Greetings,

Although some dioceses and parish councils meetings may already have taken place please make an effort to get this message out to our League sisters, perhaps by a short e-mail message encouraging them how important their vote is.

Federal Election – October 14,2008

This important date for our country is drawing close so before deciding which candidate to cast your vote for it is a good idea to check out your candidates’ platform. Our national Legislation Chair, Judy Lewis suggests, in her communiqué just received, you may want to ask some of the following questions:

• preventing human trafficking at the 2010 Olympics
• accurate food labeling
• toxic substances in household products
• hospice palliative care
• revision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
• protection of farmers’ seeds from being patented
• any other issues/concerns you may have

Judy reminds us that women fought hard to obtain the privilege to vote and give dates that this happened for each province and that native women covered b the Indian Act were prohibited from voting for band councils till 1951 and in federal elections until 1960. We probably are not aware that the first time women in our province were granted voting privileges in provincial elections also being allowed to hold office was in 1917.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us all as we make our decision as to who should govern our country.

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

Click on any position/name to send email:

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

For website question only, please email the web administrator.

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

I hope you have all had a good Lent and I pray that this Holy Week will be particularly prayerful for you. It is such a hopeful time of year with the longer, lighter days and Easter’s promise upon us!

But first, special congratulations to the Nelson Diocese on the appointment of their new Bishop, John Corriveau, ofm. This will be an exciting time for your diocese and for Bishop Corriveau too as he begins to see how wonderful the CWL is! Bishop Cooney is in our prayers too for his many years of support and service.

Annual reports

Next, thanks to everyone for the great annual reports and on time too. It makes my job so much easier as I try to pull them all together for my president’s report to National. I look forward to seeing a variation of all those statistics and interesting tidbits in our annual convention book.

Government Meeting

We had an interesting and productive meeting on March 5 with both the NDP and members of the Liberal Caucus. Sheila Quinn, Pat Battensby and I were pleased to present a number of resolutions and recommendations. We had good feedback and questions on human trafficking, elder abuse in care homes, banning the use of cell phones in cars and the issue around legalizing brothels among other things. More than once we were referred to as ‘the conscience’ for the politicians that needs to be heard. It was a compliment and made us even more determined to continue to meet as often as we can. One NDP member suggested we take our resolution and ideas regarding the 2010 games and the issue of prostitution/brothels to Colin Hansen. She agreed to assist in getting an appointment if we had trouble.

Knights of Columbus

We’ve had some good dialogue with the State Deputy, Dan O’Hara as they work on a resolution re prostitution and we will continue to work together on this. Bishop Monroe has been a driving force and I believe this is the type of collaboration we need, as Catholic men and women. The Knights are also planning a March for Life in Victoria on May 8 as well as a day of Adoration for the success of the Eucharistic Congress. Watch for more details and let’s try to support these events.

Conventions

Before you know it we’ll be full on into convention mode. Diocesan Presidents have been planning and preparing for months now and from what I can see all the dioceses are going to have interesting and productive meetings. With elections in the offing for some dioceses and provincial, as well as national nominations to come, it should be lots of fun!

Diocesan

This year’s workshop will focus on Communications. There are many facets to successful and efficient communication in all areas of our lives. Look for a workshop that will help with conflict resolution, media savvy and even some tips on effective reporting. I also hope you are planning to celebrate membership goals/achievements in some way.

Provincial

National President, Lorette Noble will be our featured guest and presenter. Lorette is always a delight and we are looking forward to what pearls of wisdom she will bring. The planning committee from the Kamloops diocese has been working hard with the local council in Williams Lake. Suffice to say you will be Taught, Evangelized, Animated and Motivated over the course of our time together. In particular Fr. Brock will bring Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to us as only he can and we look forward to this special time with him as he prepares to pass the torch as our beloved Spiritual Advisor. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control (a Ukrainian Cardinal, no less!), most of our Bishops will not be able to come to Williams Lake. This has meant a bit of readjustment re the agenda but you can be sure we won’t have trouble filling it.

Provincial executive

Please be sure to book your accommodations and get your flights as soon as possible. Also if possible to bring your Standing Committee Chairperson’s box to exchange and be prepared to stay for the post convention meeting.

National

Just a reminder about the WUCWO Regional meeting and the fact that registration for that is included with your National registration. All the information you need is in the League Magazine. This would be a great convention to get to and Winnipeg isn’t that far!

