85th Annual National Convention
Vancouver, British Columbia
August 14 - 17, 2005

85th Annual National Convention
Article on national convention from BC Catholic (August 22, 2005)

Article on national convention from BC Catholic (August 29, 2005)

Report of Convention by Susan Bernier
Report of National President Agnes Bedard
Report of National Spiritual Advisor Most. Rev. Richard Smith
Report of National Secretary-Treasurer Shirley Bernier
Report of Executive Director Kim Scammell
Report of National Spiritual Development Chairperson Betty Anne Brown
Report of National Organization Chairperson Lorette Noble
Report of National Christian Family Life Chairperson Cecile Miller
Report of National Community Life Chairperson Ann Doucet
Report of National Education and Health Chairperson Velma Harasen
Report of National Communications Chairperson Lucille Partington
Report of National Resolutions Chairperson Dr. Rayleen De Luca
Report of National Legislation Chairperson Danielle McNeil-Hessian
Report of National Laws Chairperson Marie Cameron
Report of World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations Honorary Life Member Claire Heron

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Convention Planning Committee

 

Report of National President Agnes Bedard
This is the best job in the whole world! As I look at your smiling, encouraging, expectant faces, I know I am in the right place. I am so glad you are here, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve.

We have all been called to serve the League. This is an extraordinary organization. From coast to coast to coast to the U.S. border, we come together as sisters in Christ and in the League to work, play, pray, talk, laugh and cry. We are multi-taskers. We visit the sick, serve on parish, diocesan and national committees, develop and facilitate programs, host funeral lunches, bake, sew, serve tea and clean the church. We write letters to members of the legislative assembly, members of parliament, senators, bishops and other organizations addressing all manner of issues. To solve problems of injustice, we write resolutions. By and by, we come together in national convention to laugh, sing, pray and discern. We go from here back to our parish councils where, like the apostles who on Pentecost burst from the room understanding the message that Jesus had given them, we share and celebrate the Good News. We call others to follow and find the joy and peace that is the Good News. Some of us will take the messages to meetings with federal government officials, where we will talk about who we are: pro-life women who demand respect and protection for all life, the unborn, the abused, the poor, those who have no water, the elderly and the sick.

During the past months, we worked diligently to preserve the sanctity of marriage. Before Christmas, we even sent every member of parliament a copy of the book Divorcing Marriage. Sometimes we lose a battle, but we will not quit. We must hold the federal government responsible for the laws it passes and the effect this has on families in Canada. Members will not quit, and we will not stop until we have regained the rights that have been lost.

Over the past year, I had the great privilege to visit members from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and Labrador. You address difficult issues. Your coach and chief cheerleader, our good friend Jesus, is in for the long haul. With Him, we are on the winning team.

The theme, companions on the journey, gave focus to the 13 conventions I attended. I congratulate you. The theme was quickly embraced and programs developed. In the case of elder care, a whole province worked at addressing the same issue.

An ad hoc committee was established at the winter national executive meeting to address how national convention expenses are shared between the national treasury and the host council, and make recommendations about the division of expenses between each. These recommendations will be reflected in the revised Guide to Hosting a National Convention.

Seated at the front are your sisters with whom I work on the national executive. They are a joy to be with. Before decisions are made, this group discusses the issues until we can live with the decision. Decisions are never taken lightly. These are wise women, women who love and work very hard for the League.

Report of National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Richard Smith
I would like to share the thoughts that arose following the spiritual advisors luncheon. [all spiritual advisors stood and were recognized] I had the opportunity to express the deep love you have for them and appreciation of their support. After our meeting, I can tell you that the esteem and love is mutual! What I heard was clear and strong affirmation of support for the League's presence in parishes and in the country, both on a personal and a parochial level. One spiritual advisor stated that, “I could not be a priest without the support of the CWL.”

We are living in a time of twinning and closures of parishes. Please keep in mind that membership in the League, while rooted in parish-based councils, also transcends parish boundaries. Therefore, League members can serve as agents of unity and reconciliation in situations of parish transition.

As the spiritual advisors affirmed the League's importance, some ideas came forward for furthering the League. Don't be timid in tooting your own horn! What you do to promote the League should be reflected in the role you play. Recognize the importance of being flexible, both in terms of time and agenda. The League wants to attract new and younger members whose lives, and demands of their lives, may not permit them to meet at times that local customs dictate. Be flexible.

Recognize the importance of having a clear, substantial part of meetings devoted to prayer. Make meetings interesting to younger members who want to engage in the issues of society.

I was asked to remind you that the lack of presence of your spiritual advisor does not represent a lack of support. Priests are pulled in many directions and not always able to attend meetings. They do want to support you but recognize that, due to circumstances beyond their control, they can't always be there. They want to support you and promote the teachings of the church.

