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.

I am very pleased with the enthusiasm that councils have received the Leadership Workshops and would like to thank Nancy for all the work she put into assembling and making these workshops available to all who requested them.

Please take time to read the reports in the convention book and share them with committee chairpersons who were not able to come to convention. The fact that we are growing is a testimony to the effort that councils have put toward letting others know the value of belonging to the league. Despite the difficulties that some councils have encountered in filling executive positions I applaud their determination to remain active. On behalf of the Provincial Council I congratulate Star of the Sea Council, White Rock in winning the membership contest and look forward to seeing Barbara Willumsen accepting the award in Ottawa. Well done!

Can you believe that it has been 5 years since our last National Convention and convention planning has begun for 2015 with the appointment of Roxanne McDonald of St. Clare of Assissi as the 2015 National Planning Committee Chair. With the extra dollar being collected with our membership fee, we will be more than ready.

Our National theme is really our way of life. As National President Danielle Hessian put it, “The Theme Women of Peace and Hope, prompted reflection not only on the manner we live our own lives but on the example we provide for others in our family, parish & communities. Several councils took the opportunity to learn more about Palliative Care, the connection to our theme, while others are actively involved in ministering to the sick in their Parish and community.

Jesus has asked us not to hide our light but to hold it up high so that all may see. When you hold the light up high it throws a light not only on your own path but another’s as well. Actually what Jesus said in Luke 8:16 was, “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand so that those who come in may see the light. This is repeated in Mark 4:21 and Luke 11:33 as well so it must be pretty important.

I believe that you can apply this same philosophy to the Catholic Women’s League. Be brave, shine your light on the Catholic Women’s League by sharing your gift of the League with others who have yet to discover the beauty of the League. I thank you for being a gift to me.

May Our Lady of God Counsel and her son Jesus inspire and bless all you do for the League and Canada with “Faith & Joy”.

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.

Pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Are you ready to take on a position for the right reason and are you willing to commit yourself to give your optimum and very best to whatever position you wish to take on? Do you have the time to research and innovative in your leadership position, sometimes at the sacrifice of your personal activities and family? Teamwork and a positive, enthusiastic attitude are vital.

As you know, this election calls for an instructed vote. Diocesan Presidents finishing their term of office are asked to help your successor and inform her as to the process. Nelson and Victoria presidents will be completing their term before our election and I urge you to thoroughly review the process with your incoming president. There will also be national elections this year that will require an instructed vote.

It is important to give careful consideration before casting your vote. If you do not know the names or capabilities of the candidate, please call on your Life Members or present or past provincial executive to be candid and tell you about the individual’s capabilities. You are electing a person who will be guiding members across the country for the next two years. It is imperative that we elect the strongest possible executives at every level of the League to make our organization the very best that it can be; keep personalities out of your choice and honestly assess the work that has been done.

I am preparing my report for the National Winter Executive meeting in Toronto and would like to hear what has transpired since October. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns as well. As I need to have my report in by January 29th, I would appreciate receiving something from everyone no later than January 26th. Thank you.

Annual Reports

Diocesan Presidents, I look forward to receiving your annual reports. Please stress the importance of completed annual reporting to give us a good perspective of how councils are faring. Hopefully you will receive 100% reporting. Reports are due February 15th.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel keep you all close to her heart.

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.

The resolution directed to the B.C. government was “Ban the Use of Cell Phones While Driving”. Some provinces have already enacted legislation, and 46 countries have such a ban in place. Studies show that cell phone use impairs driving in simulated environments to a degree similar to a blood alcohol level of .08%. Government members seemed to be in agreement with this resolution. We were asked if we had considered expanding the resolution to include other communication devices, and it was pointed out that eating while driving is also a dangerous distraction. The problem of enforcing a ban on hand held cell phones was asked. Our reply was that it would begin slowly but over time would be accepted similar to the seat belt law. NDP MLA Claire Trevena stated that the BCAA was also addressing this issue.

With the Olympics being hosted in Vancouver next year, Resolution 2008.01 Preventing Human Trafficking at 2010 Olympics was well received. The correlation between international sporting events and increased human trafficking is well documented. The BC government was commended for establishing the Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons and MLA Colin Hansen (Minister for the Olympics) noted that a higher level of watch is needed and that hotels and restaurants have been approached to help in relation to this. One minister commented that she is concerned about the 2 – 3000 international exchange students in Vancouver. It was stated that there is a need to educate people and create awareness, and the NDP stated that an integrated approach is needed – to educate men on this issue and cut off the demand. It is encouraging to note that several MLA’s have spoken in the legislature on trafficking.

An overview was given of several resolutions. This was informative and received with interest. Regarding products containing triclosan, it was suggested that we work with the Canadian Cancer Society; regarding toxic substances in household products, it was agreed that dumping in the environment is a cause for concern; and accurate food labelling was deemed a federal issue. Resolution 2008.05 Transportation Tax Credit for Post Secondary Students was also presented briefly. Comments were made that it is not the best policy to single out one area (i.e. rural)

Information on hospice palliative care, a focus for CWL this year, was presented. While there has been improvement in this area, there is still a need for a system where quality of care does not depend on ability to pay and where hospice palliative care is designated as a core service and accessible across the province. Funding issues were raised, as well as the question of whether palliative care should be community rather than government driven. It was agreed that volunteers are necessary to provide adequate care. Hospice makes an annual presentation to the government, and MLA’s have made presentations on end of life care to caucus.

The final issue addressed was poverty, in particular child poverty. Statistics show that BC has a very poor record, and that poverty costs all of us. There is a need for improved income for both the employed and unemployed; better, affordable housing; improved childcare; and training and education. The statistics were questioned by some MLA’s (particularly whether rent subsidies were taken into account) and the Liberals stressed that improving the economy in general would show improvement in child poverty statistics. The NDP stressed that poverty in B.C. is a shameful situation – both morally and economically – and that a national policy and national housing strategy is needed. The challenge is for all of us to work together for a minimum 25% reduction in child poverty by the year 2012.

The national theme is “Women of Peace and Hope”, while our provincial theme is “Serving With Faith and Joy”. We tried to exemplify both in our presentation and in our manner, and the meetings with both parties were interesting, informative and productive to both the MLA‘s and our delegation. We were commended for our presentation – that it was well thought out and researched – and for the presentations by the BC & Yukon executive over the past 13 years.

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.

The BC & Yukon Catholic Women’s League is alive and well. I am very proud of the women who have come forward to fill vacancies on their executive, on both parish and diocesan levels.

On Thursday we were challenged by Councillor Cameron Stolz to set bold goals. Yesterday, Sean Murphy’s presentation also challenged us to take bold steps to defend our faith and stand up for our moral values. Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”. It is from God we receive our strength & courage.

Being women of Peace & Hope, may our Lady of Good Counsel help us to serve with Faith & Joy.

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

WUCWO Convention

The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) North American Regional Conference which preceded the National Convention had 331in attendance from all over North American.  President General, Karen Hurley of the United States gave an enthusiastic and inspiring presentation.  Barbara Dowding will give a more in depth report on this important event.

Resolutions (In review)

Ten were presented to Provincial; five resolutions were accepted for presentation to the Provincial Convention.  Of the five resolutions forwarded to National, one was accepted, another referred to committee for action.  The three that were not accepted have been returned and will be forwarded to the respective Diocesan Presidents.

The issue of withdrawing support for Amnesty International was brought to the Pre-Convention Meeting and discussed.  It is to be noted that Resolution 1981.13 Support to Amnesty International has been archived and can no longer be accessed on the website.  On July 11, 2006, Agnes Bedard wrote to Amnesty International advising that we could “no longer support the Canadian section of Amnesty International until its position on abortion has been clarified and unequivocally revoked”.   Although this letter was posted on the National website, it apparently was not followed up in a communiqué.  It was our recommendation that members who had chosen to withdraw their support of Amnesty International be encouraged to write them explaining it’s because of their pro-abortion policy.

League Theme for 2009 & 2010 – “Women of Peace & Hope”

The announcement of the new theme was made as a visual presentation.  The words are portrayed in a beautiful logo which President, Danielle McNeil-Hessian has made available in three different programs which I have attached to this email.  The new theme begins in January 2009.  All councils may use the logo without permission and it can be copied or reproduced as many times as they desire.

Leadership Development & Public Speaking Workshops in the Prince George and Nelson Dioceses are proceeding as planned on September 20th & October 4th respectively. Anyone wishing to plan a Leadership Development Workshop is asked to contact Nancy Simms to make arrangements.

Membership Lists

One area of great concern was the reporting of memberships to the National Office.  Since the installation of the new computer program, it will no longer accept any mistakes or incomplete information.  Kim Scammell reported that 95% of the membership lists submitted this year contained an error and had to be corrected before they could continue.  Since cheques could not be reconciled it caused a huge backup resulting in a delay in forwarding per capita to Diocesan and Provincial councils and parish council treasurers wondering why their cheques had not been cashed.

I know we can conquer this problem and ask all Councils to ensure that all relevant information is complete and correct, particularly postal codes, at the time memberships are collected.  With your vigilance, I know that this province will not be the source of any concern in this regard next year.

Fall Midterm Meeting

The Fall midterm meeting is fast approaching.  As many will recall, it is being held at the St. Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna which is something new.  After much consideration, we thought that instead of driving up, we would suggest that those of us leaving from Vancouver (8) travel together by Greyhound Bus to Kelowna.  The return fare is $69.30 (including tax) when purchasing the ticket 14 days in advance (otherwise the fare is much higher).

