2006 Annual Report of
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial President
Marie Raymond, Provincial President
The theme over the past two years, companions on the journey, had great appeal. Parish councils, though small in numbers, were alive and active. Annual reports indicated that members served the League with devotion and love as they continued to serve ?For God and Canada.?
Spiritual development
To further their spiritual development, members and/or councils:
• displayed spirituality through prayers and commitment
• held prayer services and reflection before meetings
• prayed the rosary during May and October, and at wakes in funeral homes
• observed Stations of the Cross and World Day of Prayer
• attended Remembrance Day service on November 11th
• held a special prayer service for Our Lady of Good Counsel
• attended prayer service for men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces
• prayed the 1,000 Days at a meeting for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress
• used League spiritual resources and read Catholic literature
• continued to be active within their parishes and communities
• taught catechesis and sacramental preparation
• served on pastoral councils, parish ministries and committees
• contributed to Catholic Missions In Canada
• participated in spiritual outreach and variety of parish liturgical ministries
• prepared for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
• attended ecumenical prayer groups and social functions
• participated in community and interfaith activities
• gave monetary and prayer support to missionaries
Organization
Councils ranged in size from under 10 members to over 100 in others. Membership dropped from 1,003 members in 2005, to 962, with 45 new members, 12 re-instated, 88 who didn't renew, and 10 deceased. Membership drives and displays helped to advertise the League and councils used a variety of ways to remind members to renew, such as telephone calls, notices in bulletins, taking up membership with Sunday collection and gathering after mass.
Members attended workshops and the provincial convention. Councils recognized members with years of service pins and maple leaf service pins. Membership kits were given to new members.
A total of 28 annual reports were submitted. There were 11 active and much appreciated and cherished life members.
Christian family life
In support of Christian family life, members and/or councils:
• gave gifts or flowers on Mother's Day and Father's Day
• sent letters to the federal government with concern regarding the definition of marriage
• supported Right to Life and participated in walk against abortion
• sent letters to government and signed petitions against abortion and euthanasia and assisted suicide
• invited young people to take part in liturgical services
• visited the sick and shut in and offered Holy Communion
• said masses for members
• took part in bereavement program
• organized honour guards for members' funerals, served as pallbearers and served lunch
• offered support to those in need, lent an ear or offered babysitting
• prayed for vocations
• donated to pro-life organizations
• provided gifts, baptismal gowns and candles to children receiving sacraments of baptism, reconciliation, first communion and confirmation
• invited speakers on euthanasia and assisted suicide and seniors' issues
Community life
In support of community life, members and/or councils:
• wrote letters regarding child poverty
• prepared and donated baby items to pregnancy centre
• donated to food bank and Operation Christmas Child
• gave Christmas hampers for the needy as well as personal care items and gifts
• supported Elizabeth House with baby items and financial donations
• supported financially the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
• supported children through Plan (formerly Foster Parents Plan)
• invited speakers on living wills and child poverty
Education and health
In support of education and health, members and/or councils:
• taught Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
• promoted awareness in rise of ovarian cancer, breast cancer and programs for Alzheimer's disease
• donated to Canadian Cancer Society, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Coady International Institute
• promoted MaterCare International and supported it through prayer and financial aid
• made donations for breast cancer research
• eliminated perfume scents in public places
Communications
In support of communications, members and/or councils:
• read the League magazine at meetings and as a resource
• visited the League website
• participated in the Ribbon of Signatures campaign
• had active telephone committees
• used parish bulletin to promote upcoming events, thank you notices and items of interest regarding the League
• used personal contact as the number one way of communication
• wrote letters to government regarding the age of protection and pornography
Resolutions and legislation
Councils kept a list of all local, provincial and federal government members. Many councils reviewed and followed action plans for resolutions adopted at the national convention by having guest speakers at meetings.
Provincial president's highlights
• attended WUCWO Study Days
• attended national executive meetings and national convention
• attended parish functions such as Christmas dinners, anniversary celebrations, prayer services, days of awareness, workshops and yearly planning session
• presented maple leaf service pin to a life member
• presented League pins at parish celebrations
• presented workshop on WUCWO
• presented workshops, thanks to the National Development Fund
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