Catholic Women's League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council » Life Member Liaison

Life Member Liaison Communique #3

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:14:26 +0000

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

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.

BC/YK Convention 2011: Life Member Liaison Oral Report

admin — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 03:35:59 +0000

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

It is my pleasure to bring greetings on behalf of all our provincial life members and to share with you that those who are unable to be with us to-day for various reasons are with us in spirit as they offer prayers for the success of this convention.

Congratulations are in order to all 18 newly nominated life members from across Canada which includes three well deserving members currently serving on our provincial executive- Sandra Stadjuhar, Nelson Diocese, Doreen Gowans, Kamloops Diocese, Lois Charlebois, Vancouver Diocese, making a total of 6 life members on our provincial executive. Wow, impressive or what?

Thank you for your commitment to the League and welcome as you join our ‘ranks’ bringing our provincial total to 45.

Sadly, we lost five life members from our province since our convention last year. Two of them were former BC & Yukon provincial presidents, Jackie Lendaruzzi and Rose Kamm but we rejoice and give thanks as we remember the dedicated service all of them gave to the League and are grateful that they shared their stories in ”A Journey of Memories’. Do you suppose they have a formed a CWL council in heaven?

Prayer requests for life members and their families are channeled between national, provincial and diocesan liaisons who then forward them to life members in their dioceses. Awesome – a prayer chain across Canada you might say! Cards and condolences were mailed out as required.

I am honored to be presenting at the banquet the Life Members’ Arts & Culture Award to the third recipient and delighted to share with you the exciting news that the winner of last years award, Lucille Schaubroeck, who is currently attending the University of Victoria, is president-elect of the newly formed campus CWL Council, the first of its kind in our province. How good does that get?

Life members who are still active continue to be involved in various League levels. Invite them to share their gifts; they are just a phone call away. Communicating is vital in this position so as another year begins thank you to my counterparts for keeping me informed. May your League journey be one of faith, joy, sharing & caring.

Life Member Communique #2

admin — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:45:11 +0000

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

Greetings as we begin another month bringing us closer to spring.

Here are updates on Life members who have been experiencing health problems recently:

Carol Penno says

Life Member Communique #1

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:32:33 +0000

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

Dear League Sisters and Fr. Tran,

My calendar lists to-morrow as the first day of autumn or fall. This season brings a time to give thanks for our many blessings and as women of peace and hope we don our League hats with pride and joy as we ready ourselves to serve God and Canada.

This term I am honored and delighted to have been appointed as Life Member Liaison for our Province by our Provincial President, Nancy Simms. I have served on Provincial Council for eight years plus two years as diocesan president and in 2007 I was indeed honoured to receive Life Membership.

My thanks to previous Life Member Liaison, Pat Battensby for filling in for me while I was recovering from knee surgery and I am happy to report ‘no pain, no cane’. Suzanne Kiazyk, Past President of Manitoba Province is my National counterpart and Diocesan counterparts are: Margaret Beardon, Victoria Marion Nygren, Nelson, Marjorie Miller, Vancouver Barbara Jarvis, Prince George Marie Lucy Schaffe, Kamloops. Whitehorse –N/A

A warm welcome to Elaine Audet (Nelson Diocese) and Dodie Bond (Prince George) who have been awarded Life Membership in the League this year. They, together with other twelve CWL members, join the ranks of Life Members across Canada, congratulations to all. We now have a total in our province of forty-three Life Members.

Only one application was received this year for the Life Members’ Arts & Culture Award. Are we not promoting this award? It is important that parish councils promote this bursary and encourage applications from students attending private schools in your diocese. What a benefit $500 would be to a student enrolled in an Arts course.

Life Members stories – does your diocese have this in place, if not, please consider inviting them to gather their memories and write their stories. You may recall the Life Member’s personal stories book, “A Journey of Memories” – makes for a good read.

During the summer, Past Provincial President, Jackie Lenarduzzi, Nelson Diocese succumbed to her illness which she valiantly battled with such strong faith, grace and dignity over the last several years. A Mass card was sent on your behalf to the family. May Jackie rest in peace with all our beloved deceased League members who have gone before us. Several prayer requests have been forwarded during the summer months.

