83rd Annual National Convention
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
August 10 - 13, 2003

Report of Convention by Susan Bernier
Report of National President Marie Cameron
Report of National Spiritual Advisor Most. Rev. Douglas Crosby, OMI
Report of National Secretary-Treasurer Shirley Bernier
Report of Executive Director Kim Sass
Report of National Spiritual Development Chairperson Jackie Lenarduzzi
Report of National Organization Chairperson Agnes Bedard
Report of National Christian Family Life Chairperson Pat Crossman
Report of National Community Life Chairperson Velma Harasen
Report of National Education and Health Chairperson Ann Doucet
Report of National Communications Chairperson Danielle McNeil-Hessian
Report of National Resolutions Chairperson Lorette Noble
Report of National Legislation Chairperson Lucille Partington
Report of National Laws Chairperson Vivian Bosch
Report of National International Relations Chairperson Marie Cameron

 

Cast out into the Deep
. . . with Faith, Hope and Love

With soaring temperatures in Saskatoon over 835 members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada received a very warm welcome as they gathered to celebrate the 83rd annual national convention August 10 to 13.

"Welcome to 1910 Boomtown Saskatoon" was extended to all who attended the Saturday evening special event. With the re-creation of a typical Saskatchewan town, the Western Development Museum captured the atmosphere and style of this bustling period. For many, it was a walk down memory lane as the drugstore shelves were scanned for familiar containers and labels and wooden desks and slate (chalk) boards were seen in the one-room schoolhouse. The evening wrapped up with the trio of "Golden Girls" who serenaded us with familiar songs of days gone by.

Sunday morning’s tour of the "City of Bridges", with its five traffic and two rail bridges, began with a drive past the "big three" churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican and United) across the bridge and onto the University of Saskatchewan campus. A real university town, Saskatoon’s vacancy rate drops to .01% when the students return in September.

At a stop by the gravesides of former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and his second wife, Olive, on the university campus, those on tour learned that, as a centre of biotechnology, the research and findings generated at the University of Saskatchewan are kept with the university. Continuing to expand, new buildings remain true to the earlier structures with some of the original barns and a grain elevator converted into office space.

Founded by the Temperance Society in 1884, Saskatoon was established on a main trading route as the government offered 300,000+ acres to white settlers as an incentive to settle in the area. The Sunday morning tour took members on the "temperate" east side of the river as well as the "wilder" west side where hotels were built and those not so temperate set up their homesteads.

In keeping with changing times, the diversification of agriculture in Saskatchewan was evident on a short drive out of the city to enjoy an outdoor lunch (and a little shopping) at the Berry Barn. Truly "Saskatoon" hospitality at its "Berry Best"!

The open resolutions dialogue session on Sunday afternoon was well attended as members took the opportunity to preview and discuss the resolutions coming to the floor of the convention.

At the opening Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday evening Bishop Albert LeGatt of the Saskatoon Diocese told delegates and guests that "we are bombarded by words" and over the next few days there will be lots of words through the business sessions and discussions of the convention as well as through new and renewed friendships. What is important is how we receive words. Some people don’t hear, others hear but don’t listen, and some hear words and make a profound difference.

Bishop LeGatt reminded us that we are called to be attentive to Christ’s voice in each other. "You can’t be God, you’re just a carpenter . . ." sometimes we do the same to each other. Do we hear the voice of Christ in each other’s voice? When we do hear Christ’s voice echoing in our hearts it will spill out of us, enabling us to cast deeply. Called to hunger and to thirst for the voice of Christ in each other, we become new evangelizers as we cast out into the deep with new vigor and new words.

Delegates cast out into the deep with Faith at the gathering day prayer service through the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. Members were missioned to Go Light Your World as "a family whose heart is blazing."

Gathering day keynote speaker Marie-Louise Ternier-Gommers, award-winning author of Finding the Treasure Within who holds a Masters degree in Theological Studies, led delegates through parts of Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter, Novo Millennio Ineunte (at the beginning of the new millennium). She invited members to see the face of Jesus in everyone they meet. "We have come away to seek Jesus Christ, to see Jesus in one another in these days of gathering. Fed through this gathering of friends, we are drawn into greater intimacy with Christ so that we can return with greater energy." Called to be Christ’s face in the world, when we meet Jesus we can be changed to the core of our being. Jesus asks each of us, "Who do you say I am?"

Fr. Frank Ruetz, CR, PhD, founder of Celebrating the Word, gave delegates a glimpse of small Christian communities where people share faith experiences, pray and spend time discerning the following Sunday readings, relating those works to their everyday lives to see how they can live the gospel message. He challenged members to initiate Small Christian Communities in parishes across the country.

Fr. Ruetz said studies show that although only 30% of Catholics attend church 70% still believe but are looking for something more than what is being offered at mass. Small Christian Communities fill the need for people who want more. "The essence of a small group is to become attuned to the Liturgy of the Word and attuned to listening to each other, listening with your whole person, being attentive to each other so that Jesus will become present to each," said Fr. Ruetz.

Delegates were given the opportunity to try the dynamics of the small group process and to put their life story within the context of the gospel story. "How can you love your neighbours if you don’t know them?" asked Fr. Ruetz. "Through sharing and caring you begin to know them. Called to cast out into the deep and experience the new evangelization, small Christian communities can help Catholics discover the power of the Good News."

Members had the opportunity to have lunch with the national executive member of their choice on Monday. This was something new and, if the buzz that was heard coming back from lunch was any gauge, it was well received.

The Monday evening banquet entertainment was homegrown Saskatchewan country gospel singer, Lorraine Hartsook, who shared her story of God’s faithfulness through testimony and song. She was so well received that, in spite of a very full day, delegates called for more as her time drew to a close and the buses waited to bring everyone back to the hotel for the night.