Conference on women

You will recall at our meeting in January that I was preparing to attend the conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Feb 6-10 in Rome. It was an awesome experience to say the least. I’ve written a short article for the League Magazine and our newsletter but there is still so much to synthesize. More than 150 delegates participated from 47 countries and even more ecclesial movements including the Catholic Women’s League to mark the 20th anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter, “Mulieris Dignitatem.” Over the three days, we were reminded about the unique vocation we have as women to safeguard humanity and bring about peace. I learned about a ‘maternal church’ that I understood to mean a church with a motherly and tender focus that would enable people to acquire new freedoms proper to Christianity, to appreciate the value of relationships and to rediscover different experiences of culture. This conference instilled in us the desire to support, affirm and teach our women where they live and work of the important issues, to instill the belief and conviction of what we have and hold as Catholic women and to convince our sisters that they (we) hold the key to hope and have the necessary gifts to build peace. During our audience with Pope Benedict, he said: “it is necessary to enable the women to collaborate in the building of society, appreciating her feminine genius.”

Leadership workshop in Kamloops

From Rome via London to Kamloops! The leadership workshop was extremely well received and Marilyn did a great job in presenting this with me. More on the workshops later!

National Spring Meeting

February 29 – March 2. And then to Montreal – what a month! The meeting was interesting and lively as always. It was special for me in that it was my last one, already! The tradition at those meetings is that the outgoing presidents do a skit or song to honour the others and the time spent together. As well, the presidents who are staying for another term do something special for those of us who are leaving. It was really something to see. You would be so proud of this group of women who support and affirm one another in prayer and song and fun!

I’ve attached a report of the basic business from my notes. Some things that should interest us all include:

• Resolutions process. Diocesan and Provincial resolutions committees will have to be well prepared in dealing with the new criteria. Diocesan presidents, please be sure you are clear what’s being asked. We don’t want any of our resolutions to be rejected on the basis of not following the guidelines – that would be a terrible situation for those who have worked so hard. If you need any help or clarification prior to your conventions, please contact Sheila directly.
• Forms for reported deceased members will be changed as well as the process – watch for it!
• Criteria for the National Development fund is likely to change as well as the forms. If you are planning to apply, don’t wait too long.
• Membership for BC & Yukon is up again – this time we are one of five provinces with increases – well done! Inching ever closer to our 10,000 if we are to catch the Knights….

And lastly, thank you to Pat Battensby for her good work on the Nominations Committee. It is a huge job. Thank you to those of you who so generously agreed to let your names stand. Special thanks also if you could not. I know there are so many extenuating circumstances that influence our lives and our decisions. Suffice to say, if and when things change for you, I hope you will consider offering your services in some way that suits your situation. We are always looking to share the load; sub committees need chairs; chairpersons need mentors. Should you be called upon to help, I hope you will be able to give consideration and say ‘here I am Lord, use me!’ Whatever you can do or not, your prayers are welcome as we too will continue to pray for you. Our families are our priority and as sisters we will always support one another.

It’s been a busy few months and looks pretty hectic ahead. Let’s pray for peace, in our hearts first and in our homes and families. I was privileged tonight to attend a Mass in celebration of the life of Chiara Lubich, the foundress of the Focolare Movement who died last Friday. The meditation that she wrote in 1976 could have been written today – it was on love and peace, that all may be one. Pope Benedict sent a telegram in which he said: “I thank the Lord for the witness of her life, spent in listening to the needs of modern man in complete faithfulness to the Church and to the Pope.” May she rest in peace.

Happy Easter!

Dear League Sisters and Father Terry,

As we wind down another Church year and look forward to Advent, I write with a number of things for your consideration.

First and most important is our 2008 mid-term meeting that was scheduled for Feb 28-March 1. There is a conflict with the National Spring meeting in Montreal so we’ve had to change not only the date but the venue and I am hoping the new ones will work for everyone.

Secondly, I’ve attached my summary notes from the meeting last week in Winnipeg. I’ve included almost everything so you’re completely up to date! Please note where I’ve asked for input or action. It seemed easier than writing a separate communique.

It was a good meeting with lots of interesting discussion. The ad hoc committee working on the marketing for our League has a big job ahead of them. Let’s keep them in prayer as they work to help us market our awesome product in a way that will make it as attractive to others as we know it to be ourselves.

Don’t forget to purchase the nativity stamps – you’ll need to ask for them specifically. And speaking of which, with Christmas around the corner, annual reports on the top of parish council lists next to nominations and elections, I encourage everyone to help one another stay positive and affirm each other wherever you find yourselves, especially at your parish council meetings.

