Dear sisters;

I realize that I sent a communiqué #8 last month. But something has come up, which I have been asked to look at, from one of our sisters in the League and our Provincial President Nancy Simms.

It is in regards to our schools and the programs that are being implemented in some of them. I have gone on the web-sites and had a look at some of the issues. I found it to be very interesting. Not all schools are involved in the implementation of the program in question, “Out in Schools”, among other issues as well.

A web-site to go to is www.cultureguard.com . I feel that as CWL members we should be vigilant on what programs are being offered in our schools around B.C. and Yukon. Check out the schools in your area and see if there are issues that need to be addressed. Write to your local school boards as well as the provincial or territorial government if you find programs that infringe on our religious values or parental rights. Be sure to get all the facts before you write and remember to write your letter as coming from “yourself” not as “we” and not on CWL letterhead as our Provincial President is the only one who may speak on behalf of the CWL.

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada has a resolution on Anti Bullying Programs. Bullying can come in many forms. Implementing offensive programs in our schools is one form of bullying.

While writing your letter on a concerned subject, be sure to compliment the school board or government department for the good work that they are doing in other areas.

Resolution – 02.02 Anti-Bullying Programs Submitted by Saskatchewan Provincial Council

Whereas, the federal government has launched an anti-bullying awareness campaign; and

Whereas, Bullying in schools violates the human dignity of both victims and perpetrators and often leads to anti-social behaviours destructive to students, families and communities; and

Whereas, There are many serious, negative, long-term consequences for bullies, such as higher risk of criminal conviction, and for victims, such as depression, suicide and aggressive retaliation; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the national council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, in 82nd annual national convention assembled, urge League parish councils to encourage their school districts to implement comprehensive anti-bullying programs that involve parents, students, teachers, support staff and the community at large.

Reminder: Feb 15th is the deadline for your annual reports to be sent to me. Thanks go out to the dioceses of Victoria, Kamloops and Nelson for getting their reports into me early. If anyone if having a problem with their report, please contact me and I will endeavour to help you.

World Day of the Sick is Feb. 11th.

In 1992, Pope John Paul II instituted World Day of the Sick on 11th of Feb., the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, for its annual celebration. On this day the sick are encouraged to reflect on the Christian meaning of suffering and to recall God’s health-giving presence. We are also reminded that God often heals and restores life in unexpected ways.

Some parishes in your area may be celebrating a special Mass of Anointing to mark this special day. I encourage all councils to attend and to facilitate in any way they can to help by giving rides etc. to those who can’t get there on their own.

Quote from the Vatican, 20th November 2011, Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, Universal King. POPE BENEDICT XVI “To all those who work in the field of health, and to the families who see in their relatives the suffering face of the Lord Jesus, I renew my thanks and that of the Church, because, in their professional expertise and in silence, often without even mentioning the name of Christ, they manifest him in a concrete way. (cf. Homily, Chrism Mass, 21 April 2011)

To Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Sick, we raise our trusting gaze and our prayer; may her maternal compassion, manifested as she stood beside her dying Son on the Cross, accompany and sustain the faith and the hope of every sick and suffering person on the journey of healing for the wounds of body and spirit.

Happy New Year! It is my prayer that 2012 will be filled with love joy and hope for all the members of BC & Yukon.

Annual Reports: It’s that time of year once again. I encourage Diocesan Presidents, their chairpersons and Provincial Chairs to work diligently to obtain 100% reporting. If you have not received reports from all councils by their deadline date please contact them through both emails and phone to get the information needed. Without their story the tapestry of our work in the League is incomplete.

Pro-Life Donations: At the fall national mid-term meeting discussion took place regarding the Pro-Life National Voluntary Fund. It was noted that presently there is not a national pro-life group that meets the League criteria of supplying an annual financial statement; therefore it is recommended that councils not send Pro-Life donations to national office. Councils are instead encouraged to support their local pro-life organizations.

Meeting with Government: On November 3/11 a delegation consisting of Pat Deppiesse, Resolutions Chair; Lorrilee Jordan, Legislation Chair and myself had very productive meetings with both Liberal and NDP MLA’s regarding many of our resolutions. On January 25/12 Pat and I along with Doreen Gowans, President-Elect will be meeting with an Executive Director in the Ministry of Health to further discuss our past few years of resolutions regarding issues of Health. Please keep this meeting in your prayers.

TLC Projects: A huge congratulations and thank you to all the councils across BC & Yukon that are working so hard to help the homeless and those with mental illness through your TLC projects! When we met with the MLA’s they were very impressed by the work we are doing through TLC and asked if a council is working on one of these projects in their riding they would like to be informed so that they could support the project in their local office (possibly even placing a jar for donations in their office). Diocesan Presidents, please ask your parish presidents to contact their MLA’s regarding this.

Conventions: Along with a new year comes the anticipation of annual conventions at all levels of the League. Diocesan conventions will be taking place in the spring, then from June 14-16 we will be gathered together in Whitehorse for our 2012 provincial convention and from August 12-15 the national convention will be taking place in Edmonton. Encourage all members to attend these conventions. Each will be filled with faith, fun and fulfilment!

Prayers: Please keep Lorrilee Jordan and her husband Dave in your prayers as she continues in her fight against cancer.

First I must apologize for sending this Communique so late—but fall has been very busy for me.

I kept wanting to get it done and sent, but I was away from home three times and once when I did have time my computer was not working right—so I just never got it done—and now here it is.

I want to tell CFL Chairpersons that we had a very “full” Mid-term meeting in October. We had a great presentation by four members of the Kelowna branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association about their efforts to address homelessness in their community. After this talk we discussed what we could do and decided on three initiatives: Toonies for Teeth; Loving and Warm (as the cold weather is here), and Care Kits. I have a little more information if anyone needs it. We need to educate our members about the fact that together we can make a difference.

I also want to mention that Vancouver Diocesan Council (and myself) arranged to go to the Seminary in Mission to talk to the “Older” Seminarians about the C.W.L. and what we do. This had been done when I was Diocesan President and we felt it was a good idea–so that when these seminarians are ordained –they would have some idea about CWL work in the parishes.

I hope that the Parish Christian Family Life Chairpersons have prepared their Annual Reports and that the Diocesan Chairpersons will soon be working on their Annual Reports. The time goes by so quickly when you’re involved and have reports and meetings etc. There is always something to do. I want to say “Thank you” to the Diocesan Chairpersons who have sent me their Reports and/or Communiques. Please contact me at any time by e-mail if I can help you. You can also get information from the Provincial and National Web-sites and the E- Newsletter.

And now, I want to send my Christmas Greetings to all who receive this. May your Christmas be filled with joy and love, and may the New Year bring good health, peace, and happiness.

I pray that your Christmas was filled with Wonder, Hope, Faith, Family and Love.

Now that Christmas is over and the New Year is upon us…it is time to start thinking about what is ahead of us for the next year in the Catholic Women’s League.

One of the reasons I am sending this communiqué to you is to let you know that you will find on our provincial web site www.cwl.bc.ca . The new revised “Molly Boucher Award” along with the criteria for the application. Please be sure to inform your counterparts of this fact. I am sending you a hard copy. Also, if you go the National Web site, www.cwl.ca, you will find the new “National Bursary “application form along with its criteria. I am encouraging members in our province to make use of these funds. Chairpersons of all levels should be talking up the bursaries at their general meetings etc. We need to talk them up more…educate, educate…

For information on the bursary for graduation students offered by Catholic Health Association of BC, please contact Susan House at smhouse@shawlink.ca. All diocesan education and health chairs have received a copy of a letter from Susan House, Executive Director, CHABC in regards to information on a very important court case that was launched in November in Vancouver seeking to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, via the court , in Canada in what is being referred to as the Carter/Taylor Case.

Reports to me are due in by February 15th. Here are a few suggestions from my National counterpart, Pearl Bridgwater, to help you with your reports:

In General:

• highlight your activities as the chairperson
• do not include scripture, prayer or poetry
• include information from sub-committees
• do not list every activity from ever report received. Summarize the common activities; e.g., all councils give bursaries to high school students. Highlight one or two that are unique in some way.
• do not include activities that pertain to other chairpersons committees. Activities under education and health include MaterCare, Bursaries, the Coady International Institute. National Manual of Policy and Procedure.

Specifically:

• Catholic Education: Catholic Schools and Catechesis, Rites of Christian Initiation
• Literacy and continuing education
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Wellness and sickness/disease
• Environment
• Genetics

Be sure to check the other communiqués for their exciting information that is happening in their committees.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope the year started off with a burst of energy and ambition to do all those activities that you had been waiting to do after Christmas. A new year is always a great time to make a new start and a good time to tackle new projects and to try something new. Whenever I go into uncharted waters, I always sing, “Be Not Afraid” and pray to the Holy Spirit to guide me.

Newsletter

Please remember that the deadline for the spring newsletter is March 1^st. Items can be sent before. Please edit your photos and just send one photo per article. Also please include a permission form to publish the picture.

Diocesan Reports

Diocesan Reports are due on February 15^th. I have received two reports. Thank you to the communication chairs who got their reports in early.

Please keep to the outline that is suggested on the report form. For more information refer to the Executive Handbook available on line from www.cwl.ca,which outlines the duties of the communication chair.

Pornography – WRAP campaign

The WRAP campaign is over, but pornography and is still here and we still have to educate our children regarding sexual predators on the internet. Check out the C.A.S.E.

Website, www.case.ca, for interesting articles and material.

Media for Evangelization

Catholic Organization for Life and Family has a brief presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care titled, A Matter of Solidarity by Dr. Jose Maoris, MD from McGill University. The brief can be downloaded from the website www.colf.ca.

Novalis has a new book on Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha for children 8 -12 years. Pope Benedict X VI announced that Kateri will be canonized a saint later this year.

Also available from Novalis, www.novalis.ca, is a new book, 99 Words by Liz Gray. The title is intriguing: You have breath for no more than 99 words. What would they be? The author set a challenge to 99 people to come up with the 99 words they would speak, if that was all they had breath for. This would be an interesting exercise for a CWL meeting.

Media to Promote the League

Keep checking the B.C. Provincial website, www.cwl.bc.ca, as all the provincial executives’ communiques are posted there. The forms for the bursaries and soon, for the provincial convention, are also posted on the website. Check out the links especially the National website www.cwl.ca and National’s e newsletter that is published monthly on the 15^th of every month.

Media Evaluation and Promotion of Good Content

Thank you to those who protested the Russell Peters Christmas Show. The protest procedure was a good learning experience to everyone involved. The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) is another avenue for complaints as well as the networks and advertisers. According to the CBSC website, www.cbsc.ca, the CBSC is an independent, non-government organization created by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters to administer standards established by its members, Canada’s private broadcasters. On their website there is a complaint form that can be filled out online and submitted. The form has to be done as soon as possible after the airing of the programme and must contain the following information: the name, date and time of the programme; the name or call letters of the broadcaster and a short summary of what concerned you.

Bulletins & Keeping In Touch

Make a new year’s resolution to do one small activity to keep in touch with one parish member who is often overlooked as a member and needs that extra encouragement to develop fully as a member.

May our Lady of Good Counsel keep inspiring and guiding us in our CWL work.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are all refreshed after the holidays and are energized to continue to work for God and Canada! I want to encourage you to ensure your new, proposed resolutions have been researched thoroughly and have the required backup material. You must complete the checklist in Appendix A of the National P&P binder.

This short communique is mostly just a reminder about upcoming dates.

January 25 Nancy Simms, Doreen Gowens and I will visit the Ministry of Health representatives in Victoria to present our resolutions and we ask for your prayers for our success.