Thursday, October 23rd, Trip #0034 leaves Vancouver at 9:45am and arrives in Kelowna 4:05pm.  It also picks up in Langley at 10:45am and Abbotsford at 11:15am.  We would leave Kelowna Sunday 11:00am arriving in Abbotsford 3:35pm; Langley 4:10pm; Vancouver 5:30pm.  Let me know if you will be joining us on the bus or need to make different arrangements.

Please send your report on what has happened since the Provincial Convention in advance of the midterm meeting along with any concerns and/or items you would like added to the agenda. Secretary Pat Deppiesse will be sending the Notice of Meeting in the very near future.

It looks like Fr. Tran will be with us for the first part of our meeting and we will be able to begin with a retreat and have the pleasure of becoming better acquainted with our new Spiritual Advisor.

As we begin this new season, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

May Our Lady of Good Counsel bless and enfold you.

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!

Another goal set was to take ownership of the teaching role at the Provincial level as education is paramount. A workshop encompassing the different facets of Communications was presented in each diocese. But most importantly we have now taken our comprehensive Leadership Development & Public Speaking Workshop around the Province providing an opportunity for members to gain the knowledge and confidence to ‘step forward’ and accept an executive position.

Making inroads into the public sector and making our voices heard on current issues is critical, especially now in BC with the Winter Olympics approaching in 2010. While the Catholic Women’s League has always worked well with the Knights of Columbus, we are now enjoying a truly collaborative relationship and shared objectives such as human trafficking.   Together we have undertaken a huge letter writing campaign and brought our concerns regarding brothels at the Olympics to the attention of Mayer Sam Sullivan of Vancouver.  Just imagine the impact if all Catholic men and women across Canada joined forces to support family values and the protection of the most vulnerable.

The burning interest members have in these issues were apparent by the 10 resolutions received this year.  In March, the provincial delegation met with both Liberal and NDP caucus members to present and discuss our resolutions.  The positive reception received, the interest in our concerns about trafficking, etc and the comment that our visits are like ‘their consciousness’ made for a successful meeting.

“A Journey of Memories” a mammoth project preserving the testimony and resourcefulness of our Life Members and their journey in book form was undertaken, successfully completed and published thanks to Life Member, Thelma Varcoe.   Life Members are hoping to establish a “Cultural Award” that will recognize and celebrate Catholic artists and authors.

For everyone who is familiar with the work carried out by Domestic Abuse Services-Our Lady of Good Counsel Society in Vancouver, I am pleased to announce that they have purchased a safe house to be used as secondary housing for women fleeing domestic violence.

I continue to be astounded at the work and successes in our dioceses – from the smallest and most remote to the bustling metropolitan councils, the CWL manages to ‘get the work done’.  The challenges are clear but I believe if we keep our members informed, encouraged and educated we will reap the rewards.  My goal is to build and fine tune the programs already in place, to meet local needs and to care in a special way for our existing members.

Under the protection of Our Lady of Good Counsel we continue to work for God and Canada.  May God bless all our endeavours.

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

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.Another significant high point was the Leadership Development Days. It was really wonderful to see the reaction and interaction as we crammed all that learning into one day. The most exciting part was the request for more and longer workshops – how good is that?! The results speak for themselves and you’ll be hearing more about that later.

For me, traveling to the other dioceses has been the best part of all. It has grounded me so totally in the belief that the CWL is alive and well in all corners of our province and territory. While it may look different in some places and sound different too, the underlying solid truth is that our members truly love the League and are doing everything in their power to keep it strong. You’ll soon be hearing how our National council is working a new marketing strategy that will benefit us all. As we begin to craft a new story about who we really are and why we are, I can assure you that the women I’ve met in BC & the Yukon know this already!

Diocesan conventions are well attended and members are happy to gather, share and tell their stories. Everyone had workshops and speakers but what I marveled at most was hearing parish presidents report. From the smallest of councils with 10 or so members in remote places to those with nearly 200 in major cities – so much work is being done and done well. I am inspired and proud of all that you do in your parish councils. Looking around at our parish presidents, I see something very wonderful. I see dynamic, strong and confident women, many of whom have only recently come to know the League. Much of this, I believe, is a fruit of the National Convention in 2005 and while it takes time to work on up through the diocesan and provincial levels, we are soon to have a bumper crop of candidates ready to stand for office, of this I am sure. Great things coming!

Having the opportunity to attend the conference in Rome sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity was a major highlight that has impacted my League life. I came home filled with the desire to support, affirm and share with each and every one my League sisters the importance and necessity to know and believe that we, women, hold the key to hope, that we have the necessary gifts to build peace in our world. John Paul II and Pope Benedict ask us use our feminine genius to collaborate in the building up of society. How can we not?

Meetings, conventions, travel, letters, e-mail and phone – every connection and contact with you my League sisters has given me so much to be thankful for and has touched me deeply. I loved walking with you humbly before our God and I hope and pray you will continue to love one another as you serve God and Canada.

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.

The Catholic Women’s League, while not quite as old as you, has a similar history – one that grew out of a need to help young women new to Canada in the 1920′s – and which continues to serve, as our prayer says, at home and abroad sharing the good things He has given us…..

We know our world is changing at an alarming pace, before our very eyes to the extent it seems we can’t keep up. There is evidence of profound changes around personal identity, attitudes and relationships between the sexes, where terms like ‘gender ideology’ have become commonplace. In addition there is the even more worrying phenomenon, which is the crisis affecting the entire world – the refusal of people to accept God – of God being pushed out of society.

And yet, as Catholic women and men we know there is great hope – Hope for the future, hope for the Church and for society. We also know that by working together will be able to give a clear and positive Christian response in the world.

As members of our great organizations, this is what we do and this is our challenge. We are called to collaborate and to find ways to offer authentic witness and action.

Your theme, Follow Me, brings to mind examples of many saints, but in particular our modern day saints like Mother Teresa, Edith Stein and of course your founder, the venerable servant of God Michael McGivney. These seemingly ordinary people were followers of the Jesus first, before they gave everything they had, and were, to others, as they lived out the Gospel. It is from them we learn to follow.

And, Knights of Columbus – you are doing exactly that! Congratulations on the work you’ve done regarding trafficking of persons, prostitution and women’s rights. The CWL will be there to support your March for Life, which is sure to be a resounding success and to join you in the Eucharistic Adoration in June and so much more.

Your theme is an exhortation to follow Christ, whatever it takes, wherever it takes us. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada applauds and thanks you for all you do. We look forward to many more fruitful years of collaboration and partnership. Our voice nearly 20,000 strong – Let us then, follow joyfully, with hearts full of wonder and hope.

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

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

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

I hope you have all had a good Lent and I pray that this Holy Week will be particularly prayerful for you. It is such a hopeful time of year with the longer, lighter days and Easter’s promise upon us!

But first, special congratulations to the Nelson Diocese on the appointment of their new Bishop, John Corriveau, ofm. This will be an exciting time for your diocese and for Bishop Corriveau too as he begins to see how wonderful the CWL is! Bishop Cooney is in our prayers too for his many years of support and service.

Annual reports

Next, thanks to everyone for the great annual reports and on time too. It makes my job so much easier as I try to pull them all together for my president’s report to National. I look forward to seeing a variation of all those statistics and interesting tidbits in our annual convention book.

Government Meeting

We had an interesting and productive meeting on March 5 with both the NDP and members of the Liberal Caucus. Sheila Quinn, Pat Battensby and I were pleased to present a number of resolutions and recommendations. We had good feedback and questions on human trafficking, elder abuse in care homes, banning the use of cell phones in cars and the issue around legalizing brothels among other things. More than once we were referred to as ‘the conscience’ for the politicians that needs to be heard. It was a compliment and made us even more determined to continue to meet as often as we can. One NDP member suggested we take our resolution and ideas regarding the 2010 games and the issue of prostitution/brothels to Colin Hansen. She agreed to assist in getting an appointment if we had trouble.

Knights of Columbus

We’ve had some good dialogue with the State Deputy, Dan O’Hara as they work on a resolution re prostitution and we will continue to work together on this. Bishop Monroe has been a driving force and I believe this is the type of collaboration we need, as Catholic men and women. The Knights are also planning a March for Life in Victoria on May 8 as well as a day of Adoration for the success of the Eucharistic Congress. Watch for more details and let’s try to support these events.

Conventions

Before you know it we’ll be full on into convention mode. Diocesan Presidents have been planning and preparing for months now and from what I can see all the dioceses are going to have interesting and productive meetings. With elections in the offing for some dioceses and provincial, as well as national nominations to come, it should be lots of fun!

Diocesan

This year’s workshop will focus on Communications. There are many facets to successful and efficient communication in all areas of our lives. Look for a workshop that will help with conflict resolution, media savvy and even some tips on effective reporting. I also hope you are planning to celebrate membership goals/achievements in some way.

Provincial

National President, Lorette Noble will be our featured guest and presenter. Lorette is always a delight and we are looking forward to what pearls of wisdom she will bring. The planning committee from the Kamloops diocese has been working hard with the local council in Williams Lake. Suffice to say you will be Taught, Evangelized, Animated and Motivated over the course of our time together. In particular Fr. Brock will bring Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to us as only he can and we look forward to this special time with him as he prepares to pass the torch as our beloved Spiritual Advisor. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control (a Ukrainian Cardinal, no less!), most of our Bishops will not be able to come to Williams Lake. This has meant a bit of readjustment re the agenda but you can be sure we won’t have trouble filling it.

