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

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

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

So the questions are asked:

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

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

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

Books are available from the Catholic publication:

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

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

This publication is a wonderful comprehensive booklet for Catholics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember…. Faith is like a ‘rose’…

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

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

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

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

Lenten Practices:

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

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

Forgiveness – Pray for those you find difficult

Compassion – Nightly Prayer:

“God Bless All My Eyes Have Seen Today Lord”

Understanding – Everyone has their own story & trials

Kindness – Be kind to all others first and foremost

Promoting peace – In your families and communities

Unity and Love – In all situations!

Positivity – Negative attitudes contribute nothing

& should have no place in our lives

Indifference – Indifference to others kills the Soul

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

Special Intentions of Pope Benedict XVI

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:

World Day of Prayer – Friday March 2nd

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17th

Feast of St. Joseph – March 19th

Feast of the Annunciation – March 25th

Palm Sunday April 1st

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

Orthodox Easter – April 15th

Earth Day – April 22nd

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

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

MAY – Mary’s Month

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

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

World Day of Prayer for Vocations – May 6th

Canada Health Day – May 12th

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima – May 13th

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 “Toonies for Teeth”

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

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

#2 “Loving and Warm”

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

#3 “Care Kits”

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

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

General Planning Calendar:

November:

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

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

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

Have a moment of silence and reflection.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December:

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

January:

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

Send Thy Peace O Lord

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

Send Thy peace O Lord,

that we may think and act and speak harmoniously.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

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

Send Thy peace O Lord

that amidst our worldly strife we may enjoy Thy bliss.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

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

all darkness may vanish.

Send Thy peace O Lord, our father and mother,

that we Thy children on earth

May all unite in one family.

February:

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

Hoping this communiqué finds you all well and happy, and full of enthusiasm as we launch into the fall session of our CWL year.

Summer is almost over (even though there were times when we, at least on Vancouver Island, wondered if it would come at all) …. as September has arrived and we turn our thoughts to Fall, once again, councils will convene meetings and we continue our work “For God and Canada”.

Did you attend the National Convention held recently in Toronto? I was so happy to attend this year and enjoyed it immensely. I found the spiritual content particularly wonderful and I congratulate Margaret-Ann Jacobs for a job well done.

There is just no substitute for the educational opportunities gleaned at provincial and national conventions.

In this communiqué I thought I might touch briefly on some of the spiritual programs presented at the National Convention held last month and include some of the verbal report on the Spiritual Advisor’s luncheon discussion results, as presented to us by Archbishop Currie. I hope that this will be of assistance to your councils for ideas and suggestions to improve communication. Personally, I thought this year’s discussion results seemed to be more detailed and offered good suggestions to help to solve problems that all councils seem to face at one time or another, so I hope you can pass on some ideas for improvement helping to foster better communication. (see attached “Results”)

Poverty was front and centre throughout this National Convention and we cannot emphasize enough the importance of writing to government on this subject.

In a country as rich and abundant as Canada, it is a disgrace to have the poverty, homelessness and mentally ill, those we see every day living on our streets. There needs to be a national plan to combat these problems and only our constant diligence in keeping these issues before our leaders is going to make a difference. “When did I see you hungry … … Lord”?

As stated previously, the spiritual aspect of this convention was particularly inspiring. . . Programs such as Poverty and Violence Against Women would be a wonderful prayer session for meetings. (see attachments – Poverty for these programs)…

Our National Spiritual Development Chair – Margaret Ann Jacobs suggests the following to assist in your planning for programs month to month, she states:

“A good spiritual program is a very important element of the meetings of the C.W.L. members at all levels. It gives focus to our work. It provides spiritual food for our members. It is the very essence of our organization. Thus it is absolutely necessary that we know the needs of our council members and the resources at hand, and that is why planning is necessary. Parish councils all have their ‘Own Story’ and this planning program should not supplant that which has worked for years nothing that ‘works’ should ever be discarded”.

September: Pray this month for returning teachers and students, perhaps a spiritual bouquet to the teachers and students of local schools.

• Pope’s Intentions: Pray for all Teachers
• General Intentions: Missionary Intentions
• Feast Days: Birth of Mary – Sept. 8th Our Lady of Sorrows – Sept. 15th

October: Give thanks in our prayer. Oct. 2 – Feast of the Guardian Angels

• Oct. 7th – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Feast Day, perhaps a shrine could be part of the meeting’s ambience, candles, flowers, music, a scriptural rosary, remember each member/seminarian/parishioner before each prayer.
• Oct. 21st Evangelization of the nations – we are called to be missionary
• Pope’s Intention: Pray for the Terminally Ill
• General Intention: Missionary Intentions

November: Prayers and remembrance of the deceased, especially for deceased members. Remembrance Day – Pray for those who died in wars / peace makers.

• Display the Book of Life; update the Book of Life on a regular basis. Pray for restorative justice conferences which are often held during this month. Prepare Advent devotions, November 1st – Feast of All Saints, Nov. 2nd – Feast of All Souls, Nov. 21st -Feast of Presentation of Mary.
• Pope’s Intentions: Pray that the nations of the earth, through knowledge and mutual respect would grow in true harmony and peace.
• General Intentions / Missionary Intention

December: Advent devotions / Christmas program. Dec. 3rd – St. Francis Xavier Feast Day, December 8th – Feast of Immaculate Conception. Dec. 12th – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -

For the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may I suggest a special program: A novena for the unborn and those in danger of being aborted. Also there are wonderful prayers and suggestions on the website of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

For December 6th – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, may I suggest the attachment regarding Violence Against Women.

It is said, the strength of the League is directly measured in proportion to the depth of member’s spirituality. And in our provincial family, you have shown that you are spiritually strong and dedicated to this rewarding and important segment of the league.

As members of the League we are asked to be centred on faith & justice and to serve with respect and compasion.

As Catholic Christians we are directed to:

• Pray always,
• Fast sometimes,
• Give alms whenever we can,
• And provide corporal works of mercy as the need arises.

But there is one more requirement that our lord asks of us

That is to live a life of joy…. Sometimes described as: ”mellowness of heart and spirit”.

Now this may be something that you may not quite understand so here’s an example: this story taken from Fr. Ron Rolheiser’s book – The Holy Longing: The Search for Christian Spirituality.

A group was attending a conference at a retreat centre located outside of Brussels, Belgium. In this group was a nun belonging to the order of the Sisters of Charity (the same order as Mother Teresa). On the last day the organizers declared, there would be a free afternoon of’ R & R and the best part, they would visit the city for a leisurely afternoon lunch complete with a bottle of  ’vino’.

As the day approached everyone eagerly looked forward to the anticipated joyful afternoon. Later that evening, assembling for the final gathering each person said what they liked best about the day.

Slowly, the humble nun approached the microphone and said,”I had a conversion today. My conversion began with the announcement of the free afternoon. From the second it was announced something inside of me froze up and I grew extremely angry. I kept thinking – what an insult to the poor, what a waste of time and money! I didn’t want to participate, but i stayed with the group because I didn’t want to get lost.When we entered the cafe I suddenly became nauseated. I just couldn’t go through with it, so I went and sat on the bus. I waited for a long time and many thoughts ran through my head. I asked myself the question, “Would Jesus be in there eating and drinking and having a good time”?

“Then I had the horrible realization that: yes indeed… He would be!

John the baptist – on the other hand, with his leather belt and his grasshoppers would be with me on the bus boycotting all this joy in the name of the poor!

Suddenly, I realized that there was something very wrong with me.

There was something “cold” inside of me. I had become like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son doing all the right things, but having no celebration in my heart!”

Question: are you sometimes lacking in the practice of mellowness of heart and spirit?

Of course, the moral of the story is “balance” in our lives that’s the key.

So let us try to always be aware to make the greatest of efforts to be joyful in all that we do for God and Canada.

Put a smile in your heart and tell your heart to tell your face!

God loves you, you require nothing more.

Dear Friends in the League:

I cannot believe that time has sped by so quickly since assuming this role on the Provincial Council at last convention May 2010. Here we are almost to Easter, and many other conventions are convening all over the country

Greetings Sisters of the League & Fr. Tran:

QUESTION:

How can we thank the Lord for all He has given us throughout this past year?

Well, here is a suggestion:

Keeping a Daily Prayer Journal will provide the opportunity to nurture a grateful heart.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity

As we are entering the shortened days / darkened nights of fall, November

Dear Sisters of the League & Fr. Tran:

It is with great joy and humility that I assume the role of Spiritual Development Chairperson for the BC/Yukon Provincial Council and am very aware that I am walking in the successful footsteps of many who have preceded me.

Some of my Diocesan Spiritual Development League companions I have met here and there in my League experience, and I am very anxious to meet those I have yet to get to know.

I welcome your ideas and suggestions as we work together to enhance our spiritual life.

They tell me that in my first communiqué it is recommended to mention personal items about myself but I would bet our life stories are the same:- … family oriented, Catholic believers, wives, mothers, grandmothers, and I dare to say, no doubt all of us have experienced life’s ups and downs, disappointments and joys… and I think we all know and appreciate the riches of joy and friendships being a member of the League brings to our lives.

National President Velma Harasen has gifted and challenged us by her choice of our 2010/2012 CWL Theme – “Centred in Faith & Justice”. The topics of faith and justice will provide a wealth of topics for us to explore and direct our focus over the next two years not only to areas of great importance to all League Members, but especially will gift with topics to those of us who hold the position of Spiritual Development.

The new theme will come into effect January/ 2011.

Perhaps as a starting point to insure a personal improvement in attitude, we could all begin this journey together by striving to achieve a personal mind set of working toward justice for others by resolving to challenge ourselves to develop a daily habit to look for something to appreciate in everyone we meet! You have all heard it said that charity begins at home….. and so does planting of the seeds of justice!

We are all aware that our beloved Catholic Women’s League – IS , and WAS – founded on our Catholic faith and values, but also founded to answer the call for Justice. Christians believe that justice is a divine command . . . (Wikipedia describes “Justice” as the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, fairness and equity),

Justice issues seem to be tested in our society daily with the problems of today- i.e. the poor, the homeless & protection of the vulnerable of society. Most recently, the concept of justice has been tested by the refugee ship arriving on our shores from Sri Lanka and the various opinions folks have expressed in the media and elsewhere regarding this event. Perhaps our question to ourselves as Christian Canadians should be: What would Christ do?

I think he would stand on the shores with open arms! What do you say?

I hope you will look forward to accepting the challenge to be “Centred in Faith & Justice” as we walk together as Women of Peace & Hope, Serving With Faith & Joy, now and in the future. Let us devise programs in our councils that will educate and inspire our members to become more aware of the need for an increase in love and justice toward our fellow citizens and an increase in sharing the many blessings we have each been gifted with. Let us diligently work toward a decrease in judgment toward others and an increase in love.

I feel very blessed to have this important standing committee chair and ask for your prayers.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel hold you all in her loving care,

Madam President What a joyful standing committee to chair, One that draws our hearts and minds closer to God our Father, Jesus, and Mary his Mother. Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence. It’s an essential part of a meeting. Before I began writing this report I prayed the chairpersons prayer asking that I might say the right words. We have an interesting concept this year to make our reports meaningful to you. I will outline the duties of the Chairperson and give an example taken from the reports I received from Diocesan.

Everyone kept spiritual growth of members at the forefront at their meetings. The National Theme “Women of Peace and Hope” was utilized through song, prayer and deeds. The National webpage as well as Provincial webpage are becoming popular sites to visit for information. Some councils attributed attending conventions at all levels as a great way to enhance spiritual growth. In this year of the priest, councils are being extra supportive of their priests. And during this convention you will have the opportunity to have your very own priest to pray for.

