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

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

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

A new priority should come out of this upcoming centenary assembly, a meeting that is held only every five years, this Oct. 5-11, 2010 in the Holy Land, that will focus on the theme, “You will be my witnesses” (Acts 1-8). Agnes Bedard, Honorary Life Member currently sits on the WUCWO Executive Board as Vice President for North America.

The WUCWO 2010 Centenary Assembly is going to be a once in a lifetime experience. There are opportunities to attend as part of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem with options to tour Galilee. I have a copy of the brochure and registration forms, but all are available as well on the WUCWO website.

Members of our National Executive will be in attendance at the Assembly. And just like our conventions at all levels, there is a place for resolutions. You may recall that we had a resolution on Religious Freedom (2006.01) a few years ago which included a resolve clause to take it to WUCWO. Now, just like the various levels in our League, we need to wait and see if the resolution is accepted for presentation to the Assembly!

Here is one recent news item that will give you an idea of the scope of WUCWO’s work:

From Nov. 14-18, 2009 in Rome, at the close of the unions meeting of the Board, representatives of Catholic women’s organizations from 25 countries informed the secretary-general of the United Nations that they do not support the international body’s convention against the discrimination of women.

Karen Hurley, President General of WUCSO urged the international body to “take concrete actions to protect women and children, innocent victims of violence,” while noting that it does not support the U.N’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Mrs. Hurley explained: “CEDAW is being misused as a tool to promote violence [against] women and girls, mothers and babies, in the form of legal access to abortion on demand to put pressure on countries worldwide to legalize and fund abortion, promote contraception, medically assisted reproduction for same sex unions and other immoral acts in defiance of God’s natural law.”

She added that WUCWO “challenges and will expose ambiguous language especially related to such topics as ‘gender, reproductive health, choice, or rights” and further stated “There must be a global increase in the respect for the dignity with which women have been endowed by their Creator.”

The WUCWO magazine called Women’s Voice latest edition has just arrived. There is an article in the latest “Women’s Voice” by Agnes about the WUCWO resolution on abolishing the death penalty and includes some startling statistics as well as actions we can take.

You can subscribe to this wonderful book or get more information on line. In fact the WUCWO website has monthly reflections leading up to the Assembly in October. They are beautifully written and something we could share with our councils.

Keep your eyes on WUCWO – it is the vehicle for peace in the world and we are a big part of it!

The role of a past president is a funny one and can be compared to many things. It’ s sort of like being a grandmother – we have all the fun of the experience, but don’t have to shoulder the main responsibility. We can enjoy more and worry less! We can speak up or stay silent; interfere or just be there.

Having experienced first hand how things work, we are in the best position to share some of what we learned (only when asked of course!~). Having gained some wisdom and faith, our passion and energy for the League can, and should, be channeled differently in this role. And, just as not all grandmothers are the same, neither are past presidents! From the annual reports it is clear the differences from one past president to another are as numerous as we are.

It is what we have in common that binds us together for the good of the League.

Servant leadership is a current buzzword but it really makes sense. Past Presidents, serve by offering trust, peer support and understanding, because they’ve been there and done that, so to speak. Even though it does not make us experts – far from it, it makes it clear how much more there is to learn! The view from the Past President’s window is much different – it’s broader, sharper and has great color and depth – like the grandmother who sits back and watches her children’s children on their own particular journey, we see our League sisters’ sisters embark on theirs.

Past presidents are concerned about how to help members get to the next level of leadership. We see how potential leaders are discouraged when their ideas are dismissed, resisted or given no backup or support. Past presidents are in the best position to offer positive reinforcement and guidance.

In collaboration with the president we have a great opportunity to encourage, mentor and affirm those who need that little push to take on a bigger role. Because we’ve survived (!) we can mentor and give testimony that is believable and helpful. We can offer realistic and practical ways to get through new challenges. As Past Presidents we have to work hard at listening, to identify questions before they arise and to ‘know our place.’

I found in the annual reports that, past presidents are totally involved and a valued part of the executive on the one hand to being an invisible member who’s never asked for anything, on the other and everything in between. Its up to us, to find our spot, where we fit best – again like that grandmother who so wants to tell her children how to do things, or how they were done in her time, all the while knowing full well that’s not always helpful – or appreciated!

Another image comes to mind as we savour the memories of the 2010 Olympics. Past presidents continue to pass the love we have for the League through the levels from President to president. Are you passing on the joy of the League? I think of us like those athletes who trained for years and years, sacrificing themselves for a higher purpose, believing in their ability and their goal. I think of us as members of the CWL who never give up. The athletes surely tried and possibly failed at times too, but they were constant in remaining true to what they knew to be the right thing for them.