Provincial executive

Please be sure to book your accommodations and get your flights as soon as possible. Also if possible to bring your Standing Committee Chairperson’s box to exchange and be prepared to stay for the post convention meeting.

National

Just a reminder about the WUCWO Regional meeting and the fact that registration for that is included with your National registration. All the information you need is in the League Magazine. This would be a great convention to get to and Winnipeg isn’t that far!

Conference on women

You will recall at our meeting in January that I was preparing to attend the conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Feb 6-10 in Rome. It was an awesome experience to say the least. I’ve written a short article for the League Magazine and our newsletter but there is still so much to synthesize. More than 150 delegates participated from 47 countries and even more ecclesial movements including the Catholic Women’s League to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter, “Mulieris Dignitatem.” Over the three days, we were reminded about the unique vocation we have as women to safeguard humanity and bring about peace. I learned about a ‘maternal church’ that I understood to mean a church with a motherly and tender focus that would enable people to acquire new freedoms proper to Christianity, to appreciate the value of relationships and to rediscover different experiences of culture. This conference instilled in us the desire to 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 they (we) hold the key to hope and have the necessary gifts to build peace. During our audience with Pope Benedict, he said: “it is necessary to enable the women to collaborate in the building of society, appreciating her feminine genius.”

Leadership workshop in Kamloops

From Rome via London to Kamloops! The leadership workshop was extremely well received and Marilyn did a great job in presenting this with me. More on the workshops later!

National Spring Meeting

February 29 – March 2. And then to Montreal – what a month! The meeting was interesting and lively as always. It was special for me in that it was my last one, already! The tradition at those meetings is that the outgoing presidents do a skit or song to honour the others and the time spent together. As well, the presidents who are staying for another term do something special for those of us who are leaving. It was really something to see. You would be so proud of this group of women who support and affirm one another in prayer and song and fun!

I’ve attached a report of the basic business from my notes. Some things that should interest us all include:

• Resolutions process. Diocesan and Provincial resolutions committees will have to be well prepared in dealing with the new criteria. Diocesan presidents, please be sure you are clear what’s being asked. We don’t want any of our resolutions to be rejected on the basis of not following the guidelines – that would be a terrible situation for those who have worked so hard. If you need any help or clarification prior to your conventions, please contact Sheila directly.
• Forms for reported deceased members will be changed as well as the process – watch for it!
• Criteria for the National Development fund is likely to change as well as the forms. If you are planning to apply, don’t wait too long.
• Membership for BC & Yukon is up again – this time we are one of five provinces with increases – well done! Inching ever closer to our 10,000 if we are to catch the Knights….

And lastly, thank you to Pat Battensby for her good work on the Nominations Committee. It is a huge job. Thank you to those of you who so generously agreed to let your names stand. Special thanks also if you could not. I know there are so many extenuating circumstances that influence our lives and our decisions. Suffice to say, if and when things change for you, I hope you will consider offering your services in some way that suits your situation. We are always looking to share the load; sub committees need chairs; chairpersons need mentors. Should you be called upon to help, I hope you will be able to give consideration and say ‘here I am Lord, use me!’ Whatever you can do or not, your prayers are welcome as we too will continue to pray for you. Our families are our priority and as sisters we will always support one another.

It’s been a busy few months and looks pretty hectic ahead. Let’s pray for peace, in our hearts first and in our homes and families. I was privileged tonight to attend a Mass in celebration of the life of Chiara Lubich, the foundress of the Focolare Movement who died last Friday. The meditation that she wrote in 1976 could have been written today – it was on love and peace, that all may be one. Pope Benedict sent a telegram in which he said: “I thank the Lord for the witness of her life, spent in listening to the needs of modern man in complete faithfulness to the Church and to the Pope.” May she rest in peace.

Happy Easter!

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

As we wind down another Church year and look forward to Advent, I write with a number of things for your consideration.

First and most important is our 2008 mid-term meeting that was scheduled for Feb 28-March 1. There is a conflict with the National Spring meeting in Montreal so we’ve had to change not only the date but the venue and I am hoping the new ones will work for everyone.

Secondly, I’ve attached my summary notes from the meeting last week in Winnipeg. I’ve included almost everything so you’re completely up to date! Please note where I’ve asked for input or action. It seemed easier than writing a separate communique.

It was a good meeting with lots of interesting discussion. The ad hoc committee working on the marketing for our League has a big job ahead of them. Let’s keep them in prayer as they work to help us market our awesome product in a way that will make it as attractive to others as we know it to be ourselves.

Don’t forget to purchase the nativity stamps – you’ll need to ask for them specifically. And speaking of which, with Christmas around the corner, annual reports on the top of parish council lists next to nominations and elections, I encourage everyone to help one another stay positive and affirm each other wherever you find yourselves, especially at your parish council meetings.

Like last year, I’ve ordered the Magnificat Advent Prayer book for each of you, but so far it hasn’t arrived. Please know it will be to you ‘post haste’ upon its arrival here. With that I offer you my heartfelt and sincere wishes for a most blessed Christmas time. Let’s get these few things off our CWL list so we can focus on Advent and all that comes with it. I am ever so grateful to each and everyone of you for your love and support and look forward to an amazing 2008 as we put our thoughts and words in to action – it will be a teaching and learning year, one that will help us all grow in love and charity for God and Canada.

Merry Christmas and a happy and blessed New Year!

With love and prayers from your Sister in the League,
Barb

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

Fall is fast approaching! The cooler mornings, the mist and fog, not to mention the spider webs everywhere tell me its time to get back to work.

I can see your Provincial Executive have been busy and thank them for the fine communiques filled with great pearls of information and ideas for action.

You will be receiving reports from Sheila Q…., 1st Vice President and Marilyn V………, 2nd Vice President on their view of the National Convention in Montreal. I can tell you that you will think you were there after reading the reports!

I was a very proud Provincial President when our three new Life Members were “inducted” at a moving and very meaningful service. Congratulations again to Marianna C, Sheila Q and Marilyn V.

While I was pleased that so many members from our province were in attendance, some accredited for their dioceses but many on their own, it made me think, once again, that we need to find ways of getting all our diocesan presidents to all the National Conventions. It is such a great learning experience and an important base for League growth. But there is another even more important reason and that concerns the election of national officers. If diocesan presidents have never even seen or heard of the women running for office, it makes for very difficult choices when it comes to nominations and knowing the people we want to elect.

RESOLUTIONS:
We were all disappointed in the number of resolutions that came to the convention floor, but in the end it was a great learning experience. Further, at both the pre and post convention meetings, as well as during the Presidents’ roundtable discussion, the topic of resolutions came up. Presidents called for more consistency in applying the criteria when it comes to accepting or rejecting resolutions. It was noted that this must begin at the parish level. Dioceses must not accept resolutions just because a group worked hard on them or because feelings will be hurt. We have to teach proper adherence to rules and criteria to ensure success at the next level. In this regard I urge every diocesan council to commit to one workshop in the coming months on resolutions. It doesn’t have to be a long one, but there are many to choose from and many qualified provincial and diocesan executive members, as well as Life Members, who would be willing and able to do this. Our League is known for its work through resolutions; this year we have little to show. Let’s all make an effort to help Sheila reach her goal of putting BC back on the resolutions map!

NEWS FROM NATIONAL:
I’m really excited about the manual for Organization Chairpersons that should be ready soon. We’ve been pressing our National Council to revamp and review our training materials and I’m pleased to say it has come to be. I think you will really like it and I am sure it will inspire all Organization Chairpersons, particularly those at parish level. It might even encourage a member to take on this standing committee!

You will also hear more about a new pin designed to recognize service on diocesan and provincial levels when a member doesn’t qualify for or is not able to accept a Life Membership. The details will be clear and you might be surprised to find there are members in your parish councils who actually qualify…. Wait and see! (I will attach the draft criteria, but its for your information only at this time).

WUCWO:
Agnes Bedard reported that the voluntary contributions to WUCWO were up by 75% this past year. Plans for the Regional meeting next August are going ahead well and will be in conjunction with our National Convention. I am sure Pat Battensby will be getting and sending updates as they are available, but want to remind everyone to start thinking about the possibility of attending both parts.

FOCUS GROUPS RE STANDING COMMITTEES:
I’ve attached a power point presentation that was made by Danielle McNeill-Hessian at the convention. Most of it is self explanatory, but if you want any more information or details, please do not hesitate to contact me. The end result is that there are no pending changes to the Standing Committees at least for the time being. The great news, however, is that a special committee consisting of Lorette Noble, Danielle McNeil-Hessian, Velma Harasen and Kim Scammell has been struck to develop a strategy/marketing plan for the League.

Almost everything else new or coming out of the convention is being covered in the Standing Committee Chairpersons’ communiques. Please encourage your parish council presidents to eliminate the ‘no report syndrome’ at their monthly meetings. Teach them how to make reporting interesting and to help them remember that the League is about looking out in to the larger community and world as much as taking care parish needs. We need a good balance and with some creativity, enthusiasm and preparation, this can easily be achieved.

LEAGUE DEVELOPMENT DAYS:
Marianna C…….. will report in her Organization Communique about the Provincial Council’s commitment to provide opportunities in every diocese for education and training about our League and how it is relevant in today’s busy global world. I am asking each diocesan president to find one Saturday that can be dedicated to League Development. This will be a full day, from 9 to 3 and will be presented by members of the provincial council. You may find it interesting to note that the Kamloops Diocese has already booked three such days! Please contact me directly with your date as Marianna will be away for two months.

