Provincial Executive 2008-2010
Back left to right – Sandra Stajduhar, Dodie Bond, Carol Penno, Lois Charlebois, Pat Deppiesse, Doreen Gowans, Jeanne Wilson; Front left to right – Nancy Simms, Marianna Caldwell, Barb Dowding, Elaine Audet
Missing:  Sheila Quinn

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Spiritual Advisor: Rev. Tien Tran
President:  Marianna Caldwell
President-Elect/Organization: Nancy Simms
1st vice/Spiritual Development:  Carol Penno
2nd vice/Christian Family Life:  Dodie Bond
Secretary:  Pat Deppiesse
Treasurer:  Elaine Audet
Past President:  Barbara Dowding
Community Life:  Lois Charlebois
Education & Health:  Jeanne Wilson
Communications:  Doreen Gowans
Resolutions:  Sandra Stajduhar
Legislation:  Sheila Quinn
Life Member Liaison:  Pat Battensby

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Your Excellencies Archbishop Miller, Bishops Monroe and Nowacoski, Mr. O’Hara, Worthy State Deputy, delegates and guests,

Greetings and blessings from nearly 9000 members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in British Columbia and the Yukon!

It is an honour, and a pleasure, to extend to each and every one you heartfelt best wishes, as you gather in convention. Imagine – 97 years of dedication and service! A milestone of its own, made even more meaningful, by your legacy. Evidence of your stewardship abounds in the residences you have built, the funds you have raised and the care given to those who need it the most.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAY 30th to JUNE 3rd, 2007
VICTORIA, B.C.

Provincial Executive 2007
back, l to r – Susan S. – Prince George diocesan president, Nancy S. – Education and Health chairperson, Caroline Ann A. – Nelson Diocesan president, Elaine – provincial treasurer, Sandra S. – Communications chairperson, Gloria G. – Legislation chairperson, Doreen G. – secretary, Nicole G. – Whitehorse diocesan president, Lorilee J. – Kamloops diocesan president, Evelyn R. – Vancouver archdiocesan president, Agnes G. – Victoria diocesan president; front – l to r. – Carol P. – Community Life chairperson, Pat B. – immediate Past President, Barbara D. – President, Sheila Q. – Resolutions chairperson, Marilyn V. – Christian Family Life chairperson, Marianna C. – Organization chairperson; Missing: Dodie B. – Spiritual Development chairperson, and Father Terry B. – provincial Spiritual Advisor

The Victoria Diocesan Council, with the Parish Councils of St. Patrick’s, St. Joseph’s and St. Andrew’s, welcomed more than 200 members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada to the 60th Annual Provincial Convention, held May 30th to June 3rd in Victoria. Members and Spiritual Advisors from throughout British Columbia and the Yukon gathered to celebrate sixty years of service to God and Canada. Twenty-four Life Members, including ten Past Provincial Presidents, were honoured for their contributions to the League in B.C., and they set the tone of joy and love that was evident in all of the activities. From the opening Mass and ceremonies at St. Patrick’s Church to the closing Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the banquet at the Harbour Towers, Victoria offered a beautiful setting in which to celebrate being Catholic women.

Business sessions were conducted by President Barbara D., and interesting and informative reports were given by the provincial executive. A short workshop on resolutions and legislation was presented, as well as a quick quiz on parliamentary procedure. Committee chairpersons had an opportunity to meet with their counterparts, and the Spiritual Advisors met to discuss their concerns and to present recommendations for action. Anawim House, a local home that offers training in life skills to help rebuild lives, received the convention collection. The Molly Boucher Bursary was won by Monique D. from Vernon. Monique’s mother, Life Member Pat D., accepted the award from Education and Health chairperson, Nancy S.

In a special ceremony, members of St. Peter’s Council, Nanaimo, presented a prayer shawl to Past Provincial President Jackie L., who gratefully accepted the shawl on behalf of all members with health concerns and acknowledged with thanks the many prayers. The shawl was made by members of Our Lady of the Rosary Council, Victoria.

Dedicated to learning more about Africa and what we can do, and to developing the national theme of “Love One Another” and the provincial theme of “Walk Humbly With Our God”, the convention agenda was full and varied. Many guest presenters ensured that we learned, and laughed, and shared.

Keynote speaker was Dr. Nancy Reeves, a clinical psychologist, spiritual director, poet and author. She was accompanied by Linnea Good, who shared her original and inspiring music. The program was based on Dr. Reeves’ book, “A Match Made in Heaven”, which explains that one can turn to the Bible for psychological as well as spiritual wisdom, and that a personal growth in faith can help one develop healthy, intimate relationships with others. Members were called to love fully and to say and show gratitude; they were told that in developing self-awareness, they are unwrapping their own gifts and growing into the person God meant them to be; and all were reminded to consult God and each other when making decisions. Daily spiritual practices help one to discern when God is calling and to form a deeper relationship with Him.

Dr. Reeves, in her capacity as a clinical psychologist, also facilitated a presentation on Mental Health and Wellness and the viewing of a video entitled “Bringing Depression to Light”. Clinical and reactive depression, and some of the causes of each, were explained and discussed. There are medical means available to treat depression, but a combination of medicine and spiritual or emotional counseling offers the best results. Members were referred to “Seeing Beyond Depression”, a book by Jean Vanier.

