Front Row Left to Right: Marianna Caldwell, Doreen Gowans, Nancy Simms, Pat Deppiesse, Evelyn Rigby, Sandra Stajduhar Back Row Left to Right: Dodie Bond, Lorrilee Jordan, Jeanne Wilson, Caroline Ann-Alter, Betty Hoskins, Lois Charlebois Insert: Fr. Tien Tran, Provincial Spiritual Advisor

RICHMOND – The 63rdAnnual Convention of the BC & Yukon Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada was held at St. Monica’s Parish and hosted by Region 1 of the Vancouver Archdiocese, May 27 – 29, 2010.

Most Reverend Michael Miller, CSB Archbishop of the Diocese of Vancouver gave the Keynote addressing the CWL theme “Women of Peace & Hope” and challenging the CWL members to be “Heralds of Hope”. He offered a reflection on how CWL members can be women of hope and witnesses of hope to all the different communities they are associated with by understanding the concept of eternal life, the relationship between purgatory and hope and being able to share that hope with others. Further speakers included: Denis Boyd, M.A. registered Psychologist, who gave a compelling presentation entitled “Communication in a Great Relationship” offering practical tips and proven strategies to enhance listening skills, beat stress and communicate better; Daphne Gray-Grant spoke on “Beating Writer’s Blank” opening our imaginations to ‘mind-mapping’ a concept to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas; and Fr. Tien Tran Provincial Spiritual Advisor gave an enlightening talk explaining many of the nuances that will be coming from “The New Roman Missal” which will affect us all. This workshop format and the many questions and concerns were addressed with clarity. Reports from the Executive, Standing Committees and the 6 Diocesan Presidents were informative as well as educational. Two Resolutions came to the floor and were passed. The resolution entitled “Safe Haven Law” will be forwarded onto the CWL National Council to be considered for presentation at their convention in August, while the other resolution “Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias” will be sent to our Provincial & Territorial Governments.

Members previewed The Catholic Women’s League of Canada’s 90th Anniversary celebration by dressing in 1940’s attire and by singing and listened to music from that period as together they celebrated the day with fun, faith and fulfillment. At the National convention in Ottawa each Province and the Military Ordinariate will represent a different decade.

The newly elected officers and executive include President Nancy Simms, Kamloops, Past President Marianna Caldwell, President Elect (Organization) Doreen Gowans, Kamloops; 1st Vice President (Education and Health) Dodie Bond, Prince George; 2nd Vice President (Resolutions) Pat Deppiesse, North Vancouver; Secretary, Evelyn Rigby, Powell River; Treasurer, Sandra Stajduhar, Trail; Standing Committee Chairs: Betty Hoskins, Duncan (Spiritual Development); Lois Charlebois; Surrey (Christian Family Life), ; Caroline Ann-Alter, Kelowna (Community Life); Jeanne Wilson, Whitehorse, YK (Communications); Lorrilee Jordan, Armstrong (Legislation); and Sheila Quinn BC & Yukon Life Member Liaison.

The Executive and table officers were installed in the presence of Most Reverend Michael Miller, Archbishop of Vancouver, Bishop David Monroe, Bishop of Kamloops, Fr. Tien Tran Provincial Spiritual Advisor, Coquitlam, Fr. Dale Normandeau, Kamloops Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, St. James, Vernon, and Fr. Tony Boniface, St. Monica’s Parish, Richmond.

Life Member Pat Battensby presented the BC & Yukon Life Member’s Arts & Cultural Award to Lucille Schaubroeck, from Williams Lake, BC. She is a talented musician and is studying to become a high school teacher. Lucille also received the Molly Boucher Bursary presented by Jeanne Wilson, Provincial Education & Health Standing Committee Chair.

Both President Nancy Simms and Past President Marianna Caldwell together with the executive are educating members to reach out to their parish and communities in Peace and Hope serving our members with Faith and Joy.

For more information, please visit our web site www.cwl.bc.ca

Respectfully submitted,

Doreen Gowans, BC & Yukon Prov. Communications

Lucille Schaubroeck, Bursary Award Winner

Pictured: Left to right, Jeanne Wilson, Cecilia Schaubroeck, Lucille Schaubroeck, Pat Battensby,

Lucille Schaubroeck, from Williams Lake, was awarded two awards from the BC & Yukon Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, the first being the Molly Boucher Bursary for $500.00 presented by Jeanne Wilson, Provincial Education & Health Chairperson, and the second was the BC & Yukon Provincial Life Members Arts and Culture Award for $500.00, presented by Pat Battensby, Life Member Liason. She received these awards as she is interested in furthering her education, is talented in music, and drama, and exemplifies the need to take part in the community, helping to educate others. As well as being a member of the Catholic Women’s League, Lucille attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, in Williams Lake, Williams Lake Secondary School and Maranatha Christian School. Lucille has been accepted at The University of Victoria where she will work on her Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in writing with a goal to become a High School teacher. Congratulations Lucille.

• Archbishop Miller – Trinity Sunday
• Archbishop Miller – Women of Hope

A few years ago at a convention one of the speakers stated that “God has given us many gifts at birth and it is up to us to unwrap them.” I believe that as members of the CWL we help each other unwrapping some of these gifts, and at convention time we show how well we have done this through our reports and by affirming each other.

In January we celebrated the Priest Appreciation Dinner, it was a beautiful event where we thanked and affirmed our Spiritual Advisors along with other priests in our diocese. Each Priest received a bookmark with the Priest’s Logo and a Spiritual Bouquet of many masses, rosaries and adoration hours. Over 400 members and guests attended this celebration.

February brought us the Olympic Games and as true women of “Peace and Hope” we greeted over 4000 visitors at the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s Welcome Centre. A total of 30 councils were involved providing volunteers and donating refreshments. Our diocesan council shared the cost of a special CWL ad in the Olympic edition of the B.C. Catholic with the provincial council.

Four weeks ago we were busy with our 87th Archdiocesan Convention, which was held at Christ the Redeemer Parish in West Vancouver and hosted by Region 3. Our theme of “Tell His Glory among the Nations” was well represented by flags from various countries and I was amazed how the theme was incorporated in the homilies and spiritual presentations. We were able to show Fr. Tad’s DVD “Cutting Through the Spin” on stem cell research and cloning and Fr. Scott enlightened us about Jesus’ parables about “leadership without fear”.

Other presenters were: Dr. Romayne Gallagher from Providence Healthcare on “Palliative Care”, Stephanie Gray from the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR) on Reaching Hearts & Minds on Abortion, Mrs. Bonnie Glassford on the “Holy Land” with a Slide Presentation, Michele Smillie from Domestic Abuse Services – Our Lady of Good Council Society as well as Kamal Dhillon, sharing her experiences as an abused woman, the Panel Discussion on “Human Trafficking” followed by the “Way of the Cross” a power point show. Our Provincial President Marianna Caldwell had members in lively discussions in her presentation on “Leading and Reaching out into our Communities”.

We were delighted to learn that Star of the Sea Parish Council in White Rock recorded the highest absolute increase in membership out of 1,294 councils across Canada for the year 2009. The president is very excited, as she will be attending the National Convention in Ottawa to receive a special award from the National Chairperson of Organization Velma Harasen.

Can it get any better? You bet, Fr. Thompson, Spiritual Advisor from “Our Lady of Assumption Church “ in Port Coquitlam was one of the two Priests that were awarded an all expenses trip to the upcoming National Convention in Ottawa, paid for by National.

Through our Leadership Development Team we have shown CWL presentations at deanery meetings, have mentored councils, formed new ones, and delivered workshops. This team is headed by our immediate past president Evelyn Rigby and assisted by other past presidents, diocesan officers and Life Members. In the past year we had several applications to our Archdiocesan League Development Fund.