January 31 Please send me the titles of your proposed resolutions by this date.

February 15 Your annual reports must be sent to me by this date. Please be sure to include a short report on the number of letters sent to government officials and responses received. Ann-Marie Gorman, the National Chairperson of Resolutions is particularly interested in receiving this information and I will include it in my annual report to her. I would also like to hear if you and your President (for those concerned) had the opportunity to visit your local bishop to present our resolutions binder to him.

April/May Resolutions passed at your conventions must be sent to me immediately following your convention, along with a suggested defence.

Dear Sisters in the League and Fr. Tran:

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be Alert!” We too as Catholic Women’s League members also need to be watchful and alert to opportunities to invite new members into the League. Have you done all you can do to invite every lady in your parish council to become a new or renewed member of the League? Unfortunately our membership in the BC & Yukon Council is slipping for the 1st time in 9 years. We would like to see that change and go back to an increase in membership for 2012. What can you or your council do to help?

On-Line Membership is so efficient and easy to use. Encourage all your councils to use this wonderful method of recording members paid, un-paid, deceased members, and to update addresses, including email addresses etc. in a simple timely manner! This is one sure way of staying on top of those who haven’t renewed enabling you to either contact them in person or send them a reminder. Should you require assistance in getting started contact Janice Jones, office assistant at the National office, or me as we are both willing to help. To get started contact National Office to register your council, fill in the form, return it to National office and then you will be set up to enter your 2012 membership. Once you have registered with National Office I encourage you to follow this link  to view an easy step by step video explaining the easy use of the On-Line Membership system. It is an excellent training tool for you and your parish council.

Binders: How many parish/diocesan councils implemented the binders for each table officer and standing committee chair? I would appreciate any feedback on these binders. Have they been helpful?

At National Convention 2011 a motion was passed unanimously by all provinces to increase our per capita from $8 to $13 effective January 2012, keep this in mind when collecting your 2012 membership dues. Membership dues for 2012 can be collected and submitted now – you don’t have to wait.

Leadership Training & Development Reminder: In order to keep our members and to entice new members we must educate and re-educate them in the ways of the League. Don’t assume the councils know everything as every two years the table officers and committee chairs change bringing new and energized members to the fore front. Some of your parish councils will have held elections – this is an excellent opportunity to host a workshop.

National office sent out three workshops for our councils to use and share with your members. Your Parish/Diocesan President and/or Organization Chair will have these available. If you have not seen them ask for a copy. They are:

1. Leadership Workshop adapted from the workshop from the BC & Yukon Provincial Council;
2. “Take That Seat!” adapted from the Edmonton Diocesan Fieldworkers’ Workshop; and
3. Leadership Development Workshop developed from both the BC & Yukon Provincial Council and the Quebec Provincial Council.

Choose one workshop and use it in your council. By taking the opportunity to educate our members you can have FUN! Discover new talents in your members, be creative, and develop everyone’s spirituality in a safe environment.

Annual Reports: Thank you to those who have completed your annual reports and have sent them in. Our goal is to have 100% reporting, therefore if you have a report that is not complete please take the time to pick up the phone and contact the person and obtain the information over the telephone. National office uses the information and we need to complete all the parish and diocesan forms and submit them. Include in your annual reports actions pertaining to “Women Against Poverty” that were taken under your standing committee and include the amount of any funds that may have been collected for this cause.

Mirrors: Quote from a report from Betty Ann Brown Davidson, National Chairperson: When people look at you and your council what do they see? Do they see a woman so in love with Jesus that she cannot help but reflect HIM in the way she lives her life? Is your council an oasis of peace, love, faith and justice?

Members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada are called to be ardent women of faith. The church depends on us, the parish relies on us and our families see us offer the gift of self to the people of God. Our ultimate role is to mirror Christ in the world each day. How are you doing?

The other thing about mirrors is, if the sun hits them and reflects onto a nearby pile of dry grasses and kindling, a fire will start! Members should be happy to ignite sparks of interest in the women we meet. This opportunity can be used to invite them to join us in our commitment “For God and Canada”. Personal invitation and example are still the best recruiting tools. End of quote and thank you Betty Ann Brown Davidson for her wonderful explanation of what we as Catholic Women should exemplify.

Life Members Bursary Requirements and Application

The show was degrading to women and a sacrilege to Christians – lingerie model in skimpy clothes leered at by lecherous old men, East Indian women portrayed at thieves as they stuffed food into their handbags, and Pamela Anderson as the Virgin Mary. The Three Wise men suggested that Mary wasn’t a virgin as she had been sleeping with them and Joseph was only after the gold the Wise men brought.

The show was sponsored by: Subway, Kotex, Nestles – Turtles, Pillsbury cookies and cinnamon rolls, Unilever – Dove and Lipton tea, Xbox Kinect, Paramount pictures, glaxosmithkline – Abreva and Breathe Right, Old Navy, Ocean Spray cranberry, Peoples the Diamond Store, Payless Shoes, The Source, Dairy Queen, Tempurpedic Mattresses, MacDonald’s – McCafe, Barilla spaghetti, Lowe’s, Advil, Schneider’s Country Naturals, Lancome’ fragrance, Nissan, Jamieson Vitamins, Staples, L’Oreal mascara, Warner Bros, and Pfizer – Advil.

Members are urged to write letters to CTV and to the sponsors protesting the sacrilege that was committed by this show.

Contacts

CTV – programming@ctv.ca

Mailing Address:

CTV
P.O. Box 9, Station O
Toronto, Ontario,
M4A2M9

The Comedy Network Information: mail@thecomedynetwork.ca

1. Much concern has been expressed recently about the treatment of sacred faith tenets in some recently aired television programs. So I am appealing to all secretaries to use your skills in defense of our faith to newspapers, television networks, and the Canadian Broadcasters Standards Council (CBSC), whenever the need arises, remembering to use your council’s official letterhead only if you are writing on behalf of your council.
2. At your next parish or diocesan meeting request permission of your president to share the contents of a letter you have written. Preface the reading of your letter with reference to one of the 5 steps in our league’s Personal Letter Writing Guide and ask members to critique your effort.
3. Perhaps suggest that a workshop on “letter writing” be included in your next convention, or that a guest speaker on the topic be invited to your annual luncheon.
4. Some members of our councils may be diffident about expressing themselves in written form, so personally invite one or two to join you when you compose your letter. New immigrants would find the social and educational aspects of these one-on-ones very useful.

May the graces of our Advent spiritual preparations imbue our family Christmas traditions, and also our CWL responsibilities which keep us on our toes this season and all seasons!

~ Evelyn

“The new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture, creating in this way an entirely new world of potential friendships. This is a great opportunity, but it also requires greater attention to and awareness of possible risks. Who is my “neighbour” in this new world? Does the danger exist that we may be less present to those whom we encounter in our everyday life? Is there a risk of being more distracted because our attention is fragmented and absorbed in a world other than the one in which we live? Do we have time to reflect critically on our choices and to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting? It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives.” Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 45 World Communications Day June 5, 2011(full text at www.vatican.va)

Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who responded to the request for material for the Fall Newsletter. I appreciated not having to remind people to submit articles and news.

Just a few reminders when submitting articles: please do not send your articles as pdf files as I cannot open these files to edit or format in the newsletter; please send pictures as jpg or jpeg files so that I can edit them to fit the spot I have for them; do not concern yourself about the font or letter size as this can easily be changed; when sending pictures, please identify which diocese the pictures are from; please identify who has written the article and list any references if you obtained material from another source.

Everyone who attended the 2010 CWL Provincial Convention in Richmond was blessed to hear Daphne Gray-Grant presentation on writing and hopefully, now receiving her weekly Power Writing article by email. Her last, #297 is a gem. Daphne wrote, Communicating effectively is all about giving details. If you are going to be scared of anything related to writing don’t be scared of detail. Be scared of being vague or too general. (daphne@publicationcoach.com) Print her quote and paste it on your computer when writing your newsletter article or communique.

Items for the spring newsletter are due March 1, 2012.

Pornography – WRAP campaign

Send your petitions to Canada Family Action and present your white ribbons to your MP and write those letters. Keep track of any responses to your letters that you receive.

Media for Evangelization

Women’s Voice, the official newsletter of WUCWO, July edition, is dedicated to Education and the Media. Articles from around the world on communication and the challenges that the internet and mass communication bring are featured in this issue. Subscriptions to the newsletter can be obtained from www.wucwo.org

Also, noted in the newsletter was the announcement of the Pontifical Council of the Laity’s new website, www.laici.ca. The “Women” section is of special interest. The women’s section is attentive to all that pertains to women in the world. The section strives to advance ideas and activities that can contribute to the dignity and vocation of women in the church and in society. (Website) Articles such as: Exploitation of Maternal Mortality or The Biology of Sexual Faithfulness and Fruitfulness would be interesting for discussion at parish meetings.

Media to Promote the League

B.C. Provincial website, www.cwl.bc.ca was down for maintenance and updating. The website is now up to date. Please check out the extras on the right hand side, especially Other Sites of Interest. There is a wealth of information on these sites. The sites include CCCB; Salt + Light; Biblia Clerus; Catholic Missions; Coady Institute; MaterCare; the Vatican; EWTN; Catholic Canada Directory; Church Council on Justice and Corrections. All you have to do it click on the title and you are connected to these very informative sites.

Media Evaluation and Promotion of Good Content

The new fall lineup of television programs is always interesting. NBC was heavily promoting the Playboy Club. McLean’s magazine had a two page colour advertisement of scantily dressed women in bunny ears and tails. I watched part of one of the first episodes to see how women would be portrayed. I was appalled by the portrayal of women in the show which was the glamorization of prostitution.

Fortunately many others, including Gloria Steinem and media watch services- Morality in Media and Parent’s Television Council, felt the same and called for an advertiser boycott. The outcry (20,000 emails to Morality in Media) produced results and after three episodes being aired, the series was cancelled. Boycotting advertisers and complaining to advertisers about shows that are not appropriate is a valuable tool to use.

Bulletins & Keeping In Touch

The questions asked by Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the 45th World Communications Day are very important for CWL members. Even though the computer is a wonderful tool and it has made communication easier for our members, we must remember that not everyone has a computer. Are we still in contact with those members? Are we still making an attempt to make contact directly with our members and other parish members? Are we as CWL members fostering relationships which are truly deep and lasting?

May St. Francis de Sales guide us in our work of communicating the work of the CWL.

The Holy Season of Advent is upon us – a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the Birth of Christ – God’s wonderful and unending gift of LOVE for us.

On behalf of Nancy, Pat and myself, I would like to thank you for your prayer support during our visit to the Legislature earlier this month. For me it was a privilege to represent you under the banner of CWL and a great learning experience. The MLA’s reaction to our presentations made us hopeful that change is possible, in many instances, through the shared response of government, volunteer organizations and individual lay persons alike. The MLA’s were very interested and supportive of our TLC projects and wanted to learn more of how they could contribute to our efforts to help victims of poverty.

As you are well aware, our BC and Yukon Provincial Council’s focus on Poverty is Homelessness and Mental Illness, chosen over a year ago after Bishop David Munroe of the Kamloops Diocese, suffered a brutal assault from a mentally challenged person. We thank God for Bishop Munroe’s recovery, but are still left with challenges of our own as to how we can help these vulnerable persons to overcome the stigma of mental illness and break the cycles of poverty. Persons with mental illness face several barriers that prevent opportunities for economic advancement. They often encounter difficulty securing adequate education and employment and face undue discrimination because of society’s misconception of mental illness. Being gentle, kind and supportive to those hurting is a great first step. Please encourage, promote and take immediate action on the suggested TLC initiatives. Also, contact your MLA and MP regarding your concern for the mentally ill and homeless and find out what services they are providing. They listen to your suggestions.

