REPORT OF
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
JUDY LEWIS

Members promoted spiritual development with: days of reflection; pilgrimages to St. Anne de Beaupré and St. Peter's Church; Seven Mile Bay; Sunday gospel reflections at their meetings; and, opportunities for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Our patroness was honoured with the rosary being recited before masses, during meetings and with an annual celebration of the crowning of Mary. Councils assisted with leading the Stations of the Cross once during Lent and participated in World Day of Prayer and Christian unity celebrations. Councils donated to Catholic Missions In Canada to assist with spiritual development. One council went to a senior citizens' home every evening to pray the rosary with the residents. The Eucharist was provided to the sick and shut-ins by many members.

Members joined with the Knights of Columbus for a day of prayer for pro-life. This day was called ?On Fire For Christ.? The day concluded with a procession through the village. The parish priest carried the Blessed Sacrament and members carried the League's banner. The councils donated to Right to Life and Birthright International. Many members attended The Life Chain, a silent vigil in support of the unborn on the first Sunday in October.

Youth were recognized and celebrated with monetary prizes in the schools. A Think Fast supper for the youth, receptions, gifts and certificates for baptism, first communion, and confirmation were provided for the children of the parishes. The youth assisted councils with parish activities and fundraising. A special mass for the students graduating from Grade 12 was attended by members. 

Councils remembered and honoured senior citizens by providing bingo, cards, parties, World Day of Prayer services, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity celebrations, birthday and Christmas celebrations held at manors. One council provided sheets for the palliative care unit in its area. Another council provided rose bowls to the shut-in members for Christmas. One council provided a loan cupboard for sick room equipment supplies. Another council ran a clinic to assist seniors with foot care.

Members were lectors, ministers of hospitality, ministers of the Eucharist, choir members, sacristy ministers and catechism teachers. Religious articles and readings were provided in churches at small stores run by members. Many members participated in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program. Councils held prayer services at wakes for deceased members in their parishes. Members served as alter servers for funeral services. Luncheons following funerals were provided for family and friends of the deceased when requested.

The majority of parish councils had a member who served as a liaison to keep the lines of communication open between the parish council and the provincial council. Members attended a fall conference to broaden their knowledge of the League and its activities.

One council organized two fun nights for all women of the parish with light refreshments served afterwards. Another council provided the opportunity for fun with a sleigh ride during the winter months. Another council set aside a night for members to go to the movies and supper together. Another council provided a short comical skit to emphasize the value of exercise and good health. Christmas parties and closing banquets provided opportunities for social inter-action with members.

Councils supported women in the developing world by donating to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, the Coady International Institute, MaterCare International and adopting a needy family.

Members across Prince Edward Island continued to write letters in support of the definition of marriage being between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. Many members signed the petition to change the age of sexual consent from 14 to 18 years of age to provide protection for youth from sexual exploitation. Councils wrote to the premier protesting the opening of an exotic dance club. To date, the club has not opened.

Members donated to the Catholic Family Services Bureau, Meals on Wheels, Hospice, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the music festival, local hospitals, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and heart and stroke associations.

Sympathy, get-well, and baby cards were sent to parish families by many councils.