A N D COMMUNICATOR THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF CANADA BC AND YUKON PROVINCIAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER One Heart, One Voice, One Mission Joyfully Serving the Lord

Fall 2015 Issue 31

Theme One Voice – Joyfully Serving the Lord Communicator, the BC & Yukon Newsletter, is printed twice a year and relies on submissions from parish, diocesan, and provincial council members, and spiritual advisors. Articles may be submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to [email protected]. Contact your Diocesan president for information or check the website. The deadline for the Spring Issue #32 is March 10, 2016. The Newsletter will be sent to you by e-mail upon request. It is also available on-line at our website www.bc yukoncwl.com. This newsletter is not meant to replace communiqués and reports but to help us to get to know each other better and to share our stories with members throughout British Columbia and the Yukon.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pope Francis –A Voice of Peace – from Homily at Santa Marta Sept.4, 2015. ...3

ONE Voice – Joyfully Serving the Lord - THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE....3

Our Voices Have Many Sounds and Faces– by Laura Esposito...... 4

Pope Francis – Ten Tips for Happiness- submitted by Agnes Geiger ...... 5-6

Communication through the Generations – submitted by Christa Grillmair 6

Victoria Diocesan Bursary Winner - submitted by Christa Grillmair...... 7

Honouring a Woman Who Always Is Willing to Share her Time and Talent submitted by Bonnie Johanson………………..8

Quotes from Pope Francis, St Francis of Assisi, St Augustine and St. Luke………………………………………………………………………………….8

Our Voice, Our Resolutions by Dianne Barker ………………………………9 - 11

March for Life – Victoria B.C by Dianne Barker………………….. ..11-12

Voices of the BC & Yukon Provincial Life Members by Dodie Bond ……12-13

It’s A Wonderful Life - Mary Tymich by Dianne Barker …………………13 – 14

Legendary Athlete & CWL Member Mary MacDonald by Anita Park ….14 - 17

Using our Voice – Gathering Us Together by Jeanne Wilson……………17 - 18

Traveling to Convention with your Sisters in the League – Priceless! by Dianne Barker…………………………………………………18 - 19

BC & Yukon 68TH Annual Provincial Convention by Anita Park ……….. 19-21 Molly Boucher Award Recipient - Marianna Gagliano by Diane Nadeau … 22

Helping Those - Who Are Helping Those in Need by Doreen Gowans…..22-23

How is the Voice Health of my Pet, ‘Communicator’………………………..24

Pope Francis Quote: A VOICE OF PEACE "We’d do well to ask ourselves: Do I sow peace? For example, when I speak, do I sow peace or do I sow discord? How many times have we heard this said about a person: He or she has a serpent’s tongue! This is because that person is always doing what the serpent did with Adam and Eve, namely destroying peace. And this is an evil, this is a sickness within our Church: sowing divisions, sowing hatred, not sowing peace. So this is a question that we should ask ourselves every day: ‘Did I sow peace or did I sow discord today?”

“We need to have a conversion: never a word that divides, never, never a word that brings war, small wars, never gossip. I’m thinking: what is gossip? Oh it’s nothing- just saying words against another person or telling tales: ‘This person did…’ No! Gossiping is like terrorism because the person who gossips is like a terrorist who throws a bomb and runs away, destroying: with their tongue - they are destroying and not making peace.”

“Lord, you gave your life, give me the grace to make peace, to reconcile. You poured out your blood, let it not concern me should my tongue swell a little if I bite it before speaking ill of others.”

Excerpts from the homily given during Mass at Santa Marta – Sept. 4, 2015 ONE VOICE – JOYFULLY SERVING THE LORD – THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE OF CANADA

Using their voice, the CWL council in a parish gives example to the harmony, unity and peace that can be experienced by all. In the diocese, in the province and in the country, the CWL is an example of one voice, joyfully serving the Lord. Sometimes we speak with different voices, different sounds but our ideal is to harmonize, to make a joyful sound that represents the peace which Jesus portrayed. The theme for this edition of our newsletter, Communicator, is One Voice - Joyfully Serving the Lord. Members throughout BC and the Yukon submitted articles that focused on the voice and communication..

Our Voices Have Many Sounds and Many Faces – by Laura Esposito

We are fortunate in Canada to be able to use our voices in many different ways. We give praise and thanks for all the freedoms and blessings we have and all that is done for us. We use our voices to sing, to laugh and to share stories. We are able to give constructive criticism to government officials without fear of reprisals. We are able to cast votes due to the variety of people running for office. For all of this, we are truly thankful.

When anyone speaks, do we always only rely on their spoken word to hear what they are saying to us? Do we rely on their gestures and facial expressions to also help us understand what they are trying to tell us? Have you ever heard someone saying words which mean one thing but, at the same time, their gestures imply another? St. Francis of Assisi said “Preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.” What do our words and actions say?