In one diocese they have a spiritual spa, a way to surround yourself with God and provide relaxation for your soul. Speak to the Kamloops Diocese to get more information.  Acts of Kindness in giving assistance to caregivers coping with a terminally ill family member can easily be given. Simple gestures of helping are much appreciated. Suggestions are in the Activities Kit. If you have the inclination there are Palliative care and Hospice courses so you can be properly trained in this compassionate work. Extend a Hand in friendship to someone new in the parish and gain a new friend.

Study of Catholic teachings is a wonderful way to learn more about your faith. There are many courses available to contribute to faith enrichment. Retreats, bible study groups, reading and discussion of papal encyclicals are a good place to start. Promote EWTN and Salt and Light TV.

Role of Women in the Church Chairpersons need to read the handbook for this category, it is not to describe all the work we do in our parishes but rather a study of Women in the Church. For instance, read the story of Dorothy Day a modern Saint. , Read books that speak about women in the scriptures, take a leadership role in your parish and become a member of the parish liturgy team.

Evangelization and Mission Assistance We are called to share our talents and bounty and are very generous, some councils band together to support a group of Catholic high school students who go to Mexico each year to build houses for the poor. Catholic Missions in Canada is in great need. We must care for our priests ,sisters and laypersons helping out in the northern missions of our own country.

Who do you say are the greatest support for the parishes in lay ministries?? Right, its us, the members of the CWL We serve in all the ministries available to us. Lay formation classes have been attended by a number of members. This is a commitment as its weekly sessions over a period of time.

Ecumenism and interfaith endeavours. Most report hosting and attending “World day of Prayer’ services. Taking part in the prayer for Christian Unity is important as well. Some took part in Easter sunrise Celebrations. Fun things were having a prayer breakfast, ecumenical lunches, pancake suppers and fun nights.

Reporting Deceased Members was better this year. Most reported their deceased correctly. A few councils thought that crossing the name off the Membership list when submitting the current year’s dues and writing deceased beside it would suffice in notifying National. NOT! By now everyone should know to send one copy of the deceased members form to National, including name, address, membership number, council code and signed by the President or Spiritual Chairperson and their phone number. National has installed a new program whereby councils can access the membership system to check Deceased members reports. Members no longer in the database will not be reflected in the report.

Praying for our deceased members is a charitable thing to do. We have promised these ladies our prayers when they became members and quite often this is why they retain membership in declining years as there will be someone praying for them and their name will be inscribed in the Book of Life.

In closing I thank Marianna for gifting me with Spiritual Development, I have enjoyed it very much. I thank my team, the Diocesan Spiritual development chairpersons.

Greetings to all: As this is my first Communiqué for 2010 I wish you much success in your work promoting Spiritual Development in your Dioceses. I hope you have had a wonderful response from the parishes for the Annual Report. Please send me your report by February 15, 2010 and send it by email please. I look forward with great anticipation to read what your Dioceses have accomplished. We have many people needing prayers in BC and Yukon. Alice Hallgren, Nelson Diocesan President had successful surgery on a carotid artery. Pray for her complete recovery. Nancy Simms is asking for prayers for her sister, and Doreen Gowans is thankful that her Mom came through the health crisis.

Please pray for those running for executive at Diocesan, Provincial and National levels. Pray also for those casting ballots. May the gift of discernment prevail in your choices of what is best for the League.

Terri Scott, National Spiritual Development Chairperson has her Communiqué #5 ready for our perusal. This was sent to me January 31 but I had trouble with my email after going to Yuma for six days and five nights. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was already finished when Terry’s report was sent so hope everyone responded to the prayers from the pulpit to mark this important time.

Reporting Deceased Members: The Diocesan SD chairpersons know that I compiled the list of names AI had received and submitted that to National by January 15. Now it seems that I have until February 15 to submit the list. National notified me that the last submission of names were in the mail so I will have to add to my list. Please use the proper form dated 2008 for reporting deceased members. Please review with your parishes so they understand the process. One copy to National. The form is available at www.cwl.ca under supplies and forms in a printable or online format. The form is also in the Policy and Procedure manual, photocopy so you continue to have a copy of the form.

As you know, Lent is approaching and begins Ash Wednesday, February 17. This is a time of repentance, change of heart and prayer. Promote your parish activities to make this a time of spiritual renewal. If your parish has a mission, promote it. If you have nothing then start something.

World Day for Consecrated Life (February 7th, and the Year for Priests: February 7th was set aside by Pope John Paul II in 1997 “for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and enkindle the fervour which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.”

Terri has many suggestions on how the League can encourage and celebrate priests:

Send: thinking of your cards, certificates of appreciation, letters at special times of the year, thank you cards in appreciation for performing ceremonies pertaining to the sacraments received in your families. Take: video pictures of priest in action and make a nice album for them to recall of their vocation after their retirement. Invite: them to dinner, rent a good movie and invite them over. Make a calendar with priest’s names on each day for prayer and/or a phone call. Other suggestions, priest appreciation dinners, promise cards, e.g.: I will help you when you need help, bade some cookies and individually wrap with a spiritual bouquet promise taped to each cookie. Thank your priest for an excellent homily, or their charitable works, and for excellent pastoral works. Chat with them after mass; give them a hand with house cleaning, baking etc. Pray for seminarians, deacons and priests. Prepare a spiritual bouquet for a week in February designated to recognize priests. Ask for a homily giving the story of their “call”, their reaction, their family’s’ reaction etc. Show them signs of respect.

Prayer for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. The Daughters of St. Paul have a prayer book: http://www.pauline.org/FreeEbookofPrayersforHaiti/tabid/375/Default.aspx The prayers are offered for use “in bulletins, prayer groups, parishes or in the silence of your own heart. Support the Missionaries who provide food, shelter and medicines to the victims. Also support our Canadian Missionaries and remember to pray for them.

Saint Teresa of Avila said. “Christ has no body now but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walk to do good, Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world”.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER will take place Friday March 5th. Many CWL councils are hosts for this event. We are a part of the Women’s Inter Church Council and participation is desired. This is an ecumenical event.

Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel April 26th Plan now for special events to honour the patroness of our League. Many councils have a procession with members bringing a rose to place in a vase at the foot of a statue of Mary and reciting the rosary. This is followed by mass and a time of sharing food and conversation. Use the CWL Activities kit and promote a suggested activity to foster the theme “Women of Peace and Hope” and the” Day of Peace and Hope”.

I pray that this Lent will be a peaceful time for you; a wonderful examination of conscience for Lent is to use the Peace Prayer of St. Francis. It matters not what you do for lent, just do something. And in your prayers remember those in military service, may God keep them safe and hasten their return to their families. Remember to wear RED on Fridays and remember to bring something red to the conventions to wear on Friday.

May God bless your inexhaustible works for God and Canada. May our Patroness Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us along the way.

Greetings to all! Your Provincial Table Officers and Executive had a wonderful midterm meeting at Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna October 22-25. Our days were full with various prayers , meetings, and Celebration of the Eucharist. Here we are with Communique #07. Terri Scott, National Chairperson of Spiritual Development has prepared her Communique # 04 which is dated October 28, 2009. Terri’s communiqué contains important information.

November is upon us and already we have celebrated two special days. The Feast of All Saints on November 1st honoured all the saints of the church, known and unknown. Only a few days ago the evening Mass for All Souls’ Day was celebrated in which we prayed for all the departed. Mary Pecora and I, read the names of our local departed CWL members from our Book of Life and these were left at the altar for the entire month of November. May the souls of our departed members Rest in Peace and may the Perpetual light shine upon them. Amen

While on the topic of the deceased would every council be certain you have notified National office of your deceased members for 2009. Each member has a new identification number and that is a now a necessary part of the report, along with the other information asked for. Please only use the form dated 2008 as it has the current information for submitting. You will note that you only need to send one copy and that is to National and they in turn will notify Diocesan and provincial chairpersons. You are also able to send the deceased information by email.

The Church year is coming to a close with the celebration of Christ the King and the following week begins the new liturgical year and the Season of Advent in preparation for the coming of Jesus. Encourage each other to prayerfully prepare your hearts for Christmas. Canada Post has now released the Christmas Stamps, they are truly beautiful, Be sure to thank Canada Post for choosing such beautiful artwork depicting the Nativity.

Terri Scott notes that the Year for Priests will continue until June 11, 2010 at which time some 407,000 priests will be called to Rome to meet with Pope Benedict XVI on the theme of Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of the Priest. The conclusion of the Year for Priests will coincide with the feast day of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and will be celebrated with mass presided by the Holy Father.

At national convention, National Spiritual Advisor Archbishop Martin Currie exhorted members to pray for priests and support them. Priests and bishops need to know they have the support of their parishioners. Look for creative ways to show hospitality and appreciation for the pastoral care given by your pastor. Pray daily for our priests that they may strive to be loving pastors, insightful preachers, enthusiastic evangelists, collaborative co-workers, compassionate healers and men of fervent prayer. (In British Columbia we are promoting the angel pin with a yellow ribbon to show our priests that we are praying for and supporting them.)

Ecumenism

Information has been requested by councils in British Columbia about the donations given to Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC). Terri has asked the questions presented to her and this is what she writes. (WICC) It is “a national council of representatives from 11 church partners, focusing on four main concerns of social justice, women’s issues, ecumenism, and the growth of women’s spirituality. Lori Purvis, administrator of WICC wrote: “As an organization, WICC honours the beliefs and traditions of all eleven of our partner denominations. WICC takes no official stand on issues of abortion, birth control or same sex relationships. It is not within our mandate to do so.” It is requested that you continue to support this most worthwhile ecumenical organization that supports women,. The World Day of Prayer, a long-standing ecumenical initiative, is held on the first Friday in March and will be celebrated on March 5, 2010

News from the Vatican (from Terri)

In a surprise announcement from the Vatican on Tuesday October 20th, Pope Benedict XVI has made it possible for Anglicans, uncomfortable with recent changes in the Anglican church(same-sex marriages, female ordination, gay ordination, etc.), to join the Catholic Church. Just as there are different rites within the church, so will there be a rite made especially for disenfranchised Anglicans. Keep those joining the Catholic Church in your prayers as they face this momentous adjustment. To read the full announcement from the Vatican, visit this link.

CWL Day of Peace and Hope , April 26th 2010

Please encourage members to gather and share good ideas for special projects in preparation for April 26th, the League’s special day to show communities across Canada that members are doer “For God and Canada.” Terri also includes ideas, visiting those in palliative care, helping new moms, or helping the elderly around their homes. She suggested placing a sign up sheet in churches to identify those needing help: then suggest that volunteers divide up into groups to respond to the requests and watch communities sparkle. This may inspire women to join the League

Remember to pray daily for our troops in Afghanistan and other areas of the world. May God keep them safe until they can return home.  God Bless you all, May our Lady of Good Counsel guard and watch over us.

Dear sisters in the League and Father Tran:

My summer flew by so quickly and I imagine yours was the same. I enjoyed happy times spent with family and friends. My niece was married at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey, August 15, Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As Godmother of the bride I was happy to have a part in the Wedding Mass. Now that September has arrived it is time to get down to CWL business. This communiqué is to give you something for your reports to the fall executive meetings. I will have another communiqué after I receive one from Terri Scott.

Welcome to the new Spiritual Development Chairpersons: Kamloops Diocese: Dia nne Pecor Prince George Diocese: Laura Esposito and Julie Rose from Vancouver Diocese. Therese Janssen of Victoria Diocese and Betty Houle of Nelson Diocese are like me serving their last term of office. Spiritual Growth of Members: Facilitate study of the League Theme Women of Peace and Hope. It is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. Be sure to make use of the suggested activities in the Activities kit. See what you can do to promote acts of kindness for those in palliative care or for a caregiver. In this Year of the Priest designated by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI remember to pray daily for your priest. Take advantage of the days of indulgence offered for parishioners in your Dioceses. Promote the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the church, I wanted to buy the new daily guide and it was not available. The clerk gave me a website to download for free but I think it is for the full edition. Website is www.stfrancisdesales.com click on Liturgy of the hours.