In 2004 National, compiled a book titled ‘Families: Stories of Faith’ in honour of the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family. Jackie represented our Province by generously and humbly sharing her family story.

Please keep me informed of address changes or corrections, prayer requests also good news such as special birthdays or awards to Life Members in your diocese that can be shared. I look forward to hearing from you all.

May Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, continue to bless and guide us each and every day.

Provincial Convention 2010: Life Member Liaison Oral Report

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:53:47 +0000

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

This report for me is a bittersweet experience. On the one hand this past year, we have lost four dear treasured Life Members from our province who are now enjoying their just rewards and I am sure, pulling for their dear League sisters as we continue our work for God and Canada.

We have also lost two husbands of Life Members. We empathize with them. The golden thread connects us all in joy and sorrow.

Our deceased Life Members are:

Diana MacKenzie, Prince George
Pollyanna Kilgour, Nelson
Ruth Hazlett, Victoria
Mable Allen, Kamloops

Diana had just completed her term as Life Member Liaison for Prince George Diocese as had Ruth Hazlett for Victoria, Pollyanna was the Liaison for Nelson at the time of her death, and of course Mabel’s long and legendary role in service to the league is well known. Three of these members were past Provincial Presidents.

I would like to mention my diocesan counterparts:

Margaret Beardon of Victoria Diocese
Barbara Jarvis of Prince George Diocese
Marian Nygren, Nelson Diocese
Marjorie Miller of the Vancouver Archdiocese
Marie Lucie Schaff of the Kamloops Diocese.

We are praying for Sheila Quinn who just last week had knee surgery. I talked with her Wednesday and she is already lined up with her physio appointments, she sends her love and says that she has her talking lips back. and for our beloved Jackie Lenarduzzi who is continuing her brave struggle with cancer. We remember and so appreciate the service and commitment to the League that all of these members have given and support them with our prayers. Some of our members have had to go into care homes for assistance with management of their lives each day and we keep them in our constant prayers.

On the sweet side of this report, and it is sweet indeed, we warmly welcome two new Life Members to our Life Member sisterhood. Both are well deserving members of our executive for the Provincial council, we are delighted to have Dodie Bond of Prince George and Elaine Audet of the Nelson Diocese join our group. Both of these women have proven their commitment to the League and I am assured and know that they will be ready to serve our National Council in whatever way they will be asked. This of course is what Life Membership is all about, not necessarily a reward for service but recognizing the desire and capability of serving even more in the future. We are delighted to have both Dodie and Elaine in our company.

I have tried during these two years to disseminate the information that I have received from National to our Dioceses through the Life Member Liaisons and also to send out any news to Shirley Bernier, Our National Life Member Liaison. This seems to work very well via the Internet but is a little slower by snail mail. It would be helpful in future if Diocesan Executives, when choosing new Liaison Life Members could bear in mind that it is much more expedient if the Liaisons have a computer or ready access to one. We continue to have available, the Life Members stories that Thelma Varcoe was good enough to publish last year. They are a definite part of the League history in our provincial council and I have some for sale here today for $15.00

It will be my distinct privilege at the banquet to present the Life Members Arts and Culture Award to our second recipient. Life Members you might say have proved their metal and are available, ready, willing and able to mentor councils or serve however we can at the diocesan level as well. Please use us. Life Members are truly women of Peace and Hope and I salute them for their readiness and eagerness to continue to work for God and Canada.

My gratitude to Marianna and her executive for the great privilege of holding this position for the past two years. The work is mainly communicating and keeping in touch with dear old friends whom I deeply respect. Who wouldn’t want this job???

