2006 Annual Report of
Nova Scotia Provincial Council
Shirley MacDougall, Provincial President

For the past two years the theme, companions on the journey, helped members recognize the many companions in their lives and was a beacon that guided them forward to continue their ministry in the League with active commitment and vision. The past year was filled with commitment, prayerful companionship and support.

The annual national convention held in Halifax was cause for celebration and infused members with a sense of commitment and appreciation for the League. From the preparation of the convention to the mingling with their sisters in the League from across the country, the mood was jubilant and it proved to be the highlight of the year for all councils.

Organization
Organization programs and activities in all three dioceses included workshops on resolutions, legislation and League development. Anniversaries were recognized with a variety of celebrations and pins were bestowed upon many members reaching special milestones. Members were given merit awards.

Ways used to recruit and maintain membership included letters of invitation, a display at the entrance of a church, bring a friend night, inviting non-members to help with League events, celebrating members' birthdays, telephone committees, paying membership for everyone over 80, and making time for fun at meetings. One parish council chose to put the League on display by entering a float in the Christmas parade and won the mayor's award for the most spectacular entry.

Leadership development included training sessions, days of discovery, Project GROW and, in one diocese, every parish council was visited by a member of the diocesan council.

Halifax councils were recognized for their service to St. Vincent Guest House. Life membership increased by one member.

Council amalgamations were the product of church closures. The human element of loss and the spirit of survival had some councils struggling while others were coping well with the changes. This problem was not unique to Nova Scotia but has been experience across the country.

The third provincial/diocesan workshop was held in Truro. Members of the executives gathered to dialogue and share ideas.

The national 2nd vice-president and chairperson of communications spoke on clustering and parish closures and its effect on League councils. The afternoon sessions allowed provincial and diocesan counterparts time to discuss concerns that affect parish councils and positive ways to deal with them. A very successful provincial convention was hosted by Yarmouth Diocese.

Spiritual development
Spiritual development of members was listed as the most important role of membership. This was fostered by attending Eucharistic celebrations, retreats, bible studies, guest speakers and videos about Catholic faith, prayer partners, distributing good reading material, participating in lay ministries, and ecumenical services. Members attended the Atlantic Liturgical Conference in Halifax and attended and worked on programs such as Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, Cursillo, and Alpha. Members received spiritual and faith filled direction at meetings. The 49th International Eucharistic Congress, to be held in Quebec in 2008, was promoted.

Christian family life
Crucifixes were presented to newly married couples and those celebrating special anniversaries. Members participated in Walk for Life, life chain, and Pennies for Life. They sold pro-life calendars and discussed pro-life issues such as euthanasia and assisted suicide, and abortion.

Many councils held receptions following funerals. They assisted the elderly and held receptions and provided gifts for first communion and confirmation students. Members wrote letters to their government representatives regarding the definition of marriage, and euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Community life
Community life was enriched by the spontaneous responses to the call to serve the needs of others. A refugee family received assistance, four councils were involved in adopting a family, and four councils reported sponsoring six foster children.

Members donated to orphaned children in Africa, purchased three lifts for a nursing home and two wheelchairs for their church, collected baby clothes for needy families and supported programs for the poor. One council started a club to discuss human rights. Members shipped boxes of gifts to Ghana and participated in Operation Eyesight. Successful opportunity shops provided good used clothing to the public.

?Lost in Traffic,? a play on trafficking of women and children, was presented in several locations. Councils throughout the province participated in the planning and provided financial support.

Education and health
One council established a yearly bursary of $1,000 at a university to help a single mother further her education. Graduation bursaries to local schools were provided by most councils. Members served as canvassers for many health organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, The Kidney Foundation of Canada and Canadian Diabetes Association. Workshops were held on ovarian cancer.

The Coady International Institute bursary recipients were hosted with an evening of food and fun as they prepared to leave Nova Scotia for their respective countries. Eight women were honoured with recognition for receiving the bursaries and were presented with a gift and certificate. The recipients were grateful to the League for its financial and spiritual support and responded with personal stories of themselves, their communities and their work.

Communications
Communications chairpersons were kept busy with promotion and information of League activities through e-mail, bulletins, telephone committees, monthly newsletters and posters. The League magazine and national website were used extensively. Various provisions were made to make the League magazine available to non-members. The Ribbon of Signatures campaign was popular in most councils.

The provincial council developed a website [www.cwl.ns.ca] and the mini newsletter In Brief was a welcome addition to the communications network. The League's new promotional DVD was viewed by many councils.

Resolutions
Resolutions were discussed at meetings and most followed the action plans provided for them. Three resolutions were adopted at the provincial convention. Two were directed to the national level and succeeded in being adopted. One was directed to the provincial government. Members attended resolutions workshops which were held in different locations throughout the province. The Personal Letter Writing Guide was provided for their reference.

Legislation
Legislation allowed members to interact with their government officials. They were encouraged to become involved with ensuing good legislation. They were briefed on the intense amount of time and work involved in the making of new, or amending current, legislation.

The provincial committee met with the minister of justice and attorney general and his staff to discuss the amendment to the Incompetent Persons Act as outlined in the 2006 resolution.

Members used the Internet to access information on resolution topics. Councils actively wrote their government representatives voicing their concerns about Sunday shopping, Goods and Services Tax exemption on funeral services, and labelling and disposal of pest control products.

Laws
Past presidents promoted good archival practices. Members worked with the Constitution & Bylaws (C&B), using it for discussion at meetings. One council made a game of questions to help members understand both policy and procedure and the C&B. Past presidents provided support for the president and executive members, and attended meetings on behalf of their councils.