Promote modesty in dress when attending Mass. I remember Father Hawkswell speakingto the Provincial Executive at a retreat at Rosemary Heights and him telling us to bow to a mirror before leaving for Church, what you see is what he also sees when you approach for communion. I’ve read many articles on immodest dress on Life Site News Study of Catholic Teachings Promote good books. For example I am now reading “In Search of Belief” by Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister. The book is 27 Chapters with each chapter dealing with a few words from the entire prayer of the Apostles Creed.

Role of Women in the Church: This area of our standing committee was poorly reported on in 2008. Would it be possible to focus on this heading for 2009-2010. Encourage members to read new books which explore women in the scriptures, become a member of the parish liturgy team.

Evangelization and Mission Assistance Promote the collection for Catholic Missions in Canada, The magazine has a page dedicated to the Catholic Women’s League, see my communiqué from May 18 for the website.

REPORTING OF DECEASED MEMBERS: Please use the proper form for reporting your deceased members. The current form is dated 2008 and instructs you to send only one copy of your report and that is to National Office. They in turn will make two copies and send to the Diocesan Chairperson and Provincial Chairperson. It is now necessary to include the new identification number for the deceased as this will insure that the right name is put in the book of life. You may submit your report by email using the form from the National website www.cwl.ca

Prayer before reading scripture: Lord Jesus, we give you praise. Speak to us as we read your word, and send your Spirit into our hearts. Guide us today and each day in your service, for you are our way, our truth, our life. Lord Jesus we love you: keep us in your love for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer after reading scripture: Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, ruler of the universe: you have sent your Holy Spirit to teach your truth to your holy people. We praise you for letting us read your word today. Grant that we may continue to think and pray over the words we have read and to share your thoughts with others throughout this day. Father, we praise you and thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen

May our Lady of Good Counsel inspire us as we begin our works anew for God and Canada. God bless you all.

Madam President: One short year ago I was gifted with the standing committee of Spiritual Development. I believe I was blessed as what better way to spread the message and promote good works than through Spiritual development. Our handbook states: “Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence. The patroness of the League is the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel.” Our Blessed Lady guides us.

Our six Dioceses in their annual reports told me about wondrous works promoting spirituality and programs to enhance the spiritual growth of members. This is what sets us apart from other women’s organizations. Many items of interest were reported on.

However all was not bright and rosy as we encountered great difficulties getting the names of our deceased members. I hope and pray that there aren’t any errors. National office had many names that I did not have any information on and I had names that National didn’t receive. I must impress upon you to be very diligent in filling out this form accurately and clearly, it is a good idea to print the information, as handwriting can be indecipherable at times. And we want to be certain that the correct name and address is listed so please insert your council code. I can think of no greater horror than to read my name as deceased. There were 214 deceased in 2008 with an additional 27 from previous years. There are more deceased but they will be in the 2009 National Book of Life because the forms were submitted too late.

Additional information has just been received that each member will have an individual membership number issued to them—so this number will also be needed.

Now we are glowing and hopeful again, there are beautiful prayers services for your use. Our new theme “Women of Peace and Hope” is truly beautiful. Develop the theme by using it on all your agendas, minutes and communiqués as well as helping your community with palliative care and reaching out to women of other cultures and backgrounds. The Activities Kit that all councils received gives concrete methods of reaching out in these areas.

We are nearing the end of the Year of St. Paul, which focused on the writings of St. Paul. For this coming year, Pope Benedict XVI has declared June 19, 2009- June 19 2010 as “Year of the Priest” to encourage “spiritual perfection” in priests. We are asked to focus on the prayer for all vocations and pray it at our monthly meetings. Indulgences will be offered at certain times.

We are supportive of our Canadian Missions as it is our responsibility to look after our own missions first and foremost. Many are struggling in the cold, northern missions without enough heat and resources to help others in dire straits. They are praying to God for help and our hands are what God uses.

Numerous sympathy, get well and congratulatory cards have been sent out on our behalf from the Cenacle Sisters.

I look forward to the next term; my focus will be to promote the Role of Women in the Church as reports indicated weakness in that area. Many confused Lay ministries with this heading. All in all we are on the right track in British Columbia & Yukon. God bless your efforts. I welcome Julie Rose, Vancouver Arch Diocese, Laura Esposito, Prince George Diocese and Dianne Pecor, of Kamloops Diocese as the newly appointed Spiritual Development Chairpersons. They join Therese Janssen of Victoria Diocese and Betty Houle of Nelson Diocese who are in their second term. We pledge to work hard for you the members.

I didn’t think I would be sending a communiqué so close to the annual Provincial Convention but it is a necessity because National Chairperson Terri Scott sent communiqué #3 on May 11, 2009 containing some timely events and I have the responsibility of sharing with you.

Elections are now over for the six Diocesan Councils in BC & Yukon thus we have new standing committee chairpersons. I  welcome the new Chairpersons of Spiritual  Development:  Dianne P. from Kamloops Diocese, Laura E. of  the Prince George Diocese and Julie R. from Vancouver Archdiocesan.  Betty H. from Nelson Diocese and Therese J. of the Victoria Diocese are in their second term of office.  I thank Edna L. for the work she does to help with Spiritual Development for the Whitehorse Diocese in addition to her own work.

The Sisters of The Precious Blood in Calgary have sent me the novena prayer for The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ that will be celebrated June 14th.   The novena begins Friday June 5th .

Novena Prayer for Corpus Christi  (Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ)
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in me and I dwell in them.”  O Jesus, help me to understand the meaning of your words.  I yield myself to you that your desire may be accomplished.  I lay before you the desire of my heart, my longing to be more deeply united with you, to live in a communion of hearts with you. By your power present in the Eucharist, grant the petitions I bring before you now.  Bless those I love and each one for whom I have a special concern. I thank you Lord for the gift of your Body and Blood, your real Presence in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar.  Adoration, praise and thanksgiving be to you forever and ever.  Amen.

The Sisters of the Precious Blood are dear to the heart of the people of Nelson Diocese as they keep us in continual prayer even though they no longer reside at their former monastery in Nelson.  
On May 14th, 2009 I printed off an article from www.zenit.org It speaks of a Plenary  Indulgence offered for “Year For Priests”.  In her communiqué Terri Scott reports that Pope Benedict XVI announced that  June 19, 2009 to June 19, 2010 is the Year of the Priest to encourage “spiritual perfection” in priests.  Terri requests that our councils pray the “Prayer for All Vocations” at monthly meetings in the next year.  An appropriate prayer can be found online in spiritual development communiqué number two.

Little Rock Scripture Study

Many parishes are now being offered the opportunity to begin the Little Rock Scripture Study.  Terri highly recommends it. The lessons are offered in blocks of 4-6 weeks two or three times a year.  For further information, visit their web site.  I looked at this site and it appears that there may be a fee. It is a United States publication from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Catholic Mission in Canada has developed a new Catholic Women’s League page on its website. It is dedicated to the CWL  The original mission partners.  The Hearst Diocesan Council and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Council, Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador are featured on the page.

Scarboro Missions celebrates 90 years of service on November 9th, 2009.  Visit their website  for further information.  They are deserving of prayers and donations to help feed and clothe the poor.

Terri continues with more websites that provide interesting materials.  The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB)  web page can be accessed at
http://www.cccbpublications.ca. They have many good Catholic books and pamphlets that may be of interest to councils.

Saint Anthony Messenger Press is one website I visit myself for Saint of the Day and other meditations and the popular email greeting cards.

Esk-Omi Missions is familiar to many CWL councils as they donate funds to them.  It is situated in northern Manitoba in one  of the most remote mission territories. Twenty four Inuit missions desperately need help to maintain buildings, build new ones and help the poor.  They do not have a website.  It is directed by Bishop of Churchill-Hudson Bay, Bishop Reynald Rouleau, O.M.I.   For further information, contact Mr. Richard Kenny, aide to the Bishop as Esk-Omi Missions, P.0. Box 159, St. Norbert, MB  R3V 1L6

Terri  would like councils to take advantage of the  “One in the Spirit” program.  While reading the annual reports she found few councils reporting on using  it. In a former communiqué I gave explicit directions on how to find this program.

In closing I have another pleas that I hope will reach every parish council.  Mid way in 2008 National changed the way to report our deceased members.  You are to  send one copy of the current 2008 form to National Office.   National Office in turn will send a copy of the form to the Provincial and Diocesan levels so we can compile our Book of Life.   They wait until they have quite a few before sending to us. As soon as the last tea cup from the funeral luncheon is put away the President or Spiritual Chairperson should be getting that form on its way to National.

Sift through all these websites to see if there is something you feel would be great for your Diocese.

My next communiqué will be in early September prior to the fall Diocesan meetings, Until then, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us so we may be seen as “Women of Peace and Hope”.

Spring has arrived and what a wonderful time of the year with new life springing up around us.  Our season of Lent is nearing an end with only two weeks remaining until Holy Thursday.  I wish the remainder of Lent be prayerful and joyful and may your Easter be truly joyous and blessed.

April 26 is a special day for the CWL as it is the feast day of Our Lady of Good Counsel.  Our National Council named it a day of action for Peace and Hope. The activities kit that each parish received is designed to make the CWL more visible and active in the parish.  Be sure to invite your fellow parishioners to participate in your celebration. The National Council will have Mass offered by Arch Bishop Martin Currie, Esk Omi and Scarboro Missions prior to April 26th with the Mass intention for the success of the CWL’s day of Peace and Action.  You are encouraged to join in prayer prior to the 26th as well.  Another suggestion would be to partake in a  Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel .  A novena is a succession of prayers for nine days prior to a feast day.  National Council heard that the NCBC (National Catholic Broadcasting Council) was in financial difficulty and decided to help out by booking a Mass on Vision TV for April 26th.    This was a fallacy as the NCBC is completely booked for 2009 and into January 2010. This is good news for the shut ins who watch the Mass on Vision TV.  The National Council has booked a mass for April 23, 2010.

Deceased Members  January 15, 2009  was the final date that National would accept names for the 2008 Book of Life.   Our lists for BC were sent in and National cross referenced and sent a list of names back for checking.  National had many more names than I had and then the Diocesan Chairpersons had other names not on the list.  It was a bit of a nightmare.  All parties concerned have been communicating to come to an agreement.  The 2008 Book of Life has been submitted for printing and if you find missing names be sure to inform your Diocesan Chairperson and they will be entered in 2009.   It is extremely important to report deceased members immediately.  In the case of members who haven’t paid dues for a few years because they are in nursing homes please submit their names to National as well and also to your Provincial and Diocesan Chairperson of SD  so we can be sure these members names are included.  We endeavour not to miss anyone.

We  encountered many problems  in 2008. in receiving the names  of deceased members from the parishes.  Earlier in the year National advised that they were using a new format to hopefully have more accurate reporting of deceased members.   Please use the 2008 revised report form which advises you to send one copy to National Office.  This form can be found on the National Website under forms and is the very last item and you also have a copy in the Manual of Policy and Procedure.  National has designated one staff member to maintain the data base and in she in turn will send copies of the deceased to the Provincial and Diocesan Spiritual Development Chairpersons periodically so the Provincial and Diocesan Books of Life can be compiled.

National has a new prayer service for Women of Peace and Hope.  It was presented at the Provincial executive spring mid term meeting  March 5-8, 2009.  Your Diocesan President has a copy of this prayer service.  Perhaps she has already passed a copy on  for you to send on to the parishes.