This year I was able to participate in the 3rd annual “March for Life” in Victoria on May 13th. The Bishops from Kamloops, Vancouver and Victoria celebrated Mass at St. Andrews Cathedral, along with many Priests. It was estimated that 2000 people marched from Centennial Square to the Legislative Buildings, where we listened to various speakers. It was good to see so many younger people as well as school groups in the crowd and of course so many CWL members.

I can’t believe that my first year as president has passed by so fast and I am looking forward to the next year. There is a lot of work to do, we are establishing new CWL councils but we have to be available to councils that need leadership promotion. Our city is becoming more diverse with different cultures, our parishes have more small communities, and some people believe that there is a lack of interest in the League. But look around you, when we come together at conventions and are celebrating our Catholic Women’s League by being fulfilled, motivated and inspired don’t you want to tell every catholic woman to be a part of this awesome organization? I know I do. We all are different and bring different talents to the League as we serve with faith and joy. If we remember to see each other as sisters in Christ, there is always a solution.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us as we “Tell His Glory among the Nations”.

Learning is an experience, or is it experience in learning. What I have learned as diocesan president is an experience that has enriched my life. It has taught me many things that has made this part of my journey wanting more. Age has no limits, never stops finding something new in each day, and CWL has done this for me. I can’t imagine why all Catholic women are not members of our wonderful organization.

This year has brought speakers and guests to a parish council. Dr. Clem Persaud, spoke to us on stem cell research, local experts on palliative care, peace and development., living wills and the importance of this. We were blessed with a visit from our national president Danielle McNeil- Hessian. This is probably for next years report but I have to share this with you. Our right to life group had their first walk for life on May 13th. We thought maybe 15 to 20 people at the most would come out. Incredible we had 50 walkers Join our group. We were impressed with all the denominations present. What a wonderful show of ecumenical fellowship.

Our two councils are working together even though a distance of 1200 kilometers is between them. Thank the lord for modern communications. I could write volumes on the incredible support, love, and faith we have for each other. This I pray will continue and with the help of Our Lady of Good Council spread to each and every one we meet.

Congratulations are in order for the members of the Victoria Diocese. We have once again experienced growth amongst our member councils this year and continue to strive for unity of purpose as we look to the future.

2010 Highlights include:

• A Commitment to continue to strive for excellence and are encouraged by the fact that we have a full slate of officers chosen to serve. Our new executive will consist of both experienced members and newcomers to the Council. All were confirmed at our 82nd Annual Convention held in Port Alberni earlier this month.
• A revised – more comprehensive Victoria Diocesan Policy Manual was instituted in March. With the hope that by having a clear stated course of action and policy, we will become more streamlined and efficient.
• We continue to keep League issues to the forefront in our Diocese policy.
• We continue to encourage councils to improve and reinvent interesting topics to keep meetings upbeat and attractive.
• We continue to remember at all times our Diocesan motto: We Are Family!

Our future is bright, provided we remember our League experience should always adopt the three principals at meetings: Faith / Fun / Fulfillment

Our first order of business will be an educational workshop (as defined in our Diocesan Policy and Procedure manual) to familiarize the Diocesan Executive with their duties. This workshop will take place in mid-June, followed in mid July by a business/social gathering in part to get to know one another better and to follow up the June workshop with an opportunity for officers to ask any questions they may have arising from the information gathered.

Before the Fall interim meeting, parish presidents have been advised to review with their councils the newly revised Policy & Procedure manual discussed above and to familiarize the membership with Diocesan Policies.

It has been recommended that each parish council consider implement their own Policy and Procedures manuals to supplement the Diocesan Policy & Procedure manual as well as the National manual of Policy & Procedure.

The Nelson Diocesan Council reports for 2009 indicated that most parish councils are doing quite well. Some Standing Committee Chairs are not filled. However, most councils submit reports of activities in all committees. The challenge for all councils is to attract younger women to join and take responsibility on the executive level.

There has been an increase in our membership in the past two years and we hope that this trend continues. A majority of councils divide the meetings in the business/spiritual/ social components and this leads to better attendance and interest in league work. The best notes about parish councils were the ones which stated the camaraderie among the members is great, as is the love for one another.

We honored two women for their exceptional service to the League with the Bellelle Guerin Award. Perhaps, we could honor more of our deserving members with this award.

Nelson Diocese will host the 2011 B.C.& Yukon Provincial Convention in Penticton. Sharon Vaillancourt, of St. Ann’s Council is Convention Chair; she reports the convention is now a work in progress.

Our Past-President, Alice Hallgren, attended the Provincial Midterm meetings, and presided at the diocesan meetings, finding this a rewarding experience.

The Nelson Diocesan 74th Annual Convention was held in Osoyoos, April 29-May 2, 2010. It was well attended, 25 out of 28 councils were represented. We were very pleased to have a resolution brought forward which was approved for presentation to Provincial Council.

Our new Spiritual Adviser, Fr. Rex Velmonte was installed last September. At convention, Fr. Rex gave us a presentation on the Year of the Priest, by giving us his journey of his decision to become a Priest and his life as a priest today.

The Provincial Workshop presented by Provincial President-Elect, Nancy Simms, assisted by the Organization and Community Life Chairpersons, was well received. We were taught how good leadership helps to encourage members to participate, to take responsibilities and duties which uses their gifts and talents.

Agnes Bedard, 1st Vice-President for North America, of WUCWO widened our vision of the world scene; she gave us an insight to Catholic Women’s Organizations and WUCWO. It is all about connecting with the women of the world, being the voice for our sisters, who have no voice; it is about doing what we can do, because we can.

We did indeed have a wonderful convention.

As for my hopes and expectations for this year I would like to reach out to every Council in the Diocese by visiting the outlying areas, especially the small councils who have problems recruiting any members, let alone younger members. I believe personal contact with the councils fosters growth.

I hope to increase the locations of doing workshops, reaching out to some of the smaller communities. In the past we have had four workshops each fall. I would like to increase this to six.

It has been a wonderful, learning experience year. Each new chair I take on I learn so much more about our League and why I choose to “Belong”. I admire those ladies who have taken these positions on before me and I am so grateful for their willingness to be mentors and help me whenever I ask.

I was grateful that our Diocese had a full slate of officers to begin this 2-year term. The past Life Member Liaison, Diana Mackenzie, passed away in December and our Treasurer, Sandra Silberberger, passed away in February. We miss both of these wonderful members. I am grateful to past treasurer, Pauline for taking on this job until convention and then I appointed a new treasurer, Dodie’s daughter, Jennifer Foster. In the 2 weeks prior to convention 2 more of the executive resigned due to one moving, and one being unable to continue due to ill health. I am grateful that with a phone call, 2 prior executive members will fill in until elections.

I started this year in hopes of visiting each area and attending their regional meetings. I visited 3 of 4 and so enjoyed their meetings. Susan Steiner, past Diocesan President, and I went to Fort St. John in October for their meeting and we had a wonderful time and I attended one in Prince George and one in the western region. All were very well attended. I will attempt to attend all regions this fall {that is a lot of miles}. I have tried to aid and encourage those councils, which are struggling and will continue to do so.

The other thing I have tried very hard to do is get all councils to submit reports, which 13 of 16 did. We will have a workshop on communiqués and reporting at our mid-term in September.

I had the honour of having Nancy Simms at our convention in April and to award Life membership to Dodie Bond. She is a very deserving member and continues to help with Spiritual and mentoring at the local level and is always willing and gracious in answering all questions for any members.

Thank you and may Our Lady of Good Counsel guide all our endeavors in the coming year.

I stand her before you, wondering where my year as Diocesan president has gone so quickly! Did I begin to accomplish my goals that I set out to do for my term? I wanted to help members grow more spiritually, learn more about CWL, make new friends, and laugh a little.

Our Diocesan council has grown by one more Parish council, which is Our Lady of the Valley in Cold Stream. It is exciting to have a new council with a lot of young women as members.