Pope Francis, through his example of receiving all persons exactly where they are at, challenges us daily. He has reached out to countless children while traveling through the masses on route to his next engagement. He has visited prisons and shown God’s mercy to all prisoners through his words and his deeds. Instead of always eating with government officials, business people or the throngs that daily seek him out, he has chosen to eat with the homeless. When asked to speak about people’s lifestyles he has said and I paraphrase, “Who am I to judge?” He has declared the coming year to be “The Year of Mercy”, so that everyone can feel accepted and welcomed in our world and in our Church.

St. Francis of Assisi said “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today.” What deeds, which words of encouragement did you offer today to those you may not always spend time with? St Francis also said “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it ever more fully in your heart.”

Through the Catholic Women’s League of Canada we have many avenues to make our united voices heard. All of us have diverse talents which can be displayed beautifully through working in one of the standing committees. Where is your talent? Present and past resolutions offer a place for us to speak for the voiceless, the defenseless and the infirm. The Pornography Hurts Campaign, the Euthanasia question, fighting for causes for the unborn, and for issues which the mentally ill face are only a few examples of where our voices are needed – sometimes in the form of marches, letters, petitions just to name a few. How can you help?

A kind gesture or word, visiting the sick or isolated, accepting everyone without judgement, and showing mercy – what have we done to show that our compassionate, merciful voices have many sounds and many faces?

POPE FRANCIS’ TEN TIPS FOR HAPPINESS (Sent by Agnes Geiger)

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Slowing down, being generous and fighting for peace are part of Pope Francis' secret recipe for happiness. In an interview published in part in the Argentine weekly "Viva" July 27, the pope listed his Top 10 tips for bringing greater joy to one's life.

1."Live and let live." Everyone should be guided by this principle, he said, which has a similar expression in Rome with the saying, "Move forward and let others do the same." 2. "Be giving of yourself to others." People need to be open and generous toward others, he said, because "if you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid." 3. "Proceed calmly" in life. The Pope, who used to teach high school literature, used an image from an Argentine novel by Ricardo Guiraldes, in which the protagonist -- gaucho Don Segundo Sombra -- looks back on how he lived his life. "He says that in his youth he was a stream full of rocks that he carried with him; as an adult, a rushing river; and in old age, he was still moving, but slowly, like a pool" of water, the pope said. He said he likes this latter image of a pool of water -- to have "the ability to move with kindness and humility, a calmness in life." 4. "A healthy sense of leisure." The pleasures of art, literature and playing together with children have been lost, he said. "Consumerism has brought us anxiety" and stress, causing people to lose a "healthy culture of leisure." Their time is "swallowed up" so people can't share it with anyone. Even though many parents work long hours, they must set aside time to play with their children; work schedules make it "complicated, but you must do it," he said. Families must also turn off the TV when they sit down to eat because, even though television is useful for keeping up with the news, having it on during mealtime "doesn't let you communicate" with each other, the Pope said. 5. Sundays should be holidays. Workers should have Sundays off because "Sunday is for family," he said. 6. Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people. "We need to be creative with young people. If they have no opportunities they will get into drugs" and be more vulnerable to suicide, he said. "It's not enough to give them food," he said. "Dignity is given to you when you can bring food home" from one's own labor. 7. Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation "is one of the biggest challenges we have," he said. "I think a question that we're not asking ourselves is: 'Isn't humanity committing suicide with this indiscriminate and tyrannical use of nature?'" 8. Stop being negative. "Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self- esteem. That means, 'I feel so low that instead of picking myself up I have to cut others down,'" the Pope said. "Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy." 9. Don't proselytize; respect others' beliefs. "We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyzes: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you,' No. Each person dialogues starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytizing," the Pope said. 10. Work for peace. "We are living in a time of many wars," he said, and "the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive" and dynamic.

Communication Through The Generations

Krista Spivey, Age 17 Chair of Christian Family Life St. Peter’s CWL Nanaimo, BC

Communication is vital for any relationship. Whether it's between partners, a sibling, a child, or God, if there is a lack of communication your relationship will most certainly suffer some hardships.

It has quickly become the norm to say that youth have trouble communicating because we are overly emotional. Though there is some truth in these words, it's not the case entirely. We often feel that our thoughts and feelings are not being heard and I'm sure that the adults we are talking to often feel the same way. Sometimes we are so caught up in our own thoughts and opinions that we don't truly listen to what the other person is saying, but rather we are listening to our own thoughts as we are trying to formulate our response. So how do we become better listeners? Ask questions and show that you are listening to the other person. By asking questions you are showing that you care about what the other person has to say, you value their fellowship, and you wish to learn more about them. It is important to remember that our opinions are not more valuable than others. Consider the person that you're speaking with and how heavy their cross is. Don't weigh yours and compare. You don't know everything they're battling. In today's day and age, we are communicating with each other more than ever without physically talking to them. Refrain from speaking to people over text and email when what you have to say is important or can be easily said in person or at least over the phone. It is so incredibly easy to misinterpret a point someone is trying to get across unless you can see and hear how he or she are delivering their words. Lastly, let's listen and talk to each other the way that we want to be heard and spoken to, and ask God how He is calling us to listen or how He is calling us to love.

