Archives and in the Manitoba Provincial Archives. The committee will be examining this practice and making a decision where the materials should be held.”

The Constitution & Bylaws is an incomparable work of art.  To quote Danielle:  “…. I am amazed at the vision and insight that led to the creation of the Constitution and By-Laws and the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (P&P). The women who went before us put a lot of thought into the guidelines that govern our work in the League, but there is always a new twist or a wrinkle that needs to be straightened out to keep the chairperson of laws busy.”

Both documents are worthy of review and should be share and brought to the attention of League members.

Another valuable resource to take advantage of is the Handbook for Past Presidents available on line: http://www.cwl.ca/manuals/Past%20President.pdf.   

I appreciate receiving copies of your communiqués and encourage you to send them to each other.  May Our Lady of Good Counsel keep you centered on faith and justice.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God.”   Thessalonians 5:18

Now that fall is officially here all things League are in full swing.   Did you manage to attend diocesan, provincial or national conventions?  If so, did you come away feeling a sense of pride in belonging to such a great organization?

Welcome to new and returning Life Member Liaisons:

Margaret B, Victoria                                              Marion N, Nelson

Marjorie M, Vancouver                                         Barbara J, Prince George

Marilyn V, Kamloops                                           Whitehorse N/A

Marilyn has taken over from Lucie Schaff.   A huge thank you to Lucie for serving as liaison, she has faithfully forwarded news of Kamloops’ Life Members over the past two years.

Congratulations to Sandra Stajduhar (Nelson), Lois Charlebois (Vancouver), and Doreen Gowans (Kamloops) our three new Life Members who were welcomed at the provincial convention in Penticton.

Sixteen Life Members representing five dioceses attended the provincial convention in Penticton this year.   Jean Falck, Nelson diocese was sporting a pink leg cast, hopefully that has since been removed..  We were privileged to have Honorary Life Member, Marie Cameron join us which brought our numbers to seventeen.   Marie spoke to us on the topic of archiving and assured us she in not yet archived.

I attended the national convention in Toronto in August and there was a good turn out of Life Members from across Canada.   The luncheon, hosted by National Life Member Liaison Suzanne Kiazyk, provided an opportunity to meet our counterparts from other provinces.   It was as always a wonderful experience.

Reports and highlights of the convention will be in the next League magazine however I must share with you the exciting news that through the generosity of the 650 delegates the total collections over the three days for The Horn of Africa Drought Relief Fund amounted to $5,000 which will be matched by the Federal Government!

I am delighted to report that there were several excellent applications for the Life Member’s Award this year and the winner is Taryn Goodwin from Christ the King Parish in Courtenay, Vancouver Island.   The fall provincial newsletter has a short write up stating her dreams and what she plans to pursue.   Please keep promoting this award!

Sad to say we lost a long time member, Kay Jones, over the summer, may she rest in peace.   Our province now has a total of 40 Life Members.   Condolences and Mass cards have been mailed out and prayer requests have been forwarded as received.

We all know the power of prayer, but did you know that it has been said that Life Members are not only mentors but women of prayer supporting one another so it is important that we pass on all prayer requests even if we don’t recognize the name.

Pat Battensby and I have been invited to write a guide for Life Member liaisons to be included in the provincial P & P.   Should you have any suggestions for consideration please forward by e-mail to me prior to the upcoming provincial executive meeting on October 13^th.

On that note here are a few questions that come to mind -

• How do you communicate prayer requests with Life Members in your diocese?
• How many Life Members do you have in your diocese?
• Is each Life Member given a copy of the registry?
• Would you prefer the registry to be divided into dioceses?
• Do you recognize special birthdays, anniversaries etc?
• Do you send a Mass card or a card of condolence in the event of a death of a LM or her family?

Our provincial focus this year is on poverty which reminds me of Nelson Mandela’s – words, Poverty is man made and it CAN be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.

We will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving a time to give thanks for the many blessings we receive.  Martin Luther King once asked, “What do you do for others? “So this  Thanksgiving let us ‘do for others’ by sharing our blessings with those less fortunate than we.   Happy Thanksgiving.

Please forward this information to your parish council presidents and executives.  May I suggest we write letters to the Prime Minister, and Minister of International Cooperation Bev Oda (with a copy to your local MP) to voice concern re the ongoing disregard of government funding.

