REPORT OF QUEBEC PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
LORNA HALDERMANIt is a privilege to report on the good deeds accomplished by the 1,240 members in the province of Quebec. CWL flags, banners and scarves waved proudly in the breeze for all to see.
Many councils began meetings with the League prayer or mass. The Luminous Mysteries and a living rosary opened the provincial workshop day. It was truly a spiritual hour. Members gathered to grow in their spirituality during twilight retreats, days of recollection and reflection. Quebec is blessed with shrines and members took pilgrimages to the St. Kateri Tekakwitha shrine, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Cap-de-la-Madeline and Beauvoir Shrine, a shrine in honour of the Sacred Heart. Members kept soldiers, sick members and family members in their prayers. The provincial council was privileged to have His Eminence Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec, Primate of Canada, celebrate the mass at the 56th annual provincial convention last May. Members contributed to the spiritual bouquet for the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's pontificate as well as several for spiritual advisors. The provincial council was pleased that Rt. Rev. Msgr. Francis Coyle accepted the challenge and position as provincial spiritual advisor.
The provincial workshop day was another great success. Over 60 members attended the workshops offered on resolutions and mentoring. Councils realized the importance of mentoring and many life members do this so naturally. Many councils had a special day to showcase the CWL. Leading the League, welcome kits for new members and League pins continued to emphasize the ministry of the League. Members need to learn and teach, welcome and thank sister members. Past Provincial President and Life Member Eleanor Arless has been a wonderful mentor and a great friend. Membership month was taken seriously. One parish council sent a letter to each member reminding her of her renewal, the spiritual aspect of the League, as well as its accomplishments in the parish.
Councils continued to celebrate traditional marriage with anniversary masses and gatherings. Petitions were signed and letters written about the definition of marriage. Members supported MaterCare International through the LifeSaver Program and by transferring Zellers points and Canadian Tire Money to air miles for MaterCare International. Birthright International was supported through showers and cash donations.
Quilts were made and auctioned to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. Cell phones were collected and Bell Mobility reprogrammed them to be distributed to seniors and other people at risk. Royal Canadian Legion war veterans were supported and wreaths laid on Remembrance Day. The special collection from provincial convention was sent to Maison Kinsmen Marie-Rollet, a shelter for battered women. Chez Doris, another shelter, received clothing and personal items and La Re-Source received toiletries for the women and crafts for the children. Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and school kits for children in Canada and overseas were collected. Donations were made to the St. Patrick's Parish Council mission circle that helps developing countries, Save-A-Family Plan in India and the Noella Project to help refugees from Africa. Refuge Juan Moreno, a home for refugee women and children in Montreal, was supported by several councils. Sr. Maura McGrath CND, executive director of Refuge Juan Moreno, was the keynote speaker at a council's communion breakfast.
Parishes and parents became involved in the religious education of their children through the Faith First program. Echoes of Faith was available for parents, catechists and Catholics who want to rediscover their faith. Health issues as well as social issues such as stem cell research and cloning were discussed during meetings. Members participated in the national dialogue addressing the preferred future for Catholic health care ministry in Canada.
The provincial newsletter, Communicating with the League, is published quarterly and many parish councils now have their own newsletters. The Canadian League magazine continued to be well read and a good source of information. The White Ribbon Against Pornography campaign took on a new look this year with the larger white ribbon. Many parish councils continued with the traditional white ribbon for the lapel as well. Councils reached out to their members via their telephone committees or through birthday, thinking of you and get-well cards.
Councils continued to review and discuss the resolutions adopted at national conventions. Resolution 03.04 Healthy Living for Life was a gift from Quebec Provincial Council and members were encouraged to act on it. One parish council introduced line dancing to its members. Members were encouraged to write letters to members of parliament, especially on the topic of the definition of marriage.
?The Summons,? which was sung at the national convention, portrays the true meaning of The Catholic Women's League of Canada. Members were asked to be women of faith, do for others, accept challenges, pursue personal growth, stand up and be heard, perhaps for those who can't. When I read the reports, I knew in my heart that we had been summoned and that the members in Quebec had answered the call.
