REPORT OF NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
JACKIE LENARDUZZIIt is obvious when reading the reports that growth in faith remains an important aspect of League work. This report will be a compilation of the information received from the provinces, with action noted under each area of responsibility.
Spiritual Growth of Members
• eucharistic celebrations before meetings and on special occasions
• prayer, personal, council and communal, with a variety of formats
• Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Hours
• celebrate yeast of Our Lady of Good Counsel
• celebrate Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
• May and October - months to honour Mary
• mini retreats, days of reflection, pilgrimages
• praying the rosary, rosary for life
• prayer partners, prayers for peace and special intentions
• Marian Holy Hour - Marian Feast days
• spiritual resource material, speakers, prayer servicesStudy of Catholic Teachings
Knowledge of Catholic teachings was gained from Catholic press and literature, workshops, videos, discussions and speakers. Specific areas included:
• parish missions, liturgical courses, Celebrating the Word
• Alpha Program, retreats, bible study
• study of women in the bible
• Catechism of the Catholic Church
• certification theology courses
• papal documents
• Mysteries of Light
• Henri Nouwen's Bread and Service
• the Gospel of John study course
• Understanding the Faith study courseRole of Women in the Church
Members are very active within their parish and community.
• liturgical ministries, pastoral care, funeral receptions
• catechesis, resource speakers, parish leadership roles
• facilitate retreats and workshops
• parish deanery committees
• school boards, municipal offices, outreach programs
• lay ministry formationEvangelization and Mission Assistance
This area receives spiritual, monetary and acts of service by many members and councils in local communities and globally.
• twinning and catechesis funding - Catholic Missions In Canada
• Esk-Omi Missions, Yukon Missions, MaterCare International
• leprosy and TBC colony in India , Save the Family Plan
• missions in West Indies, Africa, a leper colony in Vietnam
• Samaritan's Purse, Mother Teresa's Mission House
• Development and Peace, Child Care International
• Coady International Institute, seminarians, Coalition for Life, Adopt a Family
• safe houses, Meals on Wheels, food hampers and kitchens
• foster children, Pope's Pastoral Works Fund, Birthright International, bibles for grads
• Scarboro Missions, Catholic Family Services, safe houses
• World Youth Day assistance, prayer booklet funding, debt assistanceLay Ministries
Members respond generously with time and service to their parish communities. Some of these areas of participation are:
• liturgical ministries at eucharistic celebrations
• education ministries - catechesis, RCJA, marriage preparation, sacramental preparation, pro-life
• service ministries - visiting the sick, palliative care, shut-ins
• spiritual ministries - leaders of prayer, organizing and facilitating retreats, children's liturgy
• church ministries - parish pastoral councils, church care, parish projectsEcumenism and Inter-faith Endeavours
It is gratifying to see much action in ecumenical involvement.
• World Day of Prayer, Week of Christian Unity
• Remembrance Day services, inter-faith prayer services
• ecumenical fun nights. Seder supper, inter-faith community programs
• Habitat for Humanity, Inter-church Council, pro-life groups
• bible study groups, ecumenical services in care homes