ABORTION FUNDING? Approval for $6 million in funding was passed for Planned Parenthood which the public felt did not keep with Canada’s condition on its portion of the G8 program for maternal and child health. International Cooperation Minister, Bev Oda, got around the thorny issue of abortion, after a year of public waffling, by asking for money for sex education and contraception services and not abortion. The work is carried out in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mali, Sudan and Tanzania where abortion is illegal except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk.

Bills C-276 and C-279: I had written to my MP regarding the introduction and similarity of Private Members Bills C-276 and Bill C-279 (Gender Identity and Gender Expression). I received the reply that both were introduced in the first week of the 41st session of Parliament and both proposed explicit inclusion of transsexual and transgender people in the Canada Human Rights Act and the hate crimes clauses of the Criminal Code of Canada. I was advised this is not unusual to have multiple private member’s bills with similar wording or intent. Second Reading is expected in March/12.

Bill C-310 – Amend the Criminal Code Trafficking of Persons (Joy Smith) (First Reading Oct. 26/11) proposes two important amendments to the Criminal Code.

• Add the current trafficking of persons offences which, if committed outside of Canada by a Canadian or permanent resident, could be prosecuted in Canada.
• Amends the definition of exploitation in the trafficking of persons.

In addition to members of her own party, Bill C-310 has been jointly seconded by MPs from the Liberals, NDP and Green parties. During the debate, speakers from each party strongly endorsed the amendments proposed in the bill. Second Reading is expected December 14, 2011. (In 2009, MP Joy Smith brought forward Bill C-268 which was successfully passed into law June/10 creating Canada’s first child trafficking offence with mandatory minimum sentences.)

Letter writing regarding Resolutions passed at National. The following is a suggested outline that you could use to form your letters of concern to the Prime Minister and/or other Ministers. (Info. from Resolutions Action Plans and a letter written by Doreen Gowans)

2011.01 Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material: Ask the Federal Government to prohibit any practices of altering, manipulation or treatment of genetic material that would result in the death of a human embryo or the combining of species or genetic selection.

2011.02 Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: Ask the Federal Government to implement Canada-wide support programs and services for children of missing and murdered aboriginal women.

2011.03 National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Registry: Urge the Federal Government to establish and implement a national organ and tissue donation and transplantation registry.

2011.04 Caffeine in Energy Drinks: Ask Health Canada to engage in a program of public education focusing on the effects of caffeine in children and legislate stricter regulation re clearly identifying all additives and information re drug content in energy drinks.(Also concern of the Prov. Health Minister and Prov. Government. Send a copy to your MP and ask for the party`s position on the issue and also ask for a reply.

Assisted Suicide Challenge began in BC Supreme Court on Nov. 14, 2011. Gloria Taylor, (ALS/Lou Gehrig’s patient), says she wants her doctor to be able to help her end her life before she becomes incapacitated. The challenge is being opposed by the Federal and Provincial governments and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, which has intervener status in this case. In Canada it is illegal to counsel, aid or abet a person to commit suicide. However, three US States and four European countries do allow it.

Community Living BC (CLBC): The government agency under fire for cutting services to adults with developmental disabilities. CLBC has been trying to cope with limited money from government by closing group homes, moving people to less expensive home-sharing arrangements and using the savings to help people waiting for services. Families are arguing that people are being uprooted from their residences and special needs children are losing services once they turn 19. These families are also concerned over a severance package to be received by the former chief executive officer, which, says Nicholas Simons, (Opposition Critic for Community Living) “could potentially sustain a number of families“. We should be aware of and watching these actions closely and letting the government know that services should not be cut to people with developmental disabilities.

School Board Elections: Burnaby voters soundly rejected the five candidates from Burnaby’s Parents choice, a new political party that emerged from a fight over gay-friendly policy in that city’s schools. They had positioned themselves against anti-homophobic bullying policy 5.45. In June 2011, the district passed a policy of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity. The policy explicitly states that no student can opt out of teaching material they are opposed to unless it is part of the Health and Career Education curriculum. Susana Kovacic, a Burnaby parent and member of Parent’s Voice, says she fears BC might be heading in the same direction as Ontario, where faith-based schools are being compelled to teach beliefs contrary to their faith or allow ‘Gay-straight alliances’. This is follow-up information from my Communique #5. Please be aware of the position and policies of your local school board.

Polygamy: The BC Supreme Court is expected to release its long awaited ruling in a case on Polygamy on Nov. 23/11. The case on polygamy is based on allegations of child brides and sexual exploitation in Bountiful, B.C. Lawyers argued that the practice puts women and children at sufficient risk to justify limiting religious freedoms. Chief Justice Robert Bauman’s ruling will be posted on the BC Supreme Court website.

Red Mass: The Archdiocese celebrated the first Red Mass in BC on Sept. 22nd. The Red Mass is offered every year, around the world, to honour the Holy Spirit as the source of gifts needed to help lawmakers make proper decisions regarding justice. The celebrants wear red vestments to represent the tongues of fire descending upon the apostles at Pentecost. The Red Mass is intended to remind important public servants of the call of the apostles to live in truth and remind Catholic legal professionals to follow God’s commands rather than some of secular society’s more questionable legal policies. Its unofficial patron is St. Thomas More.

Family Holiday: The Government of Premier Christy Clark will bring in a mid-winter family holiday to celebrate families. To give BC employers time to adjust to the new statutory holiday the first will fall on Feb. 18, 2013.

New Family Law Act: Legislation introduced Nov. 14/11 expressly states that when making decisions involving children the best interest of the child should be the only consideration. It also emphasizes non-adversarial alternatives to resolving family disputes in court. Implementation of the Family Law Act is expected to take 12 to 18 months.

Yukon Legislative Assembly: Will reconvene in the Legislative Chamber on Dec. 1, 2011.

Canada Post Christmas Stamps: Please use the Christmas Stained Glass Stamps and do write and thank Canada Post for supplying them.

In closing I would like to wish all of you the Richest Blessings of the Christmas Season and ask that we remember those who are hurting – especially in the name of POVERTY and MENTAL ILLNESS. Let us share our TLC initiatives all year through in humility and generous LOVE.

Advent is here already and with it the new Liturgy! At our parish we have been practicing new songs and different responses – it’s actually been quite exciting. May I wish you a wonderful, joyous Christmas with many blessings in the New Year. It certainly feels like Christmas is coming, it’s been so cold; we’ve even had a sprinkling of snow yesterday and today. In any event, we still have some League business to take care of.

Nominations/Elections: 2012 is an election year for the Provincial Council and I thought that I would outline the procedure that we will be following.

• In January a letter will be sent inviting all members who are eligible to stand for nomination
• In February, after the deadline date for receiving acceptance forms from nominees, send letters requesting a picture, League experience and interests/goals.
• In March a letter will be sent to Diocesan Presidents enclosing a list with biography of the members willing to stand for nominations. It will be the Diocesan President’s responsibility to pass this information onto their parish council presidents if they wish to receive them in advance.
• A deadline will be set in May for receiving the instructed vote from diocesan presidents signed by president and secretary.

Another procedure used successfully in one Diocesan Councils is as follows:

• To send parish council presidents a list of those that are eligible for nominations together with a suggested candidates form, outlining eligibility and criteria. They are asked to look over the eligibility list and then recommend names they would like to see nominated.
• On the receipt of those suggested names the individuals are sent a letter informing them their names have been suggested and asked if they will let their name stand for election.
• Every eligible person whose name has been put forward is then sent a letter informing them they have been nominated and asking them to tick the position for which they would be willing to let their name stand. If the member declines to let her name stand, she should be called to determine the reason she is not willing to let her name to stand for election.
• The lists of nominees are then sent to the parish councils with a deadline for the return of their instructed vote.

The eligibility and nominations procedure is very well explained in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure pages 85-89 if you have any questions. Ensure your eligibility list is current. Regardless of the procedure used, experience is important for both the secretary and treasurer’s positions; listing criteria is a good idea. It’s best to use snail mail. Having a hard copy in front of you is hard to ignore.

Archiving Photos can be a challenge and time consuming, but with tips on how to do it well you can preserve all those beautiful memories for your council’s history. I am enclosing two articles of interest. The first article “Preserving the Past” goes into detail on how to preserve photographs expanding on the following points.

The first step being, identifying the subject.

Care in handling. By touching the image side of a photograph with your fingers, oils can attract dirt that lead to the growth of damaging mold spores.

Storage. What happens when photos are kept in “magnetic” photo albums and the importance of investing in archival photo boxes and acid free papers to store large quantities of photographs.

The three greatest enemies of photographic materials: temperature, humidity and light.

The second article “Storing & Archiving Digital Photos” is a great help for those who find they now have dozens, if not hundreds, of digital photos stored on their computer that also have to be identified and stored and retrieved for viewing at a later date. Briefly, here are three main rules.

Rule #1 – there should be one set of untouched (unedited) photos – consider these your ”negatives”.

Rule #2 – at any given point in time, ensure that no matter what you are doing, there are at least two separate sets of your photos. Before you erase the photos on your memory card, ensure that that the Rule of Two is maintained, make a backup of the set on your computer (to another HD, memory stick, offsite storage, a DVD, etc.). So, when you erase your memory card, there are still two separate sets of your digital photos. 
Rule #3 – Back- up your work – add a third, archival set, stored off-site.

Annual Reports: It’s that time of year again. Enclosed is the Diocesan Past Presidents Annual Report Form for 2011. Please remember that your report is due to me by Feb. 15. I look forward to reading about everything that has been happening from the Past President’s perspective in your dioceses around the province and in the Yukon.

May…
the spirit of Christmas which is Peace…
the gladness of Christmas which is Hope…
the adoration of Christmas which is Joy…
and the heart of Christmas which is Love…
be yours now and tomorrow. An Advent Blessing

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material

I would like to bring to your attention, resolution BC2011.02 Respect & Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material.

On December 22, 2010 the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the constitutional challenge from the Quebec government who felt that sections of The Assisted Human Reproduction Act of 2004 infringed on provincial powers. The Court deemed many sections of the Act exceeded the legislative authority of Parliament, thus in fact removing them from federal jurisdiction and placing them under the provinces and territories where regulations and/or statutes for human embryos, reproductive material and licensing do not presently exist.

In total, 10 sections of the Act are now under provincial jurisdiction and are presently without regulations. I would like to share with you in part sections 10 & 11 to clarify the importance of the need for statutes or regulations as well as licensing for human embryos and reproductive material. Section 10 (1) reads:

10. (1) No person shall, except in accordance with the regulations and a licence, alter, manipulate or treat any human reproductive material for the purpose of creating an embryo.

In other words, since this section is now under provincial jurisdiction and our province has no regulations, there is presently nothing stopping any person from altering or manipulating human reproductive material to create embryos. Section 10 (3) reads:

(3) No person shall, except in accordance with the regulations and a licence, obtain, store, transfer, destroy, import or export

(a) a sperm or ovum, or any part of one, for the purpose of creating an embryo; or

(b) an in vitro embryo, for any purpose.

This means that since our province, as well as other provinces is without regulations on this, any person could, without penalty, destroy embryos and/or import and export them anywhere in the world.

Human embryos are total, unique human beings that only need time for complete development. They deserve respectful handling and protection. Neither embryos nor human reproductive material should be treated as commodities. This would be tantamount to the allowance of human trafficking.

Section 11 (1) reads:

11. (1) No person shall, except in accordance with the regulations and a licence, combine any part or any proportion of the human genome specified in the regulations with any part of the genome of a species specified in the regulations.