As I traveled and visited different councils, I experienced the many differences of the members, but also a wonderful commonality. You are all women of faith and women of the church. You are aware of the call to the new evangelization. I picked up a sense of transition which is giving rise to hesitancy and tension. Members are being called out of themselves and cannot do things they way they are used to. I've heard, “I'm tired of political stuff – I'd like to go back to what we used to do.” Members can't do that anymore. They have to engage in the issues of the day.

I love the League and want to support its members. The bishops of Canada support The Catholic Women's League of Canada and hold you, its members, in high esteem.

Report of National Secretary-Treasurer Shirley Bernier
Communiqués to secretaries and treasurers highlighting revisions to the Handbook for Secretaries and the Guidelines for Treasurers were distributed in the spring parish council mailing. I remind you that copies of these documents are available for $2.00 each from national office or in PDF format via the website.

Parish council treasurers are urged to work closely with the person in charge of membership, carefully reading the instruction sheet included with the membership package. They should double check all addition and multiplication calculations to agree with the number of members being submitted before issuing the cheque.

At its pre-convention meeting, the national executive reviewed the 2004 audited financial statement prepared by Chambers, Fraser & Co. You will find this information and a broad explanation included in your convention booklet.

Regarding the Statement of Revenue and Expenditure as of June 30, 2005:

• During the first six months, 96,758 membership renewals were remitted although 40 councils had not submitted their per capita fees. This represents a further 1,800 members.
• The increase in investment income is due in part to the closing of the growth-based global equity fund and adding the sale of these equities to the Canadian balanced fund.
• The gross margin on sales has matched the sales level for all of 2004 While there has been a decline in both the sales of manuals and pins, sales of brochures, certificates, paper products and gift items have all increased.
• Magazine subscriptions have increased – 833 as compared to 777 in 2004.
• Twenty life memberships were awarded this year resulting in $2,000.
• Miscellaneous income is lower because of a decrease in donations to the national bursary fund. Last year we had a $5,000 bequest.
• Convention registration fees and expenses that have been paid so far have not been included, however, we will probably be over budget.
• To celebrate this 85th annual national convention, $15,000 of the National Development Fund was used to subsidize, on a pro-rated basis according to need, attendance of diocesan presidents, or provincial delegates in the provinces that do not have diocesan councils. There were 26 applicants and, of these, 21 were offered financial assistance. We are happy they are here and look forward to receiving their reports.
• International relations includes $1,099 for our World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO) membership fees and expenses of our WUCWO board member who traveled to Rome for a board meeting.
• League development included 32 bursaries awarded and 14 councils received funding for workshops. There are seven reports outstanding and, until a report is received, they will remain ineligible for further grants. B.C. & Yukon, and Newfoundland and Labrador provincial councils received provincial grants. Three other items have been included here: $2,140 to cover the cost of mailing Divorcing Marriage to all members of parliament as part of our campaign to maintain the definition of marriage; a donation to WUCWO in the amount of $8,892 in response to their Christmas appeal; and $5,000 to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Fund for Reconciliation, Solidarity and Communion.
• Magazine expenses are on track, having had the winter and spring issues with one more issue to come this fall .
• National executive expenses include representation at five conferences, a national executive meeting held in Toronto in March, the resolutions committee meeting in Winnipeg in June, at home expenses of officers and the expenses of the president and spiritual advisor to attend conventions .
• Office building expenses include janitorial services, moving costs, utilities and rent. In making this recent move, we will see a significant decrease in our monthly rent.
• Office equipment expenses will increase due to amortization on leasehold improvements and the purchase of computer desks staff.
• Operating costs are on budget and salaries will level out as two six-month casual employees finished their terms at the end of June.

Donations to national voluntary funds were down $26,000 this year. This may be due to councils making donations directly to the organizations concerned. Although national office will not give out information to these organizations, once a council deals with them directly, that council gets put into their databases and on their mailing lists. A reminder to those sending in their donations to national office for our voluntary funds: please ensure that the cheque is made out to The Catholic Women's League of Canada and includes only those donations listed on the National Voluntary Fund Remittance Form.

Report of Executive Director Kim Scammell
It is a pleasure to report on behalf of national office to the delegates at this 85th annual national convention. National office is responsible for the administration of League affairs at the national level. My report will cover the main activity at the office since my written annual report, which can be found in the convention booklet. I will also briefly highlight our three main priorities for the coming year.

The main activity: For the past 15 years, national office was housed in a 4,375 square foot strip mall in the midst of an industrial park on the outskirts of Winnipeg in a spacious, but isolated, area. While the office was comfortable and adequate 20 years ago, many things were also different then. Computers had just been introduced so much space was needed to keep manual records; more staff was employed and those employed worked on a part-time basis, each needing her own work space; the national executive wished that the office be located next to the Winnipeg airport; and employees lived within walking distance of the office.