Your Diocesan Conventions are quickly approaching I wish you every success with your spiritual programmes and reports.  May it be a time of spiritual growth for all attending. Please try to use the suggested hymn “Peace ” found on page 478 of the song book Breaking Bread.  Permission is needed to use it.

Thank you for your annual reports which were informative.  Spirituality is a major part of your councils as it well should be.    Reporting on  Women in the Church was weak so that is an area that we should focus on.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to guide us in our work for God and Canada. God bless you.

Happy New Year to the Spiritual Development Chairpersons at Parish and Diocesan Levels.  It will be up to Diocesan Chairperson to ensure that  the Parish Spiritual Development Chairperson receive this communiqué so they can begin  implementing this most important work to ensure the  membership  get the best spiritual growth and encouragement they possibly can.  There are wonderful programs in place to help you do just that.  Thank you to the parish councils that submitted their reports to their diocesan counterpart in a timely manner.  It is through the annual reports that your work and ideas are shared and your good works acknowledged.   Terri Scott, National Spiritual Development Chairperson has sent her second communiqué. I will use excerpts from her report and to view it in its entirety visit the National webpage. It will be posted shortly. It is filled with inspiring ideas that can be used by every parish to enhance spiritual growth. 

Jubilee Year of St. Paul the Apostle: June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009

The Ontario Provincial Spiritual Development Standing Committee has compiled a package on The Pauline Year. The file includes a comprehensive overview of the life and mission journeys of St.Paul, ways to celebrate the Pauline Year, hymns and prayers. In short, if there is anything you wish to know about St. Paul, it is there. Please check the website: http://www.cwl.on.ca/PaulineYear.html The Holy Spirit was  at work.

49th International Eucharistic Congress

The Congress, which was held in June 2008 in Quebec City, was experienced by most as, “a great moment of faith and fellowship.” From this website link: http://www.cei2008.ca/en/accueil you  may read about highlights of the week, or order a souvenir  album or DVD. Terri looks forward to hearing about your faith  adventures in your annual reports for 2009.

Catholic Missions In Canada (CMIC)

The League has been supporting the CMIC since 2001 through a national voluntary fund. In 2003 it was voted to make the fund permanent.       In over seven years, $150,000 was generated to help the missions. At a recent national executive meeting, it was agreed that the following six missions supported by CMIC would receive funding from the CWL:

• Office of Catechetics: Youth Ministry (Diocese of Grand Falls)
• Catechetical/Youth Ministry Office (Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador)
• First Nations Lay Ministry Formation Program (Diocese of Thunder Bay)
• Rural Catechetical Program (Diocese of Prince Albert)
• Native Catechetical Ministry Team (Diocese of Nelson)
• Religious Education and Youth Ministry (Diocese of Keewatin-Le Pas)

Prayer for All Vocations

Someone sent Terri  this lovely prayer that includes all vocations. You may wish to keep it handy and say it often:

Prayer for All Vocations

God, our Father, in baptism You called us by name, making us members of Your people, the church. We praise You for Your goodness, we thank You for Your gifts. We ask You to strengthen us to live in love and service to others after the example of Your son, Jesus. Father, look upon Your church with love and bless Your people with generous single men and women, with loving husbands and wives, with understanding parents, with trusting children, with dedicated priests, sisters, deacons and brothers. Help us to see our vocations as a journey toward You. You have called us, not to set us apart, but to bring us together with others who need our love. Make us faithful signs of Your presence in their midst.  We ask You through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 18-25, 2009

“In order to unite with one another, we must love one another; in order to love one another, we must know one another; in order to know one another, we must go and meet one another.” These words are the impetus for this annual event and are taken from the Testament of Cardinal Mercier. The week of prayer, actually eight days in all, began in 1894. The 2009 theme is That they may become one in your hand, and the chosen text is Ezekiel 37.15-28.  You are encouraged to participate in your parish events to pary for unity.

Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC)

The March 6th World Day of Prayer service was written by the women of Papua, New Guinea, with the theme, In Christ there are many members, yet one body.

Once again take part in the Service offered in your community.

Shorter Christian Prayer

Lay persons are encouraged to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.  A user friendly format is Shorter Christian Prayer, the four-week Psalter of the Liturgy of the Hours  that contains Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer, with selections for the entire year. This official prayer of the Catholic Church will bring blessings and comfort to you. Week 1 begins on January 12th.  Father  Tran told us an easy way to find which week you are on is to divide whatever week of ordinary time you are on by 4,  the remaining number is the week.

One in the Spirit program patterned on the popular Spirituality, a day of Discovery

In my last communiqué I mentioned checking out this program which is found on the National website under programs.  This program provides an opportunity for members to become more aware of their individual spiritual preferences and may enrich their relationship with God and others. It can be done in three hours, 

Women of Peace and Hope

By now members are preparing for diocesan conventions and have been studying the new theme that will be in effect for the next two years. A hymn you may want to consider to compliment the theme is “Peace” (Weston Priory), with text and music by Gregory Norbet, OSB. It may be found on page 478 of Breaking Bread. Before any hymn is copied and circulated for use, please ensure that permission is sought from the publisher.

The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, celebrated annually on April 26th, has been newly declared CWL Day of Peace and Hope. Each national standing committee chairperson submitted concrete ideas to form a kit to help members pray for peace and hope with two main areas, 1) palliative care  and 2) “Welcome, Friend!” with which to promote this special day. National office is compiling the kit to be released by mid-February to help councils prepare for April 26th. It is a call for action that will make members more visible in their parishes as women who are working for peace and hope.

Reporting Deceased Members for 2009  

It is very important to submit the names of your deceased members to National Office very soon after their passing on to their heavenly reward. Don’t wait for months or years. When you hear the Book of Life being read at the Provincial Convention in Prince George you may be amazed at some of the dates being reported.   Please use the 2008 revised report form which advises you to send one copy to National Office.  This form can be found on the National Website under form and is the very last item. 

Apparently National is going to advise Provincial and Diocesan chairpersons periodically so the Provincial and Diocesan Books of Life can be compiled.  Watch for more information. 

May Our Lady of Good Counsel  guide your efforts as you live the new theme for the next two years.  God Bless You.  Keep the National Executive,  Provincial Executive, Diocesan Executives. Life Members and the members in your daily prayer.   A blanket prayer would do to cover all that we may be seen as women of Peace and Hope—  Serving with Faith and Joy

All the blessings of the advent season as we prepare for the coming of the Lord in our midst.

A quote from Pope Benedict XV! Advent address:  “Advent is the spiritual season of hope par excellence and in this season the whole church is called to be hope for itself and for the world.”  He adds,” The whole spiritual organism of the mystical body assumes as it were the ‘color’ of hope.”

A website I enjoy using is www.CatholicGreetings.org; there you will find Catholic greetings for Advent and the feast days that fall within the season.

The Catholic Missions is Canada would be grateful for donations to help the Missionaries in their work  in the mission churches across Canada.  In a letter I received October 29^th, 2008 the work of Sister Shelley Grant, C.N.D. is mentioned.  Sister Shelley ministers to 155 parishioners at St. Jude’s Catholic Mission in Carmacks, Yukon.  Sister Shelley received a grant of $10,000 which kept this mission open.  It covered heating, electricity, phone, wood, church supplies, gas, fuel for the stove, food, etc.  Let us be mindful of the Missionaries in our own BC & Yukon area.

All Parish Presidents recently received the mailing from National Office.  Terri Scott, National Chairperson  of Spiritual Development had a MEMO included.  If perchance you didn’t receive the report you can find it on the national website  www.cwl.ca, click on  “Recent Updates”, October 28,2008,  item No 6 is the memo from Terri.

Resolution 2005.01 Christmas Postage Stamps is being supported well I am sure.  Please remember to thank Canada Post for this year’s religious stamp. 

In a few weeks time the Diocesan Chairperson should be receiving the Spiritual Development reports from the parishes as I note they have December 15 as their due date.   I look forward to your report to Provincial in a timely manner. 

Deceased Members:  Please note that I must receive notification of all your deceased members for 2008  early in the New Year.  Only the names I have received by January 15, 2009 will be included in the National Book of Life.  Be diligent in keeping up to date with these important reports. 

And still speaking of deceased members take care  to use the 2008 Deceased Members form and to include the council code found on your Canadian League Magazine address label. National needs this important bit of information to ensure the removal of the right name from the magazine mailing list. 

And if you would like to add your voice to many other voices you could write to:

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation,  P.O. Box 500, Station “A”. Toronto, ON M5W  1E6 and ask them to  air Pope Benedict XVI  Christmas 2008  message as well as the Easter Message for 2009. 

During this blessed season of Advent may you find many meditations and readings that will help you prepare your hearts for Christmas

In our parish I brought an “Advent Bowl” for  each family.  It’s a rose bowl and in it are slips of paper with different suggestions. Children will draw a slip out each day of advent and do the suggested activity.   For example, sing your Mothers favourite Christmas Carol,  or do a good deed for a neighbour,  phone your grandparents and tell them you love them,  read the Christmas story.  It is patterned after the advent calendars where a child opens a  door  each day and gets a chocolate except this is more in line with getting ready for Christmas by helping others.

To close I would share this

CHRISTMAS NOVENA

V:  Let everything within us watch and wait,: 

R:  For the Lord our God is near.

LET US PRAY:

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan.  Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His Glory, and open our hearts to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming

 We ask this through Christ our Lord.  AMEN     (taken from Sisters of the Precious Blood)

May our Lady of Good Counsel inspire us as we strive to serve our God and Canada  and please accept my best wishes to you and yours  for a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with Peace, Joy and Happiness.  God Bless you all.

It was an honour and privilege to attend the National CWL Convention and WUCWO Regional North American Conference August 8-13, 2008 in Winnipeg, MB and represent The BC & Yukon Council as an accredited delegate. President Marianna Caldwell asked me to write the spiritual report and I pray this report will convey the spiritual messages we heard.

In the presence of 331 WUCWO Conference registrants, the opening liturgy of the Conference was celebrated at Blessed Virgin Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church. Upon entering this beautiful church you were enveloped with a sense of awe, majesty and wonder. There were many beautiful icons to the sides of the gated sanctuary. (See pictures I sent you) The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom was used for worship. This Divine Liturgy is used throughout the ecclesiastical year with other Liturgies being used for special feast days, Lent, Christmas, etc. The beautifully voiced choir was called upon to lead us in the hymns. They also sang innumerable times for the responses many in Ukrainian and sung in various tones which added to the worship. We were provided with a booklet to help us follow along.

The Offertory procession included a Presentation Kolach (a round loaf of bread which was decorated with pieces of dough in a special pattern before baking), and a framed reproduction of the icon, The Holy Mother of God who is Patroness of the Ukrainian CWL of Canada. The National Executive President of the Ukrainian CWL Luba Kowalchyk presented WUCWO President General Karen Hurley with the framed Icon of Mary, The Holy Mother of God.

Following the Eucharistic Celebration we gathered in the hall for the reception. The ladies put on a marvelous smorgasbord of tasty wraps, tidbits, baking and the most impressive fresh fruit tower. There was a beautiful display of decorated breads for different occasions including a wedding Kolach, the Presentation Kolach, another for Easter, a sheaf of wheat, doves, and a beehive, many hours of work went into these creations especially the one decorated with many doves.

Our registration packet contained a folder from the Ukrainian CWL with interesting literature, a booklet on their customs and worship style and a leaflet on how to pray with icons. I read the Icon Corners with great interest and to quote “The altar is to a church what an Icon Corner is to a home. The home is our domestic Church. The mother and father are the head of the church, with the children as their congregation. The mystery of marriage consecrates the domestic church. (It is interesting to note that the same hymns are sung at a wedding as the bride and groom circle the sacramental table, as at an ordination when the priest-to-be is led around the holy table). A wedding is an ordination for service in the domestic Church. Husband and wife are called to a unique sharing in Christ’s priesthood by their holy crowning. Their home is their Church.” The parents have an important role to play in leading their church. They are responsible to bring themselves and their children closer to God.