Submitted by Christa Grillmair Victoria Diocesan Communications Chairperson

Victoria Diocesan Bursary Winner

Aidan Canil, the winner of the “Freda Smith Memorial Bursary”, was presented the award at the Victoria Diocesan Convention, held in Duncan on May 3-5, 2015. The $500 bursary is awarded to children or grandchildren of members of the Catholic Church in the Dioceses of Victoria and is based on the applicant’s financial need, academic performance and community and church involvement.

This year’s recipient is a remarkable young man. Aidan and his family moved to Parksville in 2000 and joined the Church of the Ascension, where his mom, Fiona, is a member of the Catholic Women's League. Aidan attends Ballenas Secondary School where he has consistently maintained a 98% academic average since 2011 and is a recipient of the school’s top academic awards, along with ten individual school subject-based awards.

In athletics Aidan has received the Ballenas Athletic Award and played in the 2014 BC Boys Volleyball Provincial Championships and the 2014 Vancouver Island Soccer Championships. He is a member of the soccer team and captain of the volleyball team.

In his parish, Aidan has participated in local food drives for struggling families and collected Christmas toys for poor children across the globe. He is an altar server and has received the Bishop's Medal for Altar Serving Excellence. Aidan takes part in numerous other parish activities such as preparing and serving luncheons and helping with the religious education of the youth group.

Aidan says, "The great satisfaction and joy that comes from helping others more than makes up for the work I put in and I know I will continue to volunteer throughout my post secondary life."

Aidan plans to first complete an undergraduate science degree in nursing, followed by Medical School to eventually become a certified physician.

We congratulate Aidan and his family and wish Aidan much success in his chosen career. Submitted by Christa Grillmair Victoria Diocesan Communication Chairperson Pictured are Fiona Murphy, proud mother, Aidan Canil and Bertha Landrie, CWL Diocesan Chair, Education and Health

Honouring a Woman Who Always Is Willing to Share her Time and Talent By Bonnie Johanson

Antoinette Knight, a long - time resident of Powell River, is well known as a woman who is always willing to share her time and talents.

On May 17th a celebration honouring Antoinette Knight was held at St. Joseph's Hall in Powell River. She was recently awarded the Archdiocesan Stewardship Award at Holy Rosary Cathedral April 12. The stewardship award is given by Archbishop Michael Miller, instituted under his tenure, to those who have shown extraordinary dedication in their service to parish life.

Antoinette Knight has been involved with music ministry for 65 years starting at St. Mary's Parish in Chilliwack B.C. In Powell River she accompanied and directed the childrens choir during her teaching years at Assumption School. The budget was very tight in the mid sixties and she taught without pay those early years, unheard of today. She also directed and often accompanied the senior choir in the church for 49 years. She has been an active member of the CWL for over 45 years.

Antoinette selflessly provides music at funerals, plays piano for seniors in extended care and plays for the Italian Masses in St. Gerard's Church in Wildwood. If anyone asks Antoinette for help she is willing to share her time and talents. She is truly a woman of grace and kindness. We are lucky to have her in our community of Powell River BC. Quotes to Remember “Those who sing pray twice. St. Augustine”

“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it ever more fully in your heart.” St, Francis of Assisi

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” ( Lk 6:36) “In a world where various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the public square, or to use religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality, it is imperative that the followers of the various religions join their voices in calling for peace, tolerance and respect for the dignity and rights of others.” — Address by Pope Francis at Independence Mall, Philadelphia

Visit to BC Legislature by the BC & Yukon CWL delegation

Gordon Hogg (MLA Surrey-Whiterock), Ralph Sultan (MLA West Vancouver-Capilano), Pat Pimm (MLA Peace River North), Jane Thornthwaite (MLA North Vancouver-Seymour, Marvin Hunt (MLA Surrey-Panorama) CWL president-elect Evelyn Rigby, CWL President Pat Deppiesse, Resolutions chairperson Dianne Barker, Legislation chairperson Gisela Montague Our Voice, Our Resolutions by Dianne Barker The BC & Yukon Catholic Women’s League Resolutions delegation, comprised of CWL President, Pat Deppiesse from North Vancouver, President-elect, Evelyn Rigby from Powell River, Legislation chairperson, Gisela Montague from Chilliwack, and Resolutions chairperson and Dianne Barker from Kamloops met with MLAs and representatives of the BC Government and the opposition in Victoria on May 13th and 14th, 2015. Prior to the meetings ten resolutions of priority and importance to the League and to our country had been presented in written form to the Liberal and NDP caucus representatives. Six of those resolutions were expanded upon by the delegates during the meetings.