The lease in the industrial park will expire on August 31st of this year. So 10 months ago, National Secretary-Treasurer Shirley Bernier and I decided to investigate alternative space. We did this for two reasons – firstly, because we wanted to assess the fair market rents for the Winnipeg area and secondly, because we recognized that national office no longer required over 4,000 square feet of space. After seeing many properties, a warehouse located in the south end of Winnipeg in a mostly residential area was chosen. This warehouse is 3,200 square feet, or 2/3 of our previous space. The base rent is $3.35 less per square foot than the space held previously, or 2/3 of the rent.

A 10-year lease was successfully negotiated with the assistance of the League's corporate lawyer. A floor plan was designed that incorporated each staff person's specific needs, so that they would have their equipment and supplies close at hand. Finishes were chosen in warm and inviting colours and textures. A contractor was chosen and, over three months, the space came together beautifully. We moved in on June 6th and were there, rent-free, until the lease officially began on August 1st.

The advantages of this move are numerous. Over the 10-year lease, the national treasury will pay only half of the rent it has paid in the past. We feel more secure in a more populated area. We no longer have to scurry around the office to accomplish anything, because what we need is close at hand. Our homes are closer to the office so there is less commute time and more ease of access for evening and weekend work. The national executive had to take a taxi to get to the office regardless, they just head south now instead of west.

All mail is being forwarded to our new location by Canada Post until May 31, 2005. Our telephone and fax numbers have remained the same.

Our three priorities: We have been requested to increase our archival records at national office and have undertaken three projects in this regard. We are compiling a list of all resolutions ever adopted. Ongoing records of actions taken on resolutions that still warrant attention will be kept, regardless of the year the resolutions were adopted. We are compiling an archival database of council records that will include dates of disbands, reactivations, anniversaries, etc. And, we are compiling a full biographical and historical file of each life member so we can better capture her League service.

Report of National Spiritual Development Chairperson Betty Anne Brown
“Good things come in threes!” There are three blind mice, three persons in the trinity and three challenges for spiritual development chairpersons for this upcoming year. Faith, poverty and dialogue call us to companion one another as we journey together.

Looking at faith: The last Holy Father gifted us with the Year of the Eucharist which ends in October, but we continue to be called forth as Eucharistic people every day, every year of our lives. To mark this occasion, and to assist members in meditation before the Blessed Sacrament or after communion, the League has provided a brochure called The Gift of the Eucharist. Keeping Eucharist and our theme in mind, a workshop, called Friends+ Bread=Difference, has been made available to councils on our website.

This focus on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament has clarified for us what prayer really is: an intimate relationship between one's soul and its loving Saviour, its true companion. In the quiet times of meditation, words are not needed, only presence, one with the other.

One can look to Mary in the Annunciation scene to learn her attitudes of prayerful presence, purity and communication with the Almighty, humility and finally, trust that God would walk with her. Mary is our model. Let us adopt her attitude with her loving Son and with each other as we journey forward on life's pilgrimage.

Councils have all reported that spiritual reflection and prayer time is now integral to their regular meetings. Our spirituality is what makes us different than other women's organizations. Keep up the good work of creating such a garden for your members' spiritual growth.

Now thinking of poverty: This is our opportunity to put our faith into action. We are invited to the Table of Life to be fed on the Body and Blood of Jesus, not just for food on our continuing journey, but we now have the responsibility to go forth, acting like the Body and Blood of Christ. “What would Jesus do?” should be our personal mantra. We have been changed by His presence, now He challenges us to change the world for Him!

To be poor, to be lacking in life's necessities, is not just a material ache . It can be an emotional, lonely feeling, a wounded psychological problem, or the fact of being a social out cast.

Poverty very often has a woman's face. Jesus wants us to walk right into these human needs, to sit down and to listen to His beloved people who suffer. He urges us to be one with them in heart and then, using the network we are capable of, address these urgent needs effectively so that all people can journey in dignity. This task leads us into the work of our other standing committees. The poor become our companions as the Eucharist prods us into performing the corporal works of mercy as Beatitude women.

This past year, your generosity was extended to Catholic Missions In Canada to the tune of $28,560.30.

Finally, dialogue: The late Pope John Paul II instructed: “The true path of peace…never passes through violence and always through dialogue.” The gospel proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers. Be not afraid!”

Inter-faith dialogue is part of this standing committee's portfolio. Do what you can to work together toward solutions and unity in your communities alongside people of other faith persuasions. Be creative! Tackle your local problems from a faith foundation. Jesus ca me to save all people, not just Catholics. He needs your voice, your hands and your ideas to invite other people closer to His heart. We have no right to sit at home on our hands! Eucharist sends us forth to meet and to dialogue with people.