Life Members Communique #4

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:36:27 +0000

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

My Dear Life Member Sisters,

I do wish you a happy and mainly HEALTHY New Year. We have lost so much in the last few months with the passing of Mabel Allan, Pollyanna Kilgour and Ruth Hazlett that I feel we must hold each other close in our hearts and prayers and cherish the special sisterhood that we share. Please note in the Canadian League magazine page 28 notes the passing of these three very special women. We are grateful for this notice. We are already too few in number. Please be assured that I have sent condolences in your name to the above concerned and also sympathy and empathy cards in the loss of Lucie’s husband Stephen as well as Ruth’s husband Cliff. Our hearts and prayers are with you Lucie as you adjust to this new state in life for you. I have passed on the many prayer requests that I have received from National office and even though we don’t know these people, the golden thread runs through us all because they are our Life Member sisters.

Welcome to Marion Nygren, Nelson Life Member Liaison who kindly took over after we lost Pollyanna. We know that you will enjoy this role as our main thrust is just to keep in touch!

Thank you Lucie and Marjorie for the most interesting notes that you have sent about your Diocesan Members and for the birthdays that you sent on. I would love to hear from the rest of you about what’s new with you all.

I have received instructions from Shirley Bernier as to how my Annual Report should be structured. One of the questions asks how you inform your Life Members after you receive my communiqués. Please answer this for me and send it back a.s.a.p. because I really do not know. I know how Marjorie does it in my Diocese but not anything about how the other four of you carry this out. Please let me know.

Shirley Bernier has also asked that in my annual report, I include any special events that might have happened with any of our members. Please inform me of that as well. She also asked about Life Member’s service at the parish level. So you can see all in all what I need from you is a mini annual report with these questions answered. Let’s try and give a good comprehensive report from our province this year.

Our second Life Members Annual Arts and Culture Award will be awarded again this year at the provincial convention. Please note that this year the application forms will be distributed through the Health and Education Chairpersons down the line. Our job is to encourage our members to have a look at it and see if they or their families would qualify. We had wonderful applicants last year and hope to increase those applications this year. We hope to see many of you at the convention this year as it is an election year. We have also received a wonderful boost for the Arts and Culture Award fund this year. Shirley Armillotta has received a donation of $150.00 in memory of Pollyanna so we are indeed grateful for this and will indeed remember our dear Pollyanna through this award.

In Vancouver, this is a very exciting time as we prepare to welcome the world or at least 300,000 of them to our beautiful city for the Olympics. Many of us are involved in volunteer capacities both within our own chancery office and also with More than Gold. Please check this websites out on your computer and catch up with our activities. Our diocese is very involved and with great enthusiasm and participation. Pray for the success of the games, that people remember most about the welcoming approach of our people and not the access of trafficking through prostitution or any terrorist acts. We need your prayers to have a good clean safe Olympic games. We need your prayers for snow as well PLEASE.

Much love to you all and thank you for your work in this special mandate that Life Members have in the League. I hope to see many of you at convention.

Life Member Liaison Communique #4

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:38:28 +0000

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

Greetings to you all after what I hope has been a pleasant summer, sure was beautiful wasn’t it but for me I welcome the lovely fresh cool mornings, for me they are energizing.

For those of you that may not have heard, we welcome 3 new Diocesan Life Member Liaisons, Marjorie Miller from Vancouver, Lucie Schaff from Kamloops and Barbara Jarvis from Prince George and we say thank you and farewell to Shirley Armillotta, Diana Mackenzie and Mary Tymich with grateful thanks to them for their service to us as Life Member Liaisons in their dioceses. Welcome back to Margaret Beardon, Victoria and Pollyanna Kilgour, Nelson who are continuing with their mandate as Life Member Liaison in their diocese.

We said a fond sincere farewell to Mabel Allen R.I.P. who passed on early this summer. A Mass card was sent in your name to her family. Cards have also been sent to mark special birthdays and anniversaries on your behalf when requested or appropriate.

