2007 Annual Report of
Prince Edward Island Provincial Council
Mary Hagen, Provincial President

It was amazing, humbling and most encouraging to read about the witness of the gospel that members bring to parish councils, and indeed the whole community. Over and over again, spiritual time was emphasized as part of the meeting and, of course, in members' daily lives. In the church community, those receiving confirmation and high school graduates were honoured. This demonstrated members' love for youth and their rightful place in church communities. As lectors, the faithful heard the readings as members proclaimed God's message.

Most parish councils reported honouring first communicants with gifts which was a tremendous way to bring attention to this important event in their lives as they received the ?Bread of Life? for the first time.

One parish council reported having purchased a new banner ?and we waited many years for this accomplishment.? What a wonderful way to keep the parish council visible in the church! The pilgrimage of following the Ark of the New Convenant was made by many members honouring this ?once in a lifetime? happening.

In order to be active, fundraising remained a part of community life. Many League functions involved the whole parish, which resulted in lightening the burden while raising awareness of what it meant to be a member ? spiritual, educational, work and fun!

In many parish councils, members provided food for funeral receptions. It is certain members were the recipients of gratitude when provided with this all-important function. Members provided a stress-free atmosphere for a grief-stricken family where they could greet their friends in large numbers.

Members continued to serve on pastoral councils which provided great communication when parish activities as a whole were planned. A mission, Family Fun Day, church picnics, parish Christmas concert, adoration times, cemetery Sunday and other events were held.

It was emphasized that each parish council president would benefit from having a National Manual of Policy and Procedure. Past presidents were asked to pass this resource on to their successors.

Members wore red on Fridays to honour troops and support their families, and prayed for peace in the world.

The evaluations of the fall conferences revealed that members enjoyed the guest speakers: Pamela Bryson-Weaver spoke on autism and Rona Brown on abuse of the older adult.