Members cast out into the deep with Hope through the Liturgy of the Hours morning prayer on Tuesday morning. A short ceremony welcoming the New Life Members to the national council was initiated. National President Marie Cameron noted, "Over this past year many Life members were called to assist the national council in various capacities. We are grateful for their continued service to the League."

Bishop Doug Crosby, National Spiritual Advisor, observed that the League keeps women involved, active, cared for and young. He invited delegates "to listen carefully for the Lord as he speaks to us, and to be respectful to and of each other throughout these convention days."

Bishop Crosby told members that the spiritual advisors both at the convention and across Canada love The Catholic Women’s League and heartily support it. "The League is solidly Catholic, faithful to the teachings of the church and, without the League, we couldn’t do all that we do," he said encouraging members to continue to speak out, working tirelessly for God and Canada.

Inviting members to live our national theme, cast out Into the deep, Marie Cameron reminded delegates that "League members are leaders, helping others to dare to do what they have not done before, to feel the fear and to do it anyway . . . while daring to be a joyful witness of hope."

Through this national theme, she encouraged members to listen to Christ "who asks us to go out into the deep water, into unknown territory where our feet do not touch bottom, and to walk in Christ’s steps and to ask what the theme cast out into the deep means to them personally?"

For over 83 years, the League has grown and survived many changes in society and the church. With a proud and wonderful history to share, members are called to holiness through their service to others and their obvious commitment to personal faith formation and evangelization. National President Marie Cameron invited ALL League members to develop their internal spiritual life such that they see Jesus in every member and to treat that member as they would treat Jesus.

She encouraged members to spend time in small groups studying the Sunday liturgy, which relates to Jesus’ life, works and words, and to relate those words to their everyday lives to see how they can live the gospel message. Marie Cameron also invited members to join with the universal church across the world in daily morning and evening praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as to spend time in adoration of the blessed sacrament in their parishes.

National President Marie Cameron ended her oral report with a quote from Pope John Paul II. When he spoke at Dubrovnik, Croatia, this past June 6th at the beatification of Blessed Marija Petkovic, he said that perhaps more than in other periods of history, our time is in need of that "genius" which belongs to women and which can ensure sensitivity for human beings in every circumstance. (Mulieris Dignitatem #30)

National President-Elect and Organization Standing Committee Chairperson, Agnes Bedard, led the convention assembly in a brainstorming session on membership giving delegates an opportunity for input and sharing. Reminded that "we are problem solvers," members looked at the issues and the problems facing councils today.

Questions raised issues of parish and community support, visibility, League representation, the call to leadership and decreasing membership. Bringing these questions close to home, Agnes Bedard challenged those gathered to reflect on the following questions, "If a young mother attended your council meeting what would she find? How would she be treated? Would she return?" These questions could be applied to any guest attending a League meeting.

Reports from the provincial/territorial presidents saw an increased focus on League development with workshops offered throughout Canada in response to requests from the provinces. The presidents said that spiritual development remains a priority for councils at all levels.

Support is given to many community service projects. Annual reports indicated that League councils donated more that 2.5 million dollars to these projects as well as countless volunteer hours, indicating that members contribute time, talent and treasure to make a difference in society.

At the Morning Prayer service on the final day, delegates cast out into the deep with a communion of Love as Bishop Crosby and Marie Cameron washed the feet of the provincial/territorial presidents. Members at the assembly then turned to those beside them and missioned each other to love and serve others in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit while making the sign of the cross on that person’s forehead.

Fourteen resolutions, given and received as gifts from the provinces, were brought to the floor of the convention. Ten of the 14 resolutions were adopted, some with minor changes. Of the remaining four, one was referred to an ad hoc committee for further study and two were referred to the applicable standing committees.

Position papers on "The Definition of Marriage" and "The Use of Stem Cells for Research Purposes" were approved by convention delegates. Both are issues previously dealt with by League resolutions and are being debated in parliament.

It was reaffirmed that the League promotes and upholds the Catholic Church’s definition of marriage. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada supports laws which protect and uphold the definition of marriage as "the union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all other" as stated in a motion passed in the House of Commons on June 8, 1999, and reaffirmed in the preamble of the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act, June 2000.

The League strongly supports the ethical use of adult stem cells for research purposes and is asking the federal government to protect the embryo, the earliest beginnings of human life, by prohibiting research on human embryonic stem cells. The League concurs with a statement issued by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops that, "While we realize that our position on protection of the embryo will preclude embryonic stem cell research in which so many hopes have been invested, we are convinced that adult stem cell research, which is showing remarkable promise, can still go forward and has every potential to fulfill these hopes."

As delegates and guests gathered at the closing Eucharistic Celebration, Bishop Crosby reminded us of Bishop LeGatt’s invitation to hear Jesus as we came together this week. "We heard Jesus through the liturgies, in word and song, through reports and resolutions as well as in the discussions that took place over the past week," said Bishop Crosby. "Like Moses, we now look homeward with a new vision and focus. Thank you for your fidelity, fearlessness, giftedness . . . you are good and good for our world. Remember the past with gratitude, the present with enthusiasm and go into the future with confidence. Be not afraid, cast out into the deep and be good news!"

Report of National President Marie Cameron

The League’s mission statement tells who we are and what we do and it is my privilege to report to you as national president of The Catholic Women's League of Canada. Throughout the past year, members of the League were called to holiness through their service to others and their obvious commitment to personal faith formation and evangelization.

For over 83 years the League has not only grown but survived many changes in society and the church. It has a proud and wonderful history to share. Biblical Hebrew ways refer to the past and the future differently than we do. We tend to say the past is "behind us," but the biblical idiom is just the opposite, in that it says that the past is "in front of us" and the future is "behind us." With the theme of cast out into the deep, members can think about getting into the boat and rowing. For those unfamiliar with rowing, the rower is seated backward, and the receding shore is where the rower has just been.

