2005 Annual Report of
Prince Edward Island Provincial President
Judy LewisMembership for the 44 councils in Prince Edward Island totalled 2,659, including nine life members. Sixteen parish councils had a decrease in memberships, 11 had an increase and seven remained the same. There were 18 deaths.
Members enriched their spiritual growth by using spiritual programs at meetings, preparing sacred spaces, participating in bible study groups, praying the rosary at home, in church and in seniors' homes as a group, organizing and attending local, national and international spiritual retreats, participating in Perpetual Adoration chapels, organizing and participating in the living and scriptural rosary, hanging rosary beads on pews, which visitors especially appreciated, and establishing Prayer Partners. A generic calendar ensured that all members were prayed for each month.
Missions, both local and international, were supported by many councils. Masses were offered monthly for vocations and CWL intentions. In true ecumenical spirit, councils participated with their sister churches in worshipping during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and World Day of Prayer. Members worked on projects with groups from other denominations.
Members were visible in the church community as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, hospitality ministers, choir members, music ministers, gift bearers and catechists. They led the Way of the Cross during Lent, and participated in Corpus Christi processions and the crowning of Mary. They assisted at funeral services, providing hospitality and lunch, presented information on the trafficking of women and children, held a presentation on Thirst For Justice ? everyone's right to clean water, and assisted in Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults programs. Some parish councils provided a religious articles store for their parish. One council created a CWL bulletin board at the back of the church to keep the parish current on CWL activities. One council hosted a Canada brunch to celebrate members' pride in their country.
Youth were recognized and supported with a high school graduates' special mass followed by a banquet. Financial assistance and prayers were provided for World Youth Day, spiritual retreat camps, NET (National Evangelization Teams) Ministries of Canada, and the Challenge for Chastity. Parish councils provided bursaries to assist with the cost of education. First communicants and those receiving confirmation were recognized with certificates and gifts. Members tutored students and volunteered to work with Project LOVE (Let Older Volunteers Educate) to assist children with reading difficulties. Members supported the provincial, national and parish girls' bursary funds.
Seniors were remembered and honoured with visits, prayers, cards and letters. Those entering marriage were recognized with gifts. Members attended baptisms, bringing their presence and gifts/cards for the babies, parents and godparents.
The provincial council provided newsletters and communiqués to all parish councils. Provincial and parish councils reported all their meetings in local newspapers to keep the League's work front and centre to all women of the parishes. The Canadian League was used as a resource to keep members current with League activities and concerns.
In support of spiritual development, organization, Christian family life, community life, education and health, and parish commitments, members collected and donated over $60,000.
Certificates and service pins were widely used by councils to honour and validate members' service ?For God and Canada.?
On the political scene, councils wrote to their members of parliament to voice their opinions on controversial issues such as the definition of marriage and assisted suicide and encouraging Canada Post to issue Nativity-scene postage stamps. Two provincial resolutions, Labelling Genetically Modified Foods and Affordable Tuition for Post-Secondary Education, and the concern of gambling addictions from Racinos were accepted and presented to the provincial government.
The provincial executive strove to assist members by providing workshops on conflict resolution, kindness and unity, and on the challenges and responsibilities of standing committee chairs. Deanery meetings were begun to create a more open line of communication with parish councils.