We owe it to those who have gone before us and to those coming along to ensure a legacy of mentoring, educating and training, to keep our CWL dream alive. The dream that becomes a reality when the CWL is the heart and soul of parish life, the fun and fulfillment for our League sisters who want to take a leadership role because it’s worthwhile, satisfying and a great service. As Past Presidents we need to persevere in doing things by the book, to pass the amazing torch that was given to us and has been handed down for almost 97 years. The League and its structure and policies have survived, continues to grow and in many cases flourish. When nurtured, cherished and appreciated, the League will endure and produce strong joyful leadership. Let us continue to strive for the ideal, adapting only as necessary, never letting the exception become the rule.

In closing with sincere gratitude for this time I’ve had on the provincial council I quote St. Paul: As for me, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” Lift that torch up high and go for it!

Dear Past Presidents,

Dear Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my standing committee and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness or impatience. Please bear with my faults, looking only to my intention, which is to serve you in the person of each member of the Catholic Women’s League. Increase my faith, bless my efforts and work ‘For God and Canada’.

I came across this Chairperson’s Prayer when I was looking through the Past President’s Handbook. I thought what a beautiful prayer for us in our role as we strive to assist and advise without being intrusive or overbearing. We all need to pray this kind of prayer from time to time. I especially liked the part about bearing with my faults….

ANNUAL REPORTS: Thanks for sending your reports on time. Now its my turn to get busy and send off to National. It is obvious you have been keeping busy and working hard for your councils. It was also very helpful that you shared your communiqués with me and each other as there are so many good ideas to share.

NOMINATIONS/ELECTIONS: While I touched on this in my last communiqué it is critical that we follow the nomination and election procedures as outlined in the National Policy and Procedure Manual. If you are the chairperson for your diocesan elections, work closely with the secretary to ensure all those eligible are contacted, that confidentiality is respected and the policies followed correctly. Your role too is to offer advice and speak to a candidate’s suitability from your experience. With so many parish presidents who are new and others who don’t attend many diocesan meetings, it is important to help the process with fair and kind observations.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS: Nominations/election time is a good opportunity to focus on the little white booklet to education and inform all members about the process. Now that the manual of Policy and Procedure follows the C & B so well, it is easy to do a short information piece at a meeting. Allowing questions is an important part of the learning process.

ARCHIVES: Does your council have a place to safely store your archives? Are you involved in a hands on way with this? Have you ever done a workshop on the importance of preserving your history? Not every past president has an aptitude or particular interest in this, but it is really important to keep archives up to date. Consider a sub chair who loves old stuff! For me, I am eternally grateful to Pat Battensby and Ann Dobie who have been working on the Provincial box for months. By the time I get it, I am sure I will be able to handle my small part. How can I ever thank them?

HISTORY: For those who have not yet compiled their council’s story, why not think about it. Lorette Noble suggests asking Life members and others with years of League experience are wonderful resources. Try the interview method of getting their stories. Use tape recorders so that the reminiscences are lively. This could be a wonderful exercise for younger members and an interesting way for them to learn about the League. The stories can be shared at monthly council meetings.

DID YOU KNOW: There is a neat resource if you want to help members better understand the C&B and the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. Margaret Ann Jacobs, past president of Ontario, has created an Activity Package on the Constitution & Bylaws with, as she puts it, “10 short, fairly easy, and hopefully fun activities that could be used at parish council meetings.” Contact Ontario Provincial Council at http://www.cwl.on.ca/ if you are interested and you will receive the package via e-mail.

PRAYERS: Please keep our Lorrilee Jordan in your prayers on the recent death of her dear sister Deanne Mack. Also our other League sisters who are suffering ill health and/or the loss of loved ones. We are all called to support one another through prayer and sisterhood.

Easter blessings to you all!

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile”

- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Dear Past Presidents,

First of all sincere apologies for the long delay in writing! Between the preparation for National, the convention itself, my son’s wedding, a new job at work and life in general, here we are into Thanksgiving season and October!

Most of you are seasoned CWL’ers and know what to do, but I’d like to acknowledge and thank Lorrilee J, a very new past president from the Kamloops diocese for her wonderful and complete communiqué – well done!

While I’ve been remiss, Lorrilee has hit the target, covered everything and inspired her parish past presidents. With her permission, I enclose a copy for your enjoyment and inspiration.

A warm welcome as well to Susan and Evelyn to this special role. While you will notice a big difference from being President, I am confident you will be just as effective, but in a different way, as you were when you were in the Chair. It is a big adjustment, and those of you who are in your second term, can attest to that I’m sure! Still, it is extremely important and you are a valuable asset on your council.

For those of you facing the nominations/elections process, I am taking the liberty of quoting myself!

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.

I urge you to get yourself a copy of the Past President’s Handbook and Archives guidelines if you don’t have already – both available on the website.

Constitution and Bylaws

One of the duties we have as Past Presidents includes, according to our Executive Handbook, is “to encourage members to become knowledgeable about the Constitution and Bylaws and to respond to questions related to the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws.”

Lastly if anyone is planning to make amendments to the National Policy and Procedure Manual, those must be received before December 1, 2009 to National Office.

Thanks again to all for your dedication and love for our great League. Thanks for sharing with one another your successes and also your concerns. Communication is the best healer.

“Hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!” (ps. 27:14)

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

Trafficking update

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WUCWO

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

The mission of WUCWO is to promote the presence, participation and co-responsibility of Catholic women in Church and society in order to fulfill their mission of evangelization and to work for human development. A priority for 2006-2010 is Building a Culture of Peace through the alleviation of poverty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madam President:

Jesus’ Team was made up of individuals as different as night and day. We know what kind of leader Jesus chose: Peter who was impetuous, flighty and denied Christ. Peter and Paul clashed often and yet both are saints and both made a great difference to the growth of the Church.

Our CWL councils are not unlike Jesus’ group. We are saints with different talents, passions and leadership traits – we often disagree but it is how we do this that makes the difference. The qualities of an effective team are trust, respect and a commitment to a common goal. I am really enjoying my new role as past president and seeing things from a different perspective. You may recall my focus as president was the TEAM theme (Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate) and now as past president I am totally committed to support, affirm and coach as best I can.

I am happy to welcome in to our ranks, Susan Steiner, Lorrilee Jordan and Evelyn Rigby and encourage you to make the most of this special time. However, like any new job, becoming past president can have its ups and downs, its joys and its sorrows.

It’s a learning curve of a different kind – where whatever knowledge and hands on experience I may have must be kept in a safe place and only unlocked upon request. There must be easy access to this information and I must be willing to get it out and share it or review it and most of all be prepared to revise or change it!

Apart from the specified duties such as policy, laws, history and archives, Past Presidents at all levels have a unique opportunity to help our League sisters move from words to deeds as we take up John Paul II’s challenges. We can mentor one another, teach other women how to fish, grow, or sew (as in the old African saying, if one educates a woman, one educates a whole village); pray every day for peace, have a happy heart and be builders of peace.

God calls us to be peace-makers. We are born with what we need to change the world. We are healers; we offer comfort, friendship, support and love. Like the TEAM theme again, I want to help in anyway I can to instill the belief and conviction that we hold the key to hope and have the necessary gifts to build peace. Whether we are learning about the C & B, policies, or working on nominations, we need to start from a place of peace.

I am blessed to have a President who asks for advice and makes me feel very much valued and important to her and the council. I love being part of the League Development Team and look forward to the development of Part Two and am very excited about the provincial history book project.

Affirmation is truly one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It is a gift we can give away over and over again. Past Presidents unite – you are awesome!

Well the New Year is well and truly underway and I am only just getting my wishes and prayers out to you all!  As we look forward to a new calendar year and League year, we are also reminded that our work as Past Presidents is ongoing and continuous regardless of the time of the year!

Elections:

Many councils are preparing for elections and I expect, as is normally the case, that the Past Presidents are involved in that process. 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.

If you have any questions or concerns on any part of this, please contact me.  The ‘rules’ are here to help us not to make things difficult!

Constitution and Bylaws

One of the duties we have as Past Presidents includes, according to our Executive Handbook, is “to encourage members to become knowledgeable about the Constitution and Bylaws and to respond to questions related to the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws.” Ours is a teaching role and I would suggest that the time of elections is an important teachable moment. Using the C&B as your guide, you could do a great service to your members by explaining the procedures step by step.  How wonderful would it be to have a convention where everyone understood what was happening?

WUCWO

There is a short article in the League Magazine on WUCWO. In encourage you to review it and encourage members to do likewise. If you are interested in keeping up with WUCWO, I have the Magazine which I am happy to share or you can subscribe yourself on behalf of your diocesan council. The WUCWO website is also a valuable source of information or for subscription information contact Joann Hildebrand at: denouncer5@comcast.net

It is fitting to note that the WUCWO Board Members have selected Mary, Queen of Peace, as the title of the new patroness of the World Union. As Karen Hurley wrote: “This is particularly meaningful as the Pontifical Council for the Laity’s Decree of Erection of WUCWO as a public international association of the faithful was dated January 1, 2006 which is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and also World Day of Peace.”

May we as women of peace and hope continue in all humility to reflect and bring to others Christ’s peace to all.

Annual Reports

Last but not least, I remind you about the annual reports due to me by Feb. 15 and look forward to hearing from each of you with the goings on and good things from the Past President’s perspective in your dioceses around the province and in the Yukon. Thanks to those who have sent already!

“Hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!” (ps. 27:14)

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien,

September – back to school, new books, fresh start and CWL! Special greeting to Past Presidents in their second term: Anna May McCarvill, Maureen Sander, Jeanne Wilson and Pat Deppiesse. Welcome to the ranks of being ‘past’ to Agnes Geiger and Caroline Ann-Alter.

We have the unique position of being able to advise while at the same time being a mentor and supportive part of the executive team. As we hand over the reigns or pass the torch, it is important to let go and let go with grace. The beauty and strength of our great League is built upon the differences we have. I encourage you to have access to The Constitution and Bylaws where on page 12, Article X Section 2 -”Officers” it states that past president are officers of the executive level and page 18 Article 11, Section 7 clearly states our duties. Be sure to check out the National Manual of Policy and Procedure 2003 Page 41 for more outlines of our duties.