Cast out into the deep for some presidents meant they tried to "hook" members to encourage them to use their talents for League action. Some thought it was not so bad being out in deep water while others admitted to treading water as they were overwhelmed with paper work! Members were encouraged to leave their comfort zones, to loosen the ropes which tied them to their moorings or kept them holding onto their comfortable perches. All were encouraged to take their personal and parish council "boats" further out into deep water where spiritual lives were stretched and social actions became stronger and more ingenious.

Spiritual development has been a priority for members. In the past, the Holy Father has asked us to enrich our spiritual lives in several ways. One way was to have adoration of the blessed sacrament in our churches. Another was to form Small Christian Communities (SCCs). Yesterday, you heard Fr. Frank Ruetz and others discuss their response to, and involvement in, initiating SCCs. Some League members already discern how they can share their faith, discuss their faith values with others, and then put the gospel message into action. Reports from community life, education and health and legislation standing committee chairpersons across the country indicate social action is happening in many parishes and communities through the work of League members.

Although the Year of the Rosary will end this October, members will continue to pray the rosary. It was heartening to see the rosary integrated into prayers at many of the meetings and conventions I attended this past year. Yesterday, Gathering Day started with praying the rosary and reflecting on the new mysteries. Members are praying for each other and the national staff daily. We are grateful for your continued prayers.

Today, the liturgy committee led us in the Liturgy of the Hours, which is also one of the spiritual requests made by the Holy Father. Some members have already started this prayerful daily activity. Personal spiritual development is one of the main objectives of the League and all members are invited to "walk our talk" – to exercise daily by walking with God.

Although he hasn’t had any personal experiences with a League council, the new Primate of Canada, Most Rev. Marc Ouellette, knows much about the League. As rector of the Edmonton Seminary, he learned about the League from presentations made to the seminarians by the Alberta Mackenzie provincial council. National Communications Chairperson Danielle McNeil-Hessian has asked members to Sing the League Praises! Diocesan councils blessed with seminaries are challenged to arrange a presentation about the League to seminarians every year. A copy of the fall magazine, which includes resolutions adopted at the annual national convention, is sent to every seminarian in Canada.

The League became mission partners with Catholic Missions In Canada. Fr. Sebastien Groleau and Beth Ryan Aitkin are at the missions display booth to talk with you about this partnership.

While in Ottawa meeting with government representatives, the League delegation also met with the executive committee of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and staff members, other non-governmental organizations, and representatives from the Catholic Health Association of Canada, the Church Council on Justice and Corrections, and National Life Member Liaison, Sylvia Smith.

This morning, we initiated a short ceremony welcoming the new life members to national council. This past year, many life members were called to assist the national council in various capacities and, although their individual names will not be mentioned, we are grateful for their continued service to the League. Life members took part in a CBC radio interview about the celebration of Christmas, and attended conferences with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, Catholic Health Association of Canada, Ecumenical Health Care Network, Catholic Organization for Life and Family and the Church Council on Justice and Corrections. Life members also reviewed reports such as the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada and assisted in drafting position papers on stem cell research and the definition of marriage. Some life members answered a questionnaire concerning their interests and expertise. This information will be used by national standing committee chairpersons and myself. It is our intention to continue to utilize the valuable talent of members, especially life members.

The Executive Handbook, and other manuals prepared by the national executive, have been widely used this year. By using the Annual CWL Calendar, annual reporting became easier. Through this annual evaluation, councils discovered just how remarkable they have been over the past year. Millions of dollars were donated, as were many volunteer hours, to parishes and communities. You are to be congratulated and commended for active service "For God and Canada."

Resolutions were reviewed and acted upon. Letters were written to federal, provincial and municipal governments – and the national president and members of the executive also received some letters from agitated members. Those letters were mainly due to a misinterpretation of the League statement to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights that was made by myself, the national president-elect and the national legislation chairperson. If this has caused concern and controversy in your councils, I am sorry.

My question to members is whether the websites and newsletters which provoked the controversy were questioned as much as members tended to question the national executive. I want to make it clear that the League has always, and will continue to, state that marriage is a sacrament, a commitment and covenant, between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others. At the 1996 annual national convention, a resolution entitled "Same-sex Marriage" was adopted reiterating the statement, and that resolution was taken to the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations General Assembly in Rome in 2001. The national executive and I do not approve using the term "same-sex" with "marriage," nor do we approve of same-sex couples being given the right to "marry." We do not condone same-sex or common-law conjugal relationships, however, we acknowledge their existence.

Prior to making the presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, our research made us realize that same-sex couples had already been given almost all rights, except marriage¸ through recent legislation by the federal and a number of provincial governments. It was because of those legal rights already given to homosexuals that our suggestion was made to the Committee to allow them to register same-sex unions. We were quite aware of the church law forbidding homosexual liaisons, however, at that time, we were addressing legal decisions which had already been made by federal and provincial governments.

Our fear was, and it has been verified by recent pronouncements by the federal justice minister, that the federal government would attempt to change the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples. This inclusion of same-sex couples in the definition of marriage is not acceptable to the League! We remain firmly committed to the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, and will continue to urge the federal government to change their proposed legislation draft to define marriage as it has traditionally been known.

Again, I regret that some members are influenced by interpretations of our work by outside organizations. One positive reaction to this controversy, however, is that Catholics across the country became very aware that same-sex couples were claiming discrimination and demanding that they be legally entitled to "marry." Prior to that, most Catholics had been quite apathetic to the issue in spite of the letter from Most Rev. Jacques Berthelet, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, to all Catholics last November.