On May 13th, Ralph Sutton (MLA for West Vancouver- Capilano) graciously introduced the delegation to the Liberal caucus. In attendance were Honorable Todd Stone (MLA Kamloops South), Jane Thornthwaite (MLA North Vancouver-Seymour); Laurie Throness (MLA Chilliwack- Hope); Pat Pimm (MLA Peace River North); Marvin Hunt (MLA Surrey- Panorama) and Gordon Hogg (MLA Surrey WhiteRock) as well as legislative assistants and a legislative intern. The government officials were informed that the two resolutions originating in BC were approved at the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization (WUCWO) and were presented to the United Nations for action by the 132 countries of the UN. The passage of federal Bill C36 criminalizing the purchasing of sexual services was acknowledged. The BC government was asked to be vigilant in ensuring this legislation is adhered to in BC.

Resolutions presented by the delegates were: British Columbia Low Income Dental Care asking the BC government to provide access to fully subsidized basic dental care for low income citizens; Electronic or E-Cigarettes commending the government of passing Bill 14 “Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2015” which regulates the sale of e-cigarettes to minors in BC; Flavored Tobacco Products Ban requesting the government to ban flavored tobacco products to protect our children; National Standard for Newborn-Screening Including Screening for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency asking the government to include screening for SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency) in its newborn screening protocols. Children of Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women encouraging BC’s continued participation in the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. While the RCMP Operational Review indicated that the number of missing and murdered women has been reduced, there are still far too many murdered and missing women on the high risk Highway of Tears (the 720 km section of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Hospice Palliative Care: An Integral Component of the Canadian Health Care System affirming the CWLs opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide, and asking the provincial government to take a leadership role in providing palliative care throughout our province. Liberal MLAs asked questions on many of the topics with special attention paid to end of life care, e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, and combating other countries trying to create ‘the perfect race’ through genetic manipulation,. Thoughtful discussion took place with the MLAs. The CWL delegation joined Minister Todd Stone (MLA Kamloops South) in the Legislative Dining Room for lunch, and then attended the Speaker’s Gallery, where Minister Stone introduced them to the House and spoke briefly about the good works done provincially, federally and globally by the Catholic Women’s League. On the morning of May 14th, the delegation met with NDP MLAs Maurine Karagianis (MLA Esquimalt-Royal Roads), Michele Mungall (MLA Nelson-Creston), and Jennifer Rice (MLA North Coast). These MLAs were particularly interested in the resolutions dealing with Low Income Dental Care, Flavored Tobacco Products Ban, and Children of Missing Murdered Aboriginal Women, as these topics are part of the agendas they have been trying to bring to the attention of the government. The Hospice Palliative Care resolution presentation was sent, following the meeting, to the NDP MLAs in attendance, as these MLAs were called to another meeting before we were able to present on that topic. March for Life – Victoria B.C. by Dianne Barker On the afternoon on May 14th, under sunny Victoria skies, the CWL delegation joined BC & YUKON CWL Christian Family Life chairperson, Sharon Geiger of Salmon Arm in the March for Life Victoria 2015. The March began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Gary Gordon at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the provincial CWL banner was processed from Centennial Square to the grounds of the Legislature building. Music and speeches in support of the dignity of life from conception to natural death were part of the peaceful demonstration.

March for Life – carrying BC & Yukon CWL Banner (Christian Family Life chairperson) Sharon Geiger; Legislation Chairperson, Gisela Montague; provincial president, Pat Deppiesse.

March for Life – carrying Powell River pro-life Banner, BC & Yukon CWL president elect, Evelyn Rigby

The Voices of the BC & Yukon Provincial Life Members

I am pleased to say that we have three new Life Members this year, Carol Ann- Alter of Kelowna, Jeanne Wilson of Whitehorse and Evelyn Rigby of Powell River. I welcome and congratulate these deserving ladies. At the same time I am sad to say that we also lost two amazing ladies, Mary Starek from Vancouver Diocese, Mary Tymich of the Kamloops Diocese.

At present we have 39 Life members in the BC & Yukon. We are broken up into six dioceses. In each diocese we have a Life Member Liaison. She is asked to pass on information she has received to the Life members in her diocese. For Victoria we have Margaret Beardon, Vancouver - Lois Charlebois, Nelson - Carol Penno, Kamloops - Lorraine Faherty, Prince George - Andrea McKenzie and the Yukon we have our new Life Member Jeanne Wilson.