Spiritual enrichment was given by Bishop Richard Gagnon, who spoke on Evangelization – on spreading the Gospel through love. Jesus, through His teaching and example, showed us that to obey is to serve and love. We are commanded not only to love God and our neighbour, but to let God love others through us. Faith comes through the medium of other people, and as a community the Church must practice love. The treasure of the Church is the Eucharist, and it is given to us so that we can come out of ourselves and go out to others.

Education on Africa was presented in many ways. Community Life chairperson, Carol P., reminded members that donations through Development and Peace can be designated to help the victims of Aids/HIV in Africa.

“Anita’s Africa”, filmed in the village of Wandegeya in Uganda, was shown by Beverley R. of Coming Home Films. It was designed for Canadian elementary school children, and its purpose is to explore the fundamental ties that bind all children of the global community and to foster in young viewers a sense of responsibility reaching beyond their own community and nation. The visit to St. Theresa Gayaza Girls’ School generated a project to build a library. Fundraising has begun, with the goal of reaching $22,000 by November 2007. When the construction is complete, plans can be made to obtain book, computers and other resources.

Provincial Spiritual Advisor Father Terry B. continued to educate as he shared the story of Immaculee Ilibagiza, author of “Left To Tell”, who survived the massacres in Rwanda that saw almost all of her family brutally murdered. Immaculee’s journey of faith and forgiveness caused members to reflect on their own experiences and the need to forgive and to accept forgiveness.

Immediate Past President, Pat B., presented a slide show and information on the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO). She related how one parish council successfully took on a water project – just one example of how parish councils can organize help for people around the world.

Although there were no resolutions presented at this convention, work continues on the problem of trafficking of persons. Education on this began with Resolution 2004.05 End Trafficking of Children, and was furthered with a presentation at last year’s convention and workshops during the past year. The provincial council is working with the Bishops of B.C. to prepare a pastoral letter on this topic. With 2010 and the Winter Olympics approaching, the potential for an increase in trafficking is alarming and calls for action by all members. Sister Marie Z., SSA, facilitated a workshop on a response and action plan regarding trafficking, pornography and legalization of prostitution. Members were reminded to be advocates for society.

In her closing remarks, Barb D. reaffirmed the intention of the provincial council to provide education to all members and to develop healthy leadership skills. The hospitality of the hosting councils, the reminiscences of the Life Members, and the wealth of information given all contributed to a great convention. The T.E.A.M. approach – to teach, evangelize, animate and motivate – was an excellent working theme which provided an opportunity for all to grow as League members.

Past Provincial Presidents, Bishop Gagnon, Barb D.
Back, l to r. – Pat B., Rose K., Barbara J., Bishop Gagnon, Ruth H., Margaret B., President Barbara D.
Front, l to r. – Lorraine F., Pollyanna K., Jackie L., Elsa D., Mabel A.

Sandra S.
Chairperson of Communications

There is no shortage of resources for the issues dealt with in this standing committee. I always carry reading material with me in case I am stuck waiting somewhere. Conferences are fun to attend and are a wealth of information. Right now Edmonton is the place to be. A conference on euthanasia and end-of-life issues was held in May 25 in Edmonton.The newly formed Diocesan Vocation Directors of Canada are holding a conference in Edmonton June 11 – 15. Novalis has published an excellent resource aimed at teens 12 – 17 years old titled “It’s Your Call”. It reminds young people who feel lost and aimless that God has a call for each one of them. Also in Edmonton June 15 & 16 is a conference on Towards a New Sexual Revolution, National Symposium on the Theology of the Body. Margaret Beardon, as national sub-committee chairperson, will be representing our league. Watch out for conferences you are able to attend. It will be well worth your time and money. What you do with your time and money shows what is important to you.

We must continually be on defense of our beliefs and morals. The National Post recently reported that the National Abortion Federation is lobbying the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) to remove its “conscientious objector policy, which allows physicians to refuse to refer patients for abortions.”

Currently, the CMA’s abortion policy allows doctors to refuse to make an abortion referral when it would violate their religious/conscientious beliefs. The director of ethics at CMA recently clarified CMA’s position in the April 24, 2007 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal after the CMA’s policy was misrepresented in a guest editorial in the CMA Journal last July by lawyers who claimed that doctors who refuse to refer for abortion are committing ‘malpractice’. The National Abortion Federation is lobbying CMA to change its policy to take away a physician’s right to freedom of conscience.

If CMA’s policy were to be changed so that doctors were obligated to make abortion referrals against their conscientious/religious beliefs, Canada may one day find itself without any practicing pro-life doctors. Canadian Physicians for life are already in dialogue with the CMA.

We should write and thank CMA for upholding conscience protection for Canadian doctors. The address is 1867 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6.

The right to life is scared from the moment of conception to natural death. We must affirm groups that respect life and uphold the right to freedom of conscience and religion.

Respectfully submitted
Marilyn V…….