Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

One of the most rewarding aspects of being president is the privilege of being present at Diocesan Conventions. Each diocesan convention is unique and this year I was very pleased to attend the Vancouver, Kamloops and Whitehorse Conventions and I thank Nancy for attending the conventions in Prince George and Nelson on behalf of the Provincial Council.

It was also my pleasure to attend the Knights of Columbus 99th Annual State Convention on your behalf. It is interesting to note that the Knights of Columbus was established as a State jurisdiction within the order100 years ago on June 18th, 1910. Ten years later almost to the day, The Catholic Women’s League was founded and placed under the patronage of the Canadian hierarchy on June 17th. To acknowledge the Knights Centenary, we placed a full page greeting from the Provincial CWL in their commemorative anniversary book. The Knights and the CWL have always worked well together and for each other. As District Deputy Kevin Pinto pointed out, working together to defend Catholic Education and moral values is critical in this day and age.

The Diocesan Presidents and Chairpersons have covered everything so beautifully that there’s not a lot I can add. I noted that 95.4% of the councils sent in reports to their Diocesan Presidents. Very impressive, I know a few chairpersons who wouldn’t mind those statistics. I commend the Diocesan Presidents for their diligence, and efforts to encourage, educate and affirm their members. A total of five Bellelle Guerin Awards were presented in the last year. For anyone unfamiliar with this award, the Nominee must be an exemplary member of the League serving at more than one level, who does not and will not qualify for life membership. The complete criteria is in the National Manual of Policy & Procedure. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

Many blessings to everyone as we begin the New Year. I know you are praying for the people in Haiti suffering as a result of the devastating earthquake. Watching their terrible suffering has certainly put a different perspective on petty annoyances such as bad weather or technological difficulties. I am sincerely grateful for all the many blessings we do have.

So, what is happening?

Great news regarding membership! A must read is Nancy Simms’ Provincial Organization Communiqué outlining a wonderful innovative prize being offered by National to parish councils with the most new members. Good Luck! We came very close to reaching our goal of 10,000 members this year and I hope with this added incentive 2010 will be our year to achieve our target.

National Convention Fun Theme: “The Decades”

National President, Danielle, has asked each province to represent a decade at the National convention in Ottawa. I was the first to put my hand in the basket and pulled out “1940-1949”. Having been born during that decade, I thought that was a very good choice and hope you feel the same way.

As a matter of fact, I think it’s such a good idea, that we should take this idea to our Provincial convention; perhaps everyone could come in 40’s dress on one of the days.

Do you remember the “40’s”? Everyone wore hats and gloves, nylons with seams, dresses with buttons down the front – you get the idea. A lot of things happened for the first time. Take a look on Google for more ideas.

Reporting of Deceased Members

After a lengthy discussion at the last National Midterm meeting, it was agreed that reporting of deceased members should continue the same as last year eg. all reports going directly to National. The process of submitting memberships on line has already begun and therefore, there is a possibility that the list of deceased members will be available by accessing a secure website.

Elections

The election process has begun for Provincial and you will soon be receiving nomination letters from Barbara. Here I pass on the advice that I received in past years. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Meeting With Government: March 25, 2009

Four members of the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada met with Liberal and New Democratic party MLA’s to present and discuss CWL resolutions. The delegation consisted of Marianna Caldwell, president, Nancy Simms, president-elect, Sheila Quinn, Legislation chairperson, and myself, Sandra Stajduhar, Resolutions chairperson. A report has been sent to and printed in some newspapers – this report has more detail.

Information on the CWL and the resolutions was prepared and given to the MLA’s beforehand, and while the information and the oral presentation were the same in both cases, the two meetings varied. MLA Randy Hawes, Government Whip, introduced us and chaired the meeting with the Liberal caucus. There were about sixteen members present, with others joining us as other meetings concluded – followed by a photo shoot. The meeting with the NDP was an informal table discussion with three MLA’s – Claire Trevena (North Island) critic for women‘s issues, Leonard Krog (Nanaimo) critic for the Attorney General, and Harry Bains (Surrey-Newton), Olympics critic. In both cases, our presentation was received with interest, and questions, comments and suggestions were offered in return. We attended the afternoon question period in the legislature and were introduced and thanked by both parties.

The information package prepared for the MLA’s included all 2008 resolutions as well as two past resolutions still of interest. Briefs, bibliographies and action plans were included. In the oral presentation, specific items of concern, particularly in B.C., were highlighted as we asked for ongoing support in resolving issues. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

I have had the wonderful privilege of attending four Diocesan Conventions. I flew from Vancouver to Kamloops and on to Kitimat and two weeks later to Castlegar for the Nelson Convention in Creston then back to Vancouver and on to Victoria. Each convention is unique but the CWL members are the same loving, caring, faith filled women I am so proud to be associated with.

With such a tight schedule, I was only able to be in Kamloops for the beginning of their convention. I thank Nancy Simms for representing the Provincial Council for the remainder of the Kamloops convention and for going to Vancouver. Special thanks to Dodie for traveling to Whitehorse for their convention. You’ve already heard that Nancy is our brand new Life Member. I just want to let you know that if you are coming to St. John’s, you will be present to see Nancy officially installed in a very special and memorable ceremony.