Heartfelt thanks to Marjorie Miller, Vancouver, Lucie Schaff, Kamloops and Pollyanna Kilgour, Nelson for copies of their very newsy communiqués that they have circulated as well as for the photographs. I am receiving a few birth dates but not enough so please try to collect what you can so we can make a list of them. Please send me your prayer requests, special anniversaries, or birthdays so we can remember special days for our Life Members.As you know, our First Arts and Culture Bursary was presented at our recent Provincial Convention. We were delighted that so many worthy applicants responded and astonished at the caliber of the students. While doing the selection process, the committee recommended a few changes in the application form and the criteria. These have been mailed to each Life Member in the province so that we can gain your input as to how we can improve this. Please get your recommendations to me before September 21st. Once more our gratitude to Thelma for making this bursary possible and to the selection team Shirley, Ann and Wilma for their time and effort. As soon as I have received and incorporated your input, these forms will be sent to the Education and Health Chairperson on the Provincial level as well as a copy to you. This is the manner in which President Marianna wants the bursary circulated this year.

I received a communiqué from National Life Member Liaison, Shirley Bernier who points out the procedure for nominating new Life Members. Information for nominating Life Members can be found on pages 24 and 26-28 of the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. Please note and remind those who are concerned that the Nomination for Life Membership form found on pages A3-4 must be postmarked by December 15th. Another reminder that the term for service on the Provincial level is not complete until the Provincial convention usually around the end of May or beginning of June.

Continuing prayers are requested for Dorothy McGuigan (Ontario).

Our own Mary McLeod could use some cheering up.

Mary Tymich is fast approaching a very special 90th birthday celebration and would love to receive your good wishes.

Shirley Bernier reminds us of some of the information that we should be sharing:

What sort of news would we like to hear?

Prayer requests for illness mainly by e-mail, please be in touch with the person concerned as some like to keep it private. We can always just mention that a Life Member requests prayers if the Life Member wishes to keep it confidential.

Notice of death of a Life Member or a member of her immediate family including where condolences may be sent.

Change of an address of a Life Member.

Positive news such as special birthdays, anniversaries, awards, or citations.

Copies of newsletters if you have one.

I love our theme for this year ”Women of Peace and Hope” and I know that our actions and efforts for the League will reflect that attitude.

Please be in touch so we can all share in the joys and special events of the Life Members in your diocese and also rejoice in those who have attained eternal rest.

Provincial Convention 2009: Life Member Liaison Oral Report

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:43:54 +0000

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

It is such a pleasure for me to make my first life member liaison report to the provincial convention. It is a great job; I thank Marianna for this appointment.

It entails communication for the most part. We have 5 life member liaisons in BC and Yukon. Since Lorraine Faherty left Whitehorse, they have no Life Members living in that Diocese.

Our sincere thanks to Margaret Beardon, Victoria, Diana McKenzie, Prince George, Pollyanna Kilgour, Nelson and especially to Shirley Armilllotta and Mary Tymich who are leaving their posts and a great welcome to Marjorie Miller and Lucie Marie Schaff who are replacing them.

My job is to relay messages that come from National Life Member Liaison Shirley Bernier. Sometime, they are really good news messages but most times unfortunately they are prayer requests.

I, in turn send these messages on to these 5 liaisons members.

This works both ways. I have to say that I rarely hear from our Life Member Liaisons with requests for prayers or any news for that matter and would hope that we can get that going in our province.

I have heard, however that we have three life members celebrating very important birthdays this past year. Rose Kamm from Vancouver, Elsa Drummond from Victoria

And this fall Mary Tymich from Kamloops. I have sent cards to all of them on behalf of our Life Members.

We welcome one new Life Member to our group of sisters. Please show your appreciation for Nancy Simms of Kamloops who received her Life Membership at Kamloops Diocesan convention.

We had five applicants for the Life Members Arts and Culture Award. Shirley Armillotta will announce that recipient. Suffice to say, the applicants were awesome and it was difficult to choose.

Our most sincere appreciation to Thelma Varcoe who underwrote the cost of the book: “The Journey of Memories.” The proceeds from the sale of this book provided the funds for this new award. Please keep Thelma in your prayers. She is presently waiting for a surgical booking and we wish her well and a successful procedure.