August 9th, 2008: The WUCWO North American Regional Conference opening session began with prayer followed by the keynote speaker, Archbishop Richard Smith on the topic of “Peace and love, gifts to be shared”. Archbishop Smith was more than surprised to have his mother Anne Marie Smith of Halifax introduce him. She said he did the usual childhood things; he belonged to scouts, played sports etc. He went to University and has his Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was ordained in May 1987. He plays the guitar and loves languages being fluent in French, Italian and German, (as well as English) He is a chaplain to the deaf. His Grace presented a superb talk. Everything he said was worthy of repeating but I have to condense it. I have copious notes. And now to begin—

Peace and Love are gifts to be shared and they bring to light sacred traditions and principles. Peace and love go hand in hand. Peace is the absence of war, dissent or argumentation. During Evangelization it was proclaimed to the world that Jesus is Lord. Now is the new Evangelization, it’s a time for renewal of faith among our own people. Discover the joy, beauty and wonder of being in a relationship. Look for new ways to love, seek a new ardour.

Pope Benedict XVI first homily stated that only where God is seen does life begin. How beautiful to be a Christian. There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the gospel, by the encounter with Christ. In the language of faith, words are not always understood so we need to be clear in the words we use. Peace is given in communion with God which gives birth to communion with other and nature Peace is fulfilled in the person of Jesus. Ephesians 2, 13-22. Jesus is our peace with our fellow citizen—the household of God is our dwelling place. Jesus is our access to the Father. We were created for Communion with a capacity for love. The fresco in the Sistine chapel has the finger of God reaching for the finger of Adam. When in Communion with God, there is harmony with men and women, harmony with nature. It is who we are as a people. Recall the story of Adam and Eve in the garden Genesis Chapter 3, 15. The tree was a symbol to trust in god. Adam and Eve allowed trust in God to die by succumbing to seduction. By their disobedience trust was broken and they hid from God. God re-established original communion with his promise of mercy, He brought about reconciliation between the human race and himself.

What do you get when you have people drawn in union? You have the church.
Pope Paul VI said the plan of God the Father for the world is the church. The church is the sign of the reconciliation that God wills for all people. Jesus is our peace, and the fruit of peace is the fruit of justice. There can be no peace if there is no justice. Reconciliation is a pillar for peace. Peace is the fruit of reconciliation. God has created us for covenant. There is the mutual self commitment, self gift. God pledged himself to his people, I will be your God—you will be my people. He gave them the Ten Commandments. God was faithful to his covenant but the people proved unfaithful. Laying the Foundation: read Luke 4 John 13-17 Jesus loved. Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another.

June 29, 2008-June 29, 2009 : Year of St Paul the apostle bringing justice and reconciliation. Love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no wrong. RECONCILIATION is the first pillar of justice. To be agents of reconciliation we have to be reconciled ourselves. The Church is a communion of reconciled sinners. Paul was ready to die for the gospel—for his Lord. Like Paul, God calls us to conversion – we need a sincere repentance.

Pope JP ll Message for World Day of Peace 2002 There can be no justice without peace, no justice without forgiveness. True peace is the fruit of justice. The call of reconciliation to the church, do I live from that truth? How do I react to the Pastor, Bishop, fellow parishioners, CWL sisters, WUCWO—–do I need to be reconciled? What is my relationship to the teaching of the church? The church is mission. Am I aware of the mission needs in the world? What is my response? What is my relationship to the truth that I am called to be a disciple—called to follow Jesus? Story of the young rich man who had much treasure—what is my resistance. The call to repentance: What guilt am I carrying—Reconciliation with God, confess any un- repented sin. Where is the Lord calling me? To be reconciled with others—family, church individuals, groups, work, among friends, community. And to sum up we go from enlightenment to reconciliation to HOPE.

NATIONAL CWL CONVENTION, Sunday August 10

The National Convention was spirit filled and the planning committee did a wonderful job. The beautiful liturgies, morning prayers, and afternoon prayers kept us focused. There were so many joyous greetings and hugs as old friends re-united along with the pleasure of meeting “new” friends. Seven hundred + CWL members, friends and guests filled St. Mary’s Cathedral to overflowing for the opening Eucharistic Liturgy. A wonderful instrumental ensemble and choir led the joyous singing of four gathering hymns before the procession which included a liturgical dancer, five Archbishops and many priests. Most Reverend V. James Weisgerber presided. The Gospel Proclamation from Matthew 14: 22-23 follows the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus dismissed the disciples and sent them out in a boat. His Grace mentioned that when in the boat it is like the church tossed about on the heavy sea. Jesus went out to meet them walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost but he said “Be not afraid–it is I, I AM. Jesus calls to Peter to come–Peter begins to walk but fear overcomes him and he starts to sink He calls out to Jesus to save him. The wind stills.
Jesus reveals that he is the incarnate son of God. His mission is to renew- to do the Fathers will

The CWL can be co-operators in the salvation of the world by our work for peace, justice, concern for creation, the environment, the poor and needy. Come to meet the risen Lord–renew the whole world. Give us courage so as not to be afraid. Proclaim that Christ will come again complete his victory. Love God has for us–he makes us partner in the recreation of the world. Three Communion hymns and the Recessional” Bring Forth the Kingdom” brought the liturgy to a close. The hymns were from Gather Comprehensive.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy the opening ceremonies began. The organ and trumpet notes swelled, heralding the procession of Provincial flags which were carried proudly by the Military Ordinariate and Provincial Presidents. President-elect Nancy Simms carried the Yukon flag. The Knights of Columbus formed an impressive honour guard. Greetings were brought by many dignitaries, government, clergy, CCCB, WUCWO Pres General Karen Hurley. One MP was very supportive of the work of the CWL. I believe his Mom is a member. The ceremony closed with the hymn to Our Lady of Good Counsel and then across the street to our hotel and bed.

Monday August 11th. We began with Morning Prayers which were spirit filled, especially with a choir for the responses and hymns. Our Eucharistic Celebration was held in St. Mary’s Cathedral Monday at 5:15 PM with Most Reverend Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton and the National CWL Spiritual Advisor presiding. The gospel Proclamation was from Matthew 17: 22-27 His homily was timely. “Attention is on the athletes at the Olympics in China. As athletes only a few are chosen– there are records to be broken so they only choose the very, very best. Our call is from God and is far more important and exciting than the Olympics. God is choosing us and calling us as witnesses of Peace and Life. The Olympics choose the most qualified, while God chooses the unqualified.

All that we have and all that we are, are gifts from God. Our response is the acknowledgment of our dependence and trust. He is very near to us–paying the temple tax. Jesus as God is the temple–the true worship of God is given–exempt from the temple tax. Full revelation has not yet been established so as not to give offense by being a stumbling block to others. The coin will be provided.
If we fail we aren’t kicked off the team–we are forgiven.

Tuesday August 12th at 8::30 AM we gathered in St. Mary’s Cathedral for the Eucharistic celebration. This day our celebrant was Most Reverend Martin Currie, Archbishop of St. John’s who will be the next National Spiritual Advisor. The Gospel Proclamation was from Matthew 18: 1-5 10, 12-14. Archbishop Currie began his homily —-Our parents gave us cod liver oil saying “its good for you.” God Said to Ezekiel–Go and proclaim the message–eat the scroll, on it was written mournings and woe and lamentations–After I ate, it was as sweet as honey.

Proclaiming can be difficult–like a double edged sword. It is essential to proclaim the word, its good medicine. It is the Year of St. Paul. As we know from the bible, Paul persecuted the Church and yet became one of its greatest missionaries proclaiming the word. We are asked to eat the word of God. We become disciples/missionaries. Need to trust God. When we jump we trust God to catch us. We need the curiosity of children. A child’s response to our love should be our response to God’s love. Love one another–love is never easy love can be difficult. Love in the concrete (cement). I have no hands, arms, eyes but yours. Fill ourselves with God’s word and the bread he has promised for the journey.

August 13th, Closing Eucharistic Celebration at Basilique Cathedrale de Saint-Boniface
Presiding was Most Reverend Emilius Goulet p.s.s. Archbishop of Saint Boniface. The gospel Proclamation was John 15: 9-12. Archbishop Goulet began his homily with humour. He was reflecting on the readings and a song came to his mind. “What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It is the only things that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no, not just for some, but for everyone. (Words by Hal David, 1965) He said he was preparing his sermon walking around his office saying “Love, Love Love” and his secretary told him it was the song by Jackie de Shannon. (laughter) Is love really what the world needs today. Do we not need cures for cancer and heart disease and other afflictions? What is needed to fight evil? Love may be the answer of the world’s problems. Love is the mission of Jesus. New commandment that you love one another by this love everyone will know that you are my disciples. The early church communities practiced the new commandment of love, sharing all resources in common. See how they love one another. Love is the greatest power in the world. It is amazing what people can do when motivated by love. We are the experience of love for our children and grandchildren.

His Grace addressed our theme “Love One Another”, Surely, you are aware that “love is always patient and kind: it is never jealous: love is never boastful and conceited: it is never rude or selfish: Love does not come to an end.” “Love One Another” One factor that makes this a challenge is its familiarity. Be on guard against complacency and reach out with compassion and love to help others. Show we are Christians by our love. This is our identification badge. Amen!

Welcome to all Diocesan Spiritual Development chairpersons and especially Betty Houle from Nelson Diocese and Theresa Janssen of the Victoria Diocese who are new like me. We look forward to working with Dorothy Hruby from Kamloop Dioceses, Jill Greenlees from Prince George Diocese and Jenny Shaw from Vancouver Diocese as well as the member who does the Spiritual Development work for Whitehorse Diocese.

Summer has passed so quickly and with the hint of fall in the air it is time to prepare a communiqué. How opportune that my National counterpart Terri Scott submitted her first communiqué today. Terri is also new to this position and we congratulate her on her election to the National Executive. My summer was busier than usual as I was fortunate to attend the National Convention in Winnipeg as an accredited provincial delegate and have the spiritual component to report on.  This report will be separate from this communiqué. We had a wedding August 30, our granddaughter from Sicamous  was married  in our church in Golden.  It was a busy time indeed but a very special time as well.  Nothing else has changed in my life,  just another year older.

The very first item to comment on is that of reporting your deceased members.  Please fill out the latest form dated 2008 to report your deceased members, and print darkly to make it easier to read, and send it to me. Please be sure the mailing address is correct and council code entered. National needs this information to stop the mailing of The Canadian League Magazine. Another please note: Only the names that I have received will be forwarded to National for the National Book of Life so be certain that I get them.

Terri Scott has a wonderful communiqué providing much information.  She has a sub-committee of four… Member Claire McKay, Life Member Gabriele Kalincak, member Mary Ryan and Honorary Life Member Claire Heron. I too, will get a subcommittee.

Terri answered the question of where all the prayers and services come from:  They are conceived by members who are inspired by the Holy Spirit and often generated by a great need in the world or in their personal lives.  National President Danielle McNeil-Hessian has paired each national chairperson with a provincial president and commissioned each pair to formulate a prayer service. The final booklet will be available at the 2010 annual national convention.

One in the Spirit

The League’s newest program, One in the Spirit will be found under programs and the Spiritual Development heading.  Clair McKay has adapted the Spirituality a Day of Discovery programme which debuted in 1995.  Discovering one’s strengths and gifts at the beginning of the year is sure to strengthen the group as members discover their working style using the saints as a guide.  Encourage councils to use it at a meeting. Members won’t be disappointed – it’s fun and enlightening.