Among other things we are charged to care for the archives. Please go to the National website and look for Archives Guidelines for League History Provincial, Diocesan and Parish Councils – everything you need to know and more.

For the past two years we worked with the TEAM theme and it fits our role as Past President extremely well. Be sure to work hard at teaching, evangelizing, animating and motivating not only your new president but all your League sisters. Your joyful support and enthusiasm is the best gift you can give.

As Past Presidents you can advance the cause and understanding and appreciation for WUCWO by your keeping up to date with the latest via website and National updates. While this is fresh in my mind, I want to report briefly on the WUCWO North American Regional Conference in Winnipeg which was an eye-opening experience for the more than 300 attendees. Two highlights include the presentation by Nazanin Afshin-Jam on her work to save women and children from death row in Iran and Karen Hurley (President General)’s report. Both women gave passionate testimony in different ways. Nazanin is from Vancouver, former Miss Canada, singer and activist – she’s 29 years old, has a degree in International Relations and Political Science from UBC, has her pilot’s license, addresses the UN and as of February 2008, Nazanin was appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada’s office to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. Her story was introduced in the context of what one woman can do to make a difference as inspiration for us all. In her own words, “If you can, you must!”

Karen Hurley, President General of WUCWO, gave a wonderful report that challenged all of us to take more responsibility to do whatever it takes to enable the great work to continue. Her eloquence and ability to put a face to the WUCWO’s work make her a great spokeswoman. At the end of this communiqué are some key excerpts from Karen’s talk that I hope you will find inspiring and useful in promoting WUCWO.

Let’s encourage our League sisters to look at the bigger picture, to know that we can, and must, go outside ourselves if there is to be peace in the world. We can support, affirm and teach our women where they live and work of the important issues, to instill the belief and conviction of what we have and hold as Catholic women and to convince our sisters that we hold the key to hope and have the necessary gifts to build peace. Science won’t save society, but love will, for love convinces more than reason; it convinces in our soul. We have so much to be thankful for and have done so many good things. But there is so much more to do. We hear daily of stories from women around the world who suffer abuse, violence, war, degradation and submission. What will we do to help? Begin by learning more about WUCWO and find ways share the good news!

From Karen’s report:

Beloved Pope John Paul II told the participants of the 2001 WUCWO Assembly in Rome: “…Your Union… is present as a voice even in international forums, to insist that every life is a gift of God and deserves to be respected.  Working together, you must seek to provide increasing material and moral support to women in difficulty, victims of poverty and violence.  Never forget that this important work is rooted in God’s love and will bear fruit to the extent that your witness reveals his infinite love for every human person….Catholic women who live by faith and charity and give honour to God’s name in prayer and service have always had a supremely fruitful and indispensable role in transmitting the genuine sense of the faith and in applying it to all life’s circumstances.”

Each day WUCWO members demonstrate your amazing “capacity for the other,” through peace-building efforts which reflect Christian love for one another. Within the global mission for evangelization and human development WUCWO women advocate “for the other” in many areas of social concern which elicit life, encourage personal growth and build peace

There is a challenge and opportunity to secure funding for representation at international institutions and gatherings so that the voices of faithful Catholic women can be heard.  Major donations by some foundations and corporations assure that their population control and other anti-woman, anti-marriage and anti-family agendas can be advanced.  It is necessary to encourage Catholic and other philanthropists who share our moral values, to work in partnership with us to assure the means to proceed with efforts to restore God’s natural order to a conflicted world.

To my Canadian sisters and brothers in Christ I express my sincere appreciation for your generous donations to the Canadian Endowment Fund.  To each one present here today and all those across individuals, dioceses, religious communities across Canada, to the leadership and Campaign Cabinet. Because of your foresight, each year the interest generated by this endowment underwrites WUCWO programs which benefit women and children.  To my sisters in Christ from the United States of America, thank you for all that you are doing to emulate this successful campaign by launching a similar endeavour to leave a legacy for WUCWO’s next 100 years of faith, hope and charity.  Each one doing what we are able to do will assure WUCWO’s ability to meet the challenges of this moment in history and enhance the lives of the women, children and families God has entrusted to our care.  (Note from Barb: The American goal is 5 million dollars! That’s how important WUCWO is to them).

Each of us is called to go out to all the world and tell the good news of Jesus Christ and the good news of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations. We look forward to a future full of hope where the opportunities for women to promote a culture of life and peace exceed any challenges.  Increased collaboration with the Holy See, other Catholic-inspired Non-Governmental Organizations, other organizations of good will, as well as the media, can lead to a cultural and societal transformation which respects and promotes human dignity.  Being nourished by the Eucharist, availing ourselves of ongoing spiritual formation and continuing education in Church teachings are vital for our ability to transmit authentic Catholic Christian values to the world.  (Karen Hurley, August 10, 2008).

Bless you all for your fine work and love for our League!

“Hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!” (ps. 27:14)

I have very much enjoyed working with the diocesan past presidents for the past two years. The single most Persistent issue that I have gathered from the reports is the withdrawal feeling. It has been difficult for some to move on and realize that our new presidents have ideas of their own and we have had our opportunities. I know that presidents will bear this in mind and occasionally ask their past presidents for an opinion. I myself, thanks to our president Barb, have been kept very busy and have enjoyed every minute of the whole two years. There was no lack of jobs to do and it was so great as always to work with such an innovative group of ladies. Barb has given me permission to depart from the usual report format, as this is my last report to you after 12 years on the provincial council. In fact her reply to me was: “You can do whatever you want to.” Wow! That’s a wide-open invitation isn’t it? I want to quote something from a national publication:

“The Catholic Women’s League is a sisterhood in perpetual motion. It is sisters working together at a common table for a common good. It is a wide variety of ideas, brought together and boiled down, like a good soup. It is prayer, and as we pray together, we know that God’s love and grace accompanies all our endeavors. It is love in its finest form, complete with agreements, disagreements, scraps, forgiveness, respect and understanding. It is business, for business demands order and order is the key to good organization. It is knowledge, ever growing and expanding within each member.

It is work, but a labour of love and the justifiable pride that comes out of a job well done. I t is fun and it is where our “Need to belong” is fulfilled. It is unity, for “in unity” there is strength, and each parish council is an important cog in the national council wheel and in the maintenance of its strength. It is love for our
Motto: “For God and Canada”.

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada has a very strong voice because it is a United voice….yes… even yours and mine. It is rather a nice feeling knowing you belong to a “big wheel.”

Thank you all so much.

Dear Father Terry and Sisters in the League,

Internet hugs to all of you as we start our new League year in service to God and Canada. I would like to welcome new Past Presidents Anna May M……… (Kamloops), Maureen S…..(Prince George) Pat D……. (Vancouver) and Jeanne W…… (Whitehorse) and welcome back to seasoned Past Presidents, Sandra S……. (Nelson) and Mary L……. (Victoria) I believe that all of you have each others information and I would encourage you to share communiques and situations with each other.

This standing committee is difficult for some of us to handle as the role of President had demanded full time involvement and the come down is sometime hard to handle but bear with it, you will gradually fill the bill.

Our main function, as I know you are all aware is mainly to be a constant support to our new presidents. We should always be available to her in any way that we can help. We must be careful though to allow her to try her wings and do things in a manner that she finds expedient, we must encourage, applaud, reinforce and just be there. After one year under my belt in this position, I have found it really great being a mentor whenever I can and am grateful to my president, Barbara Dowding who still involves me to some extent. It has been such a pleasure and I look forward to more of the same.

So…. our jobs now.

To assist our President to learn in discreet and soft mention of something that she MIGHT have mistakenly done but NEVER in public to cause her any embarrassment.

To be at the ready to do WHATEVER our president asks of us.

To be a mentor to anyone who asks us.

To perform a teaching role whenever possible and to market the League by our personal demeanor.

To perform our tasks with great joy and happiness in our membership in our League as by your presence anywhere, you represent the League.

Above all, always be kind to all we meet and attempt to see the face of Christ in everyone.

Please check the National Executive Handbook which describes our duties extremely well.

The Constitution and Bylaws.
As you know there is a new edition, which covers the changes that we all voted on a year ago. I was somewhat dismayed in collating the Annual Reports to discover that most councils do not make the time to study the C. and B. Ladies we are a National organization, the largest Catholic lay organization in Canada and the largest women’s group in Canada. We should take great pride in studying the rules and regulations of this group. Please find innovative ways to introduce this study to your councils.

Archives are a critical component of our job description. The content of Archives is interesting and can be found on the National web page. Remember our histories are also very important and we are encouraged as we become past presidenst to write a short history of the highlights of our two-year term as presidents. Each council should have a living history, always a vibrant part of who we are and where we came from. I encourage you please to contribute much of your time to this exciting aspect of our duties.

Many types of councils will be having elections this next year. Please ask your secretary to begin to prepare an up to date election register so that if you are asked by your president to chair the nomination committee you will have a head start on the program. The fall is slipping by and will go very quickly as we all know.

God bless you and may our Lady of Good Counsel assist you to be a good and supportive Past President. Please contact me if there is ever anything that I can assist you with,

My President Barbara has also bestowed on me the honour of reporting on WUCWO. At the National convention in Montreal in August it was announced that the North American meeting of WUCWO will be hosted in Winnipeg previous to the National convention next August. This would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about this great organization. Please try to attend both of these events. Our Past National President Agnes Bedard is the North American Vice President of this organization and hopefully will be in Rome for their meeting in November. Please pray for Agnes as she is recovering from surgery.

Respectfully submitted:
Pat B……..

Dear sisters in the League & Father Terry,

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that all of you enjoyed a great Christmas with family and friends and experiencing the true richness of the holiday season. Ours was quieter than usual, just our immediate family and although I truly enjoy a real Italian Christmas, this one was very special in another way. Hopefully you are all enthused and raring to go with our work in the League.