Speaking of dialogue, the Holy Father Benedict XVI indicated that he would like us to learn the common Christian prayers in a common language, Latin. In this way, we can all truly pray with one voice, the centuries old voice. The Latin prayers can be found on the website http://www.preces-latinae.org/index.html.

Faith, poverty and dialogue: three words signifying hope and change for our world. Go out and do it in Jesus' name!

Report of National Organization Chairperson Lorette Noble
It is my privilege to bring you up-to-date about membership and where we stand today. The figures at the end of July show that we have 97,743 members so far, which means that we are just over 2,000 short of 100,000. In this, the 85th year of our history, do you think we can top that? Is it humanly impossible? No; however, with God's help nothing is impossible. Of course we can make this happen! It would mean an average of 41 more members from each diocese and, as there are still some parishes that have not yet sent in their memberships, we can surely reach this goal.

Last year, when all the counting and reconciliations were done, there were over 10,000 who had not renewed their memberships! I suggest that when we call to ask these women to renew that we take the time to find out why they do not. What they tell us should help us to understand what might not be working in our councils.

At our organization luncheon, I was urged to remind you that our membership year goes from January to December, and that the deadline for sending in the membership lists is February 28th. Memberships are coming in earlier. The message about our February 28th deadline is getting through, and the number of parish lists that arrived by this due date was significantly higher this year than ever before: almost 80% of our councils got the message. However, more than 30 councils haven't yet sent in that first list! Don't wait for the stragglers, just send it. This does not mean that once those lists go in, we can relax. Every opportunity that comes our way is a good time to recruit. We have so much to share, so much to be proud of.

Now for an interesting new trend: we have two new young women's groups, one on a university campus and another in a high school. Young people want to be challenged. The late John Paul II proved this. The number of young people gathering in Cologne as we meet here today reinforces this. As a young person of my parish, who recently joined the League (I was honoured to be asked to be her mentor) and who is also a World Youth Day pilgrim, told our community just before she left, “We all care, love, respect and have faith in each other and in God.… This is far too important an opportunity ever to pass up, to stand next to our brothers and sisters of the world and say, I believe, I care and I love.” She surely has a wonderful future in our League and there are many like her. We need to dare to challenge them. They will respond! They want to help build a better world and the League is where they can help to make this happen.

Our League development fund exists to help diocesan and provincial councils offer workshops, which are increasing in popularity. There is still room for growth. I would encourage you to go home and see what your council's needs are and plan to hold one or more workshop sessions, with help from the development fund. Apart from what we learn, they are wonderful occasions of gathering together and having fun, which can be infectious, and this is one time we don't mind the infection spreading!

We have a growing number of life members, with 20 more this year, ready and willing to serve in this capacity. That's why they accepted their life memberships: theirs' is a life sentence to serve! This means we are never alone, for we always have companions on the journey of our growth.

Report of National Christian Family Life Chairperson Cecile Miller
In his encyclical, The Gospel of Life, Pope John Paul II stated that, “Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves ‘the creative action of God,' and it remains forever in special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.”

Alarm bells have been sounded in Canada. First, Justice Minister Irwin Cotler announced that he would like to reopen discussion on assisted suicide. Then in June, private member's Bill C-407 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity) was introduced in the House of Commons. If passed, this bill would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. This puts us on fast-forward down the slippery slope to a culture of death.

What can we do? We need to make sure that all members are informed about euthanasia and assisted suicide. Hopefully, they in turn will educate others. There must be communication by telephone, personal visit, e-mail, or letter with the prime minister, justice minister and members of parliament.

There are many resources available: the Catechism of the Catholic Church, League position papers on euthanasia and statements by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Choose Life!, a summary of The Gospel of Life, was produced by the Catholic Organization for Life and Family in 1997, and is another excellent resource, as are the newsletters published by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

Two workshops on euthanasia have been developed. One is a 15-minute workshop that can easily be presented at a regular CWL meeting. It will be included in the fall parish council mailing. The second is a 1¾ hour workshop on euthanasia and assisted suicide that was designed for use by parish members as well as CWL council members. It will be posted on the League website. The purpose of the workshops is to inform and educate about what euthanasia is, what the Catholic Church teaches and what resources are available.

Bill C-38 An Act respecting certain aspects of legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes has passed, but we must continue to be vigilant and ensure that the religious freedoms guaranteed in it are extended to our provinces and territories. This means we will have to defend our right to live according to our beliefs. We will have to stand up for our clergy and others who might be coerced into cooperating with legislation that contradicts what they believe.