Therefore, we are presently without regulations for scientists to combine human DNA with other species. The ramifications of not having regulations on matters as important as this are beyond imagination. And this is just part of two of the ten sections currently without statutes, regulations and licensing.

BC must immediately implement regulations that will provide protection and respectful standards in the handling of human embryos and regulations for the handling of human reproductive material as well as all the licensing required.

Also, to avoid competition between provinces and territories we would ask the government of BC to make efforts to meet with other provincial and territorial governments of Canada to develop consistent respectful regulations throughout the country.

In addition to asking for provinces and territories to create regulations and statutes, the national council of the CWL has a resolution, which is in your package today, urging the federal government to prohibit absolutely practices of alteration, manipulation and treatment of human reproductive material that result in the destruction of human embryos. During the 2010 court proceedings the Supreme Court of Canada noted that parliament could have absolutely prohibited these practises and therefore we are asking them to do so. But until this happens, each province and territory needs to develop the regulations and licensing to protect the handling of reproductive material and human embryos. The very essence of human dignity is at stake here and immediate action needs to be taken.

Trip to the BC Provincial Legislature

President Nancy Simms, Lorrilee Jordan Legislation Chairperson, and Pat Deppiesse, 2nd Vice President, Resolutions Chairperson are happy to report that they recently had the privilege of meeting with our elected representatives at the legislative assembly. What a wonderful experience it was, with the beauty of the parliament building – the upper rotundas, mosaic tile work, along with the stained glass windows and the rose gardens (that were still in bloom!).

The delegation was most graciously welcomed by the MLAs, both the Liberal and the NDP parties. During the meetings, the MLAs paid close attention to the presentation and were very interested in what was being reported on. They asked probing questions which the members were grateful for, enabling them to expand on CWL issues a bit more! When discussing Resolution 2011.02 “Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material”, the MLAs expressed the concern that they had no idea about the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that important sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004 had been removed from federal jurisdiction and placed under the provinces and territories where regulations and/or statutes for human embryos, reproductive material and licensing do not presently exist.

In our resolution, Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material, the MLAs were asked to assist us in any way they can, urging the federal government to enact statutes and regulations to prohibit absolutely the practices of alteration, manipulation and treatment of human reproductive material that results in the destruction of human embryos. Until this happens, each province and territory needs to develop the regulations and licensing to protect the handling of reproductive material and human embryos. The very essence of human dignity is at stake and immediate action needs to be taken.

The MLAs suggested that CWL representatives meet with the Ministers of Health in every province across the country to ensure they were aware of this issue. The members appreciated this suggestion and will now be working at getting an appointment with Hon. Michael de Jong, Q.C., B.C. Minister of Health, as he was unable to meet us at this time.

The MLAs suggested that when President, Nancy Simms gets her list of actions each parish council is taking in each diocese regarding our TLC project, that she forward it to their constituency offices. They would be happy to advertise and help us in any way they can to gather items for our “Toonies for Teeth”, “Loving & Warm” and “Care Kits”. The cold weather is upon us and everything we can do to alleviate the suffering of the homeless is urgent – now.

We also took the opportunity to meet with Archbishop of Vancouver, J. Michael Miller and the Bishop of Victoria, Bishop Richard Gagnon. We had a lovely visit with both of them, explaining our issues. They asked many questions and were very pleased to see what good work the League was doing on such important issues and were particularly interested in our focus on mental illness and poverty and homelessness (TLC Project).

Unfortunately, travel time and costs make it impossible for us to approach every bishop in BC & Yukon, therefore, the four other diocesan presidents and resolutions chairpersons have been requested to make an appointment to see their bishop in order to present a Resolutions booklet to him.

Greetings one and all! I am happy to report that we have had the privilege of meeting with our elected representatives at the BC Legislative Assembly this past week. What a wonderful experience it was for me as I have never visited the parliament buildings before. We were so in awe of the beauty of the parliament building itself, the upper rotundas, mosaic tile work, along with the stained glass windows and the rose gardens (that were still in bloom!).

President Nancy Simms, Lorrilee Jordan Legislation Chairperson and myself were most graciously welcomed by the MLAs, both the Liberal and the NDP parties. During our meetings, the MLAs paid close attention to our presentation and were very interested in what we were reporting on. They asked good questions which we were grateful for and which enabled us to expand on our issues a bit more! They expressed the concern that they had no idea about the fact that the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that important sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004 are now under provincial jurisdiction. They suggested that we meet with the Ministers of Health in every province across the country to ensure they were aware of this. We accepted this suggestion and I will now be working at getting an appointment with Mike de Jong, our Minister of Health. Although we had tried previously, he was busy at that time and couldn’t see us.

The MLAs suggested that when Nancy gets her list of actions each parish council is taking in each diocese, that she forward it to their constituency offices. They would be happy to advertise and help us in any way they can to gather items for our “Toonies for Teeth”, “Loving & Warm” and “Care Kits”. I would ask that every President inform Nancy as soon as possible, as the cold weather is upon us and everything we can do to alleviate the suffering of the homeless is urgent – now.

We also took the opportunity to meet with Bishop Richard Gagnon while we were in Victoria and with Archbishop J. Michael Miller when we returned to Vancouver the next day, to present our Resolutions booklet to them. We had a lovely visit with both of them explaining our issues. They asked many questions and were very pleased to see what good work the League was doing in regard to such important issues, and were particularly interested in our focus on mental illness and poverty and homelessness.

Unfortunately, travel time and costs make it impossible for us to approach every bishop in BC & Yukon, therefore, I would ask the four other diocesan presidents and resolutions chairpersons to please make an appointment to see your bishop in order to present a Resolutions booklet to him. I have sent you the booklet by mail. You might also want to invite someone on the provincial executive to join you if they live in your area.

It made us think that all the bishops should receive our League Magazine and we urge every diocesan president to make sure he gets a subscription as soon as possible and that it is kept up each year.

I am attaching a copy of our oral presentation in the hopes that you will encourage your members to write letters, and it will give them the key words they might need. I know we always talk about this, but I am here to assure you, those MLAs do listen and they do read their mail! It would give us so much more ‘clout’ if they heard from you more often. Particularly, I ask you to write to the Health Minister, Mike de Jong, as I will be doing in the next few days. I will send him our full resolutions pertaining to his health portfolio, also a copy of our presentation on the health issues contained therein. In that manner, I hope to raise awareness so that he will perhaps meet with us in the new year. That is my new goal!! Please help us by committing some time to letter writing.

In closing, I thank you so much for the privilege of representing you and all of our grassroots members in reporting to the provincial government what The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is all about and informing them of our very important resolutions. I will keep you informed about any further visits and outcomes of our efforts.

Please remember that the deadline to submit the titles of your new proposed Resolutions to me is January 31, 2012. I look forward to hearing from you!

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

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

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

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

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

#1 “Toonies for Teeth”

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

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

#2 “Loving and Warm”

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

#3 “Care Kits”

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

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

General Planning Calendar:

November:

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

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

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

Have a moment of silence and reflection.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December:

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

January:

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

Send Thy Peace O Lord

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

Send Thy peace O Lord,

that we may think and act and speak harmoniously.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

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

Send Thy peace O Lord

that amidst our worldly strife we may enjoy Thy bliss.

Send Thy peace O Lord,

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

all darkness may vanish.

Send Thy peace O Lord, our father and mother,

that we Thy children on earth

May all unite in one family.

February:

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

Yes, Fall is even reaching the balmy Sunshine Coast. Two days ago while walking with a friend I marvelled at the annual phenomenon of salmon returning to their spawning grounds. As we watched the fish fighting their way upstream I recognized that this contained a lesson for me, and possibly for you: “Whatever the odds, get your work done.” So here I am, working to complete another project while others continue to pile up!

Thank you

I want to begin by thanking you for informing me promptly about parish and diocesan changes. You will have noticed that I have adopted a numbering system for emailed register changes. This helps me keep track of those who have acknowledged receiving them, and is hopefully a help to you too. When you notify your president of any changes, simply cc me rather than send another email.

Postage Stamp Supplies

Recently while in the Post Office I spotted the notice about this year’s issue of religious Christmas postage stamps, and came home in an excited frame of mind that Resolution 2005.1 is alive and well. The 2011 issues will be out November 1st. As secretaries we can really support this resolution, so head out soon to refresh your annual stamp quota. The permanent domestic rate stamp shows the angel appearing to St. Joseph. For your personal Christmas mail the international rate stamp shows the Epiphany ($1.75), and the U.S. stamp with the Nativity scene is ($1.03). No doubt some of you are emailing Christmas Greetings, but you might consider using traditional ways of greeting your scattered family and friends, thus underlining the true reason for the celebration.

Perhaps you have toured the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston, Ontario and studied its collection of stained glass from which these postage stamp images were taken. If not, you can visit the parish’s website as I did, and view the rest of its collection depicting the salvation story.

I suggest that you write a short letter of appreciation to Canada Post for these stamps and encourage your parish secretaries to do the same. It would be beneficial to express appreciation for the U.S., and international denominations which were not available last year on this theme. Before leaving this topic I would be interested in knowing if any of you have a diocesan policy which includes the sending of Christmas greetings to Life Members, and, if so, which chairperson is attending to this.

Other Mailings

In an effort to keep provincial convention packages under 100g, and with the help of a diocesan secretary, I investigated how many items could go in a brown envelope (30.5cm X 23.5cm/ 9 X 12in ) to qualify for the minimum mailing charge. A package up to 100 grams presently costs $1.25 and can accommodate 18 sheets of computer paper. Over 100g and up to 200g the cost jumps to $2.06, and over 200g to 300g is $2.85. I would be interested to know what method you are using to send packages to councils that are unable to send a representative to your meetings. The answers to these and any other queries in this communiqué could be placed in your annual reports. Speaking of which…

Annual Reports

You will soon be receiving annual reports from your parish secretaries. If any don’t materialize by the December 15 deadline, try a friendly phone call. I can attest to the fact that a phone call is much appreciated especially when circumstances prevent the deadline from being observed, and together you can work out some mutually satisfactory way to compile the required information. This can also be a good opportunity to check up on any changes to positions or addresses. The deadline for your report to me is February 15.

Computer Expertise

I would also be interested in knowing if any of you have enrolled recently in college or university computer courses, and how many of you prefer to rely on the help of family or friends to solve computer related problems as they occur. Please recommend to your parish counterparts that they investigate what training is available in local communities, and encourage members to use it. Remember too that help can be found at local community or seniors’centres, usually for a small fee.

A Secretary Remembered

On September 16th I had the privilege of delivering the eulogy for Margaret Inkster, who served as Vancouver diocesan secretary 2001-3. She held many positions during her long years of membership in the league, mentored many new members, and served at two levels with dedication until ill health caused her to curtail her activities. Margaret was one of the first recipients of the Bellelle Guérin award. May she rest in peace.

Through the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and of Sts. Catherine of Alexandria and Genesius of Arles, may we ask the Lord for the necessary patience and joyful willingness to improve our skills and perform our secretarial duties to the best of our ability.

Subject: Report on 2011 National Convention held in Toronto August 14 – 17, 2011

It truly was a great honour to represent every member of the Catholic Women’s League in the BC & Yukon Territory at our National Convention. My only wish is that everyone could have attended with me, but unfortunately you wouldn’t fit in my pockets or suitcase. The spiritual development and education one gains from such an experience cannot be purchased at any other place. The friendships formed, and the fun we share adds to our knowledge and confidence in the League. I cannot thank you enough for finding me the worthy candidate to represent you and for sending me as your delegate to this wonderful convention. Next year the National convention will be held in Edmonton, start saving and make plans to attend.