Although the federal government has proposed a reference to the Supreme Court of Canada with draft legislation indicating that marriage will now be defined in Canada as between "two persons," and not as formerly known as between one man and one woman, it is not too late to stop this proposed legislation. All members, families, friends and acquaintances have been asked to write to the federal cabinet, especially the justice minister and prime minister, and to all members of parliament, and particularly your own member of parliament, indicating your belief that parliament should retain the existing definition of marriage and not extend it to "two persons." The national executive has sent several letters over the past year and will send another after this convention.

Two standing committees have prepared position papers for your approval at this convention. Both are about issues previously dealt with by resolutions and are presently being debated by parliament. One is about the use of stem cells for research purposes and the other is about the definition of marriage. They will be discussed after the oral reports by the chairpersons of the Christian family life and education and health standing committees.

League members are leaders and the marriage debate is one in which we must be strong leaders. We are called to be "transformational" and "collaborative" leaders, helping others dare to do what they have not done before, to feel the fear and do it anyway, to cease being spectators and to commit ourselves to action while daring to be a joyful witness of hope. Through the League theme, members are encouraged to listen to Christ who asks us to go out into the deep water, into unknown territory where our feet do not touch bottom, to walk in Christ’s steps. Each member has been encouraged to ask herself what the theme, cast out into the deep, means to her?

Every leader has a vision and mine was reinforced by Most Rev. Albert LeGatt, Bishop of Saskatoon, at the opening ceremonies and yesterday by guest speakers Marie-Louise Ternier Gommers and Fr. Frank Ruetz. This vision is that all members of the League will develop their internal spiritual lives in such a way that they see Jesus in every other member, and treat them as they would treat Jesus. Then, my vision goes on to see members spending time together in small groups studying the Sunday liturgy, which relates to Jesus’ life, works and words, and to relate those words to their everyday lives to see how they can live the gospel message. Along with becoming active in small group discernment, my vision sees members joining in world-wide daily morning and evening prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours, and begin adoration of the blessed sacrament in their parishes.

I end with a quote from Pope John Paul II when he spoke at Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 6, 2003, at the Beatification of Blessed Marija Petkovic. He said, "Perhaps more than in other periods of history, our time is in need of that ‘genius’ which belongs to women and which can ensure sensitivity for human beings in every circumstance." He was quoting from Mulieris Dignitatem.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you in this wonderful organization we call "the League."

Report of National Spiritual Advisor Most Rev. Douglas Crosby, OMI

It is my pleasure to report to The Catholic Women’s League of Canada that the spiritual advisors in attendance at this convention and across Canada love the League. One spiritual advisor is attending his 12th annual national convention!

While spiritual advisors realize that, for good reason, we are not League members (at least most of us are not), we heartily support this organization that we know is solidly Catholic, faithful to church teaching, and fully supportive of the pope, the bishops of the dioceses, and priests and pastoral animators in parishes and missions where the League is established.

Some priest spiritual advisors attribute their vocation to the League’s influence; all acknowledge that without the League they could not do the ministry entrusted to them. Spiritual advisors are enriched by the spiritual programs, guest speakers and prayer times which are given such an important place at all League events. All spiritual advisors experience the support of members and for this we are grateful.

For our part, spiritual advisors encourage League councils at all levels to continue speaking out prophetically and acting tirelessly for so many social concerns. We encourage your resolve, goodness and united action. Never be discouraged; never give up. Parishes need League members; communities are better places because of League members; the church is enriched by League members; Canada is built by the concern and action of League members. We need you! We are one with you and we love you.

This is my fifth and final convention as national spiritual advisor. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops will appoint a new spiritual advisor at its plenary session in October, and he will take over at some point in the coming year. Thank you for your kindness over the years. I count on your prayers and promise my undying support and encouragement.

Report of National Secretary-Treasurer Shirley Bernier

At the pre-convention meeting of the national executive, the audited financial statement for 2002 was reviewed. A net surplus of $132,492 was realized. The expenses were $45,000 less than the previous year. While per capita fees and the gross margin on sales were higher than anticipated, the cost of producing the magazine (three rather than four issues per year), and the amount used from the League development fund were lower than budgeted. In this time of uncertain investment revenue, it is encouraging to see that the amount received for per capita fees covered expenditures. It is important that we strive to maintain this financial course.

A balanced budget for 2003 was approved by the national executive at the fall meeting. Adjustments were made under international relations to provide for representatives to attend the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations North American Regional Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Funds were set aside under League development for advertising and promotion, and under national executive, to allow for greater representation at conferences and the increased cost of travel.

An interim six-month statement of revenue and expense was made available for review. The gross margin on sales was not as strong as last year when Leading the League and the CWL scarf was introduced. As noted previously, the interest revenue was, and will continue to be, affected by lower interest rates. For example, a recent bond that had been yielding 6.75% interest matured and was renewed at an interest rate of 4.25%. This is something to which all members can relate. By the end of June 2003, 98% of targeted membership fees were received, however, there is a way to go to meet last year’s total. Expenses are monitored monthly by the finance committee and, to date, appear within budget.

For the past several years, parish councils were asked to report to their diocesan council the financial donations made under each standing committee. The diocesan treasurer then forwarded the compilation to the provincial treasurer who, in turn, included a summary breakdown with the financial statements for the provincial council. In 2002, with 10 of 11 provincial councils reporting, over $2.5 million was donated by parish councils. In addition to national voluntary funds, the chief beneficiaries are local parishes followed by organizations under community life, education and health, Christian family life and spiritual development standing committees. To borrow from a recent television advertisement, great as these financial accomplishments are, the value of the special talents and hours of volunteer work it took to raise these funds and help parish and community organizations – priceless. Congratulations to all members who practice true Christian stewardship, contributing time, talent and treasure to make a difference in society.