Catholic League Members are nominated for Life Membership. Either the Provincial or the Diocesan Council submits the nomination. Life membership is not intended to be a reward for years of service. It is not a free ride. If you are fortunate to have a Life Member in your council, please don’t be afraid to ask them for help.

The Life members have a $500 Life Member’s Fine Arts & Culture Award. Life Member Thelma Varco established this award in 2008. The applicant of this award must be a high school graduate. They can be a daughter and or granddaughter or son and or grandson of a CWL member in good standing. This year we had a committee who revised and updated the criteria for this award. The applicant must be involved in further education in an accredited school in the field of Fine Arts & Culture (e.g., dance, voice speech/drama, music, painting/art, design, etc.). Please refer to our provincial web-site for all the forms and information on this Life Member initiative award at bcyukoncwl.com. This award is completely funded by the Life Members in the BC & Yukon. The recipient’s name is generally released at the Banquet of the Provincial Convention held in June of each year. Please encourage your members to apply for this wonderful award. God Bless

Submitted by Provincial Life Member Liaison - Dodie Bond

It’s A Wonderful Life - Mary Tymich By Dianne Barker “Every time a bell rings an angel gets her wings.” From the words of the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, “Every time a bell rings an angel gets her wings.” Mary Tymich had a wonderful life, and she contributed to making our lives wonderful. As we exited the Cathedral following Mary’s funeral Mass the noon bells chimed as Mary had gone to be with Jesus.

Mary Tymich was truly 95 years young. She moved with the times, embracing the use of the computer to keep in touch with others, when many people her age simply gave up. I am inspired by Mary’s desire and ability to keep current; she had a keen interest in the global world, her community and everyone she met. Even though Mary used the computer, she never lost her love of writing and receiving letters. She kept in touch with her relatives in England and looked forward to receiving letters from them. Even though she has been gone from England for many decades she never lost her English characteristics and style.

Mary was a charter member of OLPH parish CWL in Kamloops, and long after she moved away she retained her interest in its well- being.

Mary was a long- time member of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish. Most recently she attended 8:30 am Mass at the Cathedral and sat at the side with her daughter, Susan. Mary is one of the most faithful and devoted Catholic women that I know. She loved her Church and her faith.

Mary was a Life Member of the Catholic Women’s League. She epitomized the sisterhood of the League and, by her example and sharing of her love of the League, she was personally responsible for many women, young and not so young, joining the League. She facilitated many workshops and kept in touch with the Life Members of the League, even after completing her term as Life Member Liaison. Mary often asked, “How is that young president of our council doing?” and “How is Father… doing – is he interested in the CWL?” Mary offered prayers for everyone’s success.

She did not abide people complaining but with a simple unassuming comment allowed us to know that our God was bigger than any problems we might have. She loved God, and by extension, our clergy. Mary was very generous with her friends, remembering special occasions with a card and kind words. She had an uncanny knack for remembering our families, and she prayed for us and our families.

Mary was proud of and loved her family. Conversations often included updates on all generations of her family. She looked forward to their visits, shared their photos every opportunity she got, and prayed for them.

Mary was legally blind and could no longer read (a real frustration to her) but her daughter read her all her mail, Church bulletins and CWL emails and mail-outs. Mary maintained her interest in all things Catholic.

During her final illness she never lost her will to live, or her sense of humor. She loved a good clean joke. She did say she would be having a talk with Jesus when she got to heaven – about taking her sight and leaving the rest of her here.

We will all miss Mary and we know we have another angel in Heaven praying for us. May she rest in peace, for her work here on Earth, is done.