Life Member Liaison Communique #2

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 00:00:21 +0000

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

Happy New Year to my Life Member League Sisters,

Enclosures: Life Members Art and Culture Award Eligibility Form and Application Form (PDF)

I hope that your Christmas season went well and was a holy and happy one. For us here in Vancouver, it was unique. It was the first time in my life that I wasn’t able to get to Christmas Mass. My sister was in the same predicament and we both agreed that it did not seem like Christmas at all. But Christmas day in the evening, people managed to get here and be together although they were hard pressed to find any parking, but we were able to be together and that is really what Christmas is all about.

I hope that you have been receiving the e-mails that I have been passing on as I receive them from National. Most of them are asking for our prayers and whether we know the individual or not, we can sure add them to our prayer pocket. Please continue to pray for our own BC Life Members who are not well or waiting for surgery.I have not heard anything from any of you with prayer requests or any news about what you are doing in your diocese. Other than Mary from Kamloops, I have heard nothing. Part of our job description is to keep in touch, disseminate information that comes in but just as importantly, raise awareness of what is happening in each of your dioceses and also mainly to make us aware of anyone who is not well, needs surgery or has family that are not well. Please e-mail me this information so that I can let your provincial life member sisters know about these incidents.

We are so grateful to Thelma V. for her precious gift of the book, which details our Life Members journeys. As you know that was Thelma’s gift to us and with the money earned from the sale of the book, the Life Member Art and Culture Award (see forms at the top of this post) has been established. This will be in the amount of $500.00 announced and or awarded to the successful applicant at the Provincial convention in Prince George this spring. It is our responsibility as Diocesan Life Member Liaisons to circulate the criteria and application form to every parish council president. As to how you do this will be your decision. In Vancouver, we have 4 general meetings at which an envelope is provided for every parish council president and we are free to add whatever we need to reach our parish presidents. However you want to do this is great but the sooner the better.

Please observe the deadline dates as to when the applications must be in to Shirley A. I wish you all the blessings for 2009 and good health and peace. Please be in touch with me if you have any questions

Life Member’s Communique #1

admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:08:00 +0000

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

Dear Father Tran and League Sisters,

It is my great pleasure to communicate with you for the first time in this role. I was delighted when Marianna asked me if I would accept this position and hope to be a good follower to my predecessor, Ann D. Greetings to Diocesan Liaisons: Mary T. – Kamloops, Pollyanna K. – Nelson, Dianna M. – Prince George, Shirley A. – Vancouver and Margaret B. – Victoria.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to Ann D. who for the past two years has so faithfully passed on to us the good news and the bad about our Life Member sisters throughout Canada. I was privileged to be at the National convention where 53 Life members were registered as well as the Honorary Life members. It was great to once more rekindle friendships and compare notes between provinces. Of course this is one of the great benefits of conventions, sharing, comparing, affirming, praying for and with each other.

I have received a communiqué from the newly appointed National Life Member Liaison Shirley Bernier. She states:

“What Kind of News Should We Share?”

Prayer requests for illness: please do get the approval of the person concerned, as some prefer to keep it private. In those cases, it is appropriate to mention only that a life member requests prayers.
Notice of death of a life member or her immediate family member and where condolences may be sent.
Change of address of a life member.
Positive news such as special birthdays, anniversaries, awards or citations.
Copies of provincial newsletters, if available.
Information on how life members get together locally and any special projects.

Shirley also states: “As part of national office records, a file is kept on each life member. Please encourage life members to send in their history/story. Perhaps those that have done this a while ago need to update their story. This information is part of League history-in the parish, diocese, province, and also at the national lev.; If possible, I would like to see a copy of these stories or know that 0one has gone forward. A questionnaire was sent to all life members in 2008 to determine their interest and in what way they would like to assist the national executive and serve the League. Please encourage their participation as there is a wealth of talent among them.”

I have sent along the updated list of life members in our province but have since heard that there is already some revision.

Shirley Bernier has asked for some input in to the job description of a life member. If you can think of anything to add to what has already been mentioned please be in touch.