ANNUAL REPORTS:
Special appreciation to Marianna Caldwell and her hard working committee for fine tuning (once again) the report forms. Please accept them in the spirit with which they are sent – helpful tools to achieve our reporting goal – and encourage all your councils to strive for 100% reporting!

MID TERM:
Thanks again for your cooperation in sending your reports in advance and any suggestions or items for the agenda. We will have a working retreat this year with emphasis on working! Unfortunately, Father Terry can’t be with us, but I know Dodie B… will help us ‘retreat’ well and keep us spiritually on track as we prepare for another busy CWL year.

I look forward to hearing from all of you, particularly the diocesan presidents, as you communicate with your councils and plan your year. Remember, its not about us individually, but rather about how the Holy Spirit works with and through us to serve His people!

With love and prayers from your Sister in the League,

Barb

Madame President,

It has been another very good year in BC & the Yukon. Our numbers continue inch ever closer to the 10,000 mark and more and more members are getting out to diocesan and provincial conventions – further proof of the wonderful rewards of hosting a National convention!

Our first year has been a huge learning curve as we got to know one another and appreciate our various talents and gifts. Our TEAM theme worked well and continues to guide us as we walk humbly with our God. I notice, as we teach, evangelize, animate and motive one another to open and share these precious gifts, a renewed feeling of ownership in our vision and mandate. We are committed to developing leadership skills, spiritual growth and appreciation for the Catholic Women’s League of Canada.

Whether at government meetings, where this year delegates had to withstand intense pressure and anger or in presenting to the Knights of Columbus convention a picture other than us being in the kitchen, or gathered with our BC Bishops in collaboration of such important topics as trafficking and pornography, League members are prepared and proud of who they are and what they stand for. Our six dioceses truly represent the changing face of our League and all embrace creative ways to reach out and include ALL women.

Education and training is a priority. Recent workshops on Standing Committee structure and the focus groups made it clear that many of our grass roots members do not see the big picture very well. Unlike you, of course, who are here today. By allocating extra funds, we will dispatch teams over the next year to cover the entire province as we respond to a pressing need for basic training and education around League structure and leadership. Our Development Days will focus on how the League is relevant in today’s world. With emphasis not only on our existing members, who are our bread and butter, so to speak, but also as an invitation to others to come and see.

We are committed to teaching the teacher. That way we can help every parish enhance its understanding and appreciation for the CWL. We will ask questions like, What kind of mentor are you for the League? Do you know the Mission Statement and are you committed to it? Do the Objects of the League determine your work for the League? Can you name them? And please, let us eliminate, once and for all, the ‘no report’ syndrome – how on earth can one know what’s going on outside the parish council if reports are considered tedious, boring or not relevant?

As president, I wanted each member to be proud of what the League stands for and to work tirelessly in affirming one another. If more of us were truly inspired to the kind of holiness that comes from the true meaning of service, AND if more of us were affirmed, pushed or shoved by a mentoring League sister, we wouldn’t have to search for or recruit more members. Women would want to walk with us as we find ways to Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate one another and make the League strong and viable. How many of us have been so moved? Many I am sure, so now its up to us to do likewise.

We’ve been given a legacy of kindness and trust in the Holy Spirit. I hope to build on this by instilling a sense of urgency in our members to learn, to respond unselfishly and to collaborate not only with the Holy Spirit but with one another

As Judy so aptly reminded us, we should listen to our Mother Mary when she tells us to do whatever He tells us and respond with heartfelt fervour, Here I am Lord, use me!

Barb D…….

Summer greetings and blessings! The longest day has come and gone – can you believe it? While I hope you are all packing your desk for a summer break from CWL, I am preparing for the National Convention. It will be a difficult task to keep all the wonderful highlights from BC & the Yukon to a mere five minutes!

Gratitude
I want to thank you all for the great team effort and wonderful success of the Provincial Convention. The evaluations, cards and calls make it clear that we achieved our goals and then some. The testimony of members and the honest sharing was truly inspiring. I hope our four new Presidents found the experience interesting and looking forward to meeting again in October.

Thanks to Sandra S…….. for the excellent write up of the proceedings – be sure to check it out on our website which, by the way, is looking very nice, indeed.

National Convention
For those of you going to Montreal, please let me know your itinerary so if you are interested in meeting with Margaret Ann J…… re the Toronto Training Manual, I can figure out the best time and connect with you.

Accredited delegates – We’re sending Sheila Q….and Marilyn V………. Although we do not have any resolutions this year, it seems fitting to send our Vice Presidents. Thank you both.

Trafficking
Please keep your eyes and ears open in regard to trafficking. As you probably know, the first case that went to trial this past week, failed to convict. Along with issues around trafficking we need to pay specific attention to those groups who are determined to legalize prostitution. I urge you to work with your councils to make sure we are all aware of what’s happening around us.

The brief mention of the ‘Code of Conduct’ by Sister Zarowny at the convention in relation to the travel industry deserves attention. UNICEF has joined the World Tourism Organization and the International advocacy group ECPAT in launching this Code. Nearly 600 companies have signed from around the world. So far there are none listed from Canada. If you want to find out more you can go to the UNICEF website as well as ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes). I’ve attached the Code of Conduct Summary and the list of signatories for your information.

In recent meetings leading up to the 2010 Olympic Games, it has been noted that the time is now if we are to make any inroads into what happens re trafficking and prostitution. We have no excuses. I look forward to our National Convention where I am hopeful we will have more direction and information on the motion adopted by the Committee on the Status of Women on May 29, 2007; Presented to the House on May 30, 2007):

That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and the motion adopted by the Committee on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 your Committee recommends: That the government, in collaboration with provincial and municipal counterparts as well as experts from the police, international organizations and NGO`s, develop and implement a plan prior to the opening of the 2010 Olympics to curtail the trafficking of women and girls for sexual purposes during the games and after.

The BBC World news reports that Britain is already working toward this problem for the 2012 Games. There is no time to waste!

Prayer partners
This was not intended to be a secret, but rather a way to connect in a special way with one other person. I find when I pray for my prayer partner, I think of her in a special way, wondering what she’s doing and how her day will be. For me, knowing my prayer partner is praying and thinking about me, gives me a sense of peace and gratitude.

I wish you all a happy restful and safe summer!

Attachments: Contact information from the convention; Code of Conduct Summary & Signatories of Code of Conduct -available upon request

Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism
www.thecode.org

SUMMARY

The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism (the Code) is a project joining the tourism private sector and the children’s rights non-governmental organization ECPAT, aiming to prevent sexual exploitation of children at tourism destinations.

The tour operators and their umbrella organizations, travel agents, hotels, airlines, etc. which endorse the Code, commit themselves to implement the following measures:

• To establish a corporate ethical policy against commercial sexual exploitation of children
• To train the personnel in the country of origin and travel destinations
• To introduce clauses in contracts with suppliers, stating a common repudiation of sexual exploitation of children
• To provide information to travellers through catalogues, brochures, in-flight films, ticket-slips, websites, etc.
• To provide information to local “key persons” at destinations
• To report annually.

The Code was initiated in April 1998 by ECPAT Sweden in cooperation with Scandinavian tour operators and the World Tourism Organization (WTO), and since 2000 it has been developed using mainly public funding provided by the European Commission, contributions from the European ECPAT partners, and logistic support from the WTO and the tourism industry. Impact: The Code is currently implemented globally by over 45 companies, tour operators, travel agencies, tourism associations and tourism unions:

• Over 50 tour operators from 13 countries (including the 25 members of the Tour Operators Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development (UNEP.UNESCO.WTO);
• 3 hotel chains.

The number of tourists impacted by the Code is estimated to reach in 2003 over 30 million per year, travelling to destinations in over 16 countries worldwide.

The Code won in 2003 the British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award in the Large Scale Tourism category.
Contact Information from the Provincial Convention

Uganda Library Project – Beverley Reid
Film: Anita’s Africa – Children’s documentary

www.cominghomefilms.com
cominghome@gulfislands.com
(250) 539-5094 or (604) 928-5094.

*************************

Dr. Nancy Reeves
www.nancyreeves.com

Books:
I’d Say Yes, God, If I Knew What You Wanted
A Path Through Loss
Found Through Loss

*************************
Sr. Marie Zarowny, SSA
mzarowny@ssabc.ca

************************
Linnea Good, who led us in singing and in musical reflection during Nancy Reeves’s presentation, sends thanks and greeting. She wishes you to know that we sang the following songs on Friday morning:

“I Rejoiced!” – Psalm 121, available in sheet music form from Linnea’s
web-site and her Psalm-Body’s Prayin’ subscription group.

“Will You Come and Follow Me” by John Bell of Iona Community, available
through GIA music and in Voices United UCC hymnbook.

“Like a Rock” from Swimmin’ Like a Bird CD and from The Good Book
(LGood)

“And When You Call for Me” – Ps 91, available in sheet music form from
Linnea’s web site and her Psalm-Body’s Prayin’ subscription group

“There is Your Heart” from Greatest of These CD and The Good Book
(LGood)

“Wings of the Morning” Psalm 139, available on sheet and possibly on
Linnea’s upcoming album 2008..!