49th Eucharistic Congress

Terri mentioned that Cecile Miller is working on a report of the Congress held in Quebec City last June.  On June 22nd, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics to remember the theme, ”The Eucharist, Gift of God for the Life of the World.”    The video of this homily and many others are available at ECDQ.com.  They run from 13 minutes to over an hour long.

The Pauline Year

A special year to celebrate the bi-millennium of St. Paul the Apostle’s birth was dedicated by Pope Benedict XVI to run from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009. Information and leaflets for distribution can be found on the Vatican website. Year of St. Paul leaflets are available for free download on this website (follow the link on the right side to Year of St. Paul – Resources). These are intended to help people become more
familiar with St. Paul’s writings. This special year is designated as a chance to spend more time focusing attention on the bible and the Eucharist. Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians, “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (I Cor. 9:16).

Women of Peace and Hope

Starting January 2009, the League will have a new theme Women of Peace and Hope. For councils planning conventions now is the time to start thinking of how to incorporate this theme into their programs and decorations.

Resolutions

No resolutions were adopted under this standing committee this year.  Keep working on resolutions adopted in previous years.  Check the National website for current resolutions.  Even though it is only September, it is not too early to ask Canada Post to provide more religious postage stamps for Christmas.  They sell out quickly, ACT NOW.

In closing,  I invite you to email me with any suggestions, comments or questions.  I will do my utmost to help in anyway.  May our Lady of Good Counsel guide you in your good works and may God be generous with his blessings upon you.

My year has gone by quickly, I thank all you ladies and Father for making it very blessed and joyful. How blessed have we been? We have been awakened to Saint Gianna Molla (A women of exceptional love, an outstanding wife and mother, she gave witness in her daily life to the demanding values of the Gospel.) Immaculee Ilibagiza (a story of a remarkable women’s experiences in the midst of one of history’s most tragic events all the while she kept her unwavering faith and courage which allowed her to search for safety, peace and an everlasting heaven.) Kateri Tekakwitha (tortured and shunned for her believe in God. One thing she asks is this “Who can tell me what is most pleasing to God that I may do it.”)  St. Edith Stein, a German philosopher, Carmelite nun, martyr and Saint of the Catholic Church who died in Auschwitz. This year it has been Mother Teresa of Calcutta who lived and worked for the poorest of the poor. It would be awesome if this format could continue at our future Conventions and from there take it to our Parishes so as to nourish not only our ladies but open it up to the whole parish community.The CWL have beautiful prayer services for all occasions I would like to see them used more frequently. They are just words on a piece of paper. We must open them up and bring them to life to our sisters in Christ so that they can be taken out acted upon and shared with our families and friends. Mother Teresa said on Love “there is so much suffering, so much hatred, so much misery, and we with our prayer, with our sacrifice are beginning at home. Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do. We must remember that the future of humanity passes through the family.”

After watching the movie “Pay it Forward” involving random acts of kindness and reading various articles on the lonely and forgotten I would like to make a suggestion to all the CWL Councils in the Province of BC that we look into sponsoring or adopting a seniors nursing home. We can show that we care and that they truly are loved. To give of self is to get a sense of joy.

We must be diligent in teaching our children/children’s children to pray. To pray is to; love God, love self, and love fellow beings and all of creation. When we can do that – then we will have respect for ourselves and our brothers and sisters and all this fighting will end. First and foremost we must pray, pray, trust in God, and trust in self, trust in humanity.

If you are stuck for ideas for Spirituals don’t hesitate to call, email, and write to your Provincial Counterpart. What with all the information that is out there I am sure that you will be able to find something between the two of you. Also it would be a great idea for you to get a sub-committee in your chair. This way she will be a Chairperson in training.

Hello once again;

I pray all is well with you and your families, and that the weather is kind to you all.  It is really cold here!

Reminder:  To the Diocesan Spiritual Chairpersons to send me their annual report by February 15^th, of 2008.  Thank you to those who have already sent them.  It looks from the reading I have done so far, your diocese is busy and loving the League.

Encyclical Letter:  Pope Benedict has written another encyclical letter, Spe Salvi (saved through hope).  I received a copy from our Provincial President and have started to read it.  The opening of the letter tells us where SPE SALVI comes from.  Pope Benedict says that “In hope we are saved” he also said “Man is redeemed by love, which makes one’s personal and social life good and beautiful.  This is why the great hope, the full and definitive one, is guaranteed by God who is love, by god who has visited us and has given us life in Jesus, and who will return at the end of time.  We hope in Christ, we await him!  With Mary, his Mother, the Church goes to meet her Spouse: she does so with work of charity, because hope, like faith, is demonstrated in love.”  Does that not make you want to get the letter and read it.  It is another gem.

World Day of the Sick:  Pope Benedict’s message for World Day of the Sick has also been released. The theme is The Eucharist, Lourdes and Pastoral Care for the Sick. This year is the 150^th anniversary of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes.  This prayer is also linked with the 49^th International Eucharistic Congress which is been held in Quebec City, Quebec in June 2008.  Pope Benedict writes “a remarkable opportunity to consider the close connection that exists between the Mystery of the Eucharist, the role of Mary in the project of salvation, and the reality of human pain and suffering, is offered to us”.  I also mentioned in my last communiqué of great book written by Vinny Flynn called “The Seven Secrets of the Eucharist”, it is an awesome read.

Lent 2008-begings Feb. 6^th with Ash Wednesday:   Look to our past resolution 1986.03, Love of Preference for the Poor states “That the national council of the Catholic Women’s league of Canada, renew and extends its commitment to love of preference for the poor with the League and its standing committees as an ongoing continuous commitment expressed through pray, social awareness, witness, leadership, social advocacy, involvement and action.”  This would be a great start for us to reach out to those in need.

Prayer suggestions for Lent:

• www.americanacatholic.org try these (Saint of the day and Minute Meditations)
• www.dailygospel.org has daily readings and short reflections.
• www.sacredspace.ie/en meditation daily

Fasting for Lent:

• What will I give up for Lent
• How can I help the poor
• Be positive about life stop complaining about life, the list is endless

Almsgiving:

• What contribution can you give to help the poor?
• Help Development and Peace (they have a calendar out with ideas to help them check it out)

A request:  I asked in my last communiqué for prayers for “Married Life” to be submitted to me so I can submit them to national.  This request if from National Christian Family Life Chairperson Ann Doucet.  They have moved the deadline date to February 15th 2008. As I didn’t receive any from our Province I am putting it out there once again. Would you like to ask your ladies to come up with a prayer regarding Married Life and I will submit it and maybe it will be chosen by Nationals Chairperson for Spiritual and Christian Family Life and be placed in a new version of League Prayer Card.  Please be sure to put name of council, name of submitter as well as your diocese.  Send submission to me and I will send them on.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see you prayer in print for all to pray?

New Prayer Books:

• “We Dare to Say “Praying for Justice and Peace. The book has five themes: justice-making, ecology, peace, women and other spiritualities and each theme has four components: prayers, liturgical celebrations, meditations and hymns. Book available at Novalis Publishing Inc., (800-387-7164) cost $18.95 plus shipping and HST.
• Fellowship of the Least Coin. The latest issue of the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC) has an insert with twelve concerns (one for each month) which have been chosen as their prayers for 2008. You can get the information by phoning (416) 929-5184 or e-mail wicc@wicc.org .
• World Day of Prayer (March 7^th 2008) was written by women of Guyana. The theme this year is God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding. A new resource this year is a CD with service music and other choral songs from Guyana. There is also a DVD and videotape of a slideshow focusing on the people and country of Guyana. For more information contact WICC.
• Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada-celebrating 90^th Anniversary. They have chosen a theme “Widening the Circle” for their celebrations. They are inviting groups to plan their own celebration by reaching out to and “widening” their own circles. Materials will be available, and grants of $250 in seed money offered to any group that would like to organize “a service of celebration, a birthday tea party, or any gathering that fits the theme. For more information contact WICC
• One in the Spirit: a new spirituality workshop, “One in the Spirit” is now available from national office and on the website. It will help us to discern what prayer types we are and at the same time learn some more about our beautiful saints. We did a condensed version of the workshop at our Provincial Mid-Term. Copies were given to the Dioceses of BC, ask your Diocesan President. You can do the complete workshop in 3 hours. I personally think this is a great workshop for Regional meetings.

Still need our Help

49th International Eucharist Congress Temporary Voluntary Fund:

• The total amount donated so far (Dec. 31^st 2007) is $14,335.00 a short fall of $24,000.
• Could you ask your councils to consider a donation to this worthy cause…? It won’t be long before it is happening. (Read your fall League Magazine for more details)
• If you are planning on attending you can contact our Provincial President Barb Dowding and she will give you the name of the contact person.

The Catholic Missions In Canada: is celebration 100 years of Mission (1908-2008) they are inviting us to help them celebrate this awesome event.   I am putting this out there once again as I think that this would be a great event to have and celebrate either at a special function or even our Diocesan Conventions.

Their Mission today, as it has been for the past 100 years, is to foster and extend the blessings of the Catholic faith throughout the mission dioceses of Canada which cannot financially support their local church and its ministry.  In 2007, Catholic Missions In Canada has committed over $4 million to support the needs of 600 missionaries working in 26 Canadian mission dioceses, and serving 1.2 million Catholics across Canada – from Newfoundland to British Columbia to Nunavut.

Six critical areas include the support of:

• Missionary priest, sister, religious and lay leaders;
• Teaching of religious education programs to children, youth and adults;
• Building and repair of churches, rectories and religious centers;
• Ministry to our First Nations’ peoples;
• Education of seminarians

Here is our challenge: (let the people know of this great happening and what they do) Very few people know that the Catholic Missions exist in Canada, and ever fewer support it.

Our challenge to each Provincial, Diocesan and Council across Canada is to help us raise awareness of Catholic Missions In Canada in our community through an event of our choosing.  Whatever the event, be it a faith breakfast, a luncheon, a dinner or a gala, the focus should be to educate and communicate the immense values and need of the work being done by our Canadian missionaries today.  They will assist you by providing educational materials, including, whenever practical, arranging to have missionary speakers at you event.

If the event includes a fundraising component, you wish to send the proceeds to National to support “The Catholic Women’s League of Canada’s National Catechesis Endowment Fund”.

To find out more about this, contact Anne Hanley of The Catholic Missions In Canada at (614) 934-3424, EXT. 227 or toll-free @ 1(866) 937-2642

Deceased Members Form:

I am going to try and get permission to somehow incorporate the “Deceased Members Form” into our BC & Yukon web site.  Each diocese would have a link to go to.  The form would be on the link and who to send it to and when, would also be included on it.  It would be kept up to date as names are changing every two years with elections etc.

Note:  When you send me in the names of the deceased in your diocese please put your council code on the form (you will find your code on your mailing address label on your League magazine).  When a Spiritual Advisor passes on only send the name to National if the advisor is a female.  But by all means send both male and female to you Provincial and Diocese, that way they will all be recognized.   Thank you for understanding.

I am sending to you in this communiqué a Novena for struggling councils; please pass it on to your councils so that all councils can pray for them

May the season of Lent give you time to ponder and hold dear those close and far from you.  May you continue to be more like Our Lady of Good Counsel each and every day.  God Bless

Dodie Bond

Hello once again;

I pray all is well with you and your families, and that the weather is kind to you all.

Have you had time to take a look at the fall issue of the League Magazine? It is full of awesome articles and great pictures of the banners that were presented for consideration for Love One Another competition. I wouldn’t have wanted to be the judge, I personally loved them all.

Are you praying to Stay Awake? He’s coming… It’s that time again (ADVENT). Do you remember the resolution that was passed in 1974 in regards to resolutions passed from 1966 and 1971?