At the pre-convention meeting of the national executive, a motion was made and carried regarding national voluntary funds. In future, parish councils will complete a form indicating to which national voluntary fund they are contributing. They will send this form with one cheque directly to national office, and will send a copy to the diocesan and provincial treasurer.

In closing, the minutes of the executive meetings and business sessions of the annual national convention were edited by a minutes review committee, and correspondence was attended to by the national officer concerned, with assistance of national office staff.

Report of Executive Director Kim Sass

Everything national office does is in service to the national executive. On a daily basis, national office lives the theme, cast out into the deep, with faith, hope and love.

How do national office staff cast out with faith? By believing that the support we provide to the national executive helps urge legislators to create a more just society. National office staff assists with all letter-writing campaigns, including those undertaken over the past year urging that the definition of marriage be preserved, that embryonic stem cell research be prohibited, that public funds not be used to pay for abortions, and that the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change be ratified.

How do national office staff cast out with hope? By hearing the concerns of members and responding, with hope, to serve the League better. Many members have called national office believing that we could help them recall their history as League members. We never had the technology to do so and have disappointed many a member who asked for help. Over the next few months, a new system will be installed that will allow for the tracking of a member’s history. It will track such changes as the number of years a member has paid membership and the offices held.

Members have also been calling for the League to have a stronger public image and better relations with both the Catholic and secular press. To address this concern, one of the positions at national office has been redefined. The League’s communications coordinator will be responsible for all media relations, as well as all aspects of communication within the League, such as The Canadian League magazine and the website.

How do national office staff cast out with love? By listening with respect to members who call to express their deeply felt beliefs, by being attentive to and anticipating the needs of national executive members, and by being there for and accepting each other as unique and blessed children of God.

Report of National Spiritual Development Chairperson Jackie Lenarduzzi

The theme, cast out into the deep, has been developed in a variety of ways. During this convention, we are doing so with faith, hope and love. The theme gives many opportunities to reach out with trust in our Lord’s goodness.

The past year saw the promotion and growth of Small Christian Communities. It was a blessing to have Fr. Frank Ruetz with us to enhance our knowledge of the process and create a deeper appreciation for this method of faith formation and spiritual development. I encourage all members and councils to be active in promoting and participating in a Small Christian Community.

The Year of the Rosary, with emphasis on praying for peace and families, is very timely. World peace always seems fragile and families face many difficulties in today’s society. The current threat to traditional marriage and family values especially requires on-going, consistent praying of the rosary.

The formal closing of the Year of the Rosary coincides with the celebration of Pope John Paul II’s 25th pontifical anniversary. A spiritual bouquet from League members will be forwarded to the Holy Father as a gesture of love and prayerful gratitude for his loving service. We have been blessed with a very holy, insightful and caring shepherd. He has authored several apostolic letters and encyclicals which we need to study, reflect and act on. I challenge all councils to become familiar with these and I especially urge the study of Ecclesia de Eucharistia. The Holy Father invites us to "rekindle eucharistic amazement" – the source of life for the church.

A major focus of the past year was the formation of a partnership with Catholic Missions In Canada. All councils received a brochure explaining this partnership. The League will now be focusing on the support of religious education programs in mission communities. In the past year, $5,343.51 was donated for the voluntary catecheses fund for Catholic Missions In Canada. This does not include monies sent directly to Catholic Missions In Canada by individuals and councils.

Report of National Organization Chairperson Agnes Bedard

Reports from provincial chairpersons recognize, record and celebrate the work of League members. They speak of ordinary actions done in parish after parish after parish, holy work done in the service of God and his people. Provincial reports sing a song, a multi-voiced concerto of praise and thanksgiving of who we are, giving recognition to members who continue to cast out into the deep on this journey with Jesus. My report is your song.

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. A Prayer for Humanity, Marianne Williamson (Pat Beattie, Ontario)

When we cast out into the deep, we are committing an act of faith. We rely on God to make our efforts worthwhile. He will fill our nets and needs. Mother Teresa told us that "Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." A good meeting is made up of three equal parts – one part prayer, one part business and one part joy. Sandra Byrnes, Manitoba

Members use innovative and ingenious ways to find and recruit new members because they are passionate about the League and convinced that it is a very good way for women to fulfill their roles in the church. Pat Battensby, B.C.

Being innovative is a sure sign that you have leadership skills. With the introduction of the new Leading the League manual and adapting the various workshops to an individual group, new ways of developing leadership abilities have evolved. Tillie Aessie, Saskatchewan

Mentoring is important…it gives our life members, or members with service, the opportunity to help…new members reap the benefits of their friendship and knowledge. Lorna Halderman, Quebec

A golden thread connects life members across our country, a thread of service done and continuing "For God and Canada." This thread is one of love, of union in prayer and purpose. Sylvia Smith, National Life Member Liaison

Membership as at June 30, 2003, was up 4,364 from June 30, 2002. National office will continue to send forms to those councils who have significant numbers of non-renewed members. Please note that members whose per capita fees are not received at national office by May 31st will not receive the summer issue of The Canadian League.

At the Military Ordinariate Provincial Convention at the Edmonton Garrison, I watched while seven councils received certificates to recognize increases in membership. It was good!

In 2002, $23,635 of the $40,000 budgeted for League development was given to provincial and diocesan councils across Canada for workshops. Please evaluate your councils, identify needs, plan workshops and apply for funding. No reasonable request will be rejected.

My sisters, if you can, wear your CWL scarf. It says it all so beautifully, so simply, "For God and Canada."

Clarification was requested regarding honour guards for those members whose memberships had lapsed. It is extraordinarily important to care for our sisters when they can no longer be active in councils by visiting them, remembering them in our prayers, and celebrating and remembering their work, as members stand with candles in an honour guard, united in our League sisterhood, at their funerals.

