Dear Sisters-in-Christ:

Although summer isn’t officially over, as August comes to an end, our season of work in the CWL ramps up again. In addition to wonderful visits with family across the country, I have had the pleasure of participating in three conventions these past few months: our Diocesan Convention in Victoria, the Provincial Convention in Whitehorse and the National Convention in Winnipeg. I wrote about my experiences in Whitehorse and posted it on our Diocesan website. I was hoping that the National Convention reports would be on the national website, but the site is still under construction. However, you will find some information on the CWL Facebook page and I understand that all the oral reports from the Convention will be published in the upcoming edition of The Canadian League magazine.

Highlights of the National Convention 

The new National executive was announced:

• National President and Chairperson of International Relations: Anne Gorman

• National President-Elect and Chairperson of Organization: Fran Lucas

• National First Vice-President and Chairperson of Spiritual Development: Shari Guinta

• National Second Vice-President and Chairperson of Communications: Doreen Gowans

• National Secretary-Treasurer: Janet McLean

• National Past President and Chairperson of Laws: Margaret Ann Jacobs

• National Chairperson of Education and Health: Faith Anderson

• National Chairperson of Christian Family Life: Pat Deppiesse

• National Chairperson of Community Life: Marie Rackley

• National Chairperson of Legislation: Betty Colaneri

• National Chairperson of Resolutions: Cathy Bouchard

Provincial Presidents

• Alberta Mackenzie Provincial President: June Fuller

• B.C. & Yukon Provincial President: Gisela Montague

• Manitoba Provincial President: Rolande Chernichan

• Military Ordinariate Provincial President: Tawnya Stringer

• New Brunswick Provincial President: Hazel Robichaud

• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial President: Barbara McGrath

• Nova Scotia Provincial President: Glenda Carson

• Ontario Provincial President: Anne Madden

• Prince Edward Island Provincial President: Shirley Pierce

• Quebec Provincial President: Linda Chisholm

• Saskatchewan Provincial President: Margaret Schwab

• National Spiritual Advisor: Bishop Stephen Jensen (Prince George)

National Theme

President Ann Gorman announced her theme: Caring for our Common Home. I am looking forward to seeing the development of this focus into strategy.

2018 – 2022 Strategic Plans

The League’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plans were announced with revised Core Guiding Principles.

• Core Purpose: Uniting Catholic women to grow in faith, and to promote social justice through service to the church, Canada and the world.

• Core Values

  • FAITH — following Catholic teaching

  • SERVICE — local, national and international

  • SOCIAL JUSTICE — actively involved in society

• Mission Statement: The Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.

• Envisioned Future: The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is an inclusive and engaged community of Catholic women inspired by faith. It is: A vital participant in the church; a valued partner for social justice; a respected advocate at all government levels; connected to the world.        

The goal is to achieve outcomes within three to five years and objectives and timelines were developed towards each goal. We were provided with a book of details, which I will review with our team at our Fall Interim meeting.

ACTION

Think about how we can apply these new League guiding principles in our own Diocese, Parish Councils and communities and develop action plans to achieve them.

Resolutions 

Three Resolutions were passed:

2018.01 Attestation Requirement on Canada Summer Jobs Program

2018.02 Setting a Standard for Products Marketed at Flushable

2018.03 Legislate Designation of Hospice/Palliative Care, Free From Medical Assistance in Dying

ACTION

Once the Resolutions are posted on the National website, follow the suggested Action Plans. It is up to each one of us to be informed and to ensure the Resolutions get attention by giving voice to the issue – writing to government, formulating petitions, tracking progress. 

Establishing Plans for our Diocesan Council

At our upcoming Interim Diocesan meeting, scheduled for October 1stat Our Lady of the Rosary in Langford, we will review the National strategic objectives and establish our Diocesan focus and plans for the coming year. And, what do you think our new theme should be?

ACTION

I encourage you to review the attached summary of our Summer Planning Session in preparation for our meeting.

Prayers for Unity, Compassion and Healing

In his pastoral letter, Bishop Gary has asked us to join together in prayer, penance and fasting in solidarity on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Saturday, September 15th so that the “Light of Christ may overcome the darkness.” 

Questions?

If you have any questions or need help on anything, please contact me.

Save the Dates

October 1, 2018        Fall Interim Meeting                         Our Lady of the Rosary, Langford

March 5, 2019           Spring Interim Meeting                    Church of the Ascension, Parksville

 

Blessings,

Christa

 

Final Thought

“The Lord depends on us as torches, to make his light shine out. Much depends on us: if we respond, many people will remain in darkness no longer, but will walk instead along the paths that lead to eternal life.” ~ St. Josemaria Escriva