The collection of stories begun by my predecessor has been completed, and a booklet entitled Families: Stories of Faith is now an inventory item available from national office for $2.50.

Much work has been done to inform members about Elder Care – A Gift to be Shared!, a kit developed by the Ontario Provincial Council. Some interest has been shown, and one provincial council has developed its own resource kit. We will continue to encourage work on this project.

One of my long-range goals is to look into the possibility of organizing a Catholic girls' league. A questionnaire will be circulated later in the year and I look forward to your input.

World Youth Day is being held in Cologne, Germany, this week. Please remember in your prayers all the youth, Pope Benedict XVI and all other participants, especially the more than 6,200 youth from Canada.

The $10,414.67 donated to the National Pro-life Voluntary Fund will be divided equally between the Catholic Organization for Life and Family and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. I ask you to continue your prayers for our families, the most vulnerable in our society, our lawmakers, and our country. Let us live in hope and joy – a joy for God and a joy for other people.

Report of National Community Life Chairperson Ann Doucet
Resolution 04.05 End Trafficking of Children provided the impetus for League members to join congregations of religious women around the world in their effort to raise awareness of trafficking of women and children and to pressure the federal government to enact and strengthen legislation to work toward the eradication of this outrageous human rights violation.

Many human rights and justice issues have poverty as their root cause. As members, we must continue to urge the federal government to eliminate child poverty. October 17th will be a National Day of Action to bring attention to the continued poverty and deprivation in Canada.

“The federal government has announced that it will provide $5 million to the Native Women's Association of Canada in response to its Sisters in Spirit proposal... through this funding, the NWAC will work with other Aboriginal women's organizations and the federal government to address the racialized and sexualized violence facing Aboriginal women in Canada.” I urge members to continue their support of the Sisters in Spirit campaign.

Justice for immigrants was the focus of letters from the national executive raising the issues of church sanctuary and the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division. In response to church sanctuary, we were advised by the minister of immigration, “The number of cases of unsuccessful applicants in places of worship is very low; therefore, resolving these cases peacefully is a priority for everyone.” With respect to implementation, he stated, “The government intends to examine the appeal process on merits within the context of reform of the entire refugee protection system.”

Projects recommended by the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) for League support from 2004 to 2007 include projects in El Salvador, Benin and East Timor. CCODP is focusing on a new five-year education program for 2006 to 2011 that concentrates on the equitable sharing of resources with the emphasis to be on land, water and mining issues.

Donations to the Development and Peace National Voluntary Fund from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005, totaled $82,771.12. An additional 121 gifts totaling $30,489.03 were sent directly by councils over the past year.

For developing countries, Make Poverty History is part of a global call to action against poverty; the goals are more and better aid, trade justice and cancellation of debt. Throughout the year, Make Poverty History will be rallying Canadians to take action and demand that Canadian leaders make good on Canada's commitments at home and abroad.

“Father, You always hear the cry of the poor. Open our ears to hear their cry as well. Open our hearts, also, to answer that cry by sharing with them the blessings You have given us.”

Three provincial resolutions have been forwarded to me directly for action to be taken by the national executive. B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council requested that the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations be contacted with a request to petition its member organizations to contact their respective governments regarding the signing and ratification of the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. This request will be made formally by the national executive in the fall.

New Brunswick Provincial Council requested that the impact of family violence on the work place be considered. In response, an article will be prepared for an upcoming issue of The Canadian League that will outline the significant economic impact that family violence has on the work place and the need to educate employers about the benefits of work place intervention. It will also educate members who could be in a position to assist victims of family violence.

Finally, Ontario Provincial Council requested that parish councils provide education in their communities about the importance of purchasing fair trade chocolate and cocoa, and that members purchase brands of fair trade chocolate and cocoa for their own use. To assist in educating members about this important economic justice issue, an article will be published in an upcoming issue of The Canadian League.

Report of National Education and Health Chairperson Velma Harasen
The rapidly progressing scientific future in health presents many challenges for us. Stem cell research, human cloning, medically assisted nutrition and hydration and euthanasia were scarcely heard of years ago. The Terry Schiavo case alerted us to how serious and complex a case can be. The Vatican described the event as “an arbitrary hastening of death,” and hoped that the experience would lead to a greater awareness of human dignity and improved legal projection for life. Bill C-407 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity) will have first reading debate in October.

Much is being said about stem cell research. Cardinal William Keeler, chairman of the bishops' committee for pro-life activities in the United States, stated that, “Researchers increasingly acknowledge that the initial promise of embryonic system cells was exaggerated, and that alternate methods, such as adult stem cells, have shown more promise in research to treat juvenile diabetes, corneal damage, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, cardiac damage and many other conditions.”