Nominations and elections
Whether or not your president has gifted you with the chair of nominations and elections, it would be a great idea if you have the opportunity to review the Nominations and Elections procedure in the C and B as well as the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. I know that each diocese varies in their approach to nominations/elections but I do feel as there are new people in our councils, it would do us well to review this procedure each year.

You will find this information in the C and B 2000 edition, p.29, Article XV, Sections 1,3,4 and 5.This information is elaborated on even farther in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure, Article XV Page 61. These two resources tell you all you need to know about this important procedure.

I would like to add to these criteria by putting my own 2 cents worth in the mix. Please, please, please do not attempt to fill all positions just to complete your executive. We have seen time after time that it usually does not work out.

The members we are looking for to fill executive positions are spiritual, enthusiastic women who love the League and are willing to work and learn more and more about our organization. It is almost imperative that they have a good basic broad knowledge of the League. Yes, it is; “learn on the job” but a basic knowledge is a necessity. It is imperative that we discern whether or not she has the time to devote to this position. God usually calls us at a time in our lives when we do have time to devote to the job. The next criteria to me is an enthusiastic happy person. We will only draw more members to our organization if we show enjoyment and joy in the work we are doing. The last criteria is that the nominee has to take the position for the right reason: that is, the betterment and advancement of the League, not for her own personal gain. Yes, we all enjoy the perks of attending convention and having the costs covered but this is simply not enough. We must be in the League for God and Canada.

So in Summary:

• The individual must have a desire to deepen her spirituality and that of her League sisters
• Discern prayerfully about the nominees and the positions they are standing for
• Good basic knowledge of the League
• Time availability
• Enthusiasm and joyfulness
• Motivation

I think we have seen it happen over and over again. If we do not fill a position and pray for that deed, God will make it happy and inspire someone to come forth. We should encourage the members who do possess these qualifications to let their names stand.

I would like to emphasize also that if a member has a position on another level of the League, i.e. if a member is the diocesan treasurer, then she should not run for office on another level. I believe the only exception is past president. Past presidents at any level are eligible to run during those two years for the next level.

The second point I would like to emphasize is that it is our duty to share our experience regarding a candidate with our council in the nomination process. It is not mean or unkind if this is a negative aspect as we are trying to accomplish the very best slate that is possible. We are bound to find the very best candidate for the job. I believe that 4 diocesan councils will have elections this year and I know you all join me in offering prayerful support for this process in these dioceses.

Policy and Procedure Manuals
In most dioceses, it falls to the past president who updates the policy manual. I believe all six dioceses have them but if you don’t, perhaps you could create some interest in compiling one. This resource is a work in progress and should be changed as we go along. It presents the rules of the game and is an invaluable resource for all members of the League. In diocesan councils it is particularly helpful as it states the method that we do things. At convention and general meeting times, it spells out the procedures that we only do maybe once a year and that we don’t immediately have at our fingertips. Please keep this right up to date.

WUCWO
Our own Agnes Bedard attended her first WUCWO board meeting as our North American Vice President in Rome last November. I have written a piece for our provincial newsletter reporting a little about that. Our President General, Karen Hurley, met the Holy Father and her emotional description of this thrill of a lifetime experience is included in that article. Please use their website as well . I am sure that you will find many interesting things. Agnes is in the Holy Land at this point in time; she will be returning very soon and we will have some more exciting news to share. Please keep Agnes in your prayers, she is grieving the loss of her sister just before Christmas and she needs our support.

I know you are affirming and supporting your president in whatever she is working on and that you are at the ready to be there for her whenever she needs you.

I am really looking forward to receiving your annual reports and hearing about what you are all involved in. Please be sure of my prayerful support in your work in our League.
Much love…

Pat

Dear Sisters in the League and Father Terry,

I think it is safe to say that fall has indeed rushed in with a great flourish. Our province seems to under siege with raging overflowing rivers and lakes and rain, rain, rain. It seems really strange that everyone was talking about droughts during the summer isn’t it? This is really a busy busy season in our League’s calendar, parish activities so I wish you all good membership drives and successful bazaars.

I am going to give you a little quote from Margaret Ann J….. from the Toronto Archdiocesan Newsletter, which Sheila Q…. has kindly shared with me. Margaret Ann states:

One of the greatest gifts we give women in our parishes is the Gift of the League by inviting them to become members. One of the greatest Gifts we can give the League is the Gift of a new member.

Isn’t that really a nice quote especially in this time when we are both thinking of gift giving and membership drives. We must show great joy in our promotion of the League, and make it an infectious invitation so that women just can’t wait to see what we do that makes us so fulfilled and productive. So lots of prayers as you all undertake this task.