President Nancy Simms asked me to report to you regarding the Resolutions Dialogue meeting and the FUN! part of the convention. Prior to leaving for the national CWL convention I received an invitation from Anne-Marie Gorman, National Chairperson of Resolutions asking me if I would be a facilitator at the Resolutions Dialogue meeting. After prayer, discernment and encouragement from our president Nancy Simms, I replied in the affirmative. The night before the Resolutions Dialogue I was nervous, worried and concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do the job, as so many of our members are highly educated and are more knowledgeable about resolutions and the process than I am. I said a prayer and went to bed. The next day I walked into the convention hall to see many women already gathered at the tables and ready to dialogue. I went to 10 different tables and as each table had a facilitator I thought perhaps I wasn’t needed. Then I approached table 11 with trepidation and as they didn’t have a facilitator I asked if they would like me to join them, and they responded “yes”. I sat down, introduced myself and in turn asked them to do the same. The ladies present were of ethnic decent, 1st time attendees at a convention and didn’t know what a resolution was nor the process we follow. To the best of my ability I explained the importance of resolutions and the process. Then we were joined by a priest from the Maritimes and 3 other ladies from Ontario. We were ready to start.

Anne-Marie Gorman had assigned each table with a resolution to review and our table had the BC & Yukon Resolution 2011.01 “Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material”. As each person was taking turns reading one paragraph of the resolution and the brief I could feel the butterflies in my stomach taking over. I asked both the Holy Spirit and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys to give me the strength and ability to handle the discussion. Questions were asked, answered, and discussion held. One of the members at our table asked Father to explain why the Catholic Church is against In Vitro Fertilization. The priest responded with “I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer that.” Now where do I go or what do I say? All of a sudden words were coming out of my mouth – I know the Holy Spirit took over. I stated that to me God has a plan for each and every one of us as Catholic Women, but it isn’t in His plan for some of us to bear children as He has other directions He would like us to take. Therefore if we choose to have In Vitro Fertilization we are going against God`s will, and we may find ourselves delivering not one child but many children from the same pregnancy. Should we conceive many babies we may no longer have the time to devote to what God had wanted us to do. In other words we have taken our own direction and have not followed God’s plan. Should we choose to follow His will and are listening to His direction God will show us in such a way that we will know what He would like us to do. I turned to the priest next to me and asked him if my statement made sense. He replied that it certainly did and everyone at the table was happy with the response. We continued reviewing the other resolutions, educating everyone as we went through them. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, His guidance and direction the ladies at our table left feeling inspired with the knowledge they had gained and some were anxious to return to their councils and start writing resolutions. All together there were 21 tables at the resolutions dialogue with members providing great ideas and questions. Members deepened their knowledge of the resolutions, which made it easier when the resolutions were presented on the floor of the convention.

FUN! FUN! And more FUN! was had by all the delegates at the 2011 Convention. We were treated to a Toronto Harbour Dinner Cruise. The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and we left on the cruise. Oh, the food was superb, especially the variety of desserts – and of course I couldn’t help but over indulge. After dinner we went to the upper deck where music played while some of us danced and the rest enjoyed the scenery. I met Fr. Paulin from the Maritimes and as we were talking I asked him if he knew Fr. Billy Brennan and Sister Eleanor McCloskey. The world becomes so small – of course he did and he is a personal friend of both these wonderful people. Pictures were taken and I promised to send copies to them. Fr. Billy is a nephew of my girlfriend, and Sister Eleanor works with me on our JPIC, “Justice and Peace of Integrity of Creation” Committee with the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. As the sun went down we witnessed a beautiful sun set followed by a very colourful fireworks display. The display was part of the “Wong Family Reunion” which was going on at the time of the convention. There were 1200 members of the Wong family from across Canada and China who come together every year to celebrate.

At my 1st National Convention I attended in Calgary many years ago, I met Joan Bona and Debbie Sampson both form Nova Scotia. We have kept in contact since that 1st meeting. They came to the Vancouver convention and stopped in Kamloops for a visit. At the 2011 convention we found time to have lunch together, get caught up on family and CWL events. Long lasting friendships are one of the great benefits that are formed by attending conventions. Today we are following in each other’s footsteps as Joan is a past provincial president of Nova Scotia, while Debbie is President elect for Nova Scotia.

“Taste of Toronto” – was a fabulous dinner which included various ethnic dishes and desserts, many of which I had never heard of or seen. We had the opportunity to taste dishes from many countries such as Greece, China, India, etc. The food was awesome, flavourful and it was presented in an extremely colourful fashion. After dinner we were treated to many ethnic dances, and singing. We had fun, fun and more fun. Our CWL National office summed up the evening by stating on the daily convention communication as the evening provided Great hospitality! Amazing talent! A feast for all the senses! It truly was all of that.

I was truly honoured to be commissioned as a Catholic Women`s League Life Member. It was a very humbling experience that I was able to share with Lois Charlebois and 16 other members from across Canada. Sandra your name was called and how I wished you were there to join Lois and myself. Following the commissioning the new Life Members were invited to join other life members at the Life Members lunch. It was an awesome opportunity to sit with the more experienced “lifers” and hear and share their stories. As part of this celebration the ladies of the Toronto Diocese had one little present at each table. This was to be received by the lady who had a birthday in the month that was stated on the gift. There were two with the May birthday, and the other member so graciously said I could have the gift as I was the newest life member. I opened the box to see a tiny set of emerald earrings set in white gold. Wow was I thrilled- what an exciting way to always remember my first ‘lifers’ luncheon.

We also had a ride on a double-decker bus which toured us for 2 hours to all the touristy sights in Toronto. Once again the weather was great, the sights were spectacular, and the driver even stopped for some of us to obtain a coffee and others to have a washroom break.

BC & Yukon Dinner was held at the Pickle Barrel Grand Atrium Restaurant. This was located within a very short walk of the hotel. We had 34 members along with 2 priests in attendance. The food was fantastic and reasonably priced which made everyone happy – even Fr. Frank complimented us on a great choice of restaurant! That say’s it all.

In years past the BC & Yukon members always seem to have difficulty sitting together at the gala banquet. I think it is because we always have a wonderful turn out of our members at convention. Anyway this year they gave us numbered banquet tickets, the numbers representing the table we were to sit at. This worked out extremely well as we all had seats; it mixed us up as we didn’t have a say as to who we would be sitting with. I was very impressed and it is something we should remember when we host the next National Convention in 2015. The banquet was excellent and culminated with the results of the silent auction.

At the end of each day more fun is always had as members take turns each night hosting their room as a hospitality room, where the BC & Yukon members gather, share memories of the day’s events, ask questions and formulate plans for the next day. It gives us an informal opportunity to get to know our members in a more relaxed environment.

It was a very humbling experience, to carry the Yukon Territorial Flag into St. Paul’s Basilica for the opening Mass and out of St. Michael’s Cathedral for the closing Mass. Bishop Martin Currie summed the convention up by stating “Women need to discern, walk by faith and not by sight. The Church has a rich tradition of faith, speaking of Justice.” Thank you for this wonderful growth opportunity!

Write to the Federal Gov’t. to prohibit any practises of altering, manipulation or treatment of genetic material that would result in the death of a human embryo or the combining of species or genetic selection. Send a copy to your local MP.

2011.02: Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women

Write letters to Prime Minister and MP’s urging the Federal Gov’t. to implement Canada wide support programs and services for children of missing and murdered aboriginal women. Send copy to your MP.

2011.04: Caffeine in Energy Drinks

Although the government made a first step in addressing this issue earlier this week many feel Ottawa has bowed to industry and that the announcement falls short. Energy drinks are now regulated as Food rather than Natural Health Product but the regulation will not take effect for up to two years.

Write letters to Prime Minister and Minister of Health and local MP’s asking that Health Canada engage in a program of public education focussing on the effects of caffeine in children and legislate stricter regulations, making it mandatory for manufacturers to clearly identify on its labels that the additives in energy drinks are stimulants; ensure these drinks are not marketed to children (teens); and to limit the amount of caffeine that is contained in the drinks.

Write letters to Premier Christy Clarke and Health Minister, local MLA and territorial legislatures asking that provincial/territorial governments enact legislation that determines where, how and to whom energy drinks can be sold in BC or Yukon.

BC 2011.02: Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material:

Write to Prov. Gov’t. asking them to implement regulation to protect human embryos and to develop respectful standards for the handling of human reproductive material and all licensing required. Also, asking them to convene consultative meetings with their provincial counterparts to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and all the licensing required. Send copies to your local MLA and MP.

BC 2011.03 Mandatory Abortion Reporting

Write to the Federal Minister of Health and the Minister of Industry (responsible for Statistics Canada) and ask for mandatory abortion reporting to Statistics Canada from all hospitals and clinics and send copies to your local MP and Prime Minister.

Write to PM and Bev Oda opposing governments support of Planned Parenthood of $6,000,000. Support should not be given to take the lives of the unborn, resources should not be reallocated and it is not in keeping with Canada’s position of the G8 program for maternal and health care.

(Note my email re Denied Funding for Matercare International Oct. 7/11)

Whereas, provincial and territorial governments now need statutes and/or regulations for the handling of human embryos, reproductive material, and licensing due to the Supreme Court of Canada Decision (Dec. 2010) which deemed sections of the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004) as unconstitutional and under provincial jurisdiction; and

Whereas, the lack of statutes and regulations could lead to the mishandling of human reproductive material and the abuse of human embryos which deserve respect and protection; therefore be it

Resolved, that the BC & Yukon Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada urge the BC and Yukon governments to implement regulations that would provide protection and respectful standards in the handling of human embryos, and regulations on the handling of human reproductive material, and licensing; and be it further

Resolved, that this resolution be forwarded through the national executive of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, to the other provincial and territorial councils:

encouraging them to bring this need for regulation and standards to the attention of their own provincial and territorial governments for action, and to

encourage all provincial and territorial governments to convene consultative meetings immediately to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and licensing, and therefore, be it

Resolved, that this resolution be forwarded to the national council for consideration at the 2011 annual national convention.

BRIEF: BC2011.02 Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material

The Supreme Court of Canada (Dec. 2010) ruled on the constitutional challenge by the Quebec government regarding The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004) (the Act). The ruling deemed Sections 10, 11, 13, 14 to 18, 40(2)(3)(3.1)(4)(5) and 44(2)(3) as exceeding legislative authority of Parliament thus agreeing these were under provincial jurisdiction. (McLachlin et all) Due to the Supreme Court ruling, provinces and territories that lack statutes or regulations now need them for the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and licensing.

Since human embryos are total, unique human beings that only need time for complete development, they deserve respectful handling and protection. As well, reproductive material must not be treated as commodities but require regulations and licensing. The Act defines human reproductive material as “a sperm, ovum or other human cell or a human gene, and includes a part of any of them.” (the Act, section 3) . Since these sections of the Act are now deemed to be under provincial jurisdiction, the lack of statutes and/or regulations could lead to abuses of human embryos and human reproductive material which could include exporting, importing, research and destruction. (section 10, 11, 13, 14, 16(3), 18, 40(2)(3)(3.1)).

We urge the BC and Yukon governments to implement regulations immediately that would provide protection and respectful standards in the handling of human embryos, and regulations for the handling of reproductive material as well as all the licensing required. Through our National Council we ask that all Provincial Councils bring this to their own provincial and territorial governments asking that immediate efforts be made by these governments to meet and develop consistent and respectful regulations throughout the country in regards to the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and licensing.

