Organization Communique #3 Date: January 19, 2022
From: Bertha Landrie Diocesan President Elect/ Organization Chairperson
Ps. 99: 2-3 (joyful Service):
Serve the Lord with gladness,
Come before Him with joyful song. Know that the Lord is God.
He made us. His we are.
Are we serving with gladness and a joyful song?
We have all chosen to be on the Diocesan Level and lead. Did we choose to serve or did God choose us? If God did choose us, would he not give us the knowledge and tools we need to do this important work? Be confident, “you’ve got this” with Gods help.
Happy New Year! We start out this year with some pretty exciting things happening that I would like to highlight:
All the Parish Council’s year end reports should now be in so I am waiting anxiously to hear all the things that have been done this year despite the pandemic still going on.
The Executive Orientation Program is progressing along. I am excited to tell you I already have been sent feedback forms from one Council who have completed all ten modules. We have started in my Council and are still meeting in person so far. We are continually keeping track of numbers and restrictions and hope we can continue to be together to finish this whole program together. One of our Diocesan Presidents has said their council is no longer having in-person meetings now. They have all been given the feedback form and are now doing each module from home. They are going to the national “cwl.ca” website and are Clicking on “To Organize” then 800 Series: Workshops. Then Clicking on (#828) Executive Orientation program. Downloading it and doing one module at a time.
I found when I downloaded the first module it did not tell me in my download list what each one was called so I went to the top and clicked “Rename” and numbered them starting with the first one History of the League as #1. That way they were easier to know which one to open in turn. Number 7 Communications does not download but it opens in youtube and you can watch it that way.
The Duties of Officers module is a wonderful refresher for long time members and a great way to instil confidence in new members about taking on a position on your executive.
I am happy to say the Catholic Women’s League Membership Contest has been extended until March 15th from February 15th due to Covid so please continue to find those ladies to ask to join CWL. Who knows, the one you find could be a Diocesan, Provincial or National President some day. I am enclosing the Contest application form in case some of the members don’t have it.
Also, I am inclosing some great tips from some knowledgeable Diocesan Organization members to help with Recruiting members, that you can give your current council members.
I want to quote Catherine L’Heureux Provincial Organization Chair: “Awards are very important. They get the whole parish council excited. They give your council an opportunity to acknowledge the good works of outstanding members. This year spend some time at an executive meeting brainstorming on which members you will honour.”
“Certificate of Merit”: This award is for anyone, Catholic or non- Catholic male or female, League member or not. It is awarded to a person who has helped the League in a special way.
“Belle Guerin Award”: The recipient should have at least 25 years of service in the League. They should have served at more than one level and be willing to continue to serve. The award winner does not qualify for Life membership.
“Maple Leaf Service Pin”: Councils should have their own criteria for who receives this pin. It is awarded to a League member who has done an exceptional or meritorious job either on a onetime basis or over several years.
More information on these awards can be found in the National Policy and Procedure manual on pages 36-37. The price list is on the National website.
National Convention Subsidy: (Kelowna, BC August 14-17): Diocesan Presidents can apply for a subsidy to attend a National Convention. The application is in the BC and Yukon Policy and Procedure manual. The due date is March 31, 2022. Diocesan Presidents may apply for the subsidy once during their two year term.
New Resource: A new Catholic Women’s League Social Justice Service and Faith brochure, is a handy tool to give to prospective members. It can be downloaded from the National website under resources. It is item 627.
Wishing you all good health and happiness. God bless,
Bertha Landrie
Victoria Diocesan President Elect/ Organization