Report of National Christian Family Life Chairperson Pat Crossman

The chairpersons of Christian family life standing committees across Canada have been afforded a great number of opportunities to "step forward in faith and action" during the past 12 months. While Canadian families experienced hardship and heart-ache in a great variety of natural and man-made disasters, they also experienced great joy and celebration for many other reasons. Members were challenged, encouraged and strengthened by faithfully living Christian family lives.

The League, historically, has found its strength and voice in protecting, respecting and supporting families. The coming year will present many more opportunities to use that strength and voice as the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Family is celebrated. This will be a time of reflection, introspection and anticipation.

The Holy Father exhorts Catholics, "Dear Christian families, proclaim joyfully to the whole world the wonderful treasure which you, as domestic churches, possess!"

Family and Work: Seeking a Healthy Balance is the theme of National Family Week, October 6 – 12, 2003. Planning kits have been distributed and I am confident that the seeds of interest will grow and bloom in celebration of families throughout Canada. The mission of Family Services Canada is "Strong Families in a Caring Society." The League will lend its voice in rejoicing and celebrating strong Christian families.

For the period July 31, 2002, to June 30, 2003, the amount in the national pro-life voluntary fund was $5,045.49, representing a decrease of $6,048.37 from the prior year. The national executive recommends that these funds be divided equally between the Catholic Organization for Life and Family and the Catholic Health Organization of Canada.

In 2000, a wonderful pro-life brochure was developed to promote the League and it’s pro-life belief. In 2003, at the winter meeting of the national executive, it was agreed that $1 was a satisfactory cost to encourage the active use and promotion of this excellent public relations tool. This is definitely one item to be shared. I hope to see it in doctors’ offices, support centres, teen shelters, and in pamphlet displays in guidance counsellors offices. On the back of this brochure, the title is "The Catholic Women’s League of Canada Unites Voices in Prayer for Pro-Life." I eagerly anticipate dialogue with the provinces on this endeavour.

My vision is a strong, unified national Christian family life standing committee, loving our neighbours as ourselves, as we live Christian family lives. My goal is to enhance dialogue among provincial, diocesan and parish Christian family life chairpersons.

Reflection, introspection and anticipation are keys words as we cast out into the deep.

Report of National Community Life Chairperson Velma Harasen

From serving funeral lunches in parishes to writing letters expressing opposition to war in Iraq; from delivering meals on wheels and supporting food banks to influencing legislative change to allow access to student loans for recognized refugees; from providing hampers for needy families and toys and toiletries for women’s shelters to urging government to enact new factory disclosure regulations in order to help end sweat shops … The Catholic Women's League of Canada members have been there. Members can be proud of what they have achieved as a network of women across Canada!

Members celebrated success in the February 2003 federal budget with change, effective August 1, 2003, which allowed recognized refugees access to student loan programs, however, the implementation process is still under way. Be aware that the federal government signed an agreement with the United States that forces most refugees to seek protection in the first country in which they set foot. In most cases, it is impossible for refugees to go directly to Canada without first landing in the United States. The right of refugee claimants to appeal if their status was denied was not included in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and implementation was delayed.

For the period July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2003, the amount in the Development and Peace voluntary fund was $45,794.99, a substantial decrease from the previous year. Members have been committed through the 1% Program since 1969, and more involvement is encouraged at the parish level. The community life chairperson or her designate could collect from members 1% of their personal luxury expenses and be responsible for submitting it along with 1% of the council’s funds.

The prime minister received 256,391 postcards between October 2002 and March 2003 on biopatenting of seeds. Again, CWL presence was felt! Development and Peace is finalizing educational materials for its next three-year campaign on the right to water. Currently, ¼ of the earth’s population does not have access to safe drinking water. In recognition of the central importance of water resources to the planet’s future, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2003 as the International Year of Fresh Water. Members must learn to use, manage and protect water resources in a sustainable fashion.

In the past year, there has been positive news on sweat shops: workers at a factory in Bangkok, Thailand, won a major victory against their employer. In response to growing international pressure (CWL included), on July 10th, the company signed a new collective bargaining agreement that included reinstating 38 union members who were fired over a year ago, and strictly followed relevant labour laws. Major brands coming from this factory include Victoria’s Secret, Gap and La Senza. On July 9th, workers at two Guatemalan garment factories signed a collective bargaining agreement after a two-year struggle. A major client of that factory is Liz Claiborne.

Two League members attended the annual meeting of Church Council on Justice and Corrections in Kitchener, Ontario, in May. The focus was on federally sentenced women and attendees visited the Grand Valley Women’s Facility. Plans are being made for an initiative that would enable faith groups to respond in supporting the community integration of women from prisons. This standing committee will be looking at how League members could serve in this area, as women helping women. Watch for an article in the League magazine.

Perhaps, together with the Christian family life standing committee, members can explore what may be done in the area of domestic abuse, particularly in the context of the Christian community. In a well-researched book entitled The Battered Wife – How Christians Confront Family Violence, the author, Nancy Nason-Clark, Professor of Sociology at the University of New Brunswick, says that many Christian homes have become modern-day gardens of Gethsemane. She reveals how churches and secular organizations have failed to respond and how their responses could be more effective. She states, "Clearly, religious women seek out other women of faith when they have family-related problems and need help or advice. It enables a level of personal intimacy not possible outside the faith perspective." This raises the question: what impact have League members had? What could or should members be doing to help women in Christian communities, our sisters in the League?

Report of National Education and Health Chairperson Ann Doucet

The challenge of the education and health standing committee is to work toward making not only Canada, but the world, a better place in which to live. By supporting religious education in mission communities, the Mission Partners program with Catholic Missions In Canada enables members to make a significant impact on the lives of youth. The completion in 2004 of a compilation of religious education programs offered across Canada will provide a valuable resource for members and councils wishing to access programs available in other provinces.