We now have two councils, which have started the Catholic Girls League, these are exciting times. The Kamloops Diocesan members enjoyed having the Vernon Catholic Girls League participate at our convention.

How many of you know about the lives of St. Frances Cabrini, St. Dymphna, St. Marguerite Bourgeois, St. Anthony of Padua or Saint Josephine Bakhita?

At our Fall meeting I held a short workshop on Saint’s and asked the Parish councils to choose a Saint and learn about their lives. They also played a game in which they had to connect the Saints to what they were the patron Saint of. Now the councils have been teaching the rest of the members of the Diocese about these Saints at our Spring and Fall meetings and at the convention. This has been quite a learning experience.

At our Diocesan convention we were honored to have Marianna Caldwell in attendance. She held a workshop on Leading and Outreaching into our Communities with the help of Marilyn Van Dongen, which was wonderful.

How many of you know what L’ Arche is? Our guest speaker at the convention was Nathan Ball Executive director of L’Arche Canada Foundation, (who tried to convince us that he was Harrison Ford). At the end of his presentation we all new what L’Arche was and had a new respect for mentally challenged adults who live there. For those who don’t know L’Arche was founded by Jean Vanier and L’Arche has homes in all parts of the world.

A resolution was passed at our Diocesan convention and I am excited about this resolution because it came from my own parish and it is called the Safe Haven Law.

I had the pleasure of helping Nancy Simms present a leadership workshop in Vernon in the Fall. It was a great learning experience for me and hopefully the members learned more about themselves and the CWL. This same workshop was presented by Nancy Simms and Doreen Gowans in Kamloops.

As I visit different councils, I am meeting many new ladies and seeing the variety of struggles that councils are having. I also see how parish councils are coping with their struggles and how much they are doing for their parish, community and nation. Many members are also using and sharing their gifts with other members and other people.

The Catholic Women’s League is a wonderful organization to belong to – look how many of you are here renewing friendships, making new friends, learning more and having fun. May our Lady of Good Counsel guide our good works for God and Canada as we Serve with Faith and Joy and become Women of Peace and Hope.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you to all who sent in their annual reports. An amazing amount of work is done at the Parish levels and considerable funds are donated to support people at home and abroad. It is clear members are sharing the “good things we have been given.” I am sure with 100% reporting the amount would be even more impressive.

An area of congratulations is increased membership. Although we hear that long roster of deceased members each year, we continue to grow in membership. That is a very positive and assuring statistic.

Interest rates are a matter of concern. We rely on the interest earned in most of our terms to supplement our annual income. Luckily we had invested a couple of terms for a 2-year period, so missed the low interest rates last year, but sadly they do renew this year.

Slow per capita payments are another concern – by May 2009 we had received $7,415, by May 2010 we have received $3,452. Not sure if they are late going in from councils, or slow at getting posted at National. We cannot do much about the later, but we can do something about the first – please go back to your parishes & assure your per capita fees are sent in.

Our account for 2015 National Convention in Vancouver continues to grow, we are quite hopeful that we will have the extra funds needed to host this great event.

We had our Spring Meeting in Rosemary Heights in Kelowna again this year. While this meeting increases costs, your executive feel this meeting is necessary to help plan for convention as well as take some pressure off the pre-convention & the fall mid term meetings.

As per our Constitution & Bylaws, councils at each level should have the financial records appropriately audited or examined annually. I had the books examined by an accountant; that report is in the Convention Booklet

We had a great response for the Development Fund #1 this year, with 49 members applying and $4,077.64 awarded. Development Fund #2 had two applicants with $2,000 awarded.

Councils should prepare and monitor an annual budget. This helps with planning and with corrections and balances to spending. While some expenses remain fairly constant, others fluctuate – a budget is a guideline to help us with the fluctuating expenses.

I would encourage parish councils when you are preparing your annual budgets, to consider setting aside funds or possibly a separate fundraiser to encourage & enable as many members as possible to attend conventions. I think we would all agree that members are more likely to get enthused and energized at conventions and that may be the answer to some of our problems with getting members to stand for office.

I would consider this to be a wise use of some of your funds.

Of course all councils should have 2 signatures required on all cheques.

Above all – be good stewards of your council’s money. Keep members informed, make joint decisions on money matters with your members and continue in the great work that you do.

Four years has flown by – I am very grateful for your confidence in me & the privilege to serve as your Treasurer. I have done a number of books in the past, manually & on one other computer programs, but Simply Accounting is a great program to work with. I feel I have learned a new skill and hopefully have served this council in my best capacity.

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.

Marianna extended our time for reporting to you today, asking that we make this a teaching opportunity, and to be informative, light, and fun. I will attempt to cover all three, hoping that my enthusiasm for the role of Secretary will shine through!

Information for my brief presentation today will be taken from the Constitution and Bylaws and the Executive Handbook with a few personal tips thrown in! How many members have been Secretaries at some time or another? OK, I will highlight the suggested activities of a parish council Secretary which can include the following:

Signatory:

You are a signing officer for official documents for your council.

Correspondence:

It is important that a record be kept of correspondence both sent and received. Sometimes, the president will ask you to draft letters on her behalf and you would usually send congratulatory cards, thank you cards, etc.

Notice of Meeting:

You should always send out a formal Notice of Meeting, either by Email or in your church bulletins. One parish council I know very well, places a large sign on a tripod in the vestibule the Sunday prior to the meeting inviting all interested ladies.

Agenda:

Assist the president in preparing the agenda for both executive and general meetings – making sure you bring forward any unfinished business from the previous meeting.

Roll Call:

Have a sign-in sheet available for members at your meetings. I would advise you to definitely do a roll call of your executive, using the full name and position titles so that members become more aware who has which standing committee.

Minutes:

Minutes should accurately record the decisions made at each meeting and I’m not saying that you have to record everything that is said by everyone at the meeting! They need to record the issues and actions agreed upon. Some of us, and I’m probably as guilty as anyone, try to record too much, especially if you have the privilege of taking minutes on a laptop computer!

I personally like to include the full names of members making suggestions, etc. Don’t forget that you are actually acting as the historian for your council and in the future, members can look back and actually understand the decisions made many years previous.

Because minutes quite often contain action items, please ensure their timely distribution – either by Email, postal or other method as agreed by your council. The minutes will be approved at the following meeting by the members in attendance and signed by yourself and the President. You must keep a permanent record of the edited, final, signed minutes for your archives.

It may be helpful to keep the minute binder with you at meetings for reference purposes.

Annual Reports:

The secretary can help facilitate the annual report process by having the minute book available at an executive meeting especially called for this purpose. She will keep hard copies of all standing committee annual reports for the president to use when compiling her parish council’s annual report.

Elections Register:

The secretary should keep an up to date elections register. A sample can be found in the National Policy and Procedures manual Article XV. Also, as I requested in my final Communique, please keep track of your past presidents to help facilitate the diocesan and provincial elections process.

On-Line Membership Registration:

I would also like to encourage all parish councils to register for the on-line membership system on the national web-site. This may be the role of the Treasurer, or your Organization/Membership chairperson or possibly the Secretary. I was asked by Marianna to do a short demonstration of this system later in the convention.

As you can see, the position of Secretary could easily be a shared one. In fact, you could have an assistant that you would be training for the job!

It is important that you are not intimidated by this position. We may look very professional, with our laptop computers, printers, projectors and screens, but you don’t need to do all of this. Most parish council Secretaries just take hand written notes at meetings and type them up later, and that’s the way it’s been for many years. And always remember, God never gives you a task that He doesn’t provide the Holy Spirit to help you with.

As I complete my term as provincial secretary, I look back on the past two years which have just flown! I have enjoyed my role very much, being very busy and sometimes challenged! This is a role I really enjoy and will miss. Thank you so very much for your faith in me, allowing me to serve as your Provincial Secretary for the past two years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good morning everyone!  I would like to share some good news with you. Last year our province increased its membership by 113 members! We were one in only four provinces in the country to have a membership increase, and that’s something to be proud of!

