Betty Colaneri, National Vice-President, May 31, 2025
FOR: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
“For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus…”
(1 Tim 2:5)
My dear sisters in the League,
R3 to 1, Unity! Task Force Update
In my previous communiqué, the R3 to 1, Unity! Task Force was introduced to address the ongoing concern of declining membership. Its purpose is to assist councils in recruiting, retaining and regaining members. Additionally, R3 to 1, Unity! will support councils considering becoming inactive or disbanding. Training sessions were held in April with team leaders from each province, including the Military Ordinariate. These provincial team leaders will reach out to their diocesan councils (where they exist) to introduce themselves and to ensure councils know their designated contact person for support and guidance.
The provincial team leaders are a dedicated and energetic group of life members eager to put this task force into action. Kindly inform councils about the task force and advise them to contact their respective team leaders for assistance or support.
The provincial team leaders are:
Alberta Mackenzie: Mary Hunt
British Columbia: Doreen Gowans
Manitoba: Faith Anderson
Military Ordinariate: Barb Thuen
New Brunswick: Marg McCallum
Newfoundland: Marie Raymond
Nova Scotia: Peggy MacNeil
Ontario: Ann D’Souza
Prince Edward Island: Elaine Black
Quebec: Suzanne Wiseman
Saskatchewan: Chantal Devine
Monthly Catchphrases
Also in my previous communiqué, I provided catchphrases for April, May and June, which I hope you found useful. As my term as vice-president is drawing to a close, the final catchphrases for July and August are below. Remember, these catchphrases do not expire and can be used as often as you like.
July: Women With ‘1’ Purpose
July gives members so many saints they can look to as role models for their ministry. St. Veronica (July 12), St. Kateri Tekakwitha (July 14—American feast day) and the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16). These were all courageous women who lived with ‘1’ purpose—to serve God. We can learn from these saints and pray for guidance to be courageous ministers of service with ‘1’ purpose.
August: Placing All Hope in the ‘1’
When it seems as though all hope is gone, one need look no further than to St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine of Hippo, bishop and doctor of the church. St. Monica was a woman of profound faith. Her fervent prayers for her son, St. Augustine’s conversion, and her unwavering faith exemplify the power of persistent prayer and the importance of trust in God’s goodness and mercy. St. Monica faced the most difficult moments by placing all her hope in God. In challenging times, let us never give up or be discouraged, but instead place all our hope in the ‘1.’
Kindly share these catchphrases and ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to use them.
May “the Lord bless you and keep you; [may] the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; [may] the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Num 6:24- 26).
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Colaneri
National Vice-President