Resolution 1974.01 resolved “that we reaffirm the national resolutions of 1966 and 1971 asking members to undertake a nationwide prayer for peace, which would request each member to participate in the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist on one week-day of each month for “Peace in the World”.”

Our National Spiritual Development Chairperson Cecile Miller and I ask that you consider doing some of the things listed below, please feel free to add to the list:

Pray for Peace in the World
Ask Our Lady of Good Counsel to intercede for us to her Son, the Prince of Peace
Say a prayer for Peace before or after meals
Try to attend a day of prayer or weekend retreat
Share your stuff (unwanted items) with the poor and less fortunate
Pass on the books you are finished with that have helped you with your faith journey
Love yourself and love others
Walk with your sisters in the League as you prepare for the coming of Christ
Read Isaiah 2:1-5 in your December meeting “then everything will be changed. We will walk in God’s paths, the Lord’s house will be the highest, and no nation will go to war”.

A request: I have been asked for prayers for “Married Life” to be submitted to national by January 15th, 2008. How would you like to ask your ladies to come up with a prayer regarding Married Life and I will submit it and maybe it will be chosen by Nationals Chairperson for Spiritual and Christian Family Life and be placed in a new version of League Prayer Card. Please be sure to put name of council, name of submitter as well as your diocese. Send submission to me and I will send them on.

49th International Eucharist Congress Temporary Voluntary Fund:
Some funds have come in, but the half-way mark has still not been reached for the League commitment to the Congress committee. Could you ask your councils to consider a donation to this worthy cause…? (Read your fall League Magazine for more details)

There are still rooms available at the Chateau Laurier in Quebec City, Quebec. If you are planning on attending you can contact our Provincial President Barb Dowding and she will give you the name of the contact person.

If you are planning on attending, you can save $30.00 by registering early before January 2008.

The Catholic Missions In Canada: is celebration 100 years of Mission (1908-2008) they are inviting us to help them celebrate this awesome event.

Their Mission today, as it has been for the past 100 years, is to foster and extend the blessings of the Catholic faith throughout the mission dioceses of Canada which cannot financially support their local church and its ministry. In 2007, Catholic Missions In Canada has committed over $4 million to support the needs of 600 missionaries working in 26 Canadian mission dioceses, and serving 1.2 million Catholics across Canada – from Newfoundland to British Columbia to Nunavut.

Six critical areas include the support of:

• Missionary priest, sister, religious and lay leaders;
• Teaching of religious education programs to children, youth and adults;
• Building and repair of churches, rectories and religious centers;
• Ministry to our First Nations’ peoples;
• Education of seminarians

Here is our challenge: (let the people know of this great happening and what they do) Very few people know that the Catholic Missions exist in Canada, and ever fewer support it.

Our challenge to each Provincial, Diocesan and Council across Canada is to help us raise awareness of Catholic Missions In Canada in our community through an event of our choosing. Whatever the event, be it a faith breakfast, a luncheon, a dinner or a gala, the focus should be to educate and communicate the immense values and need of the work being done by our Canadian missionaries today. They will assist you by providing educational materials, including, whenever practical, arranging to have missionary speakers at you event.

If the event includes a fundraising component, you wish to send the proceeds to National to support “The Catholic Women’s League of Canada’s National Catechesis Endowment Fund”.

To find out more about this, contact Anne Hanley of The Catholic Missions In Canada at (614) 934-3424, EXT. 227 or toll-free @ 1(866) 937-2642

Salt & Light DVDs:
Web site; www.saltandlighttv.org/shopping or call (888) 302-7181

DVDs available; Saints: Gospel Artists; Love Is a Choice, the life of St. Gianna Beretta Molla; the Journey of Light (journey to the Holy Land)

Good Reading: I personally recommend a book by Vinny Flynn called “7 Secrets of the Eucharist”. I have read this book as well watched a DVD of the same name. I would highly recommend this book to your council to read. It is very in tune with the eve of 49th International Eucharistic congress coming up next year. You can find more about this book and DVD by going on their web site www.mercysong.com or call them at 1 (888) 549-8009.

Stamps: Please remember to ask for Nativity – related stamps for all your Christmas mailings.

Dates to Remember:

Advent begins December 2nd
December 12th is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
December 12th is the Catholic church’s National Day of Prayer for Aboriginal People
December 30th The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
January 6th Epiphany of the Lord
January 13th Baptism of the Lord (Thanksgiving for the Beloved Son
January 20-28, 2008 is Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme is Pray without ceasing. Materials are available from Novalis, 10 Lower Spadina Ave., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M5V 2Z2. Telephone (800) 387-7164; facsimile (800) 204-4140; e-mail living@novalis.ca ;

Website www.novalis.ca

This will be my last communique before the New Year. Please accept my prayers for you and your family. God Bless you all and may Our Lady of Good Council intercede for you and your family in all your prayers. Merry Christmas, Peace on Earth, and remember to keep Christ in Christmas always.

Dodie B….

Good Day to all Spiritual Development Chairpersons of BC & Yukon CWL:

I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Dodie Bond and I have taken on the BC & Yukon Spiritual Development Chair for one year. I will do my best to keep you informed of what is new and happening to this standing chair. Also to let you know that I am here to help you in any way I can. If I personally don’t have the answer to your question, I will endeavor to find the answer for you.

While I am finding my way in this chair, there is something that I feel I must send to you so you can pass this information on to your councils in your dioceses. You will find on the next page the new deceased members form. Please make sure your councils are using it.

National is now asking for “council code” to be added when sending in your information. I got in touch with National and this is how they describe “council code”

From: Diane Havens Membership Department National Office

On the left hand corner of every membership is the council name, location and code. Council code doesn’t change.

We use the code to retrieve the council from our database. Every council has its own code. The first part of the code represents the diocese, than each council is given a number eg: V-001, which is from the diocese of Vancouver.

When filling out deceased members forms it is important to let us know the council code of the person that passed away. Sometime s we have members with the same name and the code helps us find members from the council. We make every effort to find the correct person from the paperwork we receive.

When National sends information to me, they put my council code on the address label. Mine is PG-010. Just for your information.

If you want to get your council code, I would suggest you contact your Organizational Chairperson. She will have the information for you.

I hope this helps.

Gods’ Blessings’ to each and every one of you. Enjoy your summer…

Dodie B… (PG-010)

At a meeting I attended not so long ago, I heard it mentioned that some members were reluctant to take on the Spiritual Development Chair because they were not sure what was expected of them. In the Handbook for Spiritual Chairpersons it says that “Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence.” Two areas of concern are ‘Spiritual Growth of the members’ and ‘Study of Catholic Teachings’. This gives the unique opportunity to share your own spirituality with your council through the spiritual programs and prayers that you prepare for them. Another responsibility is the Role of Women in the Church. You are the women of the church. Yours is the face they see, working, praying, visiting the sick – nurturing and loving one another. In you they see the face of Christ.

As Spiritual Chairpersons, we are keepers of the Book of Life. Sometimes there is confusion as to who sends out the Notice of Deceased Members. Rule of Thumb: At the Parish Level Organization is keeper of the Membership List. She sends the Notice of the Deceased to National to be removed from the membership list. Notices are also sent to Diocesan and Provincial Spiritual Chairperson so their names can be entered in the Book of Life. If you do not send a notice to Provincial, then the name does not appear in the National Book of Life. When a former long time member dies she should be honoured for her service as a League member by entering her name in the Book of Life even if she has not paid her dues for the last year or so. Please do not send a notice to National.

The Catholic Women’s League is an army of women who pray. Together with Our Lady of Good Counsel we are powerful intercessors. Some years ago we wore an angel pin with a yellow ribbon to indicate that we prayed for our priests.

In 2002, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was chosen as a day of prayer for the sanctification of priests and is celebrated annually. Priests are called to listen to that heartbeat and become “other Christs among God’s people. This year the Feast of the Sacred Heart falls on June 15th. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare to celebrate the priesthood worldwide.

Some of the most exciting things to happen during the next twelve months are the events that are going to be presented through each Diocese and will lead up to the Eucharistic Congress in June 2008. The journey has begun with the Ark of the Covenant making its way across Canada. This is a time to celebrate and glorify the Holy Eucharist and to spread the knowledge of and love for the Eucharist throughout the World. 15,000 people are expected to attend the Congress. Are you going to be one of them? Perhaps, councils should think about sending a representative. What you bring back will be a blessing for both you and your Parish.

I want to thank the councils who participated in the National Theme Contest. As you know the National theme for the next two years is ‘Love One Another’. Each Province was asked to make a craft to bring to the National convention depicting one verse of the song ‘We Will Love with Open Arms’. We decided to hold a contest and seven councils rose to the occasion and submitted their works of art. One will be chosen to represent the BC & Yukon Council in August and will be displayed at the front at the convention in Montreal. I’m so grateful we will not be arriving empty handed. The crafts are displayed in the mezzanine and they are all beautiful.

It has been my pleasure to serve as your Spiritual Development Chairperson for the past year. May the Holy Spirit fill you with His wisdom and love.

Respectfully submitted,
Marianna C…..

Greetings everyone,

I know you are all busy thinking up ideas on how to develop the National Theme “Love One Another” and I am encouraged by the response I have received from one Diocese. Hopefully, many councils will be inspired to create a piece of art, or craft – whatever they do best – to express their thoughts on this theme.

I would like to share some thoughts on Lent that I have received from Cecile M., National Chairperson of Spiritual Development.

Lent
Lent is a time for us to be open to grace, to be renewed and to be converted. The major themes presented in the readings during Lent are baptism, charity, conversion, faith, penance and prayer. We are given these 40 days each year to prepare ourselves for Easter. How have we grown in our love of God and one another since Lent last year?

In his Ash Wednesday 2006 message, Pope Benedict XVI has this to say in part, “lent encourages us to let the Word of God penetrate our life and thus to know the fundamental truth: who we are, where we come from, where we must go, what road to take in life. And thus, the Season of Lent offers us an ascetic and liturgical route which, while helping us to open our hearts to the merciful love of Christ….. Lent, therefore, as a time of listening to the truth, is a favourable moment to convert to love, because the deep truth, the truth of God, is at the same time love…. In this spirit, let us enter the austere and prayerful atmosphere of Lent, which is truly an atmosphere of love for our brothers and sisters.”

Suggested themes to develop during Lent:

• Love One Another
• The Eucharist
• Reconciliation

Suggestions for your Lenten journey

Retreat or Day of reflection/prayer
Aids for reflection on the Scripture of the day:

• www.redemptorists.ca
• www.sacredspace.ie
• www.pray-as-you-go.org (daily prayer for your MP3 player)
• The Word Among Us (www.wordamongus.org), 9639 Doctor Perry Road #126, Ijamsville, MD 21754-990
• Living Faith, 1564 Fencorp Drive, Fenton, MO 63026-2942
• Sacred Journey: Daily Readings for Lent 2007 (NOVALIS) to order by telephone: (800) 313-3020 ext. 233

Lent is a good time to begin praying the Liturgy of the Hours. Shorter Christian Prayer is a shorter edition of Christian Prayer which is the one-volume edition of the Liturgy of the Hours. It contains a selection of material for Morning and Evening Prayer. Each member of the National and Provincial executive has a copy of Shorter Christian Prayer which is used for Morning and Evening Prayer when we meet. It is small, so it is easy to carry with you, and can be used daily to enhance your prayer life. Check your local Catholic bookstore, it is probably available there. (I called St. Andrew’s Bookstore in Vancouver and they have it in stock.) If that fails, it can be purchased from Broughton’s 2105 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON M4C 1K1 or www.bbroughton.com; www.amazon.com.

