2005 Annual Report of Saskatchewan Provincial President
Joan Petracek

During the past year, the 8,799 members continued to celebrate the theme companions on the journey.

Spiritual nourishment was an important part of League activities. Councils began meetings with either a mass, a prayer service or the League prayer. Spiritual growth was promoted through retreats, reflection evenings, workshops, bible study and lay ministry formation. Saskatoon Diocesan Council fall retreat featured Sandy Prather, who spoke on the Eucharist, as a closure to the Year of the Eucharist.

Christian family life focused on support of life in all forms. Councils continued to write letters on euthanasia and the definition of marriage. Councils and members supported Birthright International financially and with donations of quilts, blankets and baby clothes.

Community life activities indicated support for Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, KAIROS and sponsorship of refugees. Members were informed about trafficking of women and children.

Teddies for Tragedies continued to grow with hundreds of teddy bears shipped to hospitals and orphanages in many countries and to some hurricane victims. Many councils also participated in the Prayer Shawl Ministry and Blankets for Canada.

The provincial newsletter, with many articles and pictures from parishes, was well received. The Canadian League was well read and used as a source of information. The Ribbon of Signatures campaign continued with the white lapel ribbon as well as a larger white ribbon of signatures.

A local artist created the theme banner for the annual provincial convention held in North Battleford. The theme panel consisted of honorary life members Jean Mahoney, Heather Kolla, Claire Heron and Vivian Bosch. Each spoke on her personal journey in the League. National President Agnes Bedard attended this convention, as well as the Prince Albert diocesan convention. Immediate Provincial Past President Mary Nordick was presented with life membership.

Many Saskatchewan members attended the annual national convention in beautiful Vancouver. Two resolutions were submitted and both were adopted: 2005.03 Protection of Farmers' Rights to Save Seeds; and, 2005.06 Developing Countries and Water.

The fall provincial workshops featured several speakers, including Dave Beeds of Corrections Service Canada, who spoke about the justice system, and Velma Harasen, National Chairperson of Education and Health, who spoke on topics of current interest under that standing committee. A World Youth Day participator presentation was informative.

The Regina archdiocesan president wrote each Knights of Columbus council in the archdiocese inviting each knight to purchase a gift League membership for his wife/mother/daughter. This was an example of creative recruiting.

All members of the Saskatoon diocesan executive served an extra year and these women are to be commended for their exemplary service to the League.

In December, Saskatchewan 's oldest League member, Mary MacIsaac, celebrated her 112th birthday. With the province's centennial, members took part in many unique celebrations. Honorary Life Member Jean Mahoney received a Saskatchewan Centennial Award for her work.

Members are called to be women of faith, sharing their time, accepting challenges and pursuing growth of the League, as they continue on the journey with their sister companions. This year has shown the depth of faith and talent of members in Saskatchewan.

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 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.