It was once again a privilege to attend the national convention in Winnipeg. While listening to the reports from the provincial presidents and the national officers and chairpersons, I was struck by how often life members were mentioned. Some of the adjectives described life members as mentors, affirming, advisors, individuals who will fill in positions when requested, workshop participants, resolution researchers, teachers, reference people and many many more. It struck me that this honour of life membership carries with it great responsibility to our League at the present time and the growth of it in the future. It is not an award for years of service; it is an affirmation to continue with great leadership the work of the League and to accept a task that national requests of us in the way of a sub convenership or a research project. Please consider this fact, the most important criteria of life membership, our willingness and readiness to serve our national level when requested when considering life membership for a life member. If this desire is not present, national has instituted the Bel Guerin award. Please check out the requirements for this award as well.

Once again I would like to express appreciation and gratitude to Thelma V., Shirley A. and Ann D. who have done so much background work on the Arts and Culture Award. They have spent countless hours preparing this and I know that the recipients will be grateful to receive this assistance. Condolences have been sent on your behalf to Dianne C. on the death of her sister, Sharon.

Rose K. has written a lovely thank you note for the Cenacle card sent to her on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Please keep us appraised of any prayer requests that you have.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me and receive my love and prayers for our work for God and Canada.

Please ensure that this information is passed on to all of your life members.

We also owe a deep debt of gratitude to Thelma V.. Her kindness and generosity has led to the publication of our BC and Yukon life members stories. I have heard so many accolades for Thelma for undertaking this tremendous task. On your behalf also, I thank Thelma so much for her great generosity of time, talent, gifts and monetarily for publishing this book: “A journey of Memories”. This little book accomplishes exactly what Shirley is asking of us in a most attractive and professional presentation. It is something that I will always cherish and once again we owe Thelma a great deal of thanks and prayers for her vision of this book.

Provincial Convention 2008: Life Member Liaison Oral Report

admin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:59:21 +0000

Submitted by: Ann Dobie

Madame President,

Once more I have the distinct pleasure of representing as provincial liaison, 45 league sisters who are Life Members in the BC & Yukon Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada.

We are privileged to be among the 324 life members in National Council, a privilege as well as an hounour. One that entails responsibility and a continuing willingness to serve on the national level when requested to do so.

Life membership gives to us, in addition to the honour, a permanent place on the national council, the same voting privileges as accredited delegates at an annual meeting or convention, a voice in its affairs and eligibility for a national appointment.

As life members we see as our main role, that of a mentor by welcoming and showing support to new and younger members, encouraging and advising members in leadership positions, being positive and always speaking well of the League and advising on League protocol and process.

I encourage councils to include life members in their planning; these members have much expertise and are able to make valuable contributions to their parish, diocesan and provincial councils.

In closing, on behalf of our life members, I pray that we will have the courage to deliver our ‘words of wisdom’ when the time is right and to learn when to keep silent and ‘listen’ to other League members.

Life Member Liaison Communique #3

admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:00:39 +0000

Submitted by: Ann Dobie

Greetings:

A New Year’s Blessing

May you be the one with welcome in your smile and hello etched upon your hand, the hand you extend to everyone who blesses you with presence. ~Luke 7:36-50

General Information:

Life members are members of their diocesan and provincial councils, but are not part of the diocesan and provincial executives. They do not attend the executive meetings unless requested to do so by the executive. They, therefore, do not automatically receive the minutes. Life members do not have the authority to communicate the business carried out at these executive meetings. All members are welcome to express their views to the executive members. As life members we can best support the new and younger executive members by respecting their ability to make decisions on League matters.

Interesting notes received from newsletters from provincial life member liaisons and passed on from Joan Baudais, National Life Member Liaison:

Newfoundland and Labrador has a Life Member Mentoring Program whereby each parish council is connected to a life member who acts as a mentor to those councils.
Alberta/Mackenzie: Life Member Connie McBride, elaborated on the voting privileges of life members. They have voting powers at conventions in their own diocese, their province and at national convention. At diocesan executive meetings they do not have voting powers, nor can they move or second motions, as they are not part of the elected executive. (National Manual of Policy and Procedure)
Manitoba Life Member Liaison, Margaret Silverthorne, invited all life members into her home for a prayer service for each of their deceased life members. They celebrated who each one was through prayer, song and stories.
Some provinces also have diocesan life member liaisons, which enhances communication and fellowship. If possible, it is advisable to occasionally meet socially to strengthen the sisterhood of life membership. * As you all know BC/Yukon is one of these provinces who are fortunate to have liaisons *