“Song of Bernadette” by Leonard Cohen, sung perfectly by Jennifer Warnes
on Famous Blue Raincoat CD

“Who Am I” (unknown) from Swimmin’ Like a Bird CD and available in sheet
form from Linnea

Linnea Good is a singer-songwriter and leader in the fields of music in worship, and adults and children worshipping together. She tours much of the year in her trio Good Company. The latest of her numerous CDs, Swimmin’ Like a Bird, was thrice nominated for major Canadian awards as Outstanding Children’s Album of the Year. She welcomes conversations with you about her sharing in the music life of your community through concert, workshop, song-leading, worship or commissioned song. You can order her music by going to: www.linneagood.com. Contact her by email: lg@LinneaGood.com

LINK: Letter to CMA (PDF)

I am delighted to speak to you for a few minutes about the Organization Standing Committee. As you know, it is one of those committees with a bad rap so to speak. No one wants to do it, possibly because it often has strings to the presidency attached, or because it deals with leadership development and most of think we aren’t qualified.

What a state of affairs! For today, let’s take a little look and you can tell me what’s to be afraid of.

Each and every one of us is concerned about membership. Just look at the results of the focus group workshops. Sure enough, attracting and maintaining a solid membership base is a huge issue. But it’s not insurmountable! We also heard of many ways to interest women in what we have to offer – from the tried and true to some new ideas. Check out my report in the convention book. I don’t think it’s the ideas that are lacking, but rather enthusiasm. Only when we are truly convinced that the Catholic Women’s League of Canada is the best organization to belong to, will we be successful. Remember the early Church? Having just about completed another Easter season, we cannot help but be touched by the passion and energy of those first disciples. I wonder sometimes if we aren’t too cautious and careful in trying to keep all the good things about our League to ourselves. Unlike the early church where people couldn’t wait to share everything, we might find ourselves more comfortable doing things the way we’ve always done them and then complaining about the poor results. Hoarding the Good News never was an option!

Membership in the CWL is a privilege that carries responsibilities. We are the Catholic Church to the outside world – what do we look like? What do we sound like? If you believe that every Catholic woman should belong to the CWL, we better get busy. How about we start with 10,000? By this time next year, we could achieve this goal – but it starts with each one of us, one at a time beginning with ourselves. Look in the mirror and ask – do I strive to live out our mission statement? Do I know the objects of our League? Am I educated enough about our great organization to sell it to my friends?

You see, we are all involved in membership – so what’s so hard about Organization anyway?

Leadership Development is a priority for most members. They want more workshops and education – at least that’s what I heard loud and clear during the recent workshops. My question is then, why are those development days and training sessions so poorly attended?

Perhaps we want to have our cake and eat it too. As Catholic women we owe it, not only to ourselves, but to our families and our Church to be the best we can be. We all lead in one way or another. It is our role; it is what we are expected to do.

As attested by history past and present, women possess a singular capacity to persevere in adversity, to keep life going in extreme situations, to hold tenaciously to the future and finally to remember with tears the value of every human life.

We all know women like this. Are you one? Of course you, we, are!

Just look around today and see Jackie L………, Margaret B…… and Ann D…., to name only a few. What a journey their faith has, and is, taking them on. See how they love one another and how they lead others by example and with joy. They truly walk humbly with our God.

Yes, there are many parts to this Standing Committee, none of which is particularly scary. I think if more of us were truly inspired to the kind of holiness that comes from the real meaning of service we wouldn’t have to search for or recruit more members. Women would want to be part of what we do and who we are.

Look at your gifts, like the saints who were able to see beyond what human eyes could see, and trust that God has given each of us exactly what we need to do His will here and now. Come on, don’t be afraid, say “Here I am Lord, use me!”

Barb D………

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry, I have just returned from the National CWL winter meeting and have nearly thawed out! No wonder they call it WINTER-PEG!

As you know I am going to be away, so wanted to touch bases on a few things before I leave:

• Contact info: If you need any assistance with League matters or have questions that can’t wait, please contact Pat B. who will be collecting my e-mails from National. Questions or concerns about the Provincial Convention, please call Sheila Q.
• Annual reports: Thank you for your prompt attention to this and for the interesting and varied information. I look forward to seeing your reports in the Provincial convention book and know they will make interesting and hopefully inspiring reading for our members. Doreen G. will be forwarding you the guidelines for submission and a deadline. Let us do our utmost to assist her as she so generously undertakes yet another extra job.
• Government Meeting: Please pray for the success of the meetings with Government on March 28. Sheila Q. has worked hard to coordinate this and has been able to secure a meeting with the Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Education as well as with Ms. Robin Pike who heads up BC’s Human Trafficking Response Initiative. Representing our Provincial Council with Sheila are Gloria G., Marilyn V. and Nancy S.
• Development Fund Applications for grants to travel to the Provincial Convention – deadline is March 15.
• Diocesan Conventions – Further to my last communique about the expected workshop from National, I am somewhat disappointed to report that there isn’t one as such. Instead, Danielle McN.-H. will be asking all diocesan presidents to undertake a process in or around the diocesan convention that involves two focus groups of 6-10 people.

After much discussion and serious thought, I believe we can make this work as a workshop as previously planned to incorporate dialogue, sharing and positive brainstorming. We want to include all members and we have all agreed that interaction is the best thing we can do. This is a heads up only; more information will be forthcoming from National Office. I will write directly to the Diocesan Presidents who are having the workshop with a Provincial Representative.

• Provincial Convention: The agenda is all but set and I’ll send out when I get back. In addition to Dr. Reeves keynote on discernment, we are going to focus in some ways on Africa as we strive to live out our commitment to WUCWO. Besides Fr. Brock’s presentation on Immaculee, we’ll learn of independent projects that have sprung up out of need to help build a library for a Catholic school in Kampala and the efforts of a parish to raise money to help children. Other items of interest include Bishop Gagnon on Evangelization, and a presentation about Depression. Your convention packages have been mailed so please be sure to register early.

Membership: Kudos to all! Once again, our membership in BC & the Yukon has increased and we are inching ever closer to our goal of 10,000. The best news is the number of reinstated members is up (391) so obviously our work to approach non-renewed members is helping. Another wonderful sign of growth is 746 NEW members! Alberta is the only other province with increased membership but we had a few more so I am proud to say we increased the most in Canada! Excellent work too in re-activating councils throughout the province – diocesan presidents can take much credit for this. It was their tireless efforts and patience that paid off – well done.
Let’s be sure to continue to contact our Sisters who have not yet renewed at the same time taking care to nurture and mentor the members we have.

Other items of interest from the Winter Mid-Term Meeting:

• National Convention Montreal – book soon. Double rooms are nearly all gone.
• “Finding Dawn” a produced-in-BC film by Faye Blaney will be screened at the UN Commission on the Status of Women on March 9. Please keep an eye out for this – it concerns missing Aboriginal women.
• Eucharistic Congress – June 2008. National Office has reserved 40 rooms in Quebec City on a first come-first serve basis. If you are interested, please contact Cecile M. for further information: c.miller@ns.sympatico.ca
• National Convention – 2015

It will soon be time for a diocese in BC & Yukon to offer to host the National Convention in 2015. While it is a long way away, the invitation from the host Bishop will have to be written soon. I encourage the Diocesan Presidents to talk to their executives and bring your ideas to the Pre-Convention meeting.

• WUCWO Regional Meeting will be combined with National in 2008 in Winnipeg. We are asked to talk this up and encourage support of the Voluntary Fund for WUCWO.
• National executive thanks and praise to Pat B. on her report to Rayleen DeL. concerning the Corren situation as it relates to a human rights issue – hopefully it will be featured in The Canadian League magazine – and to Marilyn V. for a great report on the Pro-Life Conference. Well done, BC!

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. I will keep each and everyone of you in prayer while I’m away and in a special way when in Rome.

May Lent be…a renewed experience of God’s love given to us in Christ, a love that each day we, in turn, must “regive” to our neighbor, especially to the one who suffers most and is in need. (Pope Benedict)

Barb D…..

Dear League Sisters,

Happy New Year to you all!

Annual Reports – I trust by now you are working toward collecting the annual reports from your parishes. As the reports filter in you will be amazed at what is going on and has happened. I am confident that the new forms will generate really interesting reports that will enable you to also paint a brilliant picture of the activities and well-being in so many of our parishes.

Please be sure to adhere to the deadlines (parish reports are due to you January 15 and your reports to provincial by February 15). If at all possible contact those parishes from which you don’t hear. While this may be time-consuming and somewhat tedious, it is so very worthwhile – you’ll be amazed what you find out, and the fact that you called will go a long way toward encouraging responses.

Membership drives and February 28 deadline – please continue to focus and assist Organization Chairpersons and Treasurers at this important time. As previously mentioned, membership is going to be a topic for discussion as well as a possible per capita increase over the next months. I look forward to hearing how you are going to react to the challenge of tracking membership in your diocese (see last communique if you’ve forgotten!).

While this is the time to ‘market’ let’s keep in mind our target audience – those dedicated and loyal members we already have who need to be nurtured; those who have left the League and then ALL the rest – Catholic women everywhere who haven’t heard about the League, who deserve to belong. We need to preach the good news of the League – using words only when necessary! It’s up to each one of us.

Associate Membership – don’t forget to tell your members about this and consider offering gift memberships to non-Catholic friends or relatives. The National Manual of Policy and Procedure states that a non-Catholic woman 16 years of age or over may become an associate member, with voting privileges, but without eligibility for office by election or appointment.

