REPORT OF ONTARIO PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
DOROTHY McGUIGAN

“ A new millennium is opening before the church like a vast ocean upon which we shall venture, relying on the help of Christ. The Son of God, who became incarnate two thousand years ago out of love for humanity, is at work even today: we need discerning eyes to see this and, above all, a generous heart to become the instruments of His work.” Pope John Paul II ( Novo Millennio Inuente )

The year 2003 was dedicated to the call for all arch/dioceses to cast out into the deep, to look ahead, trusting in Christ's words Duc In Altum! Each individual arch/diocese became inspired with new energy and formulated concrete initiatives to accomplish God's work in their schools, parishes and communities. The following are a few highlights of their activities.

•  January, February and March: parish councils chose a new executive and collected their membership fees. There was a slight decrease from 2002.
•  April, May and June: diocesan conventions took place, with nine of the 13 holding elections. Arch/dioceses were busy with orientation of the new executive and soon settled into their new positions. Hearst Diocesan Council's high point of the year was the annual diocesan convention in Longlac, the smallest parish council in the diocese. The presence of National President Marie Cameron was a great bonus!
•  July and August: provincial and national convention time–a time to travel and visit with League sisters from Thunder Bay. The provincial convention speakers talked about health care and elder abuse and four resolutions were adopted, two of which were presented to national council.
•  September, October and November: times for regional meetings, development days, spirituality workshops, training days and annual reporting. Kingston Archdiocesan Council suffered the loss of Diocesan President, Bernadette Kelly. They focused their councils' prayers in support of Bernadette and journeyed with her in her fight against cancer.
•  Due to the Ontario provincial election, the provincial council was unable to meet with government regarding its resolutions. London, Hamilton, Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, and Pembroke diocesan/archdiocesan councils held Leading the League workshops. London Archdiocesan Council's main goal was to increase membership and have fun! Hamilton Diocesan Council's special projects included outfitting three school classes with a set of bibles and delivery of a “peace quilt” to “Ground Zero” in New York. Ottawa Archdiocesan Council was very proud to have four parish councils reactivated. Mentoring in their council has enriched their members' experience and knowledge of the League. Pembroke Diocesan Council's goal was to provide members with opportunities to grow in spirituality and knowledge of the League. Peterborough Diocesan Council assessed its councils' needs and set goals for the coming year. As a result, “ Joy in the League–An Introductory Leadership Course ” was developed and launched in two parish councils. Input was sought for topics for an advanced course in the future. St. Catharines Diocesan Council heard Pope John Paul II's call for the Year of the Rosary and the Luminous Mysteries. Members fully participated through recitation before mass, at meetings or in groups once a month. One parish council went into the schools at lunch hour to teach the children how to recite the rosary. Other parish councils distributed Luminous Mystery pamphlets to elementary schools.
•  Members of Timmins Diocesan Council provided uniforms for needy high school students. One parish council sent a petition with 209 signatures to their members of parliament concerning child abuse, child pornography and age of consent. Thunder Bay Diocesan Council was proud to have Sister Ethel Rakai and Life Member Anne Teschke appointed co-spiritual advisors for the diocese. This diocesan council hosted the provincial convention and celebrated its 50th anniversary.
•  The provincial executive revived the policy of holding regional meetings, which will bring the regions closer together in the future. The archdiocesan council of Toronto began the year with increased membership. Four parish councils had increases of more than 20 members and one had an increase of 40. They also formed three new parish councils. Toronto Archdiocesan Council continued its support of vocations by attending the annual ordinandi dinner and presented a gift of spiritual bouquets collected from members across the archdiocese to the newly ordained priests. The Rosary Apostolate was active and thriving in Toronto schools.
•  Members in Alexandria-Cornwall diocese collected 3,500 signatures for the White Ribbon Against Pornography campaign. They completed a very successful CWL leadership course in the fall. Sault Ste. Marie Diocesan Council chose March as MaterCare Awareness Month and distributed pamphlets and information at parish masses and council meetings. The highlight of the month was a MaterCare collection with a goal of $3,000.
•  Education and Health Provincial Standing Committee Chairperson Margaret Ann Jacobs represented the provincial council at the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute colloquia and the Catholic Health Association of Canada convention, while Life Members Pat Beattie, Betty Anne Brown and Moira Ste. Marie represented national council at that same conference. Morlene Amyot, of Ottawa diocese, represented national council at Family Services of Canada national conference 2003 in Ottawa.
•  In November, we were saddened to receive the resignation of Provincial President Pat Beattie, due to illness. She continues to be in all members' thoughts and prayers.

As demonstrated in the foregoing, Ontario Provincial Council has steadied its course and with God's help will sail on smooth seas for the rest of the voyage “For God and Canada.”