Wednesday, August 13th was a day of business, celebration, and emotional farewells. National President Shari Guinta delivered her annual report stating the year was one of change, evolution and awareness. She shared the work and developments the League took on including successful and engaging webinars held throughout the year, an Indigenous Relations Ad Hoc Committee developed at the national level, and fruitful initiatives to engage new members. Members expressed deep gratitude for the impactful growth and service she gifted to the League during her tenure.
National Secretary-Treasurer Dorothy Johansen delivered the financial report and encouraged members to apply for the League Development Fund.
National Spiritual Advisor Bishop Lobsinger delivered his final report after thoughtful conversations with fellow spiritual advisors. He shared helpful recommendations for members to build healthy relationships with each other, strive to be instruments of unity in their parish, and to embrace dialogue and synodality on their journey. He encouraged parish councils to remain in a “growth mode” so that Catholic service is reflected in all endeavours in their core role as Catholic women of faith. He thanked the League for the honour to serve the ministry and received a standing ovation of sincere appreciation.
Director of Administration Kim Scammell delivered her final report sharing the positive feedback received from recent surveys. Kim announced she will be retiring in the fall, after 26 devoted years of working on the executive board. She will be deeply missed and convention attendees rose to give her applause for her service and a special blessing upon her for her next chapter in life.
Proposed resolutions were then deliberated amongst members during the Annual Meeting of Members. Four resolutions were adopted as stated:
2025.02 Amend the Canadian Criminal Code Section 223(1) defining when a child becomes a human being
2025.04 Federal Government to Complete the Development of the Office of Palliative Care
Following this was the Honorary Life Members Luncheon and presentation of the 2026 convention in Halifax. The committee hailing from Nova Scotia delighted attendees with a creative sea shanty song and colourful costumes beckoning members to join them next year.
Members gathered at St. Michael’s Cathedral for the closing Mass. They were joined by bishops and priests from across Canada, many of whom serve as spiritual advisors to the League. Mass was with Celebrant Bishop Lobsinger, a reading by Shari Guinta and Prayer of the Faithful by Deacon David Quail. It was an evening of rejoicing and deep appreciation for the flame of the Holy Spirit enkindled in their hearts during the course of the convention. The ceremony for the Installation of Officers was performed with National Officers answering the call to embark on a new beginning in service to the League.
Then it was an evening of smiles, celebrations and surprises at the Gala Banquet. After a busy and productive week, attendees gathered to enjoy a delicious meal with former and newly made friends, delegates, guests and dignitaries. Gratitude was expressed to the hard-working organizers of the convention committee in Toronto who made it all possible through their many long hours and careful planning dedicated to creating a wonderful week. The new executive poured out their hearts in a presentation of appreciation for the women who served before them, honouring the privilege to take on the role now. It was the finest way to conclude the successful week of the National Convention on a high note! Members were renewed by the gifts of friendship and knowledge they received during the convention, walking together in their sisterhood as pilgrims of hope.