More and more Canadians are turning to umbilical cord blood banks to keep samples of stem cell rich blood from their newborn infants. Currently, there are eight cord blood stem cell banks in Canada.

Funding for embryonic stem cell research should end altogether and diverted to research that is ethically and medically sound.

MaterCare International contributions to June 30, 2005, totaled $32,340.09. By invitation, Dr. Robert Walley has been in Croatia, Hungary and Poland to expand to that part of Europe, and is starting a project in Kenya. Word was received that Bishop Luigi Locati, who was spearheading the project in Kenya, was murdered on July 14th, but plans are to proceed with the birth trauma centre as a fitting tribute to him . General Roméo Dallaire will be the patron for the MaterCare project in Rwanda. Total Air Miles® contributed to mid-July were 49,213. Thank you!

The National Ovarian Cancer Association has been most appreciative of League members' support following the adoption of Resolution 04.09 Ovarian Cancer. To help raise awareness, you can join the Association's Walk of Hope on Sunday, September 11th, in St. John's, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary or Comox Valley.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a pastoral letter on the Catholic health care ministry in Canada. We face the increasing departure of women religious from the sponsorship and operation of hospitals and long-term care facilities and Catholic institutions are disappearing. Boards, management and staff face the challenge of developing a new culture to maintain the Catholic identity in health care services, and we have to be informed about the challenges and provide greater support and assistance to ensure that the legacy of Catholic health care lives on. The pastoral letter is available on the CCCB website.

League donations to Coady International Institute to June 30th totaled $28,848.46. This financial support enables the Institute to provide full scholarships to women from developing countries.

Let's ensure that Catholic elementary and high schools remain available and accessible and one of our church's primary missions. We can't take Catholic schools for granted and then lament when we lose them! In some areas, public and Catholic schools are amalgamating. In the June 1st issue of the Montreal Gazette, the headline read, “Religious teaching to be phased out.” The article stated, “Hearings opened yesterday on Bill 95, which calls for using a new non-denominational education system to be phased in over three years.”

I urge you to be vigilant. Do everything possible to maintain Catholic hospitals, Catholic long-term care faculties and Catholic schools.

We hope to re-ignite our support of the Holy Childhood Association, and encourage elementary school-aged children to reach out to children in developing countries through prayer, learning and sharing.

The national executive has requested that one provincial resolution from Manitoba Provincial Council be addressed. The provincial resolution would have requested the federal government to implement a national strategy for cancer control. I am pleased to report that on June 6th, the federal government passed a motion to implement this national strategy. I have been asked to submit an article for an upcoming issue of The Canadian League to inform members that this national strategy now exists and to ask each of you to monitor its implementation.

Additionally, Prince Edward Island Provincial Council raised the issue of the importance of labelling genetically modified foods. This issue was presented as a proposed resolution but was determined to be the same as Resolution 97.06. Because this issue is still in need of being addressed, all members are urged to continue to act on Resolution 97.06 Genetically Engineered Foods by writing to the federal minister of health requesting that genetically modified foods be tested for safety and that all genetically modified foods be labeled as such.

Resolution 97.06 will be brought forward when the delegation meets with federal government representatives. Finally, the topic will be addressed in a communiqué to the provincial education and health chairpersons.

I thank my sub-chairpersons, Eleanor Arless, Phyllis Kennedy and Theresa Winchester. The provincial chairpersons have been great to work with. The ones who make it all happen are the local councils! You've been awesome companions on this wonderful journey. Thank you and God bless!

Report of National Communications Chairperson Lucille Partington
Members have indicated that they would like to see four magazines published per year. The national executive will discuss this at its fall meeting. Many councils send in marvellous news and spotlights; unfortunately, there isn't always adequate room to accommodate them. In future, submissions that are not published will be posted on the League website. When photographs are enclosed with submissions, please remember to make a copy of the photograph so that it doesn't have to be returned.

A new section was added to the website called “Call to Action.” This is where you can find immediate concerns and suggested actions. Another section that may be added would be called “That's a Good Idea.” This is where good ideas from different councils could be shared.

We are currently looking for an effective way to get messages to the membership quickly. A test was conducted earlier this year to measure the effectiveness of using e-mail. The results were disappointing; however, this could be an excellent way to communicate quickly.

Stone Soup to Kindle the CWL Soul is a project undertaken by Faith Anderson ( Manitoba). Members have been asked to share their stories or journeys in the League and, when enough have been collected, they will be compiled into a book. Some suggested themes are ways you've been touched by the League, ways you have learned and been taught or how knowing a member has enriched your life. Share your joys, stories and growth in League membership. Submissions will be accepted until December 1st. Faith is hoping for at least 10 stories from each province.