Our society has a responsibility to take immediate action. To quote His Grace Archbishop Richard Smith, “We’re talking about a fundamental question of life itself and dignity of human life, this is a consideration that transcends provincial and national boundaries.” (Gyapong)

REFERENCES: BC2011.02 Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material

• Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004
• Gyapong, Deborah, Supreme Court ruling casts out genetic research barriers, Western Catholic Reporter, January 17th, 2011
• McLachlin C.J. and Binnie, LeBel, Deschamps, Fish, Abella, Charron, Rothstein and Cromwell JJ. Supreme Court of Canada Decision re Assisted Human Reproduction Act 2004

ACTION PLAN:

All members write letters to their governments:

Asking them to implement regulations to protect human embryos and to develop respectful standards for the handling of human reproductive material and all licensing required;

Asking them to convene consultative meetings with their provincial counterparts to develop consistent and respectful national regulations in the handling of human embryos, reproductive material and all the licensing required.

Send copies of letters to your MLA and MP.

National Convention 2015:

BC & Yukon has the wonderful honour of being the host to the rest of Canada for the 2015 National Convention! The convention will be held in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, yet each of us as members of the BC & Yukon Council are the hosts, and to be great hosts we need to be in attendance. I recommend and encourage every parish council to start working on fundraising activities to help members attend the 2015 national convention. And for all six diocese to find creative means for their members to experience the amazing chance to be a part of the faith, fun and fulfillment of a national convention with members across Canada, right here in our own province.

National Membership Initiative:

2012 is fast approaching and it’s time to start thinking of membership drives! We are also into our second year of our national focus on eliminating poverty in all its forms. Therefore, National has announced that they will give $250 to the anti-poverty projects of the first two councils that get 50% of their 2012 membership into National Office. ~ Wouldn’t it be wonderful if both councils were in BC & Yukon?

TLC:

Each provincial CWL council in Canada is focusing on different aspects and ways to alleviate poverty in their province. In BC & Yukon we are focusing on homelessness and mental illness. At our recent provincial midterm meeting, we brainstormed on tangible means in which we, as members of the League, can help these vulnerable children of God in our province. We had three ladies from the Canadian Mental Health Association Outreach program in Kelowna come and speak to us to help us understand the obstacles facing many homeless and ways in which we can help. Yet, it also was made clear to us that every community is different across our province and the services offered in each community may vary. Therefore, we came up with three projects we would like to encourage every parish council to choose one to embrace and work towards. The first is:

Toonies for Teeth; many homeless have not had the opportunity to keep up with proper hygiene and have through the years developed teeth that are in great need of dental attention. Many outreach programs in communities provide dental services for the homeless, yet unfortunately, there are always costs involved. Councils would need to research if this service is provided in their community and if so, then they this may wish to chose this project. The second is: Loving & Warm; as the cold weather surrounds us, many homeless are shivering on the streets with never enough to keep them warm, some even dying in the cold. Blankets, coats, toques and mitts are always in desperate need. Councils would need to find out what organizations there are in their community to help disperse these items and may wish to choose this project. The third is: Care Kits; these could be one of two different kits. One kit could contain items such as, comb, brush, toothbrush and paste, shaving cream & razors, women’s feminine items, etc. for the homeless. The other kit could contain tenant starter kits for councils that live in communities that have outreach programs which help the homeless find suitable housing. These people would need items such as, pots & pans, dishes, sheets, towels, etc. Once again, councils would have to research what is offered in services in their communities and what would be most in need.

The key to success for any of the three projects is education. Members need to be educated as to the reasons and obstacles of homelessness and mental illness, what organizations in their community are already working to help, what is most needed and then to take action. Together we will make a difference in the lives of those who need our help and our love! Let’s not let them down. It is my prayer that every council in BC & Yukon joins in to share some TLC (Toonies for Teeth, Loving & Warm, Care Kits).

To get a vision of how TLC is being implemented throughout the province and in the Yukon I would appreciate all Diocesan Presidents sharing these three project ideas with all their parish councils, having the councils report to their Diocesan President which project they have chosen and in turn the Diocesan Presidents informing me as Provincial President by December 15th 2011.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to bless each of you in your work for God and Canada.

Happy Thanksgiving!  We have so much for which we have to thank God. What promised to be a terrible year for gardens didn’t turn out so bad after all.  The last of the corn has been picked, the beans are long gone and fall has certainly settled in here in the Fraser Valley.  I can’t say I’m disappointed the zucchinis are finished.

I welcome Sharon G (Kamloops), Linda M (Prince George) and Gisela M (Vancouver) to their new position as past-president, a very different role from the past two years but a very important one as well. Warm greetings to Alice H (Nelson), Betty H (Victoria) and Jeanne W (Whitehorse) as you continue to fulfill your responsibilities as out lined in the Constitution & By-Laws:

• Serve in a consultative capacity
• Be responsible for archives and history
• Facility the study and implementation of the C&B
• Perform other duties as assigned by the president

Policy & Procedure Manual: At the moment, I am in the process of updating the Provincial Manual of Policy & Procedure.  I believe each Diocese has their own P&P and it is highly recommended that each parish council have a policy and procedure manual in order to assist them as they carry out the business of the League. It simply states the rules of the game and is an invaluable resource for all members.  It is always a work in progress and should be revised as decisions are made and kept up to date.

It has been suggested that all parish, diocesan and provincial executives create or review their policy and procedures and have it approved at a general meeting, share the knowledge as it may peak the interest of a future leader within the League.

Nominations/Elections:   For those councils facing an election, I take a quote from Barbara Dowding who said it best:

“Your involvement, enthusiasm and care for your diocesan council should prompt you to take the personal approach as much as possible. We all know that an invitation from one League Sister to another is the single best way to coax a reluctant or shy member to try.  Letting one’s name stand for election takes courage but more than that it takes the support of others. We owe it to those members who have gone before and to the future success of our great organization to find and encourage women to step forward. 

If you are on the nomination committee, be sure to include members that have experience in the League but who also know your members. Elections are a serious and important part of our League’s constitution and bylaws. Every effort must be made to follow the established procedure using the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (Article XV: Eligibility, Nominations and Elections, pages 85-93) as well as referencing your own diocesan policies.  Be sure to work closely with your Secretary who is responsible for keeping the Register of Eligibility up to date.”

National Archives:  National Past-President Danielle McNeil has advised that:

“The National Archives Committee continues to organize and catalogue the materials at national office. Honorary Life Member, Marie Cameron has tendered her resignation as chairperson of the committee and I would like to thank her not only for her wisdom, but for her unwavering commitment to preserving the history of the League. The recent fire at national office underlines the importance of safe guarding records that document the League’s history.  The committee will continue to benefit from the experience of professional archivist Judy Cumming and the knowledge of Life Member, Shirley Bernier. This year due to the office fire, the committee will not be able to meet in the fall. We are fortunate that none of our archived material was destroyed.

Currently we have national archive material in Ottawa at the National Archives and in the Manitoba Provincial Archives. The committee will be examining this practice and making a decision where the materials should be held.”

The Constitution & Bylaws is an incomparable work of art.  To quote Danielle:  “…. I am amazed at the vision and insight that led to the creation of the Constitution and By-Laws and the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (P&P). The women who went before us put a lot of thought into the guidelines that govern our work in the League, but there is always a new twist or a wrinkle that needs to be straightened out to keep the chairperson of laws busy.”

Both documents are worthy of review and should be share and brought to the attention of League members.

Another valuable resource to take advantage of is the Handbook for Past Presidents available on line: http://www.cwl.ca/manuals/Past%20President.pdf.   

I appreciate receiving copies of your communiqués and encourage you to send them to each other.  May Our Lady of Good Counsel keep you centered on faith and justice.

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God.”   Thessalonians 5:18

Now that fall is officially here all things League are in full swing.   Did you manage to attend diocesan, provincial or national conventions?  If so, did you come away feeling a sense of pride in belonging to such a great organization?

Welcome to new and returning Life Member Liaisons:

Margaret B, Victoria                                              Marion N, Nelson

Marjorie M, Vancouver                                         Barbara J, Prince George

Marilyn V, Kamloops                                           Whitehorse N/A

Marilyn has taken over from Lucie Schaff.   A huge thank you to Lucie for serving as liaison, she has faithfully forwarded news of Kamloops’ Life Members over the past two years.

Congratulations to Sandra Stajduhar (Nelson), Lois Charlebois (Vancouver), and Doreen Gowans (Kamloops) our three new Life Members who were welcomed at the provincial convention in Penticton.

Sixteen Life Members representing five dioceses attended the provincial convention in Penticton this year.   Jean Falck, Nelson diocese was sporting a pink leg cast, hopefully that has since been removed..  We were privileged to have Honorary Life Member, Marie Cameron join us which brought our numbers to seventeen.   Marie spoke to us on the topic of archiving and assured us she in not yet archived.

I attended the national convention in Toronto in August and there was a good turn out of Life Members from across Canada.   The luncheon, hosted by National Life Member Liaison Suzanne Kiazyk, provided an opportunity to meet our counterparts from other provinces.   It was as always a wonderful experience.

Reports and highlights of the convention will be in the next League magazine however I must share with you the exciting news that through the generosity of the 650 delegates the total collections over the three days for The Horn of Africa Drought Relief Fund amounted to $5,000 which will be matched by the Federal Government!

I am delighted to report that there were several excellent applications for the Life Member’s Award this year and the winner is Taryn Goodwin from Christ the King Parish in Courtenay, Vancouver Island.   The fall provincial newsletter has a short write up stating her dreams and what she plans to pursue.   Please keep promoting this award!

Sad to say we lost a long time member, Kay Jones, over the summer, may she rest in peace.   Our province now has a total of 40 Life Members.   Condolences and Mass cards have been mailed out and prayer requests have been forwarded as received.

We all know the power of prayer, but did you know that it has been said that Life Members are not only mentors but women of prayer supporting one another so it is important that we pass on all prayer requests even if we don’t recognize the name.

Pat Battensby and I have been invited to write a guide for Life Member liaisons to be included in the provincial P & P.   Should you have any suggestions for consideration please forward by e-mail to me prior to the upcoming provincial executive meeting on October 13^th.

On that note here are a few questions that come to mind -

• How do you communicate prayer requests with Life Members in your diocese?
• How many Life Members do you have in your diocese?
• Is each Life Member given a copy of the registry?
• Would you prefer the registry to be divided into dioceses?
• Do you recognize special birthdays, anniversaries etc?
• Do you send a Mass card or a card of condolence in the event of a death of a LM or her family?

Our provincial focus this year is on poverty which reminds me of Nelson Mandela’s – words, Poverty is man made and it CAN be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.

We will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving a time to give thanks for the many blessings we receive.  Martin Luther King once asked, “What do you do for others? “So this  Thanksgiving let us ‘do for others’ by sharing our blessings with those less fortunate than we.   Happy Thanksgiving.

Please forward this information to your parish council presidents and executives.  May I suggest we write letters to the Prime Minister, and Minister of International Cooperation Bev Oda (with a copy to your local MP) to voice concern re the ongoing disregard of government funding.

If you Google Bev Oda website and click on CIDA (then on statement in middle of the page) -next on News Release (to the left) Sept. 27/11 you will find info. from this past week re Canada’s Muskoka Initiative to improve the health of mothers and children in Latin America!!   Let’s support those who are working so hard to make a difference and support the health needs of women around the world (not just economic empowerment).  Most of us are very familiar with the work of Dr. Walley through Matercare International and have supported this cause financially in the past.  Do we have to accept that Dr. Walley was told ’they would never get funding…?)Let your voice be heard – encourage government to support Matercare through much needed funding.  Make sure you keep track of number of letters written - Pat wants totals included in your reports.