Although, having said that, our membership total at the end of 2009 was 9,549 members and my goal for 2010 has been to increase our provincial membership to 10,000, so this year we all must work together as women of peace and hope to increase our membership by 451 members. It can be done! Between our 131 parish councils, each council only needs to invite 3 new members and we will have reached the 10,000 membership goal. As an incentive national has introduced a competition for this year, called The 2010 Membership Incentive Program. The per capita fees for 2011 will be waived for all members in two councils – first: the one with the highest absolute increase in members and second: the one with the highest percentage increase in members from the 2010 membership drive. So, who have you asked to join the League lately?

Now I have another question for you. What does it take to be the organization standing committee chairperson? Does it take incredible organizational skills? I hope not completely, because if it did I have a feeling my husband might say I need another two years at this job to try and get it right! Being organized definitely helps, but it is not the sole criteria. So, is the duty of the organization chairperson to recruit and gather memberships? Well, yes it is, but if that was all the position entailed I, on the provincial level would have a wonderfully easy job, since membership is taken at the parish level and our provincial numbers are sent with the per capita from national to our provincial treasurer and she informs me of our membership stats.

So, what else is involved in the organization standing committee? Well, there’s leadership development. This means the chairperson should promote and encourage attendance at League functions, development days, workshops, training days and conventions. She should also promote long range planning for all standing committees. To do all this she needs to understand the League and its immense potential to be Gods hands of love in society and to have enthusiasm for all that the League is and does.

Organization chairs should also be aware of life members in their council and make use of their knowledge and wisdom of the League to help her in developing leadership skills in all members. To encourage growth in the League we need to promote leadership and true leadership comes through service and love.

The organization chairperson is responsible for ensuring her council has copies and promotes the use of all League publications and resource materials. And for annually reviewing and updating the council’s policy and procedure manual.

Lastly, she is responsible for circulating and ensuring the completion of annual reports. I know many of us look at annual reports as a pain in the side, waste of time, paperwork, but if you understand how each council’s annual reports complete a section of a beautiful tapestry that exhibits the wonderful works of the League as a whole and how without those reports the tapestry is incomplete and loses some of it’s beauty, then annual reports become a joy to complete! And we can go with confidence to government knowing that they have a clear vision of the works the League does throughout the world.

So, what does it take to be the organization standing committee chairperson? It takes enthusiasm, a willingness to serve and love lots of love. Can any member hold this position? Yes! All it takes is saying yes to God and He will give back riches to your life a 100 fold. He has in my life. Thank you to each of you as you have journeyed with me this past two years. I love you all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our deceased Life Members are:

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

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

I would like to mention my diocesan counterparts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Education and Health is a very active standing committee dealing with education and health in six areas.

First is Catholic Education which includes Catholic schools and catechesis. Our members are very engaged in these two areas -whether it is teaching in the Catholic schools, serving on school councils, advisory committees or school boards or teaching catechism or raising funds for our Catholic schools.

Education and Health chairs also monitor the BC Department of Education website as to developments and changes in curriculum.

Second area is literacy and continuing education.

Under our theme of Peace and Hope, we are asked to reach out to women of other cultures and backgrounds. One ways is help immigrants with reading and writing. The CWL was established in 1920 to provide support for immigrant women and girls and the work is continuing today in parish councils. Members are supporting new Canadians by acting as tutors and assisting adult learners.

Adult faith formation classes are provided in most dioceses and all members are urged to attend classes to strengthen their faith.

Third area is scholarships and bursaries.

Some parish councils, all the diocesan councils and the provincial council and national council give bursaries. Life Members have established a bursary in the area of arts and culture. What a wonderful way for the CWL to promote education of its members and member’s children and grandchildren.

Fourth is wellness and sickness/disease – always a big focus for our members.

Provincial is a member of the Catholic Health Association of British Columbia and I would urge parish councils and individuals to join this organization. Membership supports the protection of Catholic health care in BC.

National has been focusing on palliative care and the National chair has completed her report on palliative care in Canada. In 2008, all the diocesan education and health chairs were asked to do a survey of palliative care in their diocese during 2009.Unfortunately not all provinces responded. Cecil Miller, National Education and Health chair, was able to put together a report summarizing the responses she received. One of her suggestions is to educate our members on palliative care using the DVD, Ethics for the Journey by Fr. Mark Miller, a speaker at last year’s National Convention. One parish council reported that they purchased the DVD and facilitated and hosted an open meeting to view and discuss the information with parishioners, other faith communities and care and respite facility staffs. Good palliative care reduces the demand for euthanasia.

Fifth is the environment.

We are to encourage our members to be good stewards of the earth and show, by example, how to be good stewards of God’s creation.

National has asked us to eliminate the use of Styrofoam especially in our parish activities. Remember that that Styrofoam that you use today will still be in the landfill 500 years from now.

One diocese is urging its members to plant a garden. What a wonderful idea – even a small pot with a tomato plant is a start.

And finally, the sixth area is genetics.

This area has caused concern in some councils as they say they do not have enough information to discuss this matter.

Genetics is based on the scientific study of heredity. Scientists are now able to understand much of the workings of genetic material and breed new organisms with ease. This is the positive side of genetics, which, for example, has led to the development of crops yielding much more grain than was ever possible before or disease resistant plants. On the negative side, we must be vigilant, that genetics is used to protect the dignity of human life and not used in evil ways such as cloning or for new diseases for biological warfare.

One council had a presentation on Genetically Engineered Foods, telling which of our foods have been genetically modified, the pros and cons of this and the Vatican’s stand on genetically modified foods.

Members are to be commended on the great amount of work that has been accomplished in this chair in 2009.

What does it mean to legislate?

According to the dictionary definition – to make law.

What are government elected representatives responsible forÉ

To study, debate, and consider Canadians’ views/concerns before supporting or rejecting a Bill however bare in mind that once a government Bill is introduced to the Legislature it is the government’s expectation that the Bill will pass and they will bring considerable resources to make this happen.

Did you know that a Bill must pass three readings in the House of Commons or the Legislative Assembly before it becomes law?

Here are the three steps -

• Bills are introduced in the House, given First Reading, put on the agenda and the Minister may explain the purpose of the Bill
• Before the Second Reading debate begins, a Bill may be ordered referred to a Standing Committee for review and/or hearings.
• If given a Second Reading, it may, by unanimous consent be ordered for a Third Reading otherwise it is referred to a Committee.
• When the Committee reports the Bill to the House it is ordered for a Third Reading.
• Federal bills once passed are sent to the other House, the Senate, where the process starts again from the First Reading.
• Last step – If the Bill passes Three Reading stages it is then presented to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent, if approved it is then known as an act given a statue number.

What are the duties of the legislation chair?

• To become familiar with parliamentary web sites
• Monitor and study the progress of the Bills on a regular basis
• Make contact with your local MP and MLA ask to be on his/her mailing list.
• Prepare briefs and position papers on proposed legislation.
• Forward communiqués to keep members informed with current news regarding Bills
• Send urgent requests for action on upcoming Bills by e-mail
• Encourage members to lobby all levels of government expressing concerns on Bills especially on issues related to social justice and against our Christian beliefs by writing letters, post cards, petitions, e-mails or personal contact.
• Emphasize that as the Bill goes through each stage it requires action.
• Check Resolutions that fall under the legislation standing committee heading and again encourage members to follow the listed action plan.
• Offer assistance to your counterparts.

Who said combine legislation and resolutions? I’m sure you’ll agree that the legislation committee stands on its own.

As a member of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada what is your responsibility?

Having the courage to fight for justice, to protect the weak and the ignored, making your voices heard loud and clear conveying your concerns to all levels of elected government representatives over and over again.

To all Legislation chairpersons either continuing or beginning the ‘legislation journey’, congratulations, you have accepted the challenge; familiarize yourself with the workings of this standing committee, and with enthusiasm work towards making legislation understood.