In 2003, national bursary awards were distributed to 37 recipients from eight provinces. Letters received from many of the recipients showed their enthusiasm and eagerness to share with their parishes and communities the benefits of the formation they received.

It is important to continue to urge the federal and provincial governments to work together to implement the recommendations of the Romanow Report on the Future of Health Care in Canada for the benefit of all Canadians. Preserving one’s own health is a challenge that members and councils across Canada can accept. This will not only make members healthier, it will help to reduce health care costs. The League can accept the Catholic Health Association of Canada’s challenge to lead parishes and learn more about the call of the health care ministry. Members can work with the provincial Catholic health associations and local health providers to do so.

Following ratification of the Kyoto Accord on December 10, 2002, the prime minister stated, "By working together, setting targets and time frames, and focusing on results, I know we will succeed. We will make Canada and the world a healthier place for ourselves and for generations to come." Each person must do her part by reducing pollutants in the environment and keeping the pressure on the federal government to live up to its commitment to implement the objectives of the Accord.

Definitive legislation in the area of assisted human reproduction is addressed in Bill C-13 An Act respecting assisted human reproduction, now voted on at the report stage and proceeding to third reading in fall 2003. The most contentious part of this bill deals with embryonic stem cell research. Please continue writing and voicing your support for adult stem cell research and for the protection of the human embryo.

Donations to national voluntary funds have contributed significantly toward a better world. For the period July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2003, $16,848.64 was donated to the Coady International Institute, $21,616.67 to the Breast Cancer Research Challenge Fund and $15,920.06 to MaterCare International. Members have been educated in the area of breast cancer research – after 10 years the voluntary fund has served its purpose and has been discontinued. Members and councils may contribute directly to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Report of National Communications Chairperson Danielle McNeil-Hessian

Members of the League at all levels, thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow in my love of the League while serving in the capacity of communications standing committee chairperson. The 15th Annual White Ribbon Against Pornography (WRAP) campaign is October 19th to 26th. This year, Canadians Addressing Sexual Exploitation (CASE) will once again stress the age of consent in its campaign. Pre-printed ribbons that state "protect our children from sexual exploitation" are available from CASE. The WRAP campaign is an area that councils across the country are united in supporting. This year, the challenge is to encourage other churches and organizations to become involved in a community effort to stamp out pornography. Whether your council chooses to use individual ribbons or a ribbon of signatures is up to you. The question is how can you communicate the campaign to others in your community. Suggestions include:

• utilize free public service announcement time on radio and television
• instead of mailing your ribbons, invite the local member of parliament to a presentation ceremony; invite members of the provincial and municipal governments as well
• host an event in October that includes a speaker on the topic of pornography

The ideas are as limited as your imagination. Cast out into the deep. Let us paint the town white, so to speak, with ribbons.

Stay tuned for information on the national Catholic television network, Salt and Light Television. This new cable station will provide programming to guide Catholics on their faith journeys. Currently, the service is available in Ontario, and soon in Quebec.

Computer-based child pornography remains a growing area of concern for all. I encourage members to continue to monitor Internet use and to lobby governments in order to protect children from sexual predators.

The Canadian League, the League’s major publication, is not only a source of education, but a link between resolutions and action and the members, and a connection to each other as we grow in faith and love. From time to time, it is necessary to evaluate the publication. There will be a readership survey in the fall issue of the magazine. Please take the time to fill in the survey and encourage others to do the same. The magazine committee looks forward to receiving input from members to ensure that the magazine reflects the changing society and meets the needs of members. At this time, on behalf of the members, I thank retired staff person, Mildred Melnick, for all the effort she has put into the magazine.

Every parish, diocesan and provincial council is encouraged to develop a communications strategy for their respective councils. A written plan should be in place. Members need to be aware of not only who speaks for the council, but also the process and the chain of events that must be followed within the council before anything is communicated on behalf of the council.

The slogan of this committee is to Sing the League’s Praises! My challenge is to expose the virtues of belonging to the League, both within and without. In order to praise the League, members need to be positive about their membership. The League is a gift with many layers of wrapping. Each time a layer is removed, another gift is found, a new occasion to celebrate. The gift of the League offers many opportunities to see Jesus in the face of each other as well as in the faces of those whom we serve. Focusing on the positive while working to eliminate the negative will provide a healthy organization that will grow. In order to Sing the League’s Praises!, members must first believe in the League as an organization that will improve their spiritual lives, provide opportunities to serve others at home and abroad, and lead us and others closer to Jesus Christ.

In the words of a wise person, "For God’s sake and the sake of the CWL, let’s get going!"

Report of National Resolutions Chairperson Lorette Noble

The resolutions experience has been an education for me. I learned a lot more about the League’s resolution process since I had to live it this year. In a sense, my education started with the end of the process: going to the federal government with the League’s concerns last year (as reported in the winter edition of The Canadian League).

Then it was back to the beginning – receiving the resolutions from provincial councils which were discussed at the national resolutions committee meeting in June this year. Every member of the national executive received the results of the deliberations with time to respond to suggestions before coming to the annual national convention. It’s a part of the process I hope will continue in the future.

Here we are in convention, meeting first at the resolutions dialogue session on Sunday (there were about 270 of you who attended, for which I thank you) and now with the resolutions coming to the floor. I hope this has been a learning experience for you as well, especially those attending a national convention for the first time.

The process doesn’t end here. The work goes on. The resolutions passed at convention will be printed in their final form in the fall issue of the League magazine, with a summary and an action plan. Please read them again and ACT!