Subject: Maternal Health Group Denied Funding Over Catholic Beliefs

http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=115777

6-October-2011 — Catholic News Agency

Maternal Health Group Denied Funding Over Catholic Beliefs

ST. JOHN’S, CANADA, October 6 (CNA) – A Catholic maternal health group has been denied Canadian government funding for the eleventh time in nearly a decade, while organizations such as Planned Parenthood receive millions from the country.

“We were told that we would never get funding simply because we wouldn’t provide reproductive health-that we were ‘too Catholic’ and too close to the Pope,” Dr. Robert Walley, president of Matercare International, told CNA.

Walley’s organization, a group of worldwide Catholic gynecologists and obstetricians, works to reduce the over 330,000 preventable maternal deaths that occur each year in developing countries.

The news was confirmed on Oct. 3 that the group was excluded yet again from funding by the Canadian International Development Agency. This time, it happened in the context of Canada’s 2010 Muskoka initiative aimed at providing global maternal health care, immunization and nutrition.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently announced the 28 projects that will split the $82 million in funding between now and 2016. Groups awarded the money include Planned Parenthood-funded $6 million-the United Nations Population Fund, World Vision and the Canadian Red Cross.

A few Christian organizations such as the Presbyterian World Service and Development and the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada were also given a share.

“Every one of those groups is very large, very wealthy-it means that smaller agencies like us are being frozen out,” Walley said.

He explained that the Canadian development agency “decided some years ago to eliminate smaller NGO’s and especially those with certain faith based backgrounds.”

MaterCare International, which has been operating since 1985, had requested $2.2 million in funding to open a hospital near its thriving clinic in Isiolo, Kenya. “We’ve done all of this work,” Walley said, “it’s existing, it’s standing there.”

Adding insult to injury, Walley-a prominent physician who was appointed by Pope John Paul II to serve on the Pontifical Council for Health-was asked for his input on the Muskoka initiative as it was being organized.

“I was invited to the Prime Minister of Canada’s office to brief and advise about this initiative” before being denied funding, he recalled. “It’s insulting, really.”

Walley also said that MaterCare being refused money based on its Catholic stance against abortion and contraception is a complete non-issue and should have no influence in the agency’s decision.

“Abortion and birth control are irrelevant to solving the problem of maternal mortality,” he underscored.

“All the deaths occur during the last three months of pregnancy during labor and delivery and one week after-so what on earth is a birth control pill or a condom going to do?”

Stressing the urgency of the issue, Walley explained that maternal mortality is “the number one health problem among women of the child bearing age in the world.” A close second is the devastating and socially ostracizing condition of fistulas, which can occur during birth and only be fixed by an operation.

Walley said that in the West, only around 1 in 10,000 women are at risk of death during childbirth, “but in parts of Africa it’s 1 in 7.” To ignore the problem or to obstruct others in their attempt to solve it “is a form of violence to women.”

In response, MaterCare International has called for a new “Marshall Plan” for mothers that would see increased investment in health care for mothers and unborn babies in the developing world. The original Marshall Plan saw billions of U.S. dollars used to rebuild Western Europe after the Second World War, in order to combat the “tyranny” of communism, Walley said.

“What we now need-because we’ve got a tyranny of the culture of death and we’re the only ones who are opposing it-is a Marshall Plan for mothers.”

“Motherhood should be of profound significance to us as a Church,” he emphasized. Not only did “Our Lady, Mary, Mother of God, say ‘yes’” but “none of us would be here if we didn’t have a mother.”

The Marshall Plan for mothers has already received backing by leaders such as Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), who gave his support for the effort at a global conference of Catholic health care professionals in Rome Sept. 2.

Rep. Smith argued that abortion advocates are willing to kill off faith-based health care in the developing world, despite the fact that such agencies provide up to 70 percent of all health provision in many of these countries.

May our Lady of Good Counsel guide you all your endeavours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BC/Yukon Provincial CWL Fall 2011 Newsletter

This is my first opportunity to welcome those new chairpersons to the always exciting and challenging standing committee of Resolutions!! Please send your communiqués to me and also to the other diocesan chairpersons using email if you wish.

I will describe the disposition of the BC & Yukon resolutions that were passed at our recent convention in Penticton to be forwarded to the national committee.

BC & Yukon Resolutions adopted at national:

• Prohibition of Practices re Human Reproductive Material
• Other Resolutions adopted at national:
• Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women
• National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Registry
• Caffeine in Energy Drinks

All the resolutions passed at the national convention are on the national website, along with the brief and action plans. Now is the time to act.

BC & Yukon Resolution approved by the national committee for distribution to provincial councils for review and action:

• Respect and Protection for Human Embryos and Human Reproductive Material – I will take this to our provincial government when we go.
• Resolutions from other provinces that were approved by the national committee for distribution to provincial councils for review and action:
• Create a Regulated Drug Recycling Program – I will get a copy of this and send it to the appropriate standing committee representative to investigate if we need to take action in BC & Yukon.

BC & Yukon Resolutions declined by national:

• Mandatory Reporting of Deliberate Termination of Pregnancy – required more clarification and up-to date information.
• United Nations Funding for a CWL International representative of WUCWO – did not meet the criteria as set out in the National P&P.

I sincerely thank the Kamloops diocese for their gift of the four resolutions. They have been truly examined and have been declared worthy and are being sent back to the ‘grassroots’ level of the League for action. All of this wonderful work is for naught, without letter writing or contacting in person your MPs and/or MLAs. If you can, please let me know if you have written, how many letters, and who you get a response from. When I am in Victoria, I could then say quite honestly that our members have written!

Now, on with the work of putting together those new and all-important resolutions. I know a couple of dioceses are working on resolutions to be considered at your spring conventions. May I suggest the following, based on my experience so far with resolutions:

• If you have an issue you feel strongly about, express this to your parish council and form a committee to study and research that issue – you can make a difference! This committee should include your spiritual advisor to ensure compliance with the teachings of the church as it applies to your issue.
• Look up the register of past resolutions on the national website. Review them to see if they were in any way connected with your issue.
• Communicate with the provincial resolutions chairperson to give her the title of your resolution – she will be the central communication point for all dioceses – there may be someone else in the province also working on that issue and you could get together to make it stronger.
• Research, research, research. Get a team together – don’t try to do it alone!
• Make sure the information you are using is the latest and most up to date. We were turned down on one of our resolutions this year because the information was out of date.
• Use the professional members of your family, schools, parish, diocese, doctors, lawyers, judges, etc. asking them to review your material to help make it stronger (i.e., you may have noticed how effective it was at our provincial convention to have one of our nurses stand up and talk about her experience in regard to in-clinic abortion procedures).
• Contact your local Member of Parliament, (MP) member of the legislative assembly, (MLA) or government department or send a letter of request for information about your issue, such as copies of legislation, regulations and committee reports. Check Hansard.
• When you start to write up your resolution, there are very clear directions in the CWL National Policy and Procedures Manual – follow them, especially the checklist.
• Make sure exactly whether it is a provincial or a national matter and be sure your resolved clause reflects that.
• Attend any resolutions workshops being given in your diocese.
• Don’t wait until the deadline of December 31 to send me the titles of your resolution, because there may be someone else working on that same issue and I could let you know early. I implore you not to go to convention with a resolution that is incomplete, or something that you think could be made stronger. Instead, save it for the next year when you will have had time to do the extensive research required.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please do not hesitate to call or Email me for clarification, or any help I can give you.

At the time of writing, I have not yet received the date of our presentation to government and am continuing to follow up on this, hopefully in October or November. The executive members attending in Victoria will be Nancy Simms, President; Doreen Gowans, President-elect; Lorrilee Jordan, Legislation Chairperson and myself, each of whom will make an oral presentation. Please pray that we can make an appointment soon – we have lots of great issues! I’m expecting politicians will be very happy to hear from the over 9,500 members of the CWL in BC & Yukon!

I’m off to the executive mid-term meeting in Kelowna October 13-16, 2011. If you have anything that is concerning you, please let me know and I will bring it up at the meeting.

Dear Sisters in the League and Fr. Tran: Welcome back to another Catholic Women’s League season full of faith, fun and fulfillment. I hope all of you had a wonderful summer, although short weather-wise, and now we are being called back to be “God’s hands and feet on earth” as together we are building community with our League sisters at all levels and our spiritual advisors.

FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION: Betty Anne Brown Davidson reported that each diocesan president has received the Cross-Canada CWL 2011-12 Leadership Training Opportunity package which consists of three workshops to be used in your diocese for training purposes this fall. Have you seen them? If not ask your diocesan president to share them with you. Discuss how and when they will be used in your diocese!

Keep me informed as to the success of these workshops in your areas.

Organization Binder Packages: At the BC & Yukon Provincial convention I presented each Diocesan President with a complete package to be used as a sample to make binders for each table officer and standing committee chairperson if she chooses. May I suggest that if either the president or the organization chair takes the time to make up the binders for each executive person, it immensely helps to complete annual reports as all the information is there at your finger tips and it only takes a few minutes to transfer what you have done onto the Annual Report forms. I found it to be an excellent training & resource tool for my executive when I was parish/diocesan president. Ask your Diocesan president to see this information. Let me know if your council is planning on using this information to help streamline activities within your various councils. I would highly recommend passing this information onto the parish councils.

Reminder:

Penticton Convention grant winners: This spring we had 11 members from across the entire province awarded funds to attend our BC & Yukon Provincial Convention in Penticton. I encourage you to review my Communiqué #5 and personally invite these ladies to take on leadership roles within their parish and or diocesan councils. You may wish to mentor them or find a mentor for them, but take them under your wing and help them grow their leadership abilities within your councils.

Parish Council Annual Report forms were sent via email under separate cover to each Diocesan Organization Standing Committee Chair and Diocesan President. Encourage your representatives to have their parish councils set a date and time to complete the forms and return them to their respective Diocesan counterparts by December 15, 2011. The Diocesan Council Annual Report forms will be sent out at a later date. In ‘Leading the League’ it states “According to Webster’s dictionary, fulfillment means: to make full (annual reports), to measure up (annual reports), to convert into reality (resolutions) to put into effect (resolutions) to develop the full potential of (nominations / elections) and to bring to an end (when our earthly mission is fulfilled). Fulfillment – to fully realize the League as gift”. Spread the joy as this is a time for everyone to count their blessings and share with us all the good work your members and spiritual advisors have done over the past year. Be proud of their work. Help them to “Toot their horns” – be joyful! We want to hear what they have been doing. Share their great ideas and make it FUN!

On-Line Membership is so efficient and easy to use. Encourage all your councils to use this wonderful method of recording members paid, un-paid, deceased members, and to update addresses, including email addresses etc. in a simple timely manner! This is one sure way of staying on top of those who haven’t renewed enabling you to either contact them in person or send them a reminder. Should you require assistance in getting started contact Janice Jones, office assistant at the National office, or me as we are both willing to help. To get started contact National Office to register your council, fill in the form, return it to National office and then you will be set up to enter your 2012 membership. At National Convention 2011 a motion was passed unanimously by all provinces to increase our per capita from $8 to $13 effective January 2012, keep this in mind when collecting your 2012 membership dues. Membership dues for 2011 and 2012 can be collected and submitted now – you don’t have to wait till 2012.

At our National Convention in Toronto this summer we learned the National office is offering $250.00 to the first two councils who have 50% of their memberships renewed for 2012 and received at National office. The $250.00 is to go an anti poverty campaign for their council. Let’s see if one or two of the BC & Yukon councils could be the winner(s)!