Like last year, I’ve ordered the Magnificat Advent Prayer book for each of you, but so far it hasn’t arrived. Please know it will be to you ‘post haste’ upon its arrival here. With that I offer you my heartfelt and sincere wishes for a most blessed Christmas time. Let’s get these few things off our CWL list so we can focus on Advent and all that comes with it. I am ever so grateful to each and everyone of you for your love and support and look forward to an amazing 2008 as we put our thoughts and words in to action – it will be a teaching and learning year, one that will help us all grow in love and charity for God and Canada.

Merry Christmas and a happy and blessed New Year!

With love and prayers from your Sister in the League,
Barb

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.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

God Bless all of you as we work together for God and Canada.

Marianna C…..

Suggested Process:
September: Copy the forms for each position & standing committee to have ready for your October meeting. Two copies per position should be adequate. One copy as a working copy and one for a good copy. Parish President to call a meeting of your executive including your standing committee chairpersons and co-chairs to be held in October. Ask everyone to bring their Constitution & Bylaws (C & B) and have a copy of the Executive Handbook available to review.

October: Start the meeting with a prayer asking Our Lady of Good Counsel to guide you as you complete your Annual Reports. Have each chairperson read their respective roles as noted in the C & B to refresh everyone on the responsibilities in each standing committee. Have the Secretary read the highlights from your parish council’s meeting minutes of everything your council accomplished from Jan. 1, 2007 to the current date. As the secretary is reading each person is asked to write down what applies to their respective standing committee. Keep in mind an item or action may fall under more than one Standing Committee and it is fine to include an item under more than one standing committee. Use the Parish Activities report form to list all the parish based social gatherings and functions such as Funeral Receptions, First Communion etc., your council organized on behalf of your parish family. List ALL the accomplishments and success stories of your council.

November: Update reports with any outstanding items. Type your report using the bullet format similar to a grocery list. Make sure your council name, contact name, address, telephone #, email address and position / standing committee are at the top of the page in the same manner as shown. Attach your completed report sheet to the report form sent to you from your Diocesan Council. Three copies are required of each report. One copy for the diocesan counterpart, one for the parish president, and one for their respective files. All reports must be mailed to the diocesan counterparts by December 15, 2007.
December: Parish President – from all the reports received from your parish council standing committee chairpersons, compile the information on the Parish Council Report Form to be given to your Diocesan Organization Standing Committee Chair to be used for your Diocesan convention book.

Congratulations!!! Your council has completed your annual reports prior to the deadline. As well, it is complete before a new parish president and executive assume their new roles in January in an election year. These reports are a wonderful history of your council and should be kept in your Archives.

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.

The members we are looking for to fill executive positions are spiritual, enthusiastic women who love the League and are willing to work and learn more and more about our organization. It is almost imperative that they have a good basic broad knowledge of the League. Yes, it is; “learn on the job” but a basic knowledge is a necessity. It is imperative that we discern whether or not she has the time to devote to this position. God usually calls us at a time in our lives when we do have time to devote to the job. The next criteria to me is an enthusiastic happy person. We will only draw more members to our organization if we show enjoyment and joy in the work we are doing. The last criteria is that the nominee has to take the position for the right reason: that is, the betterment and advancement of the League, not for her own personal gain. Yes, we all enjoy the perks of attending convention and having the costs covered but this is simply not enough. We must be in the League for God and Canada.

So in Summary:

• The individual must have a desire to deepen her spirituality and that of her League sisters
• Discern prayerfully about the nominees and the positions they are standing for
• Good basic knowledge of the League
• Time availability
• Enthusiasm and joyfulness
• Motivation

I think we have seen it happen over and over again. If we do not fill a position and pray for that deed, God will make it happy and inspire someone to come forth. We should encourage the members who do possess these qualifications to let their names stand.

I would like to emphasize also that if a member has a position on another level of the League, i.e. if a member is the diocesan treasurer, then she should not run for office on another level. I believe the only exception is past president. Past presidents at any level are eligible to run during those two years for the next level.

The second point I would like to emphasize is that it is our duty to share our experience regarding a candidate with our council in the nomination process. It is not mean or unkind if this is a negative aspect as we are trying to accomplish the very best slate that is possible. We are bound to find the very best candidate for the job. I believe that 4 diocesan councils will have elections this year and I know you all join me in offering prayerful support for this process in these dioceses.

Policy and Procedure Manuals
In most dioceses, it falls to the past president who updates the policy manual. I believe all six dioceses have them but if you don’t, perhaps you could create some interest in compiling one. This resource is a work in progress and should be changed as we go along. It presents the rules of the game and is an invaluable resource for all members of the League. In diocesan councils it is particularly helpful as it states the method that we do things. At convention and general meeting times, it spells out the procedures that we only do maybe once a year and that we don’t immediately have at our fingertips. Please keep this right up to date.