Provincial Development Fund – applications for subsidy to travel to the Provincial Convention in Victoria are being accepted now. Please be sure everyone has the new forms – we won’t accept applications on the old ones.

National Development Fund – All levels are encouraged to take advantage of the National funds available for education and training. I trust you all have a copy and will remind parishes that they, too, can apply. Forms and information are available on the CWL website.

Standing Committee Restructuring – this will be the topic of diocesan workshops throughout Canada. More information will be forthcoming after the national midterm meeting March 1. I hope the response to Danielle’s survey was good. Do you have any further thoughts that you want me to take forward?

Pin Protocol – Danielle McN.-H. has asked that parishes talk about pin protocol. She states: The fact that the question of pin protocol on the death of a member was asked indicates that it should be an item on the parish agenda in order to inform members that they should be indicating their wishes to other League and family members.

Provincial Registration Packages and Parish registers – Please encourage Organization Chairpersons to work closely with the Secretary at parish level to ensure that all registers of the elected officers and standing committee chairpersons are mailed to Doreen G. immediately following parish elections or by February 1 at the latest.

You are doing a wonderful job in your dioceses – keep up the great work, excellent communications and lively enthusiasm for our League. I love to get your communiques and hope you are sharing with each other. If there is anything I can do to assist you in any way, please just ask.

If you need anything [while I am away], please contact Pat B.

Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate!
Barb D.

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

Happy New Year greetings and blessings!

I am writing this communique on the heels of my last one as there are a number of important issues to address.

1. The proposed midterm meeting scheduled for March in Kelowna has been canceled…. Needless to say it was a difficult decision and I appreciate the support and understanding from all of you. Thanks to Caroline for getting the information re: accommodation.
2. Adding another day to the pre convention meeting – I don’t think we will. The extra meeting (midterm) was originally for teaching/learning/planning but I think its too much to add so close to the convention.
3. National Midterm report – Please advise, as soon as possible, if you have any concerns, questions or observations that I should be looking in to on your behalf at the National meeting. My report is due by the end of January.
4. Membership drives and February 28 deadline – please continue to focus and assist Organization Chairpersons and Treasurers at this important time. As previously mentioned, membership is going to be a topic for discussion as well as a possible per capita increase over the next months.
5. Resolutions – We are all still waiting for a directive from National regarding the process for resolutions but I recommend that you encourage councils to proceed as they have in the past by submitting titles this month. Work can proceed while we wait for details from the National Chairperson.
6. Provincial Convention – The planning committee is working hard to finalize details and prepare registration information and packages. We’ve confirmed that Dr. Nancy Reeves will be the keynote speaker on Friday morning. Her presentation, “A Match Made in Heaven” will be inspiring and helpful as we continue to look for ways to discern God’s will and call for us, particularly as League members. Father Terry will be featuring another amazing woman for us to learn from. Immaculee, as he puts it, “has lots to offer modern spirituality” and if anyone can develop that for us, it’s Father Terry. More details to follow soon!
7. Provincial Registration Packages and Parish registers – Please ensure that all registers of the elected officers and standing committee chairpersons at the parish level are mailed to Doreen G. immediately following parish elections or by February 1 at the latest. Doreen cannot begin to mail out the registration packages until she has the new list. On her behalf, I thank you!
8. Diocesan Conventions – Diocesan Presidents will be advised shortly concerning provincial representation at annual conventions. The workshop this year will be one that is prepared by National and will be on the topic of the realignment of standing committees. It will be in the form of a workshop or focus groups and will entail lots of brainstorming and interaction, for about two hours. I think our members will enjoy it as well as learn a lot. I will have more details for you upon my return from the spring midterm at the end of February.

That’s it for now TEAM!

All for one (loving one another); one for all (humbly with our God).

Barbara D…

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

I had so badly wanted to get this communique off before now. December is time to prepare and celebrate the Holy Season with your family, friends and CWL sisters (and brothers!). So apologies for sending this now, but at least you will have the material at hand when you are ready to get back to work!Attached to this communique you will find my report from the midterm meeting held in Winnipeg, November 9 – 11; my report send in advance of that meeting; a letter to Lorette concerning the Uganda Library Project and our hopes re: workshops.

Most of the current information is contained in the midterm report. It was a great meeting and I enjoyed it all. Unfortunately I was unable to get the answers I was looking for on some things such as support for the Toronto Leadership Workshop. It seems that we’re on our own with this for now at least. I can’t see our finances allowing us to bring one person from Ontario to a midterm meeting for training. Need to reconsider the workshop aspect of midterm.

Resolutions took a long time and the discussions were very interesting. Suffice to say, we are basically going back to the way we’ve always done them. The distinction of whether or not they go to government, members or the CCCB will be at the appropriate level. The most important part of the process is the resolution committee at each level. Committees are to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid ‘hurt feelings’ – resolutions committees have a responsibility to educate members, thus encouraging more effort from the grassroots. I have some questions concerning the archived resolutions, especially since once they are archived, there is no record except with the standing committee chair that it pertained to, but I will continue to press ahead and keep you informed.

The other item of serious concern is the declining membership statistics. Should the trend continue, and we must do everything in our power to make sure it doesn’t, National will have no choice but to increase the per capita. Please continue to support efforts to encourage membership, focus on our target of 10,000 – it’s a stretch, but it can be done – and ask each member to take some responsibility for our great League. I’ve asked the Organization Chairpersons to work closely with parish councils and track membership. Find out which councils are growing, report statistics regularly and share success stories. In addition, it is equally important to monitor those councils who cannot increase – what do they need? Can we help? I am convinced that this personal contact with parishes will go a long way to keeping communications open, to getting better reports and maybe even increased attendance at your diocesan meetings. We will recognize those councils at the convention who have done interesting and successful things that affect membership.

Look for more information on the creation of a new international agency for women. In a statement released on Nov. 9 from the Office of the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa came news that the Secretary General Kofi Annan has reached the conclusion that women’s rights and development have always received substandard treatment in the UN system. If the recommendation, which goes next to the General Assembly for a decision, is for “an enhanced and independent policy, advocacy and operational agency for women’s empowerment and gender equality” …? If any of you have read Stephen Lewis, “Race against time” this will mean even more. The CWL may have the opportunity to have a person sit on this committee – wouldn’t that be outstanding?

January 2007 will see us focus on two new themes: Love One Another and Walk humbly with our God. How will we use these themes to promote our League? What can we do differently to help one another grow in faith and action? Communicate with each other, continue (or begin) to share information and communiques and pray!

With love and gratitude for all your generous support, I wish you a blessed Christmas filled with peace and love, warm and cozy, and all those things that make you happy!

Barbara D….

The Hon. Shirley Bond
Minister of Education
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Dear Minister Bond,

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values. One of the eight objects of our League is “to contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace, and harmony.”

The settlement agreement between the BC Ministry of Education and two private citizens (Murray Corren and Peter Corren) has given them an unprecedented role in influencing provincial curriculum development in all subjects from Kindergarten to Grade 12. This settlement agreement has the potential to denigrate the legally protected moral and religious beliefs of parents and children.

Therefore the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, representing nearly 9,000 members and their families, urges the BC Ministry of Education to continue in its history of acknowledging religious freedom, social justice, peace, and harmony by allowing parents of children in the public school system the right to educate children in conformity with their moral and religious convictions. This right can be affirmed by allowing parents to use the alternate delivery option in areas of the curriculum that conflict with their moral and religious convictions.

I will be in Victoria for meetings with the Provincial Government on March 28 and I am very much looking forward to that. It would be a good opportunity to meet with you as well should your schedule permit.

Sincerely,

Barbara Dowding
CWL BC/YK Provincial President

Enclosure: “Stir a new Spirit of Enthusiasm” by Dodie B…, provincial sub chair for membership – enjoy. Thanks Dodie!

Dear League Sisters,

One of the most effective things Organization Chairpersons can do at this time in our League year is generate enthusiasm for membership. Encourage parish councils to do something different in an effort to raise awareness about membership in the most amazing women’s organization in the country (world!). It is so important to find ways to remind Catholic women of the many reasons they should be interested in and part of our League.

I challenge each of you diocesan organization chairs to find a way to track membership in your diocese. Ask the parish councils to assist and report to you their progress. All councils know how many members they have, how many they had and how many are brand new! Let’s see if each diocese could recognize one parish council for significant growth – either the most lapsed members returning, the highest percentage of new members or whatever you think is interesting and worthy of note. We will recognize these at the Provincial Convention in a special way. I leave it up to you, but now is the time to get thinking as memberships begin to pour in.

On the same note about membership, we all must be aware that our numbers across Canada are not increasing. We are still on target to get our 10,000 members in BC & the Yukon, but if the trend continues, there are consequences. If we are to continue to serve our members properly, we need to find more members or consider a per capita increase. I know everyone flinches at the thought, but it’s been a long time, 1993, in fact since the last increase nationally. Alternatively we can each take on the responsibility to bring one new woman to the League. Why wouldn’t we? It’s the best organization ever – how much do we care?

Don’t forget to share your communiques – I’ve seen awesome work and you will be enlightened and inspired by each other’s great work!

Development Fund:
New application forms will be out to you shortly for travel to conventions. Don’t forget to promote the National Development Fund to members who want to sponsor workshops and leadership days. All the information is available on the CWL website as well as in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure.