The year of St. Paul is coming to a close. Councils have reflected on the writings of St. Paul and have attended special venues to receive a spiritual indulgence. The coming year is dedicated to our priests. Do you remember wearing an angel pin with a yellow ribbon? For the Year of the Priest, I challenge every council to once again wear this pin as an indication of your love and prayerful support for our clergy. You will be hearing more about this from Carol Penno over the coming year.

Last summer the national office hired Manifest Communications, a marketing research company, to identify the direction the League might consider in the future. Their report was an in depth study of “Where are we? Where do we want to be?; and How do we get there? A couple of recommendations were highlighted: that “faith, fun and fulfillment be a core strategic platform, and that the League foster a connection with Catholic women 50-65 as they have likely recently retired; have energy, skills and capacity; looking to take on a new adventure and they were most likely to still be actively attending Church on a regular basis”. For councils that have expressed that they are looking for younger members; this is something to keep in mind. » Read the rest of this entry »

What a wonderful experience it was to represent the BC & Yukon Provincial Council at the National Convention and so rewarding to have all six Dioceses represented so well.  I am sad to report that Nicole G. has submitted her resignation as President of the Whitehorse Diocese as they are moving to Kamloops.  While we will miss her and wish her the very best, I know that Kamloops Diocese will make her very welcome in her new home.   We send a big Provincial welcome to Edna L. as she steps into Nicole’s place as President of Whitehorse Diocese.

National Convention

Nancy Simms and Carol Penno attended the convention as Provincial Accredited Delegates and will be reporting their experience and observations on the convention.  However, as this was an election year I would like to mention your new National Executive:

President: Danielle McNeil-Hessian
President-elect: Velma Harasen, Organization
1st Vice President: Betty Anne Brown, Communications
2nd Vice President: Cecile Miller, Health & Education
Secretary/Treasurer: Peggy Roche
Past-President: Lorette Noble

Chairpersons:
Terri Scott, Spiritual Development
Pearl Bridgwater, Christian Family Life
Mary Nordick, Community Life
Barbara Dowding, Resolutions
Judy Lewis, Legislation » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

This time last year our council did not have a President-Elect so for the first time an election for President had to be held.  Here I am, the new president happy to report we have a full slate of officers.

To date, through marketing the League and creating enthusiasm we have reached over 9,000 members and continue to grow.  In order to celebrate parish council successes in building membership we brought back the practice of presenting a special certificate, which this year was awarded to a parish council that attained 50 new members, doubling their membership! » Read the rest of this entry »

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

The awarding of the Order of Canada to Morgentaler calls for a response from every member of the Catholic Women’s League. You are urged to take immediate action to register your opposition to awarding someone who is responsible for terminating over 100,000 unborn children a year.

You may email the Governor General at info@gg.ca or write to

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, Rideau Hall, 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A1

The Catholic Civil Rights League has an online petition to “Rescind the Order of Canada from Henry Morgentaler” at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Morgentaler/

(Note: donations are optional)

This prestigious award is officially described as follows:

The Order of Canada is the centrepiece of Canada’s honours system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country).

The order of Canada was intended to unite our country and not cause division. Please take time to express your displeasure with this award.

Please also see letter (pdf) from National President, Lorette Noble to The Right Honorable Michaelle Jean on the National CWL website and the letter to all parishioners from Archbishop Raymond Roussin that was circulated this Sunday.

Your Sister in the League,

Marianna Caldwell, President

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding

How to wrap up a year in the life as provincial president in four short minutes?! Its been a time of teaching, evangelizing, animating and motivating. A most recent highlight is the incorporation of a second provincial midterm meeting. This is a first for us and so good for a number of reasons, the most important of which is that it gives us more opportunities to get to know one another better, to brainstorm, network and have time for workshops. All of which helps us to grow in our own personal confidence and spirituality which should in turn benefit all of you! We’ve explored our different traits and characteristics and learned how to understand the way another thinks, works and reacts. Meeting together around the provincial table is productive, interesting and fun especially with more time to really get into the important things. » Read the rest of this entry »

Please see below for the greeting delivered by President Barbara Dowding at the Knights of Columbus State Convention on April 26, 2008:

Your Excellencies Archbishop Miller, Bishops Monroe and Nowacoski, Mr. O’Hara, Worthy State Deputy, delegates and guests,

Greetings and blessings from nearly 9000 members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in British Columbia and the Yukon!

It is an honour, and a pleasure, to extend to each and every one you heartfelt best wishes, as you gather in convention. Imagine – 97 years of dedication and service! A milestone of its own, made even more meaningful, by your legacy. Evidence of your stewardship abounds in the residences you have built, the funds you have raised and the care given to those who need it the most. » Read the rest of this entry »

With regards to the Human Trafficking and Legalization of Brothels in light of the 2010 Olympics, please see attached letter from our President, Barbara Dowding, to Mayor Sam Sullivan of Vancouver, and his response.

Both are PDF files and require the free Adobe Reader to view.

• Letter from Barbara Dowding to Sam Sullivan
• Response from Sam Sullivan