LEGENDARY ATHLETE & CWL MEMBER MARY MACDONALD

On Tuesday, June 26th in Newmarket, Ontario, 83 years young Mary Macdonald participated in the Pan-Am Games Torch Relay, with her torch lit by boxing legend Lennox Lewis. To honor and cheer her on, Mary’s family turned out in full force wearing TEAM MACDONALD T-SHIRTS. It was her nieces, Janet Macdonald McAllister and Robyn Robertson, who first submitted Mary’s name to be a torch bearer and surprised Mary with the news of her acceptance in April of this year. This loyal CWL member is a devoted parishioner, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, athlete, coach, mentor and a legend in Canadian volleyball and basketball. Mary Macdonald was born on August 15, 1931 in Toronto, Ontario to Amy and Robert Macdonald. Amy was a non-Catholic, but promised to raise her children in the Catholic faith. When Mary was 8, her father went into the army for WWII and served overseas for 5-1/2 years. During this time, Amy Macdonald kept her promise and made sure that her children received the sacraments and attended Mass faithfully. Upon completing grade 13, Mary went on to the University of Toronto for a degree in Physical & Health Education and completed a post-grad in Education. Mary won her first National Volleyball Championship in 1959 and continued on to win 4 more consecutive titles in Toronto, before moving to Vancouver. She started the Alums Volleyball Club and won the National Championship again in 1964 and 1966, as well as being the MVP for those years. In 2001 Mary was inducted into Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame. Her Hall of Fame profile reads in part: “Mary’s strength and tenacity changed the way women were playing the sport of volleyball during the late 50’s and early 60’s”. Mary also excelled in basketball and played for Canada in three Pan Am Games, starting in 1959. In 1962 she moved to Vancouver to join the team in San Paulo, Brazil. In 1964 Mary was voted MVP in both the Canadian National Basketball and Volleyball Championships, making her the best athlete in Canada in both sports in the same year. She went on to win a bronze medal for Canada in basketball at the 1967 Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg. Her team was the first Canadian Basketball Team, male or female, to win a medal in the Pan-Am Games. Mary taught in Vancouver at John Oliver Secondary School and coached many sports in her 27 years there. Over the years, Mary has been honoured by the University of Toronto, the Basketball BC Hall of Fame and the Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame (the 1st Woman so honored). However, Mary’s life wouldn’t be complete without her strong faith. She is a devoted parishioner at St. Pius X Parish in North Vancouver and was a Charter member of their CWL council when it formed 20 years ago. Before that she belonged to the St. Pius X Women’s Auxiliary. Mary has consistently applied the same commitment and dedication to her catholic faith as she has to her athletic life. In 2011, St. Pius X Council presented Mary and her dear friend Nora McDermott with the Certificate of Merit for their years of tireless contribution to the parish. Mary personifies the League’s mission statement by answering the call to holiness through service to the people of God. She faithfully attends morning Mass and helps with the altar preparation. She served as Education & Health Chairperson for several years and was responsible for teaching the St. Pius X Elementary School children how to prepare the palms for Palm Sunday. Mary initiated a $200 prize to be awarded annually to a deserving female grade 7 student at graduation. The CWL award is called the Nora McDermott Award of Excellence, in memory of Mary’s dear friend, CWL member and fellow basketball legend. Mary also chairs the church cleaning committee, delivers Meals on Wheels and, while faithfully wearing her CWL scarf, ushers at the 5 pm Saturday Mass where she joyfully greets all who enter. As a member of St. Pius X Council, I feel truly blessed to have such a warm, generous and inspirational woman as Mary Macdonald as my League sister. She embodies our BC & Yukon provincial theme of “Joyfully Serving the Lord” and calls all of us to serve the League with “One Heart One Voice One Mission”.

Anita Park, Vancouver Diocesan Communications Chair

Jun. 26, 2015 Mary’s Torch lighted by Lennox Lewis 1963 Pan-Am Games, Brazil. Mary #12, Nora McDermott #13

Mary wearing her 1967 Pan- Am Bronze Medal

Mary greeting and ushering before 5 pm Mass

Using our Voice – Gathering Us Together Submitted by Jeanne Wilson, BC & Yukon Spiritual Development

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says,” Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.” In Bishop Gary’s presentation, at the National Convention, he spoke about the poor and disadvantaged. He said that isolation, which many poor and disadvantaged feel, breeds fear. He called on the CWL to eliminate isolation by their work. Jesus came for everyone and He calls everyone – sinners and saints alike. We are all welcome in the church. How can we, in the Catholic Women’s League, respond to this call? It is not an easy call. If we put our trust in God we have to face the unknown. We will have to sit with people that we may be afraid of and not approve of. What are ways we can do this? Every diocese has people that suffer isolation. Isolation can be physical, such as in our rural communities and it can be social such as homelessness, illness – mental and physical, and poverty. As Catholics we can reach out to those who are isolated and feel abandoned by the church. Living in a small community that has a very small Catholic population can be very isolating. There is much negative press against the church in our media and some people are very anti-Catholic which makes it difficult to keep the faith when there are so few. Often in a small community there is an evangelical church that is popular and puts pressure on our parishioners to join. In our diocese, which is very large, we have tried to gather all the Catholic Women together through the Catholic Women’s League. We have ventured forth to the north, the south, the east and the west to talk to the women about the League. We feel that just because there is no League in the smaller communities that should not be a barrier to women belonging to the League. In some of our smaller parishes there is no priest and the small congregations meet when a priest comes to say mass or they hold a communion service. We feel that a connection with the League helps the Catholic women of the rural parish stay connected to the church and be active in the whole church. We have not had any success in beginning new councils, but we have recruited some members that belong to the Whitehorse council. We keep in touch with these members and encourage them to contact us when they are in town and because they are members they receive the League magazine. Our visits have been very rewarding. We now have members in four other communities. When we visit a community, we always go in twos usually with the visiting priest. We bring food and some information about the League. We sit with the people after mass and listen to their concerns, hopes and desires and share food with them. We do a short presentation about the League. We always take back more than what we gave. We often give up a Sunday or a weekend to do this work. Look at your diocese and find the small communities that struggle without a priest or connection to the church and pay them a visit. You will be rewarded.