Annual Reports:
It’s that time and I know you all know, so I won’t nag. However, I do encourage you to look for the new or unusual, specific examples of success and/or ideas that touch you in some way. Doreen Gowans gave clear information on this in her communique. Again I thank her for that and for her part in getting the new forms to you. Please adhere to the deadlines.

Standing Committee Restructuring:
Every parish council was sent a survey on the Standing Committees and various aspects and circumstances relating to their own parish council. Danielle McNeil-Hessian, National Organization Chairperson says: “The standing committees are being examined in order to determine if the current structure meets the needs of members at the parish level.” She asks further that parish council responses reflect actual practice in the council at the present time. Unfortunately there was no return date – it is imperative that we get as many councils to reply as possible and as soon as possible.

I can’t say often enough that our Organization Standing Committee is much more than membership. Certainly without members we will not exist – but we owe our members so much if we are to be true to our mandate: “Calling our members to holiness through service to the people of God.” As we educate, lead, affirm and pray as one, we are able to recognize and accept the many gifts we’ve been given. Thank you for all you do to empower your League sisters through your dedication, example and love.

And finally, Christmas greetings, blessings and prayers to each of you and your families. I pray that your Advent is special and focused and that Christmas is a time of peace, joy and much happiness.

I look forward to 2007 as we prepare to embrace our new National theme: Love One Another and the Provincial sub theme: Walk Humbly with Our God.

Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate!

Barb D.

Stir a new Spirit of Enthusiasm – from Dodie B. (BC & Yukon Membership sub-chair)

If we could all follow the League Calendar outlined in the “Leading the League Manual” we would all be on the same wavelength at the same time. What would we be doing together? We would be promoting all the things in life that are important; i.e. hospitality, openness, charity, generosity, strengthening our own personal faith both individually and collectively. At the same time we will be helping to make our own church stronger as well as our society.

It is up to each and every one of us to promote the League. Before we can do that, we must know and understand what the League is all about. I suggest that a time be set aside for training of new members. Then they will know what the League is all about. Our aims our purposes.

I have seen over the years members who bring members on board – get their dues – no training no explanation and guess what? We don’t see them again. It is one thing to pass out a welcome kit to the member who is new but I believe that when they get the kit it should go with some form of orientation.

When we buy a house, we look it over and if its what we want we buy it – because the people selling it took the time to find out what we wanted and they went about making it so – and they sold it. Maybe we should change the way we do things – first sell the prospective member by getting the present members to get a program together that is interesting and then rehearse until they know it inside out. Then have a lunch with a program and sell it to prospective new members.

We all have the words and tools at our fingertips. All we need to do is look to our League manuals and then just do it! Baby steps at first. Be excited about the League let the excitement show at what ever you do. This goes for all members, young, recycled, Catholic, Non Catholic. We must be proud members if we plan on attracting new members. We must be proud to belong to an Organization Rooted in Gospel Values.

We are people of faith bound by our faith, to welcome all women into the Catholic Women’s League.

We need to go back to our roots – we need to have present members educated and enthusiastic about the League in order for us to gain new members. The best way of getting new members is personal invitation. I can’t stress that enough. Be excited about sharing our faith.

By doing this we will have created a New Spirit of Enthusiasm!

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

And so we continue….refreshed from summer and energized from the National Convention, it’s time to get going again!

For those diocesan presidents whose meetings are imminent, I know you will have a list a mile long from the National Convention to report on. There were so many important issues to pass on from both levels, in particular Trafficking and the ‘rare second chance’ concerning the government’s promise to re-look at the definition of marriage. I am sure your enthusiastic reports to your members on both provincial and national will make for a great start to the new League year. Getting the message across about the wonderful camaraderie one feels at conventions is important but so are some of the important aspects of the work done. We look forward to the reports from Nancy S. and Marianna C. on their impressions of the National convention.Special thanks to all the Standing Committee Chairpersons for getting introductory communiques out on time. There’s a wealth of information and direction in them. (And you’ve made my communique so much shorter since all the critical items have been addressed!)

I can understand how hard it is to choose what to focus on. Presidents please remember neither you nor your executives can do everything. Do what’s important for your members and your community and do it the best way you can. Keeping members up to speed on the latest from National does not have to be laborious.

I am sure we are going to be using the Quick Response System over the next few months, especially on imminent federal issues (marriage definition, and other critical proposed legislation that affect life). We will need to be ready to follow the lead of our Bishops and the National CWL – time will be of the essence. Please be sure you know this is working BEFORE we need it!

Annual reports:
Thanks to Doreen, Pat D. and Agnes for the great job on the first round of annual reports for parish level. Presidents please assist your Organization Chairperson as she instructs and promotes these new forms. We know that we cannot please everyone, but the object of the exercise is to find out what’s working, what is innovative and/or different at parish level. The diocesan forms will be out soon and again, let’s make 100% reporting our goal.

Development Fund #2:
Further to the proposed changes to discontinue the fund to financially assist parish/diocesan councils to host League Training Days and/or Workshops, new forms and criteria will be ready for discussion at midterm. Thanks to Pat B, Carol and Elaine for their good work in preparing this so quickly.

Policy and Procedure Manual:
Pat B. is also working with Dodie B. on revamping the format for the Provincial P & P. Please bring whatever copy/edition you have with you to the midterm meeting.

Provincial theme:
Lorette Noble has chosen, “Love One Another” for the national them 2007 to 2009. This is a fine theme to follow ‘Companions on the Journey’ and in looking to our new provincial theme, it will be interesting to see how we follow up on Contemplating the Face of Christ. Bring your ideas with you to midterm!

Special thanks to all who gave me their “word’ – I wore your picture and word on my “hat” at the National Convention. It worked out very well thanks to Sheila’s idea and Pat B.’s creativity. I told you I’d take you all with me!

Mid-term News:
Our first meeting is fast approaching and I am working on the agenda. You will recall that we’re dealing with an abbreviated timeframe, so the challenges begin before we start! We’ll have lunch together at noon on Friday and begin promptly at 1 pm. … Some of the things I hope to cover include:

• spiritual enrichment
• TEAM building
• provincial theme
• timeline/calendar
• goals
• reporting
• roles and responsibilities
• diocesan conventions

Add to that some time for social interaction, to re-discover the art of conversation and get to know one another better. If we take our TEAM spirit seriously we should be totally energized by Sunday morning (or exhausted!).

Travel:

• Please refer to the Welcome book for details on expenses for travel to meetings. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me directly.
• Pat Battensby has sent information re transportation requirements – the sooner you can get the details to her, the better.

Reports:

• I would very much like to keep the practice of having reports sent ahead of time as it makes the meeting so much more efficient.
• Please e-mail your report to the whole executive by October 15 or earlier if possible and bring your copy with you
• This report should include anything new since the pre-convention meeting. If your report has three parts: (1) what’s happened (2) what’s planned (3) recommendations, you will be amazed how simple it is to write. Not only does it show you your goals, it will help you keep track! I encourage you to try it this format.
• Be sure to read all the reports ahead of time – we will address any concerns or questions arising from the reports during the meeting.

Agenda:
The tentative agenda will be sent to you shortly. If there is anything you want to add, please let me know as soon as possible.

Please bring:

• Liturgy of the hours
• Minutes from the convention, pre- and post- meetings
• Commitment booklet
• Copy of chairpersons’ and diocesan presidents’ reports
• A list of any dates that are pertinent to your Standing Committee and/or diocese for our Provincial Calendar.
• Workshop ideas/suggestions re: diocesan conventions

Yes, we’re going to have a busy time, but I think we can do it all and still have fun too!

And finally, Please continue to keep Jackie L. and Madeline K. in your prayers and add Margaret B. if you haven’t already. These women, past provincial presidents, have undergone major setbacks and health difficulties. They all forge ahead on their journey with faith and hope, just as they did when they served us. Let us hold them close in our hearts and let them know how much we value them as companions and mentors. May Our Lady of Good Counsel watch over all our League sisters, too numerous to mention, who are ill or suffering as well as Sr. Pierette B., CND and Sr. Shelley G., CND.

With love and prayers,
Barbara D…

Dear League Sisters,

Thank you for your patience as we work our way around the unusual situation of working without an Organization Chairperson on the Provincial level. For the time being we are going to share the duties the best we can.

Membership: Dodie B., recently “retired” from the provincial executive has generously agreed to take care of the membership side of this committee. Dodie will be working on a membership initiative and will communicate with you directly. We are grateful to Dodie for her help and look forward to working with her to attain our goal of 10,000 members. Wouldn’t it be awesome to reach that number by our 60th anniversary as a province in Victoria, 2007??? The national goal is 100,000 – we can help!

Dodie will be reminding us of the importance of keeping members up to date with their memberships and getting the fees in well in advance of the February 28 deadline. This is critical as each level depends on its per capita to function. We’re hoping to continue to focus on those members who have not renewed first by identifying who’s missing from our councils and secondly by making a call or a visit to find out why.

Development Fund: Elaine A., provincial treasurer, will look after the Development Fund applications. She works with a committee but ultimately gives out the money, so I am grateful to Elaine for adding this to her already full portfolio.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Development fund money will no longer be available at the provincial level for workshops. It was agreed at the provincial post convention meeting to discontinue this part of the development fund, partly because it was so underused and restrictive, but largely because the National Development Fund is available, easier to access, and offers better funding.

There is good news – more funds will be available for getting our members to provincial conventions. The last two years have seen an amazing increase in the number of applications and we’ve been sorry to have turned some down and in many cases given only a small portion of the costs. An ad hoc committee, struck at the post convention meeting, consisting of Pat B., Carol P., Elaine A. and myself are working on the new application form. It will be presented at the midterm meeting in October for approval with an application deadline of March 15, 2007.