The national executive has requested that one provincial resolution from Manitoba Provincial Council be addressed. The resolved clauses focused on urging members to become familiar with Cybertip.ca and requesting national council to commend the federal government for financially supporting this initiative. Cybertip.ca was launched in Manitoba and is a national, interactive website for receiving and addressing reports from the Canadian public regarding the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet. You will find an educational article on Cybertip.ca in an upcoming issue of The Canadian League. Further to this, a letter will be sent by the national executive to commend the federal government for its support of Cybertip.ca and request that its support continue.

Report of National Resolutions Chairperson Dr. Rayleen De Luca
These are exciting times and resolutions are where it's at! For the benefit of those new to the process, I will take you through it. Once adopted at the provincial level, resolutions are sent to the national resolutions committee, which meets in late June to study them. The results of that meeting are sent to provincial resolutions chairpersons and provincial presidents immediately following the meeting. The entire national executive receives a chart tabulating the subjects of all submitted resolutions, the submitting provincial council, standing committee and results of deliberations. The committee may suggest modifications to clarify or simplify the resolution, request more or more current background material, combine similar resolutions or recommend non-acceptance because a resolution does not meet the criteria. Resolutions chairpersons may respond to the committee prior to its next meeting.

This year, 29 resolutions were submitted from eight provincial councils. Two on a similar topic were combined, 12 were suggested for presentation to national council, six were forwarded for action by national standing committee chairpersons and 10 were not recommended for presentation.

Rules for debating and voting on resolutions were read with the convention standing rules. The accompanying briefs will not be debated or amended, but suggestions will be taken under advisement.

The League delegation to government was welcomed at nine ministries. The meetings were cordial and informative, and we were advised that the League is on a priority list. There is no question that the meetings were productive and enlightening. We were listened to with respect, especially because our resolutions originate at the grass roots level. I extend a special note of thanks to Life Member Anida Simurda who spent hours arranging for our meetings. A full report was printed in the winter issue of the magazine.

It is exciting to receive communiqués from provincial chairpersons about their meetings with provincial governments. Many members are challenged at every turn while setting up these meetings, but with a quiet patience and an immense amount of tenacity, many have been successful.

I thank all resolutions chairpersons for their hard work. Every submitted resolution was seriously considered and treated with respect. Every step in the process reflects a valuable learning experience.

The resolutions dialogue session on Sunday was attended by over 250 members. It was wonderful to see so many members taking the opportunity to examine the resolutions.

Thanks also to the appointed resolutions committee members, Life Member Joleene Kemp and B.C. & Yukon Provincial Resolutions Chairperson Nancy Simms, who have worked tirelessly over these past five days.

While resolutions can be challenging, time-consuming and scary, they are always interesting and are an important part of our work. They have made a significant difference for many people around the world. Ongoing cooperation, support and commitment are necessary to keep the door open for justice and moral and Christian values. I urge councils at all levels to hold resolutions workshops - they are crucial! Thanks for your hard work. Join me in resolving to uphold the tradition of resolutions.

Report of National Legislation Chairperson Danielle McNeil-Hessian
This standing committee forces one to get her head out of her shell and pay attention to what is happening in the country. It encompasses the mandate of many of the other standing committees as legislation that pertains to each of them is monitored.

Under this standing committee, members need to become informed and prepared to defend their Christian values. They are encouraged to monitor and study legislation in order to become involved in affecting change that aims at improving the quality of life in our country.

The area of legislation that has been the main focus of members has been Bill C-38, An Act respecting certain aspects of legal capacity for marriage for civil purposes. Members of parliament were inundated with presentations, private meetings, letters, e-mails, telephone calls and petitions as a result of the actions of League members. Members responded to the call to action from their bishops and of the League. Nevertheless, the bill passed through the House of Commons and the Senate.

We have been assured that religious freedom is protected under Bill C-38. Members are encouraged to focus their attention on ensuring that the religious freedoms granted in the bill are guaranteed in the provinces. Provincial and territorial laws should protect the rights of marriage commissioners who choose not to perform marriage ceremonies based on their consciences.

Councils throughout Canada are encouraged to continue expressing interest in the affairs of governments at all levels. There are a number of League members who are educated in the art of politics. Perhaps it is time for councils to encourage members to become involved in government as members of parliament or members of legislative assemblies.

A proposed bill that now needs the attention of the League is private member's Bill C-407 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity). This enactment would amend the Criminal Code to allow any person, under certain conditions, to aid a person close to death or suffering from a debilitating illness to die with dignity if the person has expressed the free and informed wish to die.

This proposed bill is expected to receive first reading in October. The time is right now for members to begin to take interest and write to the prime minister, the justice minister and members of parliament.

