2005 Annual Report of B.C. & Yukon Provincial President
Pat Battensby

The executive embarked as companions on this journey two years ago and decided on the following goals:
•  to develop the gifts of the Holy Spirit in each member
•  to be ever mindful of kindness toward each other
•  to try and see the face of Christ in each person

A kindness candle was distributed to each of the six diocesan presidents with the request that they reflect on the goal as the flame burned. Three dioceses either circulated the candle around their parish councils or distributed candles to each parish council with the same intent.

All dioceses reported an increase in membership. This is the fourth year of increase in provincial membership. The upsetting statistic was the 806 who did not renew. If that group could be recaptured, the 10,000 member goal would nearly be met.

Spirituality has grown through various methods but one of the major catalysts in this respect was Father Terry Brock, Provincial Spiritual Advisor. He has introduced members to contemporary saints to inspire them such as Edith Stein, St. Benedicta of the Cross, Blessed Keri Tekakwitha and St. Gianna Beretta Molla.

The provincial council committed to making members aware of the epidemic of trafficking of women and children. The national resolution on trafficking that will be forwarded to World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations originated in the Diocese of Kamloops and this topic was featured at each meeting. Workshops were facilitated by Provincial President-elect Barbara Dowding and Sister Nancy Brown from Covenant House,

Diocesan presidents reported some innovative ways of affirming members such as an appreciation award given to a worthy member who in turn determines her successor for the award, and appreciation dinners for priests and sisters.

One parish has two councils, one Asian and one English, and they managed in great harmony.

Reports indicated that half of the attendees at the 2005 annual national convention in Vancouver were members from B.C. and Yukon. Presidents indicated an increased interest in the League as many members had the opportunity to attend all three levels of convention.

Presidents reported fulfilling the duties as outlined in the Executive Handbook. The highest priorities in each diocese were spiritual enrichment and education. Councils actively supported action on maintaining the traditional definition of marriage, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, breast cancer research, awareness of ovarian cancer and family violence. Our Lady of Good Counsel Society celebrated its tenth anniversary of assisting women and children victims of domestic abuse and Most Rev. Gerald Wiesner, Bishop of Prince George, spoke at this anniversary dinner.

Several presidents reported mutual areas of concern such as aging members having to resign from executive positions due to health issues, young mothers having no time to take leadership roles, too much recycling of executives and internal dissension within councils.

I am confident that, with continued education and training, the League will remain alive and well in the most western province and territory.