In the C.W.L. book “Leading the League”, a quote from the “Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity”. says: Wherever there are people in need of food and drink, clothing,  housing,  medicine, employment, education;  wherever (people) lack the facilities necessary for life or are afflicted with serious distress or illness or suffer exile, or imprisonment, there Christian charity should seek them out and find them, console them with great solitude ,and help them with appropriate relief. This obligation is imposed above all upon every prosperous nation and person”.

This decree sets out for us the work of the Community Life Committee. This Committee has

Five main categories to work on.

DIGNITY AND RIGHTS OF PERSONS:

The Charter of Rights says we have rights to many things such as: life, freedom, food, water, housing, clothing, protection of the law, medical care, education, a job etc.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Supporting Domestic Abuse Services
• Letters and  petitions to Government such as “No Legalized Prostitution”
• “No Legalization of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (Bill C-384)” and Bill C-58–Child Protection Act (on-line Sexual Exploitation)
• Educating the public about such things as Human Trafficking, and supporting minimum sentences for trafficking ,

Recent Resolutions:

2008.01>Preventing Human Trafficking at  2010 Olympics

2009.02> Protection and Support for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE:

We are called to help and protect people who need it. Our responsibilities to others cross national, racial, economic, and ideological diversities. We must give support locally, country- wide and globally to people suffering these injustices. We can do this individually, through our League, through community services organizations , and through all levels of government.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Support for many local, provincial, country-wide and global programs
• Support for programs like Restorative Justice
• Protecting our environment and educating others to do this
• Holding the government accountable to ensure companies have good work ethics when working in third world countries

Recent Resolutions:

2003.01>Affordable Housing for Low-income Canadians

2005.04>Ratification of International Covenant re: Death Penalty

REFUGEES, IMMAGRATION, AND CITIZENSHIP;

The C.W.L. was formed in the First World War to help women immigrants.  We have been known for a long time for welcoming new-comers of all kinds—at all times. We must become informed about the needs of immigrants and refugees, and welcome them into our Parishes.

Some examples of work in this area:

• We can assist by providing needs such as food and clothing, by assisting those learning English (ESL classes), by encouraging integration into our society etc,  In 2008 the Archdiocese of Vancouver helped relocate 130 refugee families.

CANADIAN CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIUON FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE;

Canada’s official Catholic overseas development organization was launched by the Canadian Congress of Catholic Bishops. In 2009 donations to this organization (C.W.L. and Canada-wide) were down because of accusations being circulated. Besides raising funds this group does many other good works in developing countries–such as the fight against the work ethics of mining companies in Africa.

Some examples of our work in this area:

• Participating in the 1% C.W.L. program
• Participating as individuals and in CWL Councils, by sending funds to the National C.W.L. fund for CCODP. Suggested donations: Councils:1% of Funds raised.
• Ladies: 1% of money spent on yourself—clothing, cosmetics etc., etc.
• Promoting and helping with the Share Lent Fundraising in Parishes.

DEVELOPING COUNTRIES;

Many countries need much help. Organizations make appeals for funds, fostering of children and families, donations of supplies and goods. If we help individuals or families, we are, in turn, helping a communities and countries.

Some examples of our work in this area are:

Adopting a family through Save-a-family Plan, adopting a child or children through Chalice, buying gifts to be sent to needy places through the Chalice gift catalogue i.e. water systems, farm animals school supplies, etc., donations to “Buy-a-Net”  which sends mosquito nets to countries where malaria (which is spread by mosquitoes) is prevalent, supporting Canadian Food for Children a Langley based volunteer group that sends large containers of goods to many countries., donating to special funds for places in great  need—often because of natural disasters—like Haiti. The needs in these places are endless.

Recent Resolutions:

2005.06>Developing Countries and Water

2007.02>Global Accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies

To see what Community Life Committees in B.C. & Yukon have done in 2009, please read my report in the Convention Book. When reading Diocesan reports about  this Committee, I am over-whelmed to see the work being done in Parishes, Dioceses, the Province,  and the Yukon Territory.

REMEMBER: Together with our CWL sisters across Canada we can accomplish a great deal and really make a difference in many peoples’ lives. Thank You!

As women of peace & hope we are asked to be God’s hands and feet here on earth serving His people.  Have we communicated that to all of our sisters in the league?  Have you shared the  “Peace And Hope Activities Kit” with your members? What treasures have you found in the league that has given you excitement of being a member?

As communication chairs it is our responsibility to promote council activities with an added dose of faith, fun and fulfillment.  We have been challenged to welcome everyone into this wonderful organization we know as the catholic women’s league of Canada.   We need to communicate our enthusiasm with everyone we meet and invite them to follow us.

To inform our members we have many venues at our fingertips. For example we have our league magazine with excellent articles from our national, and provincial leaders as well as members and guests.  These articles inform and challenge us to be and do the best we can to inform and promote the league.  Another avenue is the e-newsletter, which can be subscribed to or viewed on line on our Catholic women’s league national web site at www.cwl.ca.

This is a monthly newsletter, which is a supplement to the league magazine.  The BC & Yukon council has it’s own newsletter entitled “the communicator”, which is the responsibility of the provincial communications chair to collect compile and distribute to the provincial council, diocesan presidents and diocesan communications chairpersons who then forward onto the parish councils.  The communicator is published twice a year, once prior to the diocesan council conventions and once in the fall.  The purpose of our provincial newsletter is to be a teaching aid to educate and share ideas both from the BC & Yukon provincial council and from and to our members.    The spring edition can be viewed along with the recent communiqués on our provincial web site at www.cwl.bc.ca. I have thoroughly enjoyed putting together this newsletter and it has been by far the most educational and fun aspect as communications chair.  World communications day is the 1^st Sunday in June, which this year is June 6, 2010.

White ribbon against pornography is Sunday cot. 17 – sun. Oct. 24, 2010. The ribbon of signatures kit is available from C.A.S.E. (Canadians against sexual exploitation) for a suggested donation of $25. I invite every council and member to take out a membership in C.A.S.E.  By going on line to C.A.S.E. You will see a newsletter keeping you informed on what you can do to educate your children so they do no become victims of child pornography.

Some tips are:

• Communicate with your children about their Internet activities.
• Keep the computer in an open area of your home, never in the child’s bedroom
• Monitor any web cam usage.
• Monitor any use on web sites that are specifically designed for young children.
• Protect your wireless router signal with a password.

This year the white ribbon campaign will focus on Internet service providers or (ISP’S). For more info go to their website at www.4case.ca

A parish council viewed a film on “trafficking of women” which provided information for one family that may have aided in a young girl not becoming a trafficked victim.  Communicating to our members can be a powerful tool to pass on necessary information.

I had the opportunity to talk to our Kamloops diocesan council about an all expense paid trip to New York to attend a workshop on trafficking for young male & female age 18 – 25 years.  This was sponsored by UNANIMA – an international coalition of congregations of roman catholic sisters committed to work for peace and human dignity, through the united nations, other NGO’s through collaboration, education, and advocacy.

I was very excited when I heard a young man from Vernon, BC age 25, married and a father of an 8-month-old boy was one of the chosen recipients to attend this wonderful workshop.  It was an honour to see the results of speaking out and communicating.

Communication involves stepping out of our comfort zone and reaching out and welcoming those who we do not know.  I challenge you to make new friends and talk to members that you have not met.  If you meet my challenge come and see me and I will give you a little gem for your effort.  Have fun and meet your sisters in the league.  Thanks to Sandralynn Stone, Nelson Diocesan Communications Chair for this wonderful idea.

Food for thought – in one of the diocesan communication reports it was reported that communication is saying what we need to say with as few words as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me during the past 2 years.  For me it has been a growth opportunity, which I have thoroughly loved and I hope you have enjoyed.   Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Madam President, members of the League and guests:

You will find a condensed version of my annual Christian Family Life Report in the convention booklet.

