by Christa Grillmair, President, Victoria Diocesan Council

For the past 40 years, the ladies at the Nanaimo Ecumenical Centre, home to Trinity Catholic have diligently worked to be of service to their parish and community as a Ladies’ Group. This served the parish well for many years but interest was declining and in the spring of 2018, the group disbanded. This left a void in the parish. So, in March 2019, some ladies met to discuss starting a Catholic Women’s League council and by the end of the two-hour meeting, an executive team was chosen and Trinity Catholic applied for a charter.

The executive has chosen to follow the new format of focusing on faith, service and social justice. Each of the executives has taken on one of the core values and will build their committee focusing on projects.

The 2019-2021executive team is as follows: Melinda Franklin, President; Huguette Fox, Organization and Mentor to the President; Jane Wardrop, 1stVice President; Nora Loftus, 2ndVice President; Cathy Patterson, Secretary; Louise Coombe, Treasurer and Mary Adachi, Spiritual Development. Father Jozef Kobos and Swedini Halliday will act as Spiritual Advisors.

Melinda is a young dynamic leader, active member of the parish, mother of four and a pharmacist. Huguette, a 55-year CWL member will manage memberships and act as a mentor to Melinda. Jane moved to Nanaimo three years ago from the Prince George Diocese and brings many years of leadership to the table. Jane will take on social justice. Nora is a very active member of the parish and will focus on service. Mary will work with Fr. Jozef and Swedini on spiritual development and Cathy and Louise round out the executive.

The Council is currently gathering information, establishing their priorities and planning their membership drive.

I am very proud to be a member of Trinity Catholic and in my position as Victoria Diocesan President, I will help them with their start-up and will continue to be available to assist wherever and whenever I am needed.