Just a reminder in our efforts to be really good past presidents is not only the execution of our duties as described in the League literature but also to thoroughly endorse and support our new presidents at whatever level we may be. Give her the affirmation and your confidence in her endeavors and thoroughly encourage her in whatever she is undertaking. This is the most important aspect of our roles. I know that you will all do so. Remember KINDNESS to all we meet as we seek to see the Face of Christ in everyone.

The Constitution and Bylaws
Now is the time of the year to be starting to think of elections. If your president has asked you to chair the nominating committee, then you can really get a head start on the proceedings. One of our tasks is to teach our members about our C & B.

Article XV “Eligibility, Nominations and Elections” on Page 29 is the place to be. Our members have to be educated as to this very important function of our League. Please ask your president for time on her agenda to go over this part of our constitution. . It applies to every level of the League from parish right up to the national level and every member should know these facts in and out. I find that many people are still asking how you run for National office, who is eligible and also emphatically stating that they have Honorary Life Members in their councils. This section of our constitution states very clearly all that you ever want to know about elections. The important thing for you to stress is the critical nature of informed voting. It is so important that we know the reputation and performance level of their past work in the League of the candidates. If we do not know then it is important that we find out from someone who does know. Nominees for political office are certainly not slow or backward about extolling their virtues and yet to me our work is just as important and certainly has some lasting implications in the hereafter. So find out about your potential leaders before you vote for someone just because you have heard their names.

Plan your nominations procedures. Ask your secretary for her updated list of the members who are eligible. We are familiar with the way that your parish/diocese has always done things, but perhaps trying another approach might be more fruitful. Confer with your president to see how you mutually can decide the best course of action. A further great resource to the nominations and elections process is the National Policy and Procedure, which gives great guidance on Page 61 of the revised edition. Check it out it really gives us all of the details.

Archives
In my last communique, I suggested that I would give you some information on archives. Past National President, Lucille Cullen has some excellent content re archives. You can find her complete document on the national web page under programs and it is the very last entry. If you have access to a computer, please check it out but I will highlight just a few items: “Archives should be kept in a locked filing cabinet on church property or in a secure facility at the diocesan archive location.”

Parish Archives should include:

• Original Charter
• Minutes of executive/general meeting minutes should be kept in a binder and dated
• The recording secretary should retain copies of the minutes from the previous two terms only, all other minutes should be transferred to the archives in marked and dated binders.
• All accounting records including cheques and receipts should be kept for five years.
• A separate binder should be kept with important information related to the life of the parish council
• List of parish presidents and spiritual advisors with their addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses as well as their years of service.
• List of recipients of Maple Leaf Service pins/League pins with names and dates of presentations, a record of anniversary dates of all members.
• Additional items for archives:
• Written histories.
• Scrapbooks and/or albums labeled by date and event.
• Annual Reports
• Special project file with financial statements.
• Samples of newsletters if applicable.
• Each past president should be encouraged to write a 2-3 page story with highlights of her term as president

This gives you a good starting list of items what should be retained in your archives.

Thank you Mary L……. for your past presidents communiques. I encourage all of you to share your communiques by communicating with each other. We can make our role as past president much better with these other ideas. Please exchange your communiques with all diocesan past presidents and I personally would love to read what you are doing. Mary sent as an attachment an excellent printout from Mary Jane S….., Christ the King Parish Council in Courtney B.C.

This is titled:

“Archives, Taking Care. General Information From a practical Viewpoint.”

This is excellent information so please access your copy from Mary’s last communique.

WUCWO News
Barb, our provincial president has given me the privilege of being he WUCWO representative on the provincial council. I am not sure if each of the diocesan presidents have carried on with the same appointment, but from time to time, I will be reporting on the WUCWO scene. I just talked to Barb who returned yesterday from the national mid term meeting in Winnipeg and she reports that Agnes Bedard was present for only Friday night of the meeting then Saturday morning was off to Rome for the WUCWO executive meeting. As you may or may nor know, Agnes was elected North American Vice President of WUCWO at the General Assembly in Arlington Virginia in June. We are so proud of this appointment and know that we will now be receiving first hand information regarding the World Union Of Catholic Women’s Organizations. I very much want to share the wonderful privilege that we as League members enjoy as being part of this organization with women from Catholic organizations from 55 countries sharing our concerns and professing joy in our faith. The WUCWO Assembly last June accepted two Catholic Women’s League of Canada resolutions: Trafficking of Women and Children and the Ratification of the International Covenant on the Death Penalty. They both passed at the Assembly. I know once you get into reading more about WUCWO you will enjoy their news. are all members by virtue of our membership in the National Catholic Women’s League so let’s embrace their work and learn all we can about them.

I encourage you to subscribe to their magazine: “Women’s Voice”. The subscription rate is $15.00 U.S. for a minimum of three issues. You will find the form and the address of the treasurer on the WUCWO web site. www.wucwo.org

Please pray for Agnes and the other Board members of WUCWO who are at this moment meeting in Rome. I know we will have a lot more news to pass on when Agnes returns and I will get it off to you A.S.A.P. The North American Assembly will be held in Winnipeg in 2008 concurrent with the national convention so please plan to go to the national a little earlier and catch some of WUCWO’s sessions. More news on that later as well.