WUCWO
Our own Agnes Bedard attended her first WUCWO board meeting as our North American Vice President in Rome last November. I have written a piece for our provincial newsletter reporting a little about that. Our President General, Karen Hurley, met the Holy Father and her emotional description of this thrill of a lifetime experience is included in that article. Please use their website as well . I am sure that you will find many interesting things. Agnes is in the Holy Land at this point in time; she will be returning very soon and we will have some more exciting news to share. Please keep Agnes in your prayers, she is grieving the loss of her sister just before Christmas and she needs our support.

I know you are affirming and supporting your president in whatever she is working on and that you are at the ready to be there for her whenever she needs you.

I am really looking forward to receiving your annual reports and hearing about what you are all involved in. Please be sure of my prayerful support in your work in our League.
Much love…

Pat

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.

Just a reminder in our efforts to be really good past presidents is not only the execution of our duties as described in the League literature but also to thoroughly endorse and support our new presidents at whatever level we may be. Give her the affirmation and your confidence in her endeavors and thoroughly encourage her in whatever she is undertaking. This is the most important aspect of our roles. I know that you will all do so. Remember KINDNESS to all we meet as we seek to see the Face of Christ in everyone.

The Constitution and Bylaws
Now is the time of the year to be starting to think of elections. If your president has asked you to chair the nominating committee, then you can really get a head start on the proceedings. One of our tasks is to teach our members about our C & B.

Article XV “Eligibility, Nominations and Elections” on Page 29 is the place to be. Our members have to be educated as to this very important function of our League. Please ask your president for time on her agenda to go over this part of our constitution. . It applies to every level of the League from parish right up to the national level and every member should know these facts in and out. I find that many people are still asking how you run for National office, who is eligible and also emphatically stating that they have Honorary Life Members in their councils. This section of our constitution states very clearly all that you ever want to know about elections. The important thing for you to stress is the critical nature of informed voting. It is so important that we know the reputation and performance level of their past work in the League of the candidates. If we do not know then it is important that we find out from someone who does know. Nominees for political office are certainly not slow or backward about extolling their virtues and yet to me our work is just as important and certainly has some lasting implications in the hereafter. So find out about your potential leaders before you vote for someone just because you have heard their names.

Plan your nominations procedures. Ask your secretary for her updated list of the members who are eligible. We are familiar with the way that your parish/diocese has always done things, but perhaps trying another approach might be more fruitful. Confer with your president to see how you mutually can decide the best course of action. A further great resource to the nominations and elections process is the National Policy and Procedure, which gives great guidance on Page 61 of the revised edition. Check it out it really gives us all of the details.

Archives
In my last communique, I suggested that I would give you some information on archives. Past National President, Lucille Cullen has some excellent content re archives. You can find her complete document on the national web page under programs and it is the very last entry. If you have access to a computer, please check it out but I will highlight just a few items: “Archives should be kept in a locked filing cabinet on church property or in a secure facility at the diocesan archive location.”

Parish Archives should include:

• Original Charter
• Minutes of executive/general meeting minutes should be kept in a binder and dated
• The recording secretary should retain copies of the minutes from the previous two terms only, all other minutes should be transferred to the archives in marked and dated binders.
• All accounting records including cheques and receipts should be kept for five years.
• A separate binder should be kept with important information related to the life of the parish council
• List of parish presidents and spiritual advisors with their addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses as well as their years of service.
• List of recipients of Maple Leaf Service pins/League pins with names and dates of presentations, a record of anniversary dates of all members.
• Additional items for archives:
• Written histories.
• Scrapbooks and/or albums labeled by date and event.
• Annual Reports
• Special project file with financial statements.
• Samples of newsletters if applicable.
• Each past president should be encouraged to write a 2-3 page story with highlights of her term as president

This gives you a good starting list of items what should be retained in your archives.

Thank you Mary L……. for your past presidents communiques. I encourage all of you to share your communiques by communicating with each other. We can make our role as past president much better with these other ideas. Please exchange your communiques with all diocesan past presidents and I personally would love to read what you are doing. Mary sent as an attachment an excellent printout from Mary Jane S….., Christ the King Parish Council in Courtney B.C.

This is titled:

“Archives, Taking Care. General Information From a practical Viewpoint.”

This is excellent information so please access your copy from Mary’s last communique.

