News? History?
We all want to share good news of past events while looking forward in anticipation to future endeavours.
March seems to have been filled with plans, duties, reports and endless “catching up” activities. It has been a privilege to participate in several special activities – World Day of Prayer (hosted at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish), 28th Annual Ordinandi Dinner hosted by the Serra Clubs of the Archdiocese of Toronto (2,164,772 prayer offerings were presented to the ordinandi by Toronto Diocesan President Ann D’Souza in the presence of over 1700 dinner guests), meeting with my Member of Parliament Alex Nuttal, and a meeting with the Hon. Patty Hajdu Minister of Employment, Workforce, and Labour along with other faith leaders regarding the 2018 Canada Summer Jobs Program. Conference calls regarding Planning Strategically, Catholic Missions In Canada and plans for the centenary celebration in 2020 kept various committees working collaboratively. And aren’t reports wonderful – On the Spot, The Canadian League magazine and parish mailing? All history? Right?
As for the news? Well – at the time of writing:
I looked forward to participating in the Dynamic Women of Faith Conference in Toronto, Ontario on March 24.
Plans are still in formative stages for the Parliamentary Pro-Life Caucus meetings in Ottawa, March 26-28.
Parish mailings are on the way to you ….please read, share and promote the work of the League.
Easter is always the climax of a period of introspection and transformation. You will be with me in a special way during the Triduum, as I celebrate the institution of the Eucharist, submerge myself in the passion and celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. So many sacred moments are integral to my membership and relationship with my League sisters. May your Easter day be filled with joy and celebration.
Since April 1st is also April Fool’s Day, I hope your pranks are harmless! Remember, they must cease by noon.
April 9th is the National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the annual observance to remember Canadians who victoriously fought in northern France during the First World War. The League is proud of National Past President Barbara Dowding who attended a memorial service on November 11, 2014 for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and The Battle of Normandy at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. She presented a plaque of remembrance on behalf of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Let us never forget the sacrifices of Canadian citizens.
What are you planning to do as a member or a council to “End Plastic Pollution” the 2018 focus for Earth Day being recognized on April 22, 2018? You can make a difference!
Every four years the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) gathers for an international conference. The general assembly will meet in Dakar, Senegal Africa October 15-22, 2018 with the theme, “WUCWO Women, Carriers of “living water” to a world which thirsts for Peace.” This is an amazing chance to experience the strength and power of women from around the world addressing life changing issues. Deadline for applications is April 23, 2018. Contact Kim Scammell at the national office.
The Spring 2018 edition of The Canadian League magazine will be released to members this month. I am so proud of the work that the national executive is performing on members’ behalf.
Now is the time for councils to be finalizing plans for 12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care being observed during the week of May 6-12, 2018 in conjunction with National Hospice Palliative Care Week through the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, along with Mental Health Week May 7-13, 2018. So much relies on what members do. Think of all the influence, help, and assistance members provide to those in need of support whether in prayer or action.
Have you made arrangements to attend the convention(s) this year??? Time’s a wasting! Members deserve to experience firsthand the spiritual, educational and networking possibilities that are the hallmark of these amazing gatherings.
May the blessings of spring, the newness of life, hope and new beginnings renew your spirit.
God bless,
Margaret Ann