This will be my last communique to you in 2006. It has been a big big year and my prayer for you and your families is wonderful family get togethers, beautiful joyous Christmas liturgies, lots of yummies and a blessed Christmas.

With love and prayers,

Pat

Dear Sisters in the League and Father Terry,

A heartfelt big hug to all of you as we embark on another amazing League year. Welcome back to Doreen G…… (Kamloops), Dodie B….(Prince George), Gloria G……. (Vancouver) and Murielle B…… (Whitehorse). Special welcome to new past presidents: Joyce S…… (Nelson), and Mary L……… (Victoria) who join me in learning the contents of this new (to us) standing committee. When I receive permission from all of you due to the privacy issues, I will send complete information, i.e. addresses, telephone and e mail numbers to you all so you can all exchange communiques and information about happenings in your diocese. I look forward to this new role in the League. Every office that we hold in the League is another step in our development both personally and especially in the knowledge of the League.

It has struck me over the years in reading past president and other annual reports and listening comments from past president that there have been two main themes:

The first is a feeling of abandonment, being cut off and never being consulted as to the activities of your particular level of council.

The second common comment is that past presidents have a strangle hold on the council and keep putting a veto on anything new that is suggested out or planned; at times, we embarrass our president by making public comments about how they do things.

We do not want to be either of these people. We have climbed an amazing ladder rise up to president of whatever level we have held. For most of us it has been a an awesome and positive experience all the way. Hopefully we have made good long and short-range goals. Now we have handed over the presidency to someone new who deserves to experience this growth in her personal prayer and League life and to advance the League with her ideas.

Our job now:

Yes, to help the president learn by discreet and soft mention of something that she MIGHT have mistakenly done but never in public to cause her any embarrassment.

To be at the ready to do WHATEVER our presidents ask of us,

To be a mentor to anyone who asks us

To perform a teaching role whenever possible, to market the League by our personal demeanor,

To perform our tasks with great joy and happiness in our membership in our League.. By your very presence anywhere you represent the League.

Above all, always be kind to whomever we meet attempting to see the Face of Christ in all we meet.

Our duties are very well described in several League publications. I know that many of you have these items but some may have had them in the Presidents “Box” and perhaps you might be interested in purchasing them for your own reference:

The Constitution and Bylaws

page 12, Article X Section 2 -”Officers” states that past president are officers of the executive level.

Page 18 Article 11, Section 7 very clearly states our duties.

And page 32 Article 15, Section 3 may or may not pertain to us. In some Diocese, the {resident names the Past President as the Chair of the nominating committee but this is not written in stone. Please just tuck this away in case you receive this privilege

The National Manual of Policy and Procedure 2003

Page 41 outlines our duties as an officer

page 85 of the same publications describes Rules of Order which are necessary to conduct meetings in an orderly manner and should be a reference to us.

It is great to have some knowledge of parliamentary procedure in this position. We are fortunate here in Vancouver to be able to attend a course by a registered parliamentarian in October and this would be a most useful exercise. If you do not have access to this, I can give you the address of the National Parliamentarians Society and you can gain some help by correspondence if you are interested.

National also has a great little book written by Edith Mockler, Life Member and a registered parliamentarian that you might want to purchase.

Leading the League is also a most useful resource. And for those of you lucky enough to be old enough to have purchased

Training Part 1 and 2 from National office will have a wealth of resources for past presidents. Unfortunately it is no longer available.

The Executive Handbook September 2000 also contains a very accurate description of our duties, Please refer to these publications.

As you can see, we have much to do in our own portfolios as being always accessible to our president in the chair. She holds an office that should be very highly respected and is bringing new richness to the League by her personality, experience, ideas and spirituality. Please assist her in her onerous position in any way that you can.

I will attempt over the next two years to highlight one of our responsibilities in each communique. Of course this does not mean that we are not responsible at all times for each duty described but perhaps might assist you to some extent in formulating your short and long term plans.

I would like to highlight the study of the Constitution and Bylaws this month. I feel strongly that we should spend some time on this subject at each meeting and we should carefully plan what section of this document is most pertinent as the particular time of our League year. Please ask your president if you can have time on her agenda to do this and plan this time expediently. Some of you are starting this year with new executives, some are the second year but it would be advantageous for both groups to review the objects of the League on p.2 Article IV and the duties of Officers and Standing Committee Chairpersons. This perhaps could be broken down into two meetings to cover all the material and also to sable time and keep to time on the agenda. Very good and pertinent information for all levels of the League.

My next communique will cover the contents of Archives, another most important section of our League life.

I wish you God’s blessings on your new role and second year role in the League. I know that Our Lady of Good Counsel will be with us as we do her Son’s work and as we try our very best to perform the duties prescribed to us. Please review Barb’s motto at the beginning of this communique. It should be ever present in our minds for every League member whatever their position in the League. God bless you in your work for God and Canada.

Much love…..

Pat