2007 Annual Report of
Quebec Provincial Council
Ellen Peterkin, Provincial President
The year was certainly challenging. The provincial council had the honour of hosting the annual national convention and what an experience! For a newly elected provincial president it was overwhelming at the time, but a great learning experience.
The convention was an invitation to all Quebec members to come together and show they were up for the job and this they did. All councils played a large part in making this event a success and should be proud of the accomplishments.
When reading the diocesan council reports, it was amazing to see the work that was accomplished even though the emphasis was on hosting the annual national convention. Councils continued to demonstrate commitment to the League and community at large. The challenge ahead, the future of the League, was forefront in members' minds. Diocesan and parish councils were asked to focus on what could be accomplished and move past circumstances beyond their control. This situation was not unique to Quebec and it was imperative to keep positive. When members are content, enthusiasm prevails.
Organization
Membership was increased by promoting the League through using personal contact to recruit members (the best way to be successful), having presentations (pins and installations) during mass, and offering an annual provincial workshop. Councils planned an assortment of membership drives. Life members took active roles in mentoring and being accessible. Councils were asked to focus on the positives, lose the guilt of not being able to do what has been done in the past and accept change. League banners were in some churches permanently. Greetings were sent to members for different occasions.
Spiritual development
• prepared liturgies, rosaries and prayers for meetings
• planned retreats, speakers, day of recollection and participated in a trip to the Holy Land
• attended opening and closing masses of national convention
• donated to several organizations including the 49 th International Eucharistic Congress
• celebrated masses for League occasions
• participated as honour guards at funerals and in all aspects of church life
• lived the theme Love One Another
Christian family life
• celebrated marriage with special intentions at masses and family with activities after masses
• supported financially a variety of pro-life organizations and participated in pro-life events
• launched a new initiative for the Catholic Girls' League
• participated in ecumenical services, World Day of Prayer and Easter Walk of Witness
Community life
• participated in the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace including the campaign regarding Resolution 2007.02 Global Accountability for Canadian Registered Mining Companies
• participated in community events and listened to many speakers on community concerns
• donated to several organizations including national voluntary funds
• collected items for women's shelters
• organized outreach programs for visiting shut-ins and members in hospital
• honoured service men and women on Remembrance Day
Education and health
• presented students with religious awards
• promoted adult faith education
• participated in fundraisers which promoted several health issues
• planned speakers on health and environmental issues
• promoted March as Educational Month
• donated to several organizations and national voluntary funds
• served on school governing boards
Communications
• promoted the League through regional newspapers, radio stations, pulpit and bulletin announcements
• promoted League events in communities
• promoted the Ribbon of Signatures Campaign
• used the national and provincial websites
• discussed Internet awareness
Life members
The provincial council had the honour of having 18 life members who:
• facilitated workshops for the Quebec WOW (Workshop on Wheels) program and the provincial annual workshop
• served or mentored at provincial, diocesan and parish levels
• served on the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada and the national archives sub-committee
• served as webmaster for the provincial council
• served as national president
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