Traveling to Convention with your Sisters in the League – Priceless! For over ten years now, the Kamloops Diocesan Catholic Women’s League has organized a bus to transport as many members as possible to conventions throughout the Province and Yukon. And this year was no different...we were off to Prince George in June for the Provincial, and to Vancouver for National in August. Travelling by bus has become Kamloops CWLs signature and this year we added a brand new sign to add to the side of the bus for advertising and opening discussions wherever we stop. The ladies were delighted and proud to show off the new addition. Travelling to Conventions is the best way for members to learn more about the League, to be spiritually enriched, to share ideas with others, to learn more about themselves and the community around them and to meet many new friends. Travelling by bus is priceless!

BC & YUKON 68TH ANNUAL PROVINCIAL CONVENTION It was my pleasure to attend the 68th BC & Yukon Provincial Convention hosted by the Diocese of Prince George from June 10th to 13th, 2015. The hospitality provided by Prince George was second to none and started with an airport welcome and pickup.

Most Reverend Stephen Jensen, Bishop of Prince George, was the main celebrant of the Opening Mass on Thursday, June 11th at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop Jensen gave a beautiful homily in which he integrated both the Provincial theme of “Joyfully Serving the Lord” and the National theme of “One Heart One Voice One Mission”. Following the Mass and greeting from several dignitaries, an Opening Reception was held in a large room of the church. Friday’s Business Sessions started promptly at 8:30 am with the Spiritual Program centered on our CWL “Companion in Prayer”. We were each given a paper flower on which to print the name and Province or Territory of our companion in prayer and recited the special prayer, written by Fr. Craig Scott of St. Clare of Assisi parish, in Coquitlam, BC. The flowers were put into vases corresponding with the province or territory of our companion in prayer and displayed through the convention room. The significance of this gesture was uplifting, as we were united as a nation with One Heart One Voice One Mission.

BC and Yukon is made up of six Dioceses which include Kamloops, Nelson, Prince George, Vancouver, Victoria and Whitehorse. The reports given by the six Diocesan Provincial Presidents were especially interesting and informative. Each report provided a snapshot of the accomplishments, challenges and goals of the Diocese. Of special note is the Diocese of Whitehorse, which in 2014 lost both its Bishop and two long time priests. The faithful deeply feel the loss, but know they are not forgotten. Some towns only have a priest for Mass and the Eucharist once a month. Despite this, the League members see this as an opportunity to be supportive, living in joyful hope and doing their best to help out. An Apostolic Administrator has been appointed and temporary priests have been sent.

One of the most important aspects of any convention is the resolutions. This year three important and timely BC & Yukon resolutions were presented and approved to be brought to the National Convention in Vancouver on August 16 to 19, 2015. 1. 2015.01, Invoke the Notwithstanding Clause; 2. 2015.04, Increased Access to Children and Youth Mental Health Services 3. 2015.05, Income Tax Credit for Clients of Registered Clinical Counselors.

Two other important resolutions were presented and approved to be brought to the Provincial Government at our next meeting with them in the fall. 1. 2015.02, Enduring Power of Attorney 2. 2015.03, New Registration Process for Organ and Tissue Donation The convention featured several very interesting speakers. On Friday, we heard four presentations. The first was Maureen Fadum, President of Domestic Abuse Services), Our Lady of Good Counsel Society (DAS-OLGCS). Maureen spoke about the work of this registered, non-profit organization founded in 1995 within theCatholic Archdiocese of Vancouver, under the auspices of the Catholic Women’s league. She explained that the work of the society is to assist women and children seeking safety or recovery from domestic abuse regardless of religious denomination, race or creed. For more information or to make a donation, please go to their website at http://domesticabuseservices.ca/

The second presentation was on the CWL and Development & Peace 1% Program. The presenters were Sergio Petrucci from Development & Peace and Doreen Gowans, National Chairperson, Community Life. The purpose of the 1% program is to raise funds to help women in developing countries build stronger communities. The power point presentation is available and downloadable on the CWL website at www.cwl.ca. The third presentation was on our National and Provincial Themes: One Heart One Voice One Mission and Joyfully Serving the Lord, with National President, Barbara Dowding and Sr. Irene Baker, CSJ as presenters. Barb took us on her journey in choosing a National theme. She credits Pope Francis and his openness and love for all people. She urged us to pray and read scripture and suggested using daily Mass readings as a source. Sr. Irene suggested that we read Pope Francis’s Joy of the Gospel.