WUCWO News
Barb, our provincial president has given me the privilege of being he WUCWO representative on the provincial council. I am not sure if each of the diocesan presidents have carried on with the same appointment, but from time to time, I will be reporting on the WUCWO scene. I just talked to Barb who returned yesterday from the national mid term meeting in Winnipeg and she reports that Agnes Bedard was present for only Friday night of the meeting then Saturday morning was off to Rome for the WUCWO executive meeting. As you may or may nor know, Agnes was elected North American Vice President of WUCWO at the General Assembly in Arlington Virginia in June. We are so proud of this appointment and know that we will now be receiving first hand information regarding the World Union Of Catholic Women’s Organizations. I very much want to share the wonderful privilege that we as League members enjoy as being part of this organization with women from Catholic organizations from 55 countries sharing our concerns and professing joy in our faith. The WUCWO Assembly last June accepted two Catholic Women’s League of Canada resolutions: Trafficking of Women and Children and the Ratification of the International Covenant on the Death Penalty. They both passed at the Assembly. I know once you get into reading more about WUCWO you will enjoy their news. are all members by virtue of our membership in the National Catholic Women’s League so let’s embrace their work and learn all we can about them.

I encourage you to subscribe to their magazine: “Women’s Voice”. The subscription rate is $15.00 U.S. for a minimum of three issues. You will find the form and the address of the treasurer on the WUCWO web site. www.wucwo.org

Please pray for Agnes and the other Board members of WUCWO who are at this moment meeting in Rome. I know we will have a lot more news to pass on when Agnes returns and I will get it off to you A.S.A.P. The North American Assembly will be held in Winnipeg in 2008 concurrent with the national convention so please plan to go to the national a little earlier and catch some of WUCWO’s sessions. More news on that later as well.

This will be my last communique to you in 2006. It has been a big big year and my prayer for you and your families is wonderful family get togethers, beautiful joyous Christmas liturgies, lots of yummies and a blessed Christmas.

With love and prayers,

Pat

Front row L-R: Marilyn VanDongen (Christian Family Life) Doreen Gowans (Secretary) Barb Dowding (Provincial President) Pat Battensby (Past Provincial President) Elaine Audet (Treasurer) Sheila Quinn (Resolutions) Middle Row L-R: Gloria Gausboel (Legislation) Nancy Simms (Education & Health) Carol Penno (Community Life) Marianna Caldwell (Spiritual Development) Rev. Terry Brock (Provincial Spiritual Advisor) Missing is Sandra Stajduhar (Communications) Top Row L-R: Diocesan Presidents Anna May McCarvill (Kamloops) Jeanne Wilson (Whitehorse) Pat Deppiesse (Vancouver) Agnes Geiger (Victoria) Maureen Sander (Prince George) Carol Reiter (Nelson) Whitehorse Yukon – 152 members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada held their 59th Annual BC & Yukon Provincial Convention in Whitehorse Yukon from June 14th – 18th. Included in attendance where National CWL President Agnes Bedard, BC & Yukon Provincial CWL President Pat Battensby, BC & Yukon Provincial Spiritual Advisor Rev. Terry Brock and Bishop of Whitehorse Gary Gordon.

There were various resolutions brought forward from the Dioceses in BC & Yukon to be considered at this convention. 1. Religious Freedom, 2. Child care support direct to family, 3. Relationship between abortion and breast cancer, 4. Protection of the child re: sexual consents, 5. Discontinue use of Polystyrene disposable ware Styrofoam, 6. Adult stem cell research, 7. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and 8. Implementation of the Canadian strategy for Cancer Control. If accepted they will continue on in their journey to the next level where the procedure will happen all over again. Those and others from across Canada that are accepted will then be presented by our National representatives and her committee for consideration to the Federal Government of Canada.

A workshop on Human Trafficking was facilitated by Sister Pierete Boise Social Justice co-ordinator, from the congregation of Notre Dame. She told us that trafficking is equal to arms sales and that it is 2nd in the world. According to Sister Boise, Canada has signed the papers to stop trafficking but have done nothing to implement it. Trafficking is buying and selling of humans and it must be stopped. Trafficking is when a person is taken form one place to another and forced into something they don’t want to do.

Attending her last official Provincial Convention as National President, Agnes Bedard spoke to us about her session with WUCWO (World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations). Catholic Women from around the world gather to discuss items of common interest. One of WUCWO’s aims is to have Social Justice around the world.

Rev. Terry Brock introduced to us St. Gianna Molla. She was canonized May 16th 2004. Pope John Paul 11 spoke of her as a “woman of exceptional love, and outstanding wife, and mother. Gianna Molla gave witness in her daily life to the demanding values of the Gospel.” She was canonized in the Year of the Family.

For the BC & Yukon CWL it was an election year. Our new BC & Yukon President is Barb Dowding.

Submitted by Past Provincial Communications Chairperson, Dodie B.