As part of the federal government's continuing work on Canada 's Drug Strategy, the maximum penalties for possession, trafficking, importation, exportation and production of crystal methamphetamine have been changed. The drug has been moved to Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which provides access to the highest maximum penalties. This government action was taken as a means of addressing the health and public safety issues associated with the drug and should be considered a positive first step toward eliminating this area of drug problems in Canada.

There is much to do in our country. Indira Gandhi said that her grandfather once told her that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He advised her to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition. To which group do you belong?

Those who do the work under this standing committee are many. I would like to recognize the efforts of the provincial legislation chairs and my two sub-committee chairs, Irene Gabon (Ontario) and Mary Ryan (New Brunswick), as they continue to assist me with researching the legislation. They all have been eager companions on the journey.

Report of National Laws Chairperson Marie Cameron
First of all, I would like to thank you for your prayers, mass intentions, cards, calls, e-mails and best wishes as I recovered from heart by-pass surgery this past winter. I want to thank especially my two League mentors, Jackie Lenarduzzi and Sharon Harland, who helped me through my impatience. All League members continue to be remembered in my daily prayers.

Due to my illness, I have not been as active as I had hoped to be. An archivist friend sent me a manual about archives which will be put into a short form for distribution to all councils sometime in the next year. During that time, I also hope to bring League archives up-to-date – they are officially kept at the national archives in Ottawa.

History is very important to the League and I strongly recommend all councils bring their histories up-to-date and to especially put names of members on all photographs. Wouldn't it be great if we had the names of all those women attending the 1946 national convention in Vancouver shown in the winter magazine? Perhaps some of them were your relatives! That picture was found when I was looking through some archival material kept at the national office. Some of us from Calgary recognized Dr. Isabella Stephens, who was later a national president.

Reports indicated that most councils are using the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (P&P) frequently and effectively. Continue to do so – and when additions and changes are sent, please add the pages to your manual right away. We all know that the P&P is a work-in-progress! As the League grows, so do our policies and procedures. No one can say that the League is a stagnant organization – it's vibrant and very alive!

The Constitution & Bylaws Amendments Committee, which consists of National President Agnes Bedard, National President-elect Lorette Noble, Honorary Life Member Heather Kolla, National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Richard Smith, and me as chairperson, received four amendment proposals this year. We met by teleconference and determined that three of the four amendments should be circulated to the membership for an instructed vote at the 86th annual national convention. The national executive reviewed the proposed amendments at its pre-convention meeting, at which time a motion was passed to forward the amendments to the parish councils for their instructed vote. The parish councils will then take their instructed votes to their diocesan convention, and from the diocesan conventions, those diocesan presidents will take their instructed votes to the provincial convention. Article XIV of the Constitution & Bylaws indicates who the voting delegates are and who carries the instructed vote to the next level.

At the national convention next year, the provincial presidents will bring their instructed votes on those amendments. To reassure members that they have a voice in the amendments, I want to reiterate that the first instructed vote comes from the parish councils. I ask all parish councils to spend some time reviewing the proposed amendments and to make sure that members are informed about the proposed changes. An explanatory guideline will be sent with the proposed amendments.

Thank you and all members for your companionship and prayers for me – let us continue praying for each other.

Report of World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations Honorary Life Member Claire Heron
The World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO) Endowment Fund will continually assist WUCWO. Currently, interest earned is used to facilitate the annual board meetings. It is hoped that other aspects of its purpose will eventually be realized.

I want to thank the national executive's response to the WUCWO Christmas appeal. Many organizations responded to the urgent request for funds.

A while ago, I suggested to our national president that we form an international relations standing committee consisting of members who represent the League at human rights consultations in Canada and on WUCWO. That committee has now been enacted and I look forward to a more comprehensive involvement between myself and the League on many issues.

The WUCWO General Assembly will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia, from May 31 to June 7, 2006. Registration and opening ceremonies will take place on May 31st, June 1st to 3rd are study days, June 4th is a free day and the statutory assembly takes place from June 5th to 7th. The assembly theme is Women Peacemakers: United in Faith and Action. The registration fee is $100 U.S. and accommodations and meals based will not exceed $98 U.S. per day based on rooms shared by four persons. The assembly is hosted by the National Council of Catholic Women.

At this assembly, a new president will be elected by the new board members. Four women's names have been submitted to the Vatican for approval, which is a requirement of the WUCWO statutes. My name is among the four submissions. I have asked the national president to consider someone to replace me on the WUCWO board following the General Assembly.

The General Assembly is close to home and I urge League members to consider attending. It is my hope that we will have a good representation from the national executive. If there is room in the next issue of The Canadian League, information about the General Assembly will be included. National office staff will assist with any inquiries.

My report from the last WUCWO board meeting held in Rome in April is on the CWL website.