If you Google Bev Oda website and click on CIDA (then on statement in middle of the page) -next on News Release (to the left) Sept. 27/11 you will find info. from this past week re Canada’s Muskoka Initiative to improve the health of mothers and children in Latin America!!   Let’s support those who are working so hard to make a difference and support the health needs of women around the world (not just economic empowerment).  Most of us are very familiar with the work of Dr. Walley through Matercare International and have supported this cause financially in the past.  Do we have to accept that Dr. Walley was told ’they would never get funding…?)Let your voice be heard – encourage government to support Matercare through much needed funding.  Make sure you keep track of number of letters written - Pat wants totals included in your reports.

Subject: Maternal Health Group Denied Funding Over Catholic Beliefs

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=115777

6-October-2011 — Catholic News Agency

Maternal Health Group Denied Funding Over Catholic Beliefs

ST. JOHN’S, CANADA, October 6 (CNA) – A Catholic maternal health group has been denied Canadian government funding for the eleventh time in nearly a decade, while organizations such as Planned Parenthood receive millions from the country.

“We were told that we would never get funding simply because we wouldn’t provide reproductive health-that we were ‘too Catholic’ and too close to the Pope,” Dr. Robert Walley, president of Matercare International, told CNA.

Walley’s organization, a group of worldwide Catholic gynecologists and obstetricians, works to reduce the over 330,000 preventable maternal deaths that occur each year in developing countries.

The news was confirmed on Oct. 3 that the group was excluded yet again from funding by the Canadian International Development Agency. This time, it happened in the context of Canada’s 2010 Muskoka initiative aimed at providing global maternal health care, immunization and nutrition.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently announced the 28 projects that will split the $82 million in funding between now and 2016. Groups awarded the money include Planned Parenthood-funded $6 million-the United Nations Population Fund, World Vision and the Canadian Red Cross.

A few Christian organizations such as the Presbyterian World Service and Development and the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada were also given a share.

“Every one of those groups is very large, very wealthy-it means that smaller agencies like us are being frozen out,” Walley said.

He explained that the Canadian development agency “decided some years ago to eliminate smaller NGO’s and especially those with certain faith based backgrounds.”

MaterCare International, which has been operating since 1985, had requested $2.2 million in funding to open a hospital near its thriving clinic in Isiolo, Kenya. “We’ve done all of this work,” Walley said, “it’s existing, it’s standing there.”

Adding insult to injury, Walley-a prominent physician who was appointed by Pope John Paul II to serve on the Pontifical Council for Health-was asked for his input on the Muskoka initiative as it was being organized.

“I was invited to the Prime Minister of Canada’s office to brief and advise about this initiative” before being denied funding, he recalled. “It’s insulting, really.”

Walley also said that MaterCare being refused money based on its Catholic stance against abortion and contraception is a complete non-issue and should have no influence in the agency’s decision.

“Abortion and birth control are irrelevant to solving the problem of maternal mortality,” he underscored.

“All the deaths occur during the last three months of pregnancy during labor and delivery and one week after-so what on earth is a birth control pill or a condom going to do?”

Stressing the urgency of the issue, Walley explained that maternal mortality is “the number one health problem among women of the child bearing age in the world.” A close second is the devastating and socially ostracizing condition of fistulas, which can occur during birth and only be fixed by an operation.

Walley said that in the West, only around 1 in 10,000 women are at risk of death during childbirth, “but in parts of Africa it’s 1 in 7.” To ignore the problem or to obstruct others in their attempt to solve it “is a form of violence to women.”

In response, MaterCare International has called for a new “Marshall Plan” for mothers that would see increased investment in health care for mothers and unborn babies in the developing world. The original Marshall Plan saw billions of U.S. dollars used to rebuild Western Europe after the Second World War, in order to combat the “tyranny” of communism, Walley said.

“What we now need-because we’ve got a tyranny of the culture of death and we’re the only ones who are opposing it-is a Marshall Plan for mothers.”

“Motherhood should be of profound significance to us as a Church,” he emphasized. Not only did “Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God, say ‘yes’” but “none of us would be here if we didn’t have a mother.”

The Marshall Plan for mothers has already received backing by leaders such as Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who gave his support for the effort at a global conference of Catholic health care professionals in Rome Sept. 2.

Rep. Smith argued that abortion advocates are willing to kill off faith-based health care in the developing world, despite the fact that such agencies provide up to 70 percent of all health provision in many of these countries.

May our Lady of Good Counsel guide you all your endeavours.