Annual Reports: Doreen G., provincial secretary, has agreed to add this time-consuming duty to her already full list of jobs and will be sending out the annual report forms with instructions and direction. The forms have been revised after much discussion and consternation concerning what is being reported. An ad hoc committee was struck at the provincial post convention meeting to address this issue and find a way to improve. Doreen G., Pat D. and Agnes G. have worked through summer holidays to complete this task. Please do everything in your power to get this message to all your parishes. The suggestions in Doreen’s memo make it realistic to expect 100% reporting with your encouragement and follow up. You will notice more emphasis on success stories and things that are different and make a difference.

Promotional Video: Salt and Light TV were working on a promotional video at the National Convention in Halifax. It will be about 20 minutes, intended for use when giving talks on the CWL at parishes and to groups. Our hope to develop a provincial DVD will go on hold now until we see what this looks like. I’ve pre-ordered some and will keep you up to date on that. The cost will be something like $6.00 so every council should be able to get a copy. If anyone is interested in pre-ordering, go to the Salt and Light website www.saltandlighttv.org.

Over 800 people registered for the National Convention in Halifax. The CWL is alive and very well. We need to get the message out about who we are and what we do. Bishop Smith, national spiritual advisor, reminded us that there are some tough times coming for the Church in Canada and to never underestimate the value of what we do. We ARE the Church. We need to stand tall, reflect our optimism for the truth and be ready to be counted and speak up for what we believe. It’s always easier to do this with support – CWL is that support!

Organization job description: I encourage each of you to review the roles and responsibilities for your level. They can be found on the National CWL website www.cwl.ca. This might assist you in the direction you feel will work best for your diocese.

Welcome back to Lorrilee J. (Kamloops), Susan S. (Prince George), Evelyn R. (Vancouver) and Nicole G. (Whitehorse), who have had a year’s experience already and are doing a terrific job. Congratulations, also, to Alice H. (Nelson) on your new position – thanks for saying “yes”. Victoria doesn’t have anyone for Organization at this time, so please send your copies or information to the president, Agnes G.

I encourage you to share communiques – we can always learn from one another. Keep up to date – check the CWL websites www.cwl.ca and www.cwl.bc.ca for updates and do not hesitate, ever, to call me if there is anything I can do to help you.

Organization is much more than membership. It is education, leadership and opportunities to affirm our League sisters in their overall development and individual growth. As we each seek to find our own place, we must take responsibility for the many gifts we’ve been given. In your efforts to bring out the best in others, you will be amazed at the results in your own life.

The national organization chairperson and president elect is Danielle McNeill-Hessian. Look for lots of great things to come from Danielle. We are all looking forward to the next two years with Lorette Noble, our President, and her new officers. The future is bright indeed. Lorette has chosen for her theme beginning January 2007: Love One Another. How perfect is that?

And lastly, in her final report to the National Convention as Organization Chairperson, Lorette reminded us about the importance of associate members. We often forget that women who are not Catholic are more than welcome to become members of the CWL. Think, too, of the wives of Catholic men in your parish who might share our interests in the world and society, who might find our League the place they can belong and make a difference. As Lorette said, “Ask them to come and see!”

So, September looms! I thank you for your efforts and look forward to a great year of CWL animation and enthusiasm. Use dialogue and workshops, brainstorming and small group discussions to get people talking and thinking out loud. And don’t forget to pray!

Teach, Evangelize, Animate and Motivate!

PS: Watch for more information on a pilot project for a Catholic Girls League coming soon!

Barb D.

What a pleasure it is to report to you on behalf of nearly 9,000 members of the Catholic Women’s League in British Columbia and the Yukon. We are six dioceses ranging in size from the largest with 49 parish councils and the smallest only two. Distance, travel time and weather play a big part in how we meet and communicate. Our challenges are similar to those across this great country, but today I want to focus on the wonderful things going on out West.

The CWL is alive and well. For the 3rd straight year our membership has increased and we are inching ever closer to our short term goal of 10,000. The Provincial Convention in Whitehorse had an outstanding attendance especially since it was so far away for most and very expensive to get to. We believe this is a direct result of the enthusiasm and excitement generated from the National Convention last year.

We offer subsidies for travel to a provincial convention and again this year were overwhelmed with applications. As we had limited funds we were only able to help 9 members attend. Needless to say this is being reviewed and we hope to find more money to assist our members get to conventions, particularly accredited delegates, wherever and whenever possible.

We continue to honour our declaration to raise awareness about Trafficking. Thanks to a grant from the National Development Fund we were able to bring Sr. Pierette Boise, CND to Whitehorse where she gave an excellent workshop. The dioceses are still passing the video “Sisters and Daughters Betrayed” to parish councils and most importantly, all dioceses have agreed to try and bring the Trafficking Play “Lost in Trafficking” to their area.

Like last year, we presented all dioceses with the same workshop. This has proven to be an excellent idea. The topic ‘Discernment’ was perfect as we had been focusing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We wanted to encourage members to recognize not only the gifts and charisms of others, but for themselves too. It gave people a chance to think in a different way. Members like to be affirmed and this workshop certainly made that easy to do.

We dedicated our convention to asking graces through the intercession of the servant of God, Pope John Paul II, for the healing of our League sister, Jackie L. Members were asked to pray the prayer every day. Jackie continues to battle, is cheerful as always and confident that God will hear our prayers.

The motion to increase the provincial per capita by $1.00 per member passed. This is to be kept aside to offset expenses expected when next hosting a national convention which we understand will be in 2015.

Building on the Pat’s legacy of Kindness, we are committed as a new executive to focus this term on TEAM, but with a new look. To TEACH, EVANGELIZE, ANIMATE AND MOTIVATE, not only our diocesan councils but one another. One of my goals for us is to really take ownership of the ‘teaching role’ of the provincial level. We want to train our members so they can go and train others.

I know we’ll hear a lot more about WUCWO during this convention but I must say, the privilege of attending the Study Days in Arlington, has to be the highlight of my League life so far. What a fantastic learning experience, one that I am most grateful for and will remember for a long time. I am committed to ensuring more exposure and awareness at all other levels of the League for the importance of this wonderful group of Catholic women.

One thing that particularly stands out for me comes from the talk by Fr. Polidoro and that is the need for conflict resolution and the importance of recognizing our own abilities to generate peace, to look for the positive – always – and to start, within ourselves, a cultural revolution for positivity and peace.

Can’t wait to share my hat with you on Tuesday – suffice to say I’ve brought each member of the provincial council with me. When asked what we should focus on this term these are some of the suggestions I received: Generosity, patience, wisdom, forgiveness, understanding, love, inspiration, joy and actuate and gentleness – what a team, indeed.

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry, I’m writing what is my first communique to first of all thank everyone for the good post convention meeting, for your competent cooperation and participation and for helping us all get done in a reasonable time. Thanks too for accepting the committees in such a generous and joyful manner. I know it’s not always easy, but am confident you will all do wonderful work.

Once home, with boxes to sort and files to complete, we have all had to get re-organized and focus on new tasks. Some of you have more to do than others. In particular the change over of Secretary and Treasurer – no easy task. Thanks to Marianna and Carol for extra efforts to make this transition as smooth as possible. And of course, Nancy will carry the Resolutions duties to the National Convention before she hands over her box to Sheila.

I’m delighted to report that the Committee to study annual reports is already going strong. Thanks to Pat D……., Agnes G….. and Doreen G…… for the jump start. I’m really looking forward to the new look forms that will help our members and enhance our ability to report well.

Dodie B… and Pat B……… have also begun work on the Provincial Manual of Policy and Procedure. We are grateful that Margaret B…… had everything in her computer and has forwarded the material electronically. This new manual will include a section on Conventions, both diocesan and provincial.

You will recall that we agreed to discontinue for now the Development Fund #2 to financially assist parish/diocesan councils to host League Training Days and/or Workshops.

Please be sure that the dioceses are clear about this and since the National Development Fund is more comprehensive encourage councils to take advantage of that.

We’ll have a proposal ready for midterm regarding the subsidies for travel. In the meantime if you have any specific thoughts or concerns on this that should be taken in to consideration, please let me know as soon as possible.

On the subject of communiques -

Diocesan Presidents: Please advise the Provincial Executive of all your diocesan meeting dates by return e-mail. We all know there is nothing worse than receiving a provincial communique the day before the diocesan meeting or even worse, after it. (Sandra S…….., our Communications Chairperson, could get these to the website as well).

Standing Committee Chairpersons: If you aren’t planning to do a communique right now, I’d ask that you are prepared to send the first one, introducing yourself, your experience in the League and your hopes for your Standing Committee, at least TWO WEEKS AHEAD of the first diocesan meeting.

In the event that you receive information from your National counterpart, be sure to incorporate the material you consider relevant material for our province as well as your own news, notes and recommendations.

When planning communiques remember we are supposed to also be the “Teaching” arm of our League. Education, not only about the Standing Committee, but also about how we do things is important. It also works well when the diocesan chairpersons exchange communiques with each other and send copies to you. It’s a great way to keep communication open and exchange ideas or learn new ways of doing things.

This and that:

Handouts from Discernment Workshop – I still have a good number and would be happy to send them anywhere. We’re asking for the $1.00 per set since that’s what it cost us.

Barb D………..