REPORT OF
ALBERTA MACKENZIE PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
MARY HEINZLMEIRPresidents' reports from the five dioceses indicated the tremendous work done at the grassroots level and the various ways members cast out into the deep . The ongoing challenge to increase membership and retain the present members was a focus for many councils. Enthusiastic membership drives, bulletin announcements and personal invitations were part of the recruitment strategy and some councils were successful in attracting new members. Keeping members interested by making them feel needed, and having a friendly atmosphere and organized meetings helped to retain members. Being in contact with those who could not attend meetings was important.
Calgary Diocesan Council had 58 councils with a membership of 3,968. The main objective of most councils was increased spiritual programs at meetings. This included mass before meetings, praying the rosary, Advent and Lenten retreats, prayer chains, prayer and reflection.
Edmonton Archdiocesan Council had 75 councils with a total of 4,470 members. There was strong support for vocations, spiritual development, ministry to youth, family and social justice issues. Recruiting new members brought about the formation of the Bizarre Women's Group, a committee of five younger women who visited councils to assist with membership drives and recruiting efforts.
Grouard McLennan Diocesan Council had 473 members in 20 councils scattered throughout a large area. Spiritual growth of members was an important focus. New members were presented with membership kits containing a CWL pin, CWL prayer leaflet, Constitution & Bylaws and a phone list of members. Members were involved in various activities such as parish ministries, social justice and letter writing to government.
Mackenzie Diocesan Council had five councils with 80 members. Despite many challenges ? small councils, great distances apart, costly travel ? they persevered in their service to others. Though their membership was small, they were dedicated to the work of the League.
St. Paul Diocesan Council had 21 councils with a total membership of 628. The League was alive and well. Reports from parish council presidents emphasized the importance of belonging to the League. Belonging brought personal fulfilment and an interest in the League's activities.
Several issues were addressed by councils such as Right to Life, the definition of marriage, social justice, sanctity of marriage, health care and the resolutions adopted at the national convention. Members were busy writing letters and sending e-mails to the prime minister, minister of justice and members of parliament expressing their concerns. They also participated in the White Ribbon Against Pornography campaign.
Members in all five dioceses were involved in parish ministries by serving as Eucharistic ministers, lectors and sacramental preparers. They served on parish pastoral council, facilitated bible study, were involved in music ministry, served as leaders for children's liturgy, were involved with parish missions, religious study and education and communion to the sick. Some councils fundraised to assist their parishes, gave financial assistance to various organizations and awarded scholarships. All diocesan councils provided educational opportunities for their members through various workshops, such as Parliamentary Procedure, leadership, small Christian communities, Faith Formation ? a look at Today's Family, and reflections on Living the Gospel in the New Millennium.
Spiritual development was an important aspect and councils endeavoured to provide members with opportunities for spiritual growth in various ways, such as Eucharistic celebrations before meetings, reciting the rosary, spiritual readings/reflections and prayer, 40 hour devotion during Advent and Lent, theological studies, prayer partners, retreats and programs.
Members participated in various community activities such as visiting the sick and shut-in, assisting the needy, sponsoring school oratorical projects, sponsoring bursary dinners for the homeless, supporting 4-H clubs, serving funeral lunches, participating in food hamper programs, hosting World Day of Prayer, coordinating Samaritan's Purse ? Operation Christmas Child shoe box project, providing entertainment at lodges and hospitals, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, fundraising for missions and women's shelters, serving on school boards and canvassing.
Charitable donations were made to various missions and organizations and the parish community. Members provided support and service in numerous ways, not only in their parishes or communities, but also in other areas.
As League members, we cast out into the deep , faced new challenges and worked together to make a difference. Members followed the Mission Statement, ??calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God.?
Some comments put forth by councils helped us appreciate the efforts of League sisters.
- With many CWL members working, objectives under the standing committees proved to be overwhelming and discouraging.
- Two younger members attended the Catholic Education Conference and Awakening Hope for Life Conference and came back with good information.
- Members participated in the Blankets for the Homeless program and gained visibility and respect. Blankets were donated to the Inn from the Cold Society, Native Women's Shelter Society, Elizabeth House, Nursing Home and others. Older members felt they were contributing much more and younger ones were learning to knit or crochet. Out of this an awareness of the League and its projects was created.
- The council was enriched with tradition and knowledge, with a sense of great pride to be part of the larger body of The Catholic Women's League of Canada.
- Two parish councils and a Catholic school took on a backpack project in November. Families filled backpacks with basic personal supplies and donated them to the Calgary Street Lights project. They were given to street kids in December. This was a CWL initiative, to share with those less fortunate.
The provincial website continued to keep members informed and updated. A provincial newsletter was sent to all councils as a way of keeping in touch.
May the commitment and dedication of members, inspire other women to ??take their place among us.?
May the Lord bless all League members as they continue to work ?For God and Canada .?