We must continue to fight against Euthanasia; it says in the Declaration of Euthanasia on the value of life. (No one can make an attempt on the life of an innocent person without opposing God’s love for that person, without violating a fundamental right and therefore without committing a crime of the upmost gravity).

We must not stop the fight to end Human Trafficking. Continue to write your Member of Parliament and educate those around you of the atrocities.

Bishop Gerald Wiesner OMI from the Prince George Diocese is on the board of directors of “The Catholic Organization of Life and Family” as some know as COLF. You can go on line for more information on this organization. Go to www.colf.ca

There is a new document from the Vatican on Bioethics entitled “Dignitas Personae”. It talks about the right to life of every human being from conception until natural death. And the right to be born from a mother and a father. It is so sad that the gift of life that God has blessed us with is referred to today as a group of cells by some. I quote from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith found on the Vatican website. “The Human Being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception; and therefore from that moment his rights as a person must be recognized, among which in the first place is the inviolable right of every innocent human being to life.” End quote.

With all the technology that is out there we are getting more distant as a family. Parents and children both are either working, watching TV, texting (instead of talking) or on the computer. I have a vision of the family coming back together. I see bringing the family back to the table. In our busy lives we are all over the place-but-not together. We need to sit at a table as a family. Studies have shown that children who eat with their families have healthier diets and teens that eat at the table with their families are twice as likely to get “A’s” in school and half likely to abuse substances and parents are more likely to grow as a unit. This is a time where we as parents can teach and listen to our children. Keep meal times pleasant. Keep the conversation positive and make sure everyone has the chance to talk and be heard. Focus on the meal and your family. If you haven’t sat down together for while, talk it over with them and make a commitment to have at least one meal together per week and stick to it. Don’t answer the phone, turn off the TV. Remember to bring Jesus to the table with you. Give Jesus thanks for all he has given to your family. As parents we must never give up on our family and prayer.

What is your vision for your family? There are possibilities out there you just have to see them and believe the vision and it will come. As women we must keep Faith and Hope alive in our Families. You are their first teacher. Trust in God.

I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

BC 2010.01         Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

Whereas, Research suggests early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias could save billions of dollars while simultaneously improving care; and

Whereas, As the longevity of the Canadian population increases, new cases of Alzheimer’s and related dementias in British Columbia are estimated to rise to approximately 36,000 per year by 2038; and

Whereas, The economic burden of Alzheimer’s and related dementias in British Columbia is estimated to reach $130.2 billion by year 2038; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the British Columbia and Yukon Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada urge the Ministers of Health for British Columbia & Yukon Territory to accelerate funding for:

• research of all aspects of Alzheimer’s and related dementias
• education and prevention programs to delay the onset
• early intervention
• support services and education for home caregivers.

Brief: Strategies for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias

A cost-benefit analysis of the social and fiscal impacts of early identification and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, using Wisconsin as a model, suggests early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease could save a considerable amount of money while simultaneously improving care.  “This analysis says you can save literally billions of dollars in long-term care costs if you can intervene at an earlier stage,” says Mark Sager, director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute of the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.  The study was co-authored by La Follette School of Public Affairs professor David Weimer (Nauert).

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — the loss of intellectual and social abilities severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is not a part of normal aging, but the risk of the disorder increases with age. About 5 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have Alzheimer’s disease, while nearly half the people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer’s (Mayo). With the “boomers” population now at the age of greater risk for this fatal disease, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is expected to grow at an alarming rate. As stated in the World Alzheimer’s Report 2009, it can be called an epidemic that is increasing its pace with the graying of the population around the world (World).

British Columbia’s elderly population is the fastest growing in Canada, with the population over 65 expected to increase from about 14 per cent to 24 per cent of the B.C. population from 2006 to 2036.  The population over age 85 is also growing (Ministry).

A report released by the Alzheimer Society in January 2010 reveals alarming statistics about the projected economic and social costs of dementia in British Columbia.

Incidents of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia:

2008 – 15,150 new cases per year; and
2038 – over 35,720 projected  new cases per year.

Prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias:

2008 – 68,910 people with dementia (1.6% of population); and
2038 – over 177,684 projected of people with dementia cases (3% of population).

Economic burden of dementia (cumulative costs from 2008 to 2038):

2008 – $2.1 billion (in 2008 dollars); and
2038 –$130.2 billion (in 2008 dollars).

Hours of unpaid care provided annually by families for people with dementias:

2008 – 33.1 million hours; and
2038 – 118.7 million hours.

The report also outlines potential scenarios backed by current evidence that could become critical factors in reducing the impact of the disease.  These intervention scenarios include physical activity programs to reduce the numbers of new and prevalent cases of dementia, prevention programs to delay the onset of dementia, informal caregiver support programs and system navigation to reduce the numbers of dementia patients residing in long-term care facilities.  All showed the potential for dramatic reductions in economic impact over the next thirty years (Rising Tide).

Based on the impending social and economic consequences of the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, we urge that provincial and territorial funding be accelerated.   An early investment would lead to improved quality of life for patients and caregivers, and result in savings in the long run.

REFERENCES

British Columbia Ministry of Health Services, 2010/11 – 2012/13 Service Plan, Strategic Context, the Aging Population, page 6

Mayo Clinic Staff, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers-disease/ds00161

Nauert PHD, Rick, Early Detection Of Alzheimer’s Key to Quality and Savings, May 14, 2009, http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/05/14/early-detection-of-alzheimers-key-to-quality-and-savings/5899.html

Rising Tide:  The Impact of Dementia on British Columbia 2008 to 2038, reports based on a study by Risk Analytica, http://www.alzheimerbc.org

Rising Tide:  The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society, reports based on a study by Risk Analytica, http://alzheimers.ca/english/rising_tide/rising_tide_report.htm

World Alzheimer Report 2009 – Executive Summary, http://www.alz.co.uk/research/worldreport

ACTION PLAN

Ask CWL members:

• To become informed about Alzheimer’s Disease and about strategies for prevention
• Invite a guest speaker from an Alzheimer Society to inform the CWL about its advocacy program and how to become involved

Contact their local MLA’s to urgently request the British Columbia and Yukon Ministers of Health to act now.

What is a resolution? The dictionary tells us that a resolution is ‘a firm decision to do something”. Our executive handbook tells us “A resolution is one member’s concern becoming the voice of the League” and that “Policies are established, programs are planned, or concerns and views are expressed through resolutions”. Appendix 1 of our National Manual of Policy and Procedure guides us through the process of preparing and presenting a resolution.

What does this mean to you – as a member of the Catholic Women’s League? What do you do when you are given the gift of a resolution? Do you put it away unopened? Do you open it; look briefly, and then put it away to gather dust? Or do you open it, learn about it, and use it – or, at the very least, “regift” it to someone else?

What is the study and implementation of a resolution? Resolutions are designated to specific standing committees, and chairpersons are to ensure that members are informed and to motivate members to action – and members then become responsible for further educating themselves and acting on the resolution. Do you remember how you worried about what the bishop might ask you at your confirmation, and how you prepared –how you tried to learn everything? I challenge each one of you to pick one resolution and educate yourself on that topic – pretend you are on the review committee and investigate every reference, and follow those references to other information. Progress from ‘knowing about’ a resolution to ‘knowing’ the resolution. Then – ACT – in whatever way you can. This year? Befriend a young, new mother; visit a seniors’ home; write a letter; educate one more person.

Perhaps you are called to be a giver of a gift – to research and prepare a resolution. Is there an issue that is calling you to act? This year we ranged from at risk newborns to older people suffering from dementia. Think of the many important issues in between! Gather some information, discuss it with your council, and go for it! Use the resolutions appendix, and tackle it step by step – with prayer. Do your best – our process allows for improvement at each level.