Councils at all levels can revisit past resolutions, for example those of the past five years, to see if they’ve been effective and accomplished what they were intended to do. Do members know more about endometriosis, fetal alcohol syndrome, and a whole number of topics and issues? If not, members and councils must continue to act, that is, to write letters, and to educate government leaders and themselves. Past resolutions are blueprints for action.

During this convention a number of people asked about one or other of the resolutions that came to the floor. "Should this really be a resolution?" I quote a short paragraph from the National Manual of Policy and Procedure, entitled "What is the direction and purpose of a resolution?"

A resolution may be directed to the League itself at any level, or it may be directed to outside groups or institutions, such as the government, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, businesses, etc. (p. A1 – 1, lines 23-26)

Please go home and think about this policy and your experience here, discuss it with your sisters in the League and write and tell me:

• Should the League re-think (amend) the policy?
• Should the League call "resolutions" only those concerns that are directed to government, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops or other outside bodies?
• Should those topics addressed only to members be referred to as "recommendations"?

A wonderful thing occurs when members gather together at a national convention in such great numbers from across the country, and perhaps members should try to find a way of learning what the concerns are in other parts of the country; to recognize and affirm the councils that share their concerns with respect and thanks for bringing them to members’ attention, whether they go to governments and others (perhaps as resolutions, subject to the usual formal ratification) OR to the rest of the members (perhaps as recommendations which are simply presented at convention so that the debates and discussions can start here and be carried on at home).

I invite everyone to jump in the "Resolutions Boat" with me. Let’s cast out into the deep together. I don’t want to do this alone. Will you help me?

I especially thank the two wonderful appointed members of the national resolutions committee who have worked so hard before and during this convention, ready to help whenever called upon. They are life members Moira Ste. Marie from Ontario in her second year, and Anne-Marie Gorman from New Brunswick in her first year.

This concludes my report, which is respectfully submitted.

Report of National Legislation Chairperson Lucille Partington

The past year was a time of court decisions dealing with the issue of same-sex marriage and a proposed law that would change the traditional definition of marriage. It was also a time of federal legislation (old and new) on stem cell research and on the national sex offender registry. The "artistic merit" defence narrowed down, but not eased up, on penalties but offered an education program on dangers to go with it. The Young Offenders Act of 1984 was replaced by the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the hate crimes bill was revived. Of these pieces of legislation, only the Youth Criminal Justice Act was passed into law effective April 1, 2003.

This was the year that the League and the Catholic faith community rose to the challenge and made their voices heard loud and clear that marriage is to remain as the union of one man and one woman. Members must continue to storm the federal government with their wisdom, since the work has only just begun to preserve the true meaning of marriage.

There is much unfinished business with the federal government, so members must continue to work and live up to the mission statement. Members must continue to be proactive on these and other issues. May the spirit and wisdom of God direct us in our efforts "For God and Canada."

Report of National Laws Chairperson Vivian Bosch

This past year, an ad hoc committee, consisting of Honorary Life Member Lucille Cullen and ex officio members National President Marie Cameron, National President-elect Agnes Bedard and Executive Director Kim Sass, reviewed and reorganized the National Manual of Policy and Procedure (P & P), to complement the Constitution & Bylaws (C & B), article by article. As chairperson of this committee, I am very pleased to report that our mission is complete and the objectives of the committee were met. Three drafts of the manual, in various stages, were presented to the national executive for approval. The revised P & P was approved for publication. Please refer to the fall parish council mailing and the fall issue of The Canadian League for the price and availability.

There are four important revisions to the P & P:

• Updates were made to address the most recent scenarios in the amalgamation process of parish/diocesan councils in Canada. I applaud those members who introduced the original amalgamation guidelines introduced in 1990. These women were visionaries for the League in church life today.
• Updates relating to the Book of Life, already in practice, were added.
• The former section "Interpretations and Rulings" was deleted, with text incorporated into the manual, according to the appropriate article.
• A new policy regarding proposed amendments to the C & B was drafted. This revision to accepting an amendment adapts the present procedure for accepting a resolution. By implementing this new procedure, the original amendment will be strengthened by the members’ vote at diocesan and provincial levels before reaching the amendments committee for consideration. It is essential that national executive members are informed of the amendment’s approval by delegates’ vote at the provincial convention where the amendment originated. This process will encourage review of any proposed amendments.

Lucille Cullen sees this revision to the manual as a unique opportunity to complete the work of 1994, when the last major revision was undertaken. Staff members Kim Sass and Linda Peters did an excellent job in typesetting and in the reorganization of the manual. The new look to the P & P is a new beginning for all of us. It is a time for members to seriously study the basics, the solid foundation that holds this wonderful organization together.

The Guidelines for Hosting a Diocesan/Provincial Convention and the Guidelines for Hosting a National Convention have been updated and approved.

Since 1920, League members at all levels have contributed to making League history and Canadian history. The Catholic Women's League of Canada has and will continue to contribute to the bigger picture. I believe that League members can proudly state that League history is Canada’s history.

Report of International Relations Chairperson Marie Cameron

Last September, National President-elect Agnes Bedard and I traveled to Miami, Florida, to attend the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) Convention. This convention consisted of many informative workshops and seminars. NCCW and the League have similar concerns and problems, and information about current issues was shared.

The issue of same-sex unions is currently being debated in the United States (U.S.) and in England, where the executive secretary of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) resides. Both the U.S. representative to WUCWO and the executive secretary related their empathy for the League in its fight against the federal government’s determination to allow same-sex couples to marry. They noted how well the League presented its motion on same-sex couples at the last WUCWO general assembly in Rome and wished the League success in convincing the federal government not to allow same-sex couples the legal right to marry.

National President-elect Agnes Bedard, Executive Director Kim Sass and I, along with other members of the national executive, will attend the WUCWO North American Regional Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in September 2003. We will also attend the NCCW convention which immediately follows the WUCWO conference.

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