The days are getting shorter and cooler. Thankfully, we have been blessed with lots of sunshine for November. Advent is almost here and we should try to make it a time to reflect on the concepts of hope, peace, love and joy while we prepare for Christmas. Please remember to use Christian Christmas cards and stamps.

Yvonne has been working on the Comprehensive Register and also the Policy and Procedure Booklet. Both of them will be ready to send out soon.

It is the time once again when some Parish Councils are doing membership Drives, teas etc. to invite people to join the League. These are often a fun way to ask the ladies of the Parish out and promote CWL. Of course many members talk to women person to person, and find that can

sometimes be very successful also.  The Welcome Kit should be a resource that all Parishes have, and use.

Annual Reports will be coming out soon and Presidents will receive them when they are put out. Thank you to everyone who was available to join us on Zoom to discuss the Victoria Diocesan Convention for 2024. The discussion to hold a shorter Convention appealed to the members so plans will be going ahead for a shorter but Great Convention. This will make it more affordable for all members to attend.

Provincial president Catherine L'heureux wrote a nice piece in her last communique about Conventions which I would like to quote here:

“Conventions are so important. Why do we have conventions? Are they necessary and why?

The word convention means “to gather”. Conventions have a number of purposes. By gathering we support one another, it renews our enthusiasm for the League and helps us feel part of a team. Conventions are also about beautiful masses, outstanding liturgies, laughter, hugs and honouring our deceased members. You also hear how generous our members are and you meet the

executives at the diocesan, provincial or national levels. I always find when going to conventions I am in presence of greatness. I meet women who are intelligent, articulate, creative and prayerful. I have met priests, bishops, arch bishops, mayors, MLAs, Members of Parliament, and wonderful members from right across Canada. Conventions have truly enriched my life!

At conventions we share our ideas, witness our faith, and develop our gifts. Speakers are another reason to attend conventions. They often give us the information we need to address

critical issues. There is a direct correlation between convention going councils and outstanding councils. You will renew and reinvigorate your councils by doing so.”

I am attaching the information for the Photo Contest once again so as many people as possible may send in a photo before the deadline date of January 24, 2024. Don't forget about the over 70

resources on the National Website. Please use and recommend these because a lot of hard work has gone into developing them for us all.

The new Provincial Theme for 2024 is: “Joyfully Serving the Lord”

Our new Diocesan Theme is: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can all do small things with great love”  (by Mother Teresa of Calcutta).

Dates to remember:

January 23, 2023 zoom Team Meeting

March 2, 2023 Diocesan League Development Day, St Joseph's Parish, Victoria

May 3 and 4, 2023 Victoria Diocesan Convention Christ the King Parish, Courtenay

(May 2nd President's dinner and Pr-convention meeting, May 4, Post Convention meeting)

June 20-23, Provincial Convention in Kamloops

August 11-14, National Convention in Saskatoon

I would like to thank you all for your support and hard work as we complete this year.

May you all have a blessed and joyful Christmas. I wish each one of you a Healthy and Happy New Year and I look forward to what the New Year holds for our Diocesan Council.

Blessings,

Bertha Landrie

Victoria Diocesan President