My personal decision as resolutions chairperson was that no resolution would be turned down on a technicality – such as parenthetical referencing not quite right or references not highlighted or some other oversight. The members should hear a concern that has motivated a resolution – even if it is not accepted.

I would recommend three plans for every resolutions chairperson:

• Prepare a workshop – doing this as my first official job helped immensely.
• Prepare a resolution – it is in the doing that we learn.
• Study a resolution as if you had to prepare for a government meeting – what questions will you be asked, what will be debated.

Every member should participate in a resolutions workshop, prepare a resolution, and study a resolution as if preparing for the Bishop.

To close:

Whereas, We are members of a national organization, rooted in gospel values, called to holiness through service to the people of God; and

Whereas, We are women of peace and hope; and

Whereas, We are called to serve with faith and joy; therefore, be it

Resolved, That, as members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, we seek justice, peace and hope for all God’s people by forming and acting on resolutions with faith and joy.

BC & Yukon delegation to Victoria, meeting with Liberal and NDP MLAs

March 31, 2010 — For the fourteenth time, a delegation from our BC & Yukon Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada met in Victoria with Liberal and New Democratic party MLA’s to present and discuss CWL resolutions. The delegation consisted of president, Marianna Caldwell, president-elect, Nancy Simms, and myself, Sandra Stajduhar, Resolutions chairperson. Legislation chairperson, Sheila Quinn, helped us in the preparation.

Information on the CWL and the resolutions was prepared and given to the MLA’s beforehand, and included all 2009 resolutions as well as information on some past resolutions still of interest. Briefs, bibliographies and action plans were included. In the oral presentation, specific items of concern, particularly in BC, were highlighted as we asked for ongoing support in resolving issues.

The government was commended on the recent legislation to ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving – the subject of a 2008 resolution. It was requested that more driver education be given, with the emphasis on safety. 2007 statistics on injury collisions show that driver inattention was the major contributing factor – 34.3%. A 2009 resolution asks that a province wide policy be made to govern the use of personal electronic devices in schools and that the policy be widely distributed to both students and parents. We were advised to work with parent and teacher groups to determine specific restrictions to be included in such a policy.

The resolution “Hate Messages” urges the federal government to restrict proceedings on matters of hate solely under the Criminal Code and to repeal section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act entitled Hate Messages. BC has similar provisions to section 13 in its BC Human Rights Code under section 7. Criminal Code proceedings require proof of beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas the Canadian Human Rights Act uses the lower civil standard of balance of probabilities. Persons charged under the Criminal Code are entitled to a presumption of innocence, but when a complaint is made under the Human Rights Act, the accused must prove their innocence. As well, the Criminal Code excludes persons who in good faith express or attempt to establish by argument an opinion upon a religious subject. One MLA commented that he would have thought that the Catholic Women’s League would be fighting for the victims of hate messages. It was emphasized that the Catholic Women’s League certainly does not condone hate messages, but urges that they be prosecuted solely under the Criminal Code of Canada.

There have been a number of resolutions on human trafficking. The resolution passed in 2009 asks for Protection and Support Services for Foreign Victims of Human Trafficking. Through temporary residence permits, victims are able to receive health care benefits and counseling, and to apply for a work permit. These measures are ministerial policy and need to be legislated into the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in order to give important service providers the framework to fully intervene.

Domestic trafficking is also a concern in Canada, with aboriginal women and children being the most vulnerable. They are often the victims of sexual exploitation. While some people are forced into prostitution by a third party, others do it to make ends meet, or to cope with a drug habit or a life marked by violence or incest. The resolution “Exit Strategies for Prostituted Persons” asks for a coordinated approach to identify and provide solutions for those persons who want to exit prostitution. Those most likely to be trafficked domestically or to enter a life of prostitution include youth and women who face poverty, inequality, violence and unemployment. The problems that lead to a life of prostitution also act as obstacles to exiting. Focusing on trafficking and/or prostitution alone, without fighting against the root causes such as poverty and unemployment, will only go so far in the long term. Related past resolutions included in the information package were “Children Living in Poverty”, “Affordable Housing for Low-Income Canadians”, and “Hunger in Canada”.

Two other past resolutions were included in the information package – “Assisted Suicide – a Criminal Offence” and “Hospice Palliative Care: An Integral Component of the Canada Health Care System”. Bill C-384 (Right to die with dignity) asked to legalize both euthanasia and assisted suicide. Fortunately, it was defeated but we know it will resurface. We need to protect the most vulnerable: the old, the disabled, the sick and the dying. One answer is good palliative care – not euthanasia or assisted suicide. The goals of palliative care are relief from suffering; treatment of pain and other distressing symptoms, psychological and spiritual care. Unfortunately, the aspect of spiritual care has been seriously undermined by the Fraser Health Authority’s decision to eliminate a dozen paid spiritual care coordinators from its acute care facilities. The government was commended for the Palliative Care Benefits Program and urged to fully support palliative care programs throughout the province.

MLA John van Dongen, Government Whip, introduced us and chaired the meeting with the Liberal caucus. There were twelve members present. The meeting with the NDP was an informal table discussion with four MLA’s – Michelle Mungall (Nelson-Creston), Diane Thorne (Coquitlam- Maillardville), Nicholas Simons (Powell River-Sunshine Coast), and Shane Simpson (Vancouver-Hastings). The meetings with both parties were interesting, informative and productive to both the MLA‘s and our delegation.

We did not have an urgent agenda for this meeting, but arranged it to keep the continuity – to keep in touch. We felt that the attitude of the MLA’s that we met with was the same. However, we did feel that the meetings were beneficial. It is to be hoped that further meetings could be arranged directly with the MLA’s concerned. Diane Thorne complimented us on our professionalism, and offered two suggestions to take our meetings to the next level:

1. Try to get more resolutions directed to the provincial government – they can act on those.
2. Get feedback from other organizations to supplement what we bring – for example, when speaking to the PED’s resolution it would be helpful if we had information from school trustees, PAC organizations, BC Teachers. This makes sense, as we know that the cell phone legislation was promoted not only by the CWL but also by the BCAA as well as other groups.

Both the Olympics and Paralympics showcased our Canadian pride and British Columbians working together and supporting each other. Budget 2010 mentions that the Olympics are a launching pad for new partnerships, investments, business opportunities and building strong communities. We hope that the prosperous British Columbia highlighted in the budget will be built for everyone.

Hi! To all!

Well, the Convention is fast approaching and I am trying to finish up most of the work as my husband and I are supposed to go camping this weekend. I just want to send a short message, as this will be my last Communiqué as Community Life Chairperson.

I also want to ask the Diocesan Community Life Chairpersons to look for Bill C-268. It is about minimum sentences for Offenses involving Trafficking of persons under the age of 18 years. When it comes you should encourage people to express opinions in favor of this. I was told that one of the problems is they can catch the Traffickers and charge them—but when they get to Court the Judges just give them a small fine—not enough to bother them. It should be a good jail sentence and put them out of commission for a while.

I want to say “Thanks” all the Diocesan Chairpersons for the work they have done this term. I have just been working on my Oral Report for the Convention. Are you Chairpersons coming to the Convention?  Also if you would like a copy of my Oral Report—please mail me, and I will send it to you—but it may be after the Convention. Thanks to all of you for your Cooperation and support.

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien:

This will be my last communiqué as BC & Yukon Provincial Communications Standing Committee Chairperson as my term is up at our Provincial Convention in Richmond at the end of the month.

I would like to thank my current Diocesan Communications Standing Committee Chairpersons: Kamloops – Linda Hogg and Marguerite LebBlanc, Nelson – Sandralynn Stone, Prince George – Karen Gierc, Vancouver – Vinola Aguilera, Victoria – Margaret Beardon and Whitehorse – Edna Lorenzen. Your help and contributions have made my Standing Committee easier to manage. You’re a wonderful group of ladies and my prayer for each of you is that you go forward and continue working for the betterment of our Catholic Women’s League as we reach out and do our part to make our world a better place for the League and especially our children and grandchildren.

