REPORT OF SASKATCHEWAN PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
MARY NORDICK

Throughout the year, councils and members cast out into the deep in faith, hope and love. They were very active in ecumenical, parish and community events and activities. One activity that captured the imagination and talents of members was the Teddies for Tragedies knitting campaign. The Saskatoon and Regina arch/diocesan councils issued a challenge to all parish councils in the dioceses and province and offered patterns to those willing to take up the challenge. As a result, multitudes of bears were knitted and distributed during the past year in three dioceses. The project was especially good for members who were unable to go to meetings but wished to participate. Above all, councils tried to keep spirituality at the heart of their work, ensuring that each meeting began with a Eucharistic celebration or some form of prayer or reflection.

While the province as a whole saw a decrease in membership, parish councils in the three dioceses experienced increases. Especially noteworthy was that 29 parish councils (close to a third of the councils) in the Regina Archdiocese reported an increase in membership. Sadly, each diocese reported councils going inactive or disbanding. Particularly sad was the loss of St. Henry Parish Council in Leask, Prince Albert Diocese, in its 75th year.

In addition to declining membership, the biggest challenge that faced councils at all levels was getting members to take office. Standing committee chairpersons were not difficult positions to fill, but the presidency was. That led to some creative solutions. For example, one council in the Saskatoon Diocese recycled its past presidents, asking them to take the president's duties for a month at a time. The Saskatoon Diocesan Council executive decided, after much prayer, reflection, and discussion, to extend their term-of-office to three years to enable the president-elect to honour her work and League commitments. We commended these women for their willingness to extend their service to the League.

The provincial convention in June was challenging, prayerful and entertaining. Keynote speaker Mary Jo Leddy spoke from the heart about her on-going work with refugees and challenged League members to cast out into the deep to welcome the stranger and call the federal government to account for its policies and treatment of these vulnerable people. National President-elect Agnes Bedard gave a highly entertaining and informative workshop on leadership and building membership. All present enjoyed a delightful skit, ?The Basic Black Dress,? at the banquet.

Members who attended the national convention in London, Ontario, especially enjoyed it because they did not have to host as they did in the previous year. Provincial council executive members continued to cast out into the deep at the fall workshop, but started to introduce the upcoming theme of companions on the journey. Father Les Paquin, who served for several years in the Saskatoon Diocesan mission in Brazil, challenged members to reflect on what it meant to be in solidarity with brothers and sisters in the developing world. Charity was not needed, but justice and recognition of the part they play in the global community. Particularly special was the presence of Fabya Reis, a young woman who worked with the Sem Terra movement of the landless in Brazil and who had arrived in Saskatoon to begin an intensive study of English under the auspices of the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. In the Saturday afternoon session, a panel of members from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays attempted to put a human face on the issue of gays and lesbians. The panel included a former CWL diocesan president, a nun and an active member from my own parish. This proved to be a controversial topic, but one that most members present were grateful for having seen. As one member put it, ?If we cannot explore such issues in faith and charity in the League, then where can we explore them??

The provincial council bid farewell to Father Leo Hinz, OSB, who served faithfully as spiritual advisor for a five-year term and then for an additional year while the bishop of Prince Albert searched for a replacement. Father Leo's devotion to the League and his quiet wisdom were much appreciated.

In September, the new Spiritual Advisor, Father Gerard Legaspi, was welcomed and installed with great joy. Father Gerard, a young priest in the Prince Albert Diocese, was ordained in the Philippines. He quickly proved to be a valuable addition to the council.

Saskatchewan bid farewell to three life members, Adelle Leier and Gurly Wilhelm of Saskatoon and Emily Maier of Regina. We give thanks for the God-given talents of the wonderful Saskatchewan members and their willingness to serve God through service to the people of God in The Catholic Women's League of Canada.