Barbara Dowding – Vice Chancellor, Vancouver Archdiocese was invited by Archbishop Raymond Roussin SM and Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Miller to attend on behalf of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the International Women’s Conference in Rome. The international congress, entitled Woman and Man, the humanum in its entirety is being hosted by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. This is an ‘awesome experience’ for ‘our League Sister’ and we are so very proud of ‘our Barb’ and we look forward to hearing first hand of Barb’s experience.

World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization (WUCWO)

2008 is the 20th anniversary of the apostolic letter by Pope John Paul II on Mulieris Dignitatem (The Dignity and Vocation of Women on the Occasion of the Marian Year). In celebrating, 250 women from around the world have been invited to Rome to participate in a congress from February 7th to 9th.

North American Regional Vice-President of WUCWO and Honorary Life Member Agnes Bedard (2004-2006) has been invited and is attending this congress. Three WUCWO members are making presentation. Following are the topics that were chosen: 1) promoting women’s dignity; 2) guardians of spouses’ maternal love; 3) role of women in communicating the Christian faith.

We can expect good feedback from this conference at the WUCWO North American Regional Conference which will be held prior to the 88th annual national convention in Winnipeg in August. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us. Let us make a special effort to attend this year’s national convention and WUCWO conference.

Conventions:

An ‘Invitation’ to attend our 61st Annual Provincial Convention being held in Williams Lake, BC May 30th to June 2nd is forthcoming in the convention package and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there. If you are unable to attend you can participate prayerfully for success of the convention.

Prayer Request:

Diana McKenzie, Life Member Liaison Prince George Diocese has asked us to prayer for the family of Kay Williams, life member and good friend from Manitoba who passed away peacefully February 7th. May she rest in peace.

Reminder:

As a part of the ‘fabric and threads’ that make up the personal story and journey of the life members of the BC and Yukon council, has YOUR story been written? Remember it is your personal story and how it is tied in with the league. Share where you are from, what was the world like when you were young, how you met your husband, how and why did you become a member of the League ~ be part of the ‘Thelma Project’ and the history of our council!

Pray that we as life members have the courage to deliver our “words of wisdom” when the time is right and to learn when to keep silent and listen to other League members.

Blessings,

Ann Dobie

Life Members Liaison Communique #2

admin — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:45:18 +0000

Submitted by: Ann Dobie

My prayers and best wishes to you as you begin this New Year and as the days of 2007 unfold for you, may God’s peace encircle you and all those you hold in your heart.

Changes
The newly appointed Nelson diocesan life member liaison is Pollyanna K. On behalf of all life members, I welcome Pollyanna and thank Bev Watson for her years of service and may Our Lady of Good Counsel guide and direct these generous league sisters in all their endeavors.

Annual Reports
January is the beginning of the new membership year and the time to evaluate and report on the previous year’s activities. This is also required of life members.

As in previous years, the following information would be appreciated in your report to me, which I would like to receive as soon as possible. I must have my report to national liaison by March 15th, preferably sooner if possible.

the number of life members in your diocese
the number of new life members during the past year 2006
how you kept in touch with your life members and how often
how many of your life members are working on parish, diocesan, provincial or national councils and in what capacity
special projects of your life members
other interesting information you would like to share

Life Member Lists for 2007
Thank you to those who have sent changes to their life members lists, however, I would still like a complete updated list from each diocese. I will see that everyone receives copy of complete list when I have it completed. Perhaps you could include “birthday”~ and anyone wishing to could send greetings, just an idea, how do you feel about it?

Provincial Newsletters
National life member liaison Joan B. wrote in her recent communique “thank you to those who send me a copy of their newsletters. It is important to keep in touch with life members, especially those who are confined to their own homes.”