Welcome to our new 2010 Diocesan Communications Standing Committee Chairpersons:

Kamloops Diocese: Marguerite Leblanc

Nelson Diocese: Joe Lauer

Prince George Diocese: Maureen Sander

Vancouver Archdiocese: Vinola Aguilera

Victoria Diocese: Dorothy Griffin

Whitehorse Diocese: Edna Lorenzen

Another prayer is that you have fun and enjoy this Standing Committee as much as I have. Thank you for saying “Yes” to our Catholic Women’s League.

Newspaper Addresses: Following the 2010 BC & Yukon Provincial Convention in Richmond, I will be sending out a “Press Release” and therefore I have a request, will you send me your Archdiocesan/Diocesan Catholic News Paper’s correct name, mailing address and email address so I can send the “Press Release” for publication?

C.A.S.E.: Encourage all councils to take out a membership in C.A.S.E. (Canadians Against Sexual Exploitation). Reminder of the White Ribbon Against Pornography Campaign this fall.

Our current National Communications Chair is Betty Ann Brown and in one of her Communiqué’s she stated, “Realize what the League does best and run with it; in promotion of council activities, communications chairpersons are reminded to add a dose of faith, fun and fulfillment. This year, be inclusive – offer a hand of welcome to anyone who might need it. Remember the vision: ‘Welcome, friend’ and palliative care, both deeply rooted challenges from society; what can be done about them?

Auxiliary Bishop Peter Hundt, of Toronto, urges the faithful to be “the yeast in society”, to listen to the Holy Spirit and be aware of the call to be sacred signs of Christ in the world. We are women of this moment in time, followers of Jesus. What tools are available to assist in that challenge?”

Peace & Hope Activities Kit: Review the activities kit as you plan your activities in your council. There are many good suggestions for you to use as Communications Chairperson. See how many you can complete by this time next year. Have FUN!

ZENIT: The World Seen from Rome is a free on-line news service at www.zenit.org/english. It is a non-profit international news agency that has presented the latest in Catholic world news since 1997.

All the best for a term of Faith, Fun and Fulfillment as we all work together to make our League the best it can be and we work for God and Canada.

Dear Diocesan Secretaries,

I am taking the opportunity to send you one last Communiqué with a request to all diocesan Secretaries.

It would be extremely useful if diocesan secretaries would keep an up to date label list of the past-presidents of their dioceses. The reason is so that, in an election year, they may send that list to the provincial secretary in order for her to keep the elections register up to date. There is the possibility that some of these members may have moved and therefore, the letter inviting them to run at the provincial level may not reach them.

This would possibly involve the parish council secretaries letting you know when a past-president moves and you might consider asking them for the same information. A past-president is eligible for three elections following her term as President (or 6 years).

I know one diocese honours its past-presidents by including them in the roll call at general meetings and sending minutes and notice of meetings to them. It’s a good way of staying connected. After all, they have put in many years of service at that level and we are very appreciative!

Thank you very much for your kind consideration of this request, and for your cooperation. I know the new BC & Yukon Secretary will be very grateful!  I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the convention!

Hello all,

I hope that your Easter was blessed and that you are all ready now to share the “GOOD NEWS”.  This is more of a ‘note’ instead of a communiqué as I do not have a lot to pass on – but I wanted to wish you well at conventions (Kamloops and Prince George this week).  There is a resolutions supplement to the executive handbook on line (and attached). It is 37 pages, and repeats what is in the resolutions appendix in the P&P. Print only if you think it is necessary.

The government meeting went well, with no surprises. A full report will follow at the convention. Thank you for prayers – my flight was cancelled and rescheduled, but I made it. Very interesting flight to the Island (a few screams were even heard, but not from me!). I was glad to return before the other storms hit.

Resolutions: I am expecting a few resolutions – if they are passed at your diocesan conventions. The process can be overwhelming – but it is interesting and well worth it. Enjoy it – with a lot of prayer! Use your review committee – you don’t have to do it all and the decisions are group ones. Please follow the guidelines and checklist; if a resolution is to be sent to provincial, please send within a week of your convention – with all backup material. A sample submission letter is attached. Please send the resolution by email asap.

Kathy and Beth will be finishing their terms – we have learned together, and the two years have flown. I am glad that you each have a resolution to work on, as that is the only way we really learn. Thank-you and good luck – I hope you will continue on your diocesan councils.

Sheila, Gemma, and Sharon – it seems that I have hardly gotten to know you, but I am very happy with the communiques you have done – I’ve learned from them too. Ideally, it would be great if we could have done workshops together and actually put together a resolution. Thank-you and good luck in the coming year.

I hope to see you at the provincial convention in Richmond – please let me know if you will be there. I would love your help at the resolutions dialogue.

Thank-you for all that you do, and may Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to guide us.

God bless.

Letter from President

Tentative Agenda 2010

Registration Form

Spring 2010 Newsletter

Dear Past Presidents,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easter blessings to you all!

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

- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Greetings as we move into the month of March!

It almost feels like legislation chairs have been on a sabbatical with Parliament being prorogued for the second time during the last two years, however with the opening of the 3rd session of the 40th Parliament on March 3rd it is time to ‘tune in’‘ look closely for previous Bills, especially those which died on the order of paper.

We need to monitor Bills requiring immediate action that are being re-introduced coming before the House and this can be done by forwarding info to parish counter parts by e-mail if you have already sent a communiqué.

One of these is Bill C-384 (right to die with dignity) has surfaced again and has passed the first reading on March 16th. Definite date for the second hour of debate has not as yet been scheduled but could possibly be May.

Another is Bill C-205 (an Act respecting labeling of food products) passed 1st reading on March 3rd. You may recall our resolutions passed on food labeling:

• 1997.06 Genetically Engineered Foods
• 2002.06 Labeling on Prepackaged Foods
• 2008.04 Accurate Food Labeling

In relation to Resolution 2000.8 – Peter Julian, MP from Burnaby-New Minster re-introduced Bill C-463 An Act to Prohibit Sweatshop Labour Goods to the House of Commons on March 3rd. This Bill is asking goods that fail to meet international labour standards be put on a prohibited list. Encourage councils to act on these Bills.

Check the resolutions listed on the National web site under legislation and make a suggestion to parish council legislation chairs to focus on at least one of them at a council meeting emphasizing that unless the action plan is followed in order for legislation to hopefully happen.

Have you read over March 2nd – budget in our own BC Provincial Parliament and how it affects people living in our Province?

My thanks to those of you who forwarded your annual reports, your comments/suggestions have been included in my annual report to national and noted for the provincial council.  Keep up the good work!  Thank you for your prayers and support during my recent bereavement and please accept my apologies for the lateness of this communiqué.

We are halfway through Lent, may it continue to be a time of prayer and devotion as we journey through the Stations of the Cross with Jesus and may Easter be a time of hope and joy.

I am writing with a reminder that I definitely need to receive registration forms from each and every one of the 131 parish councils in the province. To date, I have only received 54! Less than half! This is one of the tasks that must be completed every year without fail.

Those who are not having elections, please send one to me anyway – just to confirm the information we have for your executive is current. I know you understand that with 131 parish councils it is impossible to keep up with who are having elections and who are not!

Please double check all the information with the incumbent to ensure it is correct. If possible, a typed copy would be best. I can’t tell you how many of you have Emailed changes to me throughout the year – especially to Email addresses, and I thank you for that. This information is needed by both the provincial and diocesan councils in order to confirm the accreditation for the conventions so that you can vote! These records also go into our provincial archives.

If you have any questions, need a copy of the form or if I can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Thank you so much for your Annual Reports that were absolutely excellent! You are such a gracious and hard working group. It’s a pleasure to work with you. I am really looking forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming convention in Richmond.

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.