The final presentation was on Going Forward with Palliative Care, by Donna Flood, Executive Director of the Prince George Hospice Society. Donna stated that 90% of us will probably need hospice care, while the other 10% will die suddenly in an accident, or some other way. There is a great need for hospice and palliative care in our province and our county. Everyone should complete an Advanced Care Directive. Both our families and our doctors need to know our wishes. More information is available by calling Health Link BC at 811. As well, a provincial advance care planning guide and workbook can be downloaded at: www.gov.bc.ca/advancecare

The Friday business session ended with Mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, followed by a dinner in the school gym. A delicious pasta dinner was prepared and served by the teachers and we were entertained by two choirs. The first was the Grade 7 Show Choir, who presented several songs with youthful energy and enthusiasm. Kudos to the choir and their choir masters for a very entertaining performance. Afterwards the Forever Young Chorus entertained with several nostalgic songs from the past. All in all, it was a very wonderful evening.

On Saturday morning we were privileged to hear from Dr. Moira McQueen, Executive Director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute. Dr. McQueen’s very impressive credentials (http://www.ccbi-utoronto.ca/) somewhat over shadow what she calls her greatest accomplishment, which are her 7 children. This fact even impressed Pope Francis, who asked her how she found the time for everything else! Dr. McQueen was appointed by Pope Francis in September 2014 to the International Theological Commission for a 5 year term.

Dr. McQueen began her presentation by reviewing the Church’s teaching on the definition of a human person (from conception to its natural end) and emphasized that a human person should never be used as a means to an end. She explained that the Church is not judging us when it makes a statement about certain actions. Some actions are intrinsically evil, meaning that the action hurts the dignity of the person, and the Church is acknowledging the action, not the person. We can do the wrong thing and not be subjectively responsible or at least responsibility will be mitigated. Therefore, we need to have an informed conscience in order to make good decisions and keep current on such matters as end of life issues and patients’ rights.

In 1958, Pope Pius XII said that if a patient needs pain medication he should take it, even if it hastens death; even if it causes the person to become unconscious. Heroics are not demanded! Sedation at the end of life is ok, not sedation to end life. With regard to Physician Assisted Suicide, Dr. McQueen stated that: “There are no laws strong enough to prevent abuses” and “There are no safeguards strong enough in any legislation to protect the vulnerable from abuse”.

Dr. McQueen spoke to us about the need to take action on several matters, including  Advanced Directives - health care  Enduring Powers of Attorney – alterable if need be – for legal matters  Importance of having “the conversation” with one’s family

The second and last presentation on Saturday afternoon was by Rev. Vincent James, OMI on the Rose Prince Pilgrimage. Fr. James spoke very warmly about the humble life of Rose Prince of the Carrier Nation in British Columbia. Every year on the second weekend of July, three day pilgrimage is held at Lejac near Fraser Lake, BC. He invited us to attend this year’s pilgrimage on July 3 to 5th.

The 68th Provincial Convention ended with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by reaffirmation of the Officers and Chairpersons and a banquet. Agnes Geiger, Provincial Education and Health Chairperson presented Marianna Gagliano with the CWL Molly Boucher Bursary.

Special thanks to Prince George Diocese for hosting a very successful Provincial Convention. The 69th Provincial Convention will be held in June 2106 in Coquitlam, BC. Submitted by Anita Park Communications Chair - Vancouver Diocese

Molly Boucher Award Recipient - Marianna Gagliano- Submitted by Diane Nadeau The Molly Boucher Bursary was presented to Marianna Gagliano at the 68th Annual BC Yukon Convention held in Prince George. This Bursary was established to provide some financial assistance to a member of the CWL in BC &Yukon who wished to further her education. Marianna Gagliano is currently the secretary of Sacred Heart Cathedral Council in Kamloops, BC, and is pictured here with (Left to Right) BC Yukon Provincial President Pat Deppiesse, Parish Council President Anita Sehn, Recipient Marianna Gagliano, National President Barbara Dowding and Kamloops Diocesan President Sheila Doherty Diane Nadeau

Helping Those - Who Are Helping Those in Need

Submitted by Doreen Gowans, Past President BC & Yukon Provincial CWL Council We are always being inundated with requests for help whether it is monetary or prayerfully, but do we take the time to consider organizations that we know are helping those in need? With the Year of Mercy fast approaching, Pope Francis has called us to practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. May I suggest helping one of the following? The first is the Canadian Food for Children: It is a non Governmental Organization working to relieve the suffering of the poor in developing countries and it is completely run and staffed by volunteers. The group operates solely on donations from individuals and groups. ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me.’ Matthew 25:35-36 The organization was founded by Dr. Andrew Alexander Simone and his wife Mrs. Joan Simone. They collect donations of supplies categorize them such as: Hospital Boxes: contain sheets, towels, pillow cases, light blankets, soap, bandages, laundry & hand soap. Cleaning Kits: contain cleanser, scrub brush, sunlight bar soap, soft cotton cloths and pot scrubbers of all kinds