Important Dates
February 11 Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes (World Day of the Sick)
February 21 Ash Wednesday
February 22 Chair of St. Peter
March 2 World Day of Prayer – the theme this year is United Under God’s Tent;
The prayer service was prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Paraguay.
Resources for the service are available from Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada www.wicc.org or telephone (416) 929-5184
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
March 19 Feast of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, patron of the universal church, and principal patron of Canada
March 26 Annunciation of the Lord
April 1-8 Holy Week
April 5-7 Easter Triduum

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI (Ash Wednesday 2006), “May Lent also be a time of fasting, penance and watchfulness of ourselves, and may we be convinced that the fight against sin is never-ending, because temptation is a daily reality and we all experience fragility and delusion.”

I love this quote by George Sand on kindness; “Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.”

May everyone you meet see a reflection of Jesus in you.

God Bless.
Marianna C.

Winter is definitely here! I hope everyone fared well through the windstorms, snow and sub-zero temperatures we’ve had so far, particularly on the coast. But fear not, Spring and Easter are not far off.

Temporary National Voluntary Fund for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress
When national Spiritual Development chairperson Cecil M. asked Msgr. Jean P., IEC General Secretary, where money raised by the CWL could be used, she received the following suggestions:

1. to print a selection of biblical texts on the Eucharist (by the Canadian Biblical Society); 550,000 flyers to be printed in English, French and Spanish (approximate cost $14,000); suggested distribution to families with a child preparing for first holy communion or confirmation; mailing costs to every parish in Canada approximately $10,000; total cost $24,000.
2. to the solidarity fund to enable lay people from the poorest nations to register for the Congress; total planned to be raised – $200,000; CWL could contribute a percentage.
3. a catechetical document is being prepared by a national group on adult religious education and offered to all English parishes in Canada; cost unknown as yet.
4. for travel and lodging expenses of one or more of the keynote speakers or witnesses who will speak at the Congress; cost per person from outside Canada; $5,000 to co-sponsor the family feast that will take place on June 21st, 2008, or the youth vigil that will take place on the evening of the same day. A donation of $10,000 or more would qualify the CWL as one of the main sponsors.

These are only some suggestions where money raised by the League members would go. Parishes may choose to sponsor one of the items listed or donate toward expenses of the Congress in general. Like World Youth Day, this is a huge undertaking and a tremendous honour for the Church in Canada. Parishes are encouraged to hold at least one fundraising event to support this event. Please let me know what you are planning.

Theme Development
National President Lorette N. and Cecile M. have come with an idea to develop the new National Theme: Love One Another.

A theme song has been written, “We Will Love with Open Arms” that has 10 verses. Each verse has been assigned to a different province with the following assigned to BC:

Verse 3:
“We will place our trust in God
We will ground our lives in prayer.
We will follow Jesus’ way.
We will love with open arms.”

Each provincial council has being asked to create a craft using any medium (embroidery, cross-stitch or paints etc.) depicting one aspect of the verse above. The craft will be mounted on an 18″ by 18″ piece of plastic canvas with edges covered in yellow yarn. At the national convention in Montreal they will be tied together and displayed at the front of the room.

We are asking all our members across our province to do an aspect of the verse, bring it to your diocesan convention, with the best entry going on to the provincial convention. With contributions from each Diocese, the winning craft(s) will go on to the national convention to represent our province. Please let me know by March 1st if your Diocese will be participating. Thank you.

I will send a hard copy of the music and all the words to the song by mail.

Ash Wednesday
On February 21st Lent begins once again before culminating in our greatest celebration of Easter. When I was growing up, we fasted from meat every Wednesday and Friday. On the first day of Lent and on Good Friday we refrained from eating meat, dairy & eggs. I remember one Saturday before Easter, we were preparing the Easter Basket to take to church the next day, I popped an egg into my mouth and my Aunt called me a ‘big baby’ because I couldn’t wait until Easter. I have learned that when I prepare myself during Lent, Easter is so much more joyful. All this to encourage you to do something extra during Lent; give up something you like a lot; attend daily Mass or Stations of the Cross; pray together as a family. Do it for you and do it for Jesus.

Lenten Psalm
Psalm 91 is the special Lenten psalm, and it makes an appropriate night prayer. The psalms are wonderfully well devised for family recitation. One half of the family can pray one verse, the other half the next.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
Say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust.”

For he will rescue you from the snare of the fowler,
from the destroying pestilence.
With his pinions he will cover you,
and under his wings you shall take refuge;
his faithfulness is a buckler and a shield.

You shall not fear the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though a thousand fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right side,
near you it shall not come.
Rather with your eyes shall you behold
and see the requital of the wicked.

Because you have the Lord for your refuge;
you have made the Most High your stronghold.
No evil shall befall you,
nor shall affliction come near your tent.

For to his angels he has given command about you
that they guard you in all your ways.
Upon their hands they shall bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Because he clings to me, I will deliver him;
I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name.
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in distress;
I will deliver him and glorify him;
with length of days I will gratify him
and will show him my salvation.

I pray that God will fill you with His Spirit and bless you.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pray for us!

Marianna

Merry Christmas!
May the baby Jesus bless you and your family with peace and joy as you welcome him into your home and into your heart.

We have begun Year C and we are well into Advent and Christmas is upon us. I would like to share with you some information that I have received from Cecile Miller, National Chairperson of Spiritual Development:

New theme: Love One Another
Beginning January 2007, the League will launch its new theme Love One Another. How can members bring this theme to life? I encourage each of you to reflect on ways the members in your province can respond to this question. Please let us share with one another any ideas which you give/receive. Here are some of mine:

• Study and reflect on Pope Benedict’s XVI encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), especially part two which is entitled Caritas: The Practice of Love by the Church as a “Community of Love.” How can we respond to the invitation extended by the Holy Father in his letter, “To experience love and in this way to cause the light of God to enter into the world…”? What are we doing now? What more can we do?
• Reflect on scripture passages which call us to Love One Another.” Some of these are: 1 John 4:7; John 15:12; and, Matthew 22:36-40. How can we extend the sharing we do at Christmas time to those who are in need at
• Say “Merry Christmas!” Share your joy wherever you are: whether at home, at work, or during recreation; while shopping, baking, decorating or doing any of the other activities which need to be done at this time.

The Ark of the New Covenant
The itinerary of The Ark of the New Covenant is posted on the Congress website. The Ark will be in Quebec until January 14, 2007, and will begin its tour in Ontario on January 15th. Encourage all members to do all they can to make this tour the best success it can be.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be held January 21-28, 2007. The theme is Be Opened. School and parish materials can be obtained from: Novalis, 10 Lower Spadina Ave., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M5V 2Z2 ; tel: (800) 387-7164; facsimile: (800) 204-4140; or, visit the website www.novalis.ca.

Important dates
January 1 – Feast of Mary, Mother of God, World Day for Peace
January 21-28 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
February 4 – World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
February 11 – Commemoration of Our Lady of Lourdes , World Day of the Sick,

World Marriage Day
February 21 – Ash Wednesday

Annual Reports
You have all receive the newly revised annual report forms. Hopefully, Parish Spiritual Chairpersons will find them user friendly. You are encouraged to contact parishes that do not send in their annual report to see if they are having problems with the report form.

A reminder that Diocesan reports to Provincial are due by February 15th, if there are any questions please do not hesitate to ask..

Wishing you a Happy New Year

May 2007 be filled with new hope, new joy, new beginnings and many blessings.

Marianna C…….

Dear League Sisters,

Greetings and welcome to Diocesan Spiritual Chairpersons; Sharon G….. of Salmon Arm (Kamloops Diocese), Marion N….. of Creston, (Nelson Diocese), Jill M….. of Prince George (Prince George Diocese), Terri D….. of Maple Ridge (Vancouver Archdiocese), Deanne P…… of Courtenay (Victoria Diocese) and the ladies of the Whitehorse Diocese.

Although I was Secretary of the Provincial Council for four years for those who do not know me I would like to tell you a little about myself. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Vancouver, my husband John and I moved to Aldergrove in 1973. Our four boys, who still play hockey, now live scattered around the Lower Mainland with one in Germany. Two are married and I patiently await grandchildren. I have been a CWL member at Sts. Joachim & Ann (formerly St. Ann) in Aldergrove since 1977; served on the Diocesan level for 10 years and am presently past-president of Domestic Abuse Services-Our Lady of Good Counsel Society. I was one of the presenters for Grow and was chair of Tickets and Printing Committees for the National Convention in Vancouver. For 10 years I worked in the local pregnancy centre as a crisis and post-abortion counsellor. My passion is cooking, gardening, crocheting and the League. Next month I plan to attend the Parliamentarian Training workshop in Coquitlam.

You will be pleased to know that Cecile Miller has been appointed as National Chair of Spiritual Development. Cecile shared the following about herself in her first communique which I would like to share with you:

“I am a charter member and was the first president of St. Patrick Parish Council, North East Margaree, N.S., in December 1983. Since then, I have developed a great love for the League and have been actively involved. I have chaired or been a committee member of this standing committee many times. I served at the diocesan level for 11 years and on the provincial level for 10 years. I became a life member in 2000. I was a Gertrude in the Fieldworkers Program, a facilitator for Spirituality: A Day of Discovery, and served on a resource team and as leadership facilitator on the diocesan level. Most recently, I was chair of the liturgy committee for the 86th annual national convention in Halifax.”

Resolution 2006.01 Religious Freedom was accepted at the National Convention in Halifax and I commend the Kamloops Diocese for all their effort. Now, it is time for all members to follow up using the action plan. We are reminded that, while letters are effective, a telephone call or personal visit to a member of parliament will yield the best results. If you know the name of a good speaker who may be accessible to other councils, please share this information. Is there any other action you have taken?

Anti-Trafficking in Persons: 1st International Weekend of Prayer, Fasting and Action. We have been invited to join with others around the world to fast and pray for an end to the trafficking of persons on Friday, September 29th. The Community Life Chairperson will have more information on this event.

We walk in the Footsteps of Mary. In her final communique, Betty Anne Brown shared a prayer service which was offered to the WUCWO General Assembly as a resource. A copy is available on the National website, under “Programs”.

49th International Eucharistic Congress, Quebec City 2008
The Eucharistic Congress which will take place on June 15 – 22, 2008 has for its theme: The Eucharist, gift of God for the life of the world.

This is a gathering of the Universal Church to celebrate Jesus living and present in the Eucharist, source and summit of evangelization and centre of the life of the church. A binder of education sheets has been prepared for use individually or in groups. A copy has been sent to all Bishops, diocesan delegates (one per diocese) and provincial presidents. The reflection and prayer sheets are available online at www.cei2008.ca. They may be photocopied to be used at meetings for members to reflect on the meaning of the Eucharist in their lives.

A Temporary National Voluntary Fund was set up at the 2006 annual national convention to assist the planning committee in their work to prepare for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress. Councils are encouraged to support this work both in prayer and financially.

Prayer of the Ascent to the Eucharistic Congress of 2008
God our Father, look with favour on your Church as we prepare with hope and with joy to celebrate the International Eucharistic Congress in 2008. Help us to better welcome the gift of your Son Jesus in this memorial of his death and resurrection, which nourishes our lives as your children and as brothers and sisters. Send forth your Holy Spirit that we may better appreciate this gift, and become messengers of the life brought by Jesus to our world searching for meaning. In following the example of Mary, woman of the Eucharist, may we always give thanks to you, and make a continual offering of ourselves to respond to your love and fulfil your will. We ask this through Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Please send Notification of Deceased Members Forms for Provincial to:

Marianna C……., Spiritual Development Chairperson
26814 – 26th Avenue, Aldergrove, B.C. V4W 2Y6
Phone: 604-856-2638
Email: marianna_caldwell(at)shaw.ca

God Bless you,……………….Marianna