And I would like to thank Shirley A. ~ Vancouver Liaison for her “full of news, informative, creative and always full of enthusiasm” newsletter called “Life Members Now and Then” and Pollyanna K. ~ our newest Liaison from Nelson diocese for copy of her 1st Communique sharing information from their diocesan convention and in particular the Life Members Luncheon. Well done Shirley and Pollyanna!

The national theme for 2007 is Love One Another – especially appropriate for those who are shut-in and yearn for companionship and contact with their League sisters. We must never underestimate the joy that a card gives to the receiver! Perhaps they would enjoy copy of Newsletters.

Prayer Requests

Bruce G., husband of Life Member and Ontario Provincial President Shirley G., passed away on January 2, 2007, after 37 days of hospitalization.
Honorary Life Member Joan C. (1996-1998) had double by-pass heart surgery just before Christmas. The surgery was a success and she is recuperating well.

Notes to me
Please continue to send me prayer requests and any suggestions how I can make my communiques more inclusive of all life members.

And remember to pray that we as life members have the courage to deliver our ‘words of wisdom’ when the time is right and to learn when to keep silent and ‘listen’ to other League members.

“A golden thread connects life members across our country, a thread of service done and continuing “For God and Country”. This thread is one of love, of union in prayer and purpose.” Sylvia Smith ~ 2002 National Life Member Liaison

Blessings,
Ann D.

Life Member Liaison Communique #1

admin — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 04:39:28 +0000

Submitted by: Ann Dobie

Greetings to my diocesan life member liaisons, Ruth H. ~ Victoria, Beverly W. ~ Nelson, Diane McK. ~ Prince George, Shirley A. ~ Vancouver and Marie Lucie S. ~ Kamloops!

I am honoured to have been asked by our provincial president, Barbara D., to accept the appointment of provincial life member liaison for the next two years, and I happily accepted. And at this time, on behalf of all BC & Yukon life members I extend our gratitude to Margaret B. who so graciously served in this capacity for the past two years.

Prayer Requests

Sharon and Robert H. (Nova Scotia) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past September 16, 2006 with a blessing and renewal of vows and reception. I’m sure Sharon would love to receive your good wishes (even a little late!)> Contact me for address/e-mail.
Prayers of gratitude for Margaret who received the ‘great news’ on her recent visit to the cancer clinic in Victoria! Margaret does not have to have radiation or chemo – she has been prescribed Tamoxifen pills. According to Margaret, …”I am gradually getting back to normal, thanks to all for your prayers.”
Jackie L.’s surgery went well. I understand the only problem was ‘a few hours delay’ – unfortunate, but that does happen. And Jackie told Barb that she is “so blessed with so much prayer support.”
Please keep up your prayers for Madeline, haven’t heard for a while what is happening but know she would appreciate hearing from her League sisters.
Joan Baudais, National Life Member Liaison, informed me that Lt. Col. (ret.) Charles Edward D., father of national Resolutions Chairperson Betty Anne B., passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2006. Anyone wishing to send condolences may address them to Betty Anne (contact me for address). I will send a card from BC/Yukon life members.

Mentoring
Part of our responsibilities as life members is to act as mentors and give support to our League sisters, especially those who are serving as leaders on parish, diocesan, provincial and national councils. It would be appropriate to send your congratulations to newly elected members of national council to show your appreciation for their service to the League, especially if you know them personally. (I will send a card to national executive on behalf of BC/Yukon life members, so please send personal cards to individuals if you wish.)

At the national convention in Halifax, Joan spoke to a League member who was attending her first national convention. She was surprised that there were so few comments from the floor from life members in attendance. She had expected that there would be many words of wisdom from these members who have worked for so many years on League concerns and who have all held numerous leadership positions.

Pray that we have the courage to deliver our “words of wisdom” when the time is right and to learn when to keep silent and ‘listen’ to other League members.

National convention
For those life members who were unable to attend the 2006 national convention, you may receive the minutes by requesting them from national office.

Notes to me
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to make my communique more inclusive of all life members. And be sure and let me know and let us celebrate special anniversaries, awards or birthdays.

Blessings,
Ann D.