Marketing the League: In “Leading the League” September and October are two months for us to market the league. In the ‘Marketing’ section you will find helpful information on how to raise the League Profile, with sample letters to your Bishop or parish priest, information on Renewing or Organizing a Parish Council, a presentation to CWL Parish Councils to renew enthusiasm and more. Review and see how you can make a difference by inviting every lady in your parish community to join us! As reported at this year’s National Convention the BC & Yukon Provincial Council has had an increase in membership for the last 9 years. Keep up the good work as we want to continue our good record! Our goal is to reach 10,000+ members. We are a faith based organization so every lady should want to belong to our council. Reach out invite them, inform them of who we are, and solicit their help. Also review the “Handbook for Organization Chairpersons” as it provides a wealth of organizational material and I am here to help – just ask!

“…the new communications technologies must be placed at the service of the integral good of the individual and of the whole of humanity. If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being.” Message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 45 World Communications Day June 5, 2011(full text at www.vatican.va)

Welcome Back

Summer is over in the Yukon. The children are back at school and the geese are leaving for the south. Snow will be here before we know it.

Welcome to our new communication chairs and welcome back to our continuing communication chairs: Kamloops – Mary M; Nelson- Jo L; Vancouver – Pat H; Victoria – Dorothy G.

Please share your communiqués with the standing chairs in the other dioceses and please send a copy to me.

Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who sent me items for the newsletter. I am starting to sort them out and organize them.

I had to buy a new computer over the summer and I had everything transferred from my old computer, however a few items did not make the transfer. One item was all the email addresses of members who had requested a copy of the newsletter. I will email the newsletters to all diocesan presidents, communication chairs and provincial executive. The newsletter will also be available on the website. If anyone else wants the newsletter sent to them directly, they will have to email me their email address and I will try not to lose it.

Items for the spring newsletter are due March 1, 2012.

Pornography – WRAP campaign

Information regarding the W.R.A.P. campaign can be found on the C.A.S.E. website www.4case.ca.

The campaign will take place from October 16 -23. The campaign will focus on internet service providers. A Ribbon of Signature Kit can be purchased from CASE for a donation of $25.00. Also available is a DVD, The Children Need Someone Like You.

Three brochures are available for downloading on the website: Beware of Internet Predators; Children, the Internet and Pornography and Internet Service Providers and Child Abuse On line.

The WRAP campaign is a very effective. Since the last federal election there are new members of parliament and bringing the white ribbons to MP’s is a good way to present our views and get to know our MP’s.

Media for Evangelization

Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) just released a new publication titled, Families did you know? Love is calling your children. This is a look at Christian vocations. The publication can be downloaded from the website www.colf.ca or copies can be ordered from the website.

Media to Promote the League

B.C. Provincial website. www.cwl.bc.ca was down for maintenance and updating over the summer. The website is now back online. Please explore the website. If any information is missing or in the wrong place, please let me know. Remember that if the information is on the National website www.cwl.ca we will not duplicate the information on the provincial website. Also, please encourage members to use the website and keep current on what is happening in BC and Yukon regarding the CWL.

At the National Convention in August, Mary Nordick, National Communication Chair, encouraged us to promote the e newsletter, Be League. The newsletter can be accessed from the national website and is published monthly. Parish councils are encouraged to submit pictures and material to share with other councils. This is a marvelous, inexpensive way for councils to spread the news about the marvelous work they are doing for the Church.

Media Evaluation and Promotion of Good Content

A great article, written by a Vancouver member, about Face Book is going to be published in the Fall Newsletter. Watch for it and share it with your parish.

Bulletins & Keeping In Touch

How to keep in touch with members and how to keep them aware of what the CWL is doing? This is an ongoing concern of all parish councils. Not every member can get to every meeting and yet we want our members to be informed of what is happening and how they can participate. Email is great for keeping members informed and for reminders about meetings and projects. What about the members who do not have email? How do we communicate with them? Do we partner them with a member who will contact them? Do we use a telephone tree? Do we plan a special visit with two or three members to visit them and make sure they feel that they are included? How do we keep in touch with the member who lives out of town or in another community that does not have a CWL and yet still wants to be a member? Try to communicate with all members.

Through the intercession of the patron saint of communication, Francis de Sales, guide us in our work for the CWL

Greetings;  Welcome back to a new year.  Next week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  We can all be thankful for so much.

National Education and Health Chairperson Pearl Bridgwater has asked me to bring to your attention two resolutions directed to education and health.  She has asked that each one of us must make a pro-active role in our own health and well-being.

Raising awareness of colorectal cancer:  statistics support the fact that early detection of colorectal cancer is directly related to a significant reduction in mortality.  This cancer has few or no symptoms in the early stages, but there are some signs that raise a red flag;

• Blood in stool or stools that are narrower than usual
• Change in bowel movements-diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that the bowel does not empty
• Stomach discomfort and/or vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Action:

• Make an appointment with your doctor or check up if you have these symptoms
• After 50yrs have a colorectal  screening every two years
• If a parent or sibling had colorectal cancer there is an increased risk
• Encourage member to write to members of their provincial legislatures and members of parliament urging them to increase funding for education which would reflect the importance of testing and screening for colorectal cancer.

For more information go to http://www.cancer.ca/ or the Colon Cancer Canada Web site at http://www.coloncancercanada.ca

Limiting the sodium in our food: in order for us to have a normal functioning body we need small amounts of sodium.  The maximum daily intake is 2,300mg. The adequate intake level recommended in 1,500mg per day for persons aged 9-59 and less for those older or younger.  Too much  sodium can cause chronic disease such as high bold pressure, a major cause of cardiovascular disease that are a burden on health care budgets.

The majority of Canadians are aware that too much sodium in foods is a health issue, but still the daily sodium intake exceeds the tolerable Upper Intake Level.  A recent report from the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Sodium Reduction of Health Canada stated, “The major contributors to dietary sodium intake are commercially prepared foods including those from restaurants and food service establishments”.   Restaurant foods are exempt from mandatory sodium labeling, and sodium reduction by manufacturers is completely voluntary.

Action:

• Read the labels on packaged food.
• Remove salt shaker from the table.
• Request salt free restaurant meals.
• Write letters to the prime minister and federal minister of health with a copy to the local member of parliament urging the federal government to act immediately to impose  regulatory standards governing the amount of sodium manufactures  use in  packaged and processed foods products.
• Write letters asking for improvements to the current nutrition labeling system in Canada to facilitate consumer use, particularly as it relates to sodium.
• Invite dieticians to speak at your regular meetings  with respect to proper amount of sodium intake and how it relates to health issues.

Resolutions Passed at the National Convention:

There were two proposed resolution under the Education and Health Standing Committee passed this year.

• 2011.03 National Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Registry
• 2011.04 Caffeine in Energy Drinks

Education:

I received information from Susan Kovacic (ParentsKnowBest.ca) about what is being done with the pending provincial curriculum changes for schools.  We will discuss this issue at our Mid-Term meeting coming up.  I will endeavor to keep you informed.  For now you are more than welcome to go to the Provincial Government website and look under education for more information as to what is happening in our schools.

Molly Boucher:  we will be tweaking the criteria for Molly Boucher award at our up and coming Mid-Term meeting this month.  I will send out the revised copies to all Provincial  Education and Health Chairpersons and Diocesan Presidents once it has be approved.  Thank you for your patience in regards to this matter.   I hope also to have it posted on our new revised website.  (see here: Molly Boucher Bursary)

A new season of the Catholic Women’s League is beginning and I pray everyone has had a relaxing summer and are refreshed to once again pick up our work for God & Canada! I would like to send out a warm welcome to our newly elected diocesan presidents: Lucille W, Kamloops Diocese; Lorraine T, Prince George Diocese and Jenny S, Vancouver Diocese – as well, a huge welcome back to the three presidents continuing on in their second year. Please keep the lines of communication open throughout the province and send each other your communiqués so that your great ideas may be shared with all our members of the province. Please do not forget to send your communiqués to me also.

National Convention 2011: It was once again a humbling, yet wonderful experience to represent the members of BC & Yukon at the 2011 national convention in Toronto. My oral report, which I presented at the convention, will be printed in the Fall League Magazine.

Doreen Gowans and Pat Deppiesse attended the convention as provincial accredited delegates and will share their experiences in their reports. Below are a few items of information that derived from the convention.

Centred on Faith & Justice: We are now into our second year with this profound theme. We are encouraged to continue in our work of eliminating poverty in our communities, while always remembering to look for ways to relieve the poverty of faith in our world.

National Per Capita Increase: A motion to increase the national per capita from $8 to $13 effective January 1, 2012 was passed unanimously by all provinces. All parish presidents, organization chairs and treasurers must be informed of this increase as they collect the 2012 membership.

Horn of Africa Appeal: Due to the desperate famine, where tens of thousands are dying in the Horn of Africa. A daily basket was placed out at the convention for members to donate. Over $5,000 was collected by the 660 members in attendance. Until Sept 16th the government will match every donation given, so you still have a few weeks to encourage members to donate to this life saving cause.

Be League: A big Thank You goes out to all councils in our province that have been submitting articles to the Be League on-line magazine! This monthly magazine is a wonderful way of sharing with the country the amazing projects that members are undertaking in our parishes as they reach out in their daily work for God and Canada. Our province has been assigned the June 2012 issue to submit a poverty project article; the deadline to have the article into national office is May 31, 2012. Diocesan presidents please begin gathering stories from parishes, or your diocese projects to eliminate poverty in your communities and send them to me to compile this article.

Catch the Fire!: The national Leadership Development committee continues to be hard at work creating a brand new 12 module leadership development workshop entitled, Catch the Fire! As we roll into the year 2012 we will be hearing more about this exciting new material so as we head towards the League’s 100th anniversary we will be celebrating an organization full of vitality and life!

Guide to Hosting an Annual National Convention: This booklet was revised April 2011 and is available free on the national CWL web site. ~ Remember BC & Yukon will be hosting the 2015 national convention.

Prayers and Workshops: Last year national published a beautiful new booklet entitled Prayers and Workshops for Women of Peace and Hope. Even though our theme is now Centred on Faith & Justice I still encourage parish councils to use this book, possibly changing the words to reflect our theme, for spiritual programs at meetings, mini workshops or for day long workshops to enrich and grow as members of the League.

Fall Midterm Meeting: The Fall provincial midterm meeting is fast approaching. It is being held at the St. Elizabeth Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna in October.

Molly Boucher Bursary

“…a place with its own atmosphere, its own privacy, like when you step into a church and in the dim coolness other kinds of thoughts are possible.” (The Last Woman, John Bemrose)

I hope you found such a place this summer and the time to redefine your thoughts and refresh your energy. We know that September draws us back into the work of The League – are you ready? Welcome to the new treasurers.

From National Secretary-Treasurer, Judy Lewis…

“A motion to increase the per capita fees from $8.00 to $13.00 effective January 1, 2012 was carried unanimously at the 91st annual national convention in Toronto, Ontario on August 16, 2011 by the 11 provincial presidents.”

Auditor/Examiner…motion re: treasurer’s report

Questions were raised about the necessity of a motion to have the treasurer’s report accepted. I have tried to answer this in my submission to the Fall Newsletter. If there are further questions, please contact me.

Annual Reports

Already??? Not quite, but I am going to include a form this year for listing charitable donations. I will send it to diocesan treasurers now so that they can forward the form to parish treasurers. The form is a modified version of what was sent to National for 2010. I realize that not everyone gives to all of these charities – please leave blank the ones that do not apply. Please add any charitable donations that you make that are not included. I will enclose it as a spreadsheet and also as text. Thank-you.