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

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien,

September – back to school, new books, fresh start and CWL! Special greeting to Past Presidents in their second term: Anna May McCarvill, Maureen Sander, Jeanne Wilson and Pat Deppiesse. Welcome to the ranks of being ‘past’ to Agnes Geiger and Caroline Ann-Alter.

We have the unique position of being able to advise while at the same time being a mentor and supportive part of the executive team. As we hand over the reigns or pass the torch, it is important to let go and let go with grace. The beauty and strength of our great League is built upon the differences we have. I encourage you to have access to The Constitution and Bylaws where on page 12, Article X Section 2 -”Officers” it states that past president are officers of the executive level and page 18 Article 11, Section 7 clearly states our duties. Be sure to check out the National Manual of Policy and Procedure 2003 Page 41 for more outlines of our duties.

Among other things we are charged to care for the archives. Please go to the National website and look for Archives Guidelines for League History Provincial, Diocesan and Parish Councils – everything you need to know and more.

For the past two years we worked with the TEAM theme and it fits our role as Past President extremely well. Be sure to work hard at teaching, evangelizing, animating and motivating not only your new president but all your League sisters. Your joyful support and enthusiasm is the best gift you can give. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

Dear Father Terry and Sisters in the League,

Internet hugs to all of you as we start our new League year in service to God and Canada. I would like to welcome new Past Presidents Anna May M……… (Kamloops), Maureen S…..(Prince George) Pat D……. (Vancouver) and Jeanne W…… (Whitehorse) and welcome back to seasoned Past Presidents, Sandra S……. (Nelson) and Mary L……. (Victoria) I believe that all of you have each others information and I would encourage you to share communiques and situations with each other.

This standing committee is difficult for some of us to handle as the role of President had demanded full time involvement and the come down is sometime hard to handle but bear with it, you will gradually fill the bill. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry:

Attached you will find reports for every parish council position and standing committee. The parish president’s report is to include what the parish president has done as president. The other reports will include all the works of the council broken down by position or standing committee.

It would be appreciated if parish councils would depose of any report forms used in previous years and reply using the enclosed forms for your report. They have been amended and reformatted. Please note that the date reports are due has been changed to December 15th.

As you are aware it is very important to report all your council’s successes to the next levels of the League for their reports as they eventually make their way to government to let them know of our good work. We would be interested in hearing your comments on this updated process so we can continue to improve. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

Dear sisters in the League & Father Terry,

Happy New Year to you all! I hope that all of you enjoyed a great Christmas with family and friends and experiencing the true richness of the holiday season. Ours was quieter than usual, just our immediate family and although I truly enjoy a real Italian Christmas, this one was very special in another way. Hopefully you are all enthused and raring to go with our work in the League.

Nominations and elections
Whether or not your president has gifted you with the chair of nominations and elections, it would be a great idea if you have the opportunity to review the Nominations and Elections procedure in the C and B as well as the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. I know that each diocese varies in their approach to nominations/elections but I do feel as there are new people in our councils, it would do us well to review this procedure each year.

You will find this information in the C and B 2000 edition, p.29, Article XV, Sections 1,3,4 and 5.This information is elaborated on even farther in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure, Article XV Page 61. These two resources tell you all you need to know about this important procedure.

I would like to add to these criteria by putting my own 2 cents worth in the mix. Please, please, please do not attempt to fill all positions just to complete your executive. We have seen time after time that it usually does not work out. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Pat Battensby

Dear Sisters in the League and Father Terry,

I think it is safe to say that fall has indeed rushed in with a great flourish. Our province seems to under siege with raging overflowing rivers and lakes and rain, rain, rain. It seems really strange that everyone was talking about droughts during the summer isn’t it? This is really a busy busy season in our League’s calendar, parish activities so I wish you all good membership drives and successful bazaars.

I am going to give you a little quote from Margaret Ann J….. from the Toronto Archdiocesan Newsletter, which Sheila Q…. has kindly shared with me. Margaret Ann states:

One of the greatest gifts we give women in our parishes is the Gift of the League by inviting them to become members. One of the greatest Gifts we can give the League is the Gift of a new member.

Isn’t that really a nice quote especially in this time when we are both thinking of gift giving and membership drives. We must show great joy in our promotion of the League, and make it an infectious invitation so that women just can’t wait to see what we do that makes us so fulfilled and productive. So lots of prayers as you all undertake this task. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Pat Battensby 

Dear Sisters in the League and Father Terry,

A heartfelt big hug to all of you as we embark on another amazing League year. Welcome back to Doreen G…… (Kamloops), Dodie B….(Prince George), Gloria G……. (Vancouver) and Murielle B…… (Whitehorse). Special welcome to new past presidents: Joyce S…… (Nelson), and Mary L……… (Victoria) who join me in learning the contents of this new (to us) standing committee. When I receive permission from all of you due to the privacy issues, I will send complete information, i.e. addresses, telephone and e mail numbers to you all so you can all exchange communiques and information about happenings in your diocese. I look forward to this new role in the League. Every office that we hold in the League is another step in our development both personally and especially in the knowledge of the League. » Read the rest of this entry »