2005 Annual Report of
Alberta Mackenzie Ella Ell

The League is alive and strong in the Province of Alberta and the Mackenzie Diocese in the Northwest Territories. Members come from rural, urban and northern communities with very diverse needs and challenges. We work hard ?For God and Canada? in our own little corner of the world and when we come together in convention we join as one in spirituality, friendship and commitment to our faith.

Councils worked to increase membership and encourage members to continue their commitment to the League and become more involved. Experienced members were asked to serve as mentors and become more visible in their parishes and communities. The On Being Kinder to Each Other workshop was very well received as women found more pleasure in one another's company and in the sharing of their lives. Spiritual growth continued to be a main focus. Many members participated in small Christian communities and the Alpha Program. Some diocesan councils provided scholarships for members who took courses to enable them to provide spiritual services to their parish and community in many areas including pastoral and palliative care.

Vocations to religious life were an ongoing priority. St. Joseph's Seminary, the only seminary located in Alberta, is connected to Newman Theological College in Edmonton. Many councils supported seminarians with prayers and financial donations The Edmonton archdiocesan president and spiritual advisor were privileged to make a presentation about the League and the work done to assist foreign priests and seminarians. Members wanted seminarians to understand how important their support is to them. Members were asked to promote religious vocations in their families and parishes and to continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.

The federal election elicited much interest. There were candidate forums, some sponsored by CWL groups, and others attended by members. All members were encouraged to become informed, vote, become aware of issues and react with letters and telephone calls. Issues of particular interest and concern were the definition of marriage, euthanasia and assisted suicide, the manufacture and distribution of drugs ? particularly crystal methamphetamine, and raising the age of consent, as well as health care and education issues. The trafficking of women and children was of special concern. David Bouchard, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Fieldworker for Alberta and British Columbia, Canadian Religious Conference, made a number of presentations across Alberta on this issue to raise awareness and encourage members' support.

All councils supported their parishes in many ways ? through parish ministries, funeral lunches, fundraising, social events, retreats, World Day of Prayer, music ministries, sacramental preparation, providing gifts for children preparing for the sacraments, bible study, visiting the sick and shut-in, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, novenas, the Ribbon of Signatures campaign and by serving as sacristans.

Financial support was extended to a multitude of organizations. Among them were KARA, Meals on Wheels, Inn From the Cold Society, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Birthright International, foreign missions, pro-life organizations, prison ministry and women's shelters.

The 79 members from the Mackenzie diocese focused on the provincial convention they would host in Yellowknife in June 2006. One resident of the small northern community of Inuvik was ordained to the priesthood in November and assigned to his home parish. As this area has often been without a priest, the appointment was received with much joy.

St. Paul Diocesan Council initiated the Dorothy Roberts Award in honour of a life member from the area. It will be awarded annually to a League member who has taken a leadership role and demonstrated commitment to service in the parish and community.

Members in Grouard-McLennan Diocese sponsored a Random Acts of Kindness week when they gave baskets of cookies to those who serve the community. Some local councils also gave a Motorist's Prayer to all Grade 12 graduates. What a good idea!

The Bizarre Women from Edmonton Archdiocesan Council made a number of presentations throughout the province. They encouraged members by saying, ?We have a place for all women ? the single, married, divorced, widowed, young and a little older, all gifted and talented in their own way.? They began a women's book club and have established several of these groups.

The true League spirit was most evident throughout the Calgary Diocesan Council area when the president's husband died. Gloria Lundberg thanked all members for their support, prayers and compassion. She said, ?This year you have truly walked hand in hand with me as my companions on the journey. I could not have survived this year without you.? What a wonderful tribute to the women of the League ? it is members' support of one another that makes membership such a privilege.

Members promoted Christianity in the public sector, contacting city councils, hospitals, schools and businesses, encouraging them to recognize and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas ? the birth of Jesus Christ. Responses were very encouraging so members planned to continue their efforts throughout the coming year. Parishes and Catholic schools were contacted asking them to promote the Nativity-scene postage stamps in their bulletins and newsletters. This was very successful as many post offices ran out of these stamps. Members thanked Canada Post and asked them to issue a greater number in the coming year.

This was a very busy year. Members learned and shared much and enjoyed each others friendship as they walked together as companions on the journey ? sharing their gifts.