2006 Annual Report of It was a very busy year for members throughout the province and territory. They prayed together and for one another, worked for the poor, attended meetings, workshops, conventions and conferences, petitioned government and made lasting friendships. They became companions on the journey and looked forward to sharing their love for one another and God. Many members attended conventions at diocesan, provincial and national levels. Four of the five diocesan presidents participated in the national convention in Halifax. One archdiocesan president expressed members' need to attend conventions best when she wrote, ?I highly recommend attendance for all members. They are renewing experiences, as well as learning experiences. You don't have the full flavour of our League until you have attended at these levels, because so much happens there. The spirituality, generosity and companionship of the League are experienced at these events unlike at any other time.? The guest presenters at all levels were dynamic and informative, giving all those in attendance much to think about and work toward. It was at these conventions that members experienced one another in a new light. They truly became women of faith striving to bring the light of God to all people. The World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations Study Days and General Assembly in Arlington, Virginia, was the highlight of the year. There, members interacted, shared and learned to better understand the concerns and challenges facing so many women and their families who live in poverty and oppression. It made members truly appreciate their country and the wonderful blessings that God has showered upon their lives. It also was a reminder of their great responsibility to help the less fortunate. To this end, the provincial council organized the Pennies for the Poor project. Many members saved their pennies to be forwarded to Burundi, Africa, to assist in purchasing educational supplies and providing health care for children, many of whom had been orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in their part of the world. It is hoped that this program would continue and expand. Increasing membership has been a focus for several years. The Bizarre Women's group, from the Edmonton Archdiocese, contributed considerably to this project. The group made presentations throughout their area as well as any other area to which they were invited. They encouraged ALL Catholic women to join the League. A number of areas experienced an increase in membership as they drew nearer to the 10,000 member mark. The provincial council established the Father Walter Krewski Awards, to be presented for the first time at the 2007 provincial convention in Fort McMurray. These three awards will recognize those councils in Alberta Mackenzie that have experienced the largest number of new members and the greatest increase and percentage increase in membership in the previous year. Several areas showed interest in the Catholic Girl's League with one group in operation at St. Theresa/Corpus Christi parish in Edmonton. Members continued to petition local, provincial and federal governments on matters of concern. Legislation was monitored and members were encouraged to react. Members could bring about change if they are encouraged to react to issues that confront them. Councils made generous donations to local charities, including gifts for children receiving the sacraments, local food banks, crisis centres, school programs, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Christmas hampers, Coats for Kids, soup kitchens, Meals on Wheels, northern missions and many more. Members also donated thousands of volunteer hours to pastoral care, parish activities, classroom assistance and community projects. Many members were also involved in the St. Mary's CWL Chair Foundation, Newman College ? St. Joseph's Seminary, pro-life organizations, church and politics groups and Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage, to name only a few. Council activities included fashion shows, fall suppers, a food hamper and spiritual bouquet for a young mother with cancer, many celebrations of notable council anniversaries, recognition and support of Catholic schools and their students, assistance to seniors, World Day of Prayer, Christmas dinners, masses and prayers for members as well as those in need, small Christian communities and Alpha groups. Members were very happy to welcome three new life members. To quote a diocesan president, ?These outstanding CWL members were recognized at our conventions in 2006 for their dedication and their willingness to serve at all levels of the League. ?Over the years these five women have mentored many of us. Their styles of mentoring are vastly different, but the results have been the same?they have passed on to us a life long love and respect for the history, traditions, and membership of The Catholic Women's League of Canada.? St. Paul Diocesan Council initiated an award named in honour of its first president, Dorothy Roberts. The first recipient of this award was Theresa Kallal for her commitment and service to the League. Many other deserving members received maple leaf service pins, years of service pins as well as certificates of thanks. Numerous workshops were presented including Love One Another, On Being Kinder, Seeds of Peace, We are Called to Make a Difference, and Parliamentary Procedure. They were all very well received with many interested members in attendance. Several areas participated in the Christ in Christmas campaign. City councils were encouraged to have manger scenes displayed as well as recognition given to religious holidays of other faiths. The Bizarre Women participated in the Christmas Festival of Trees with a beautiful tree in League colours depicting that Christ is the central theme of Christmas. Members were very pleased to receive the League's new promotional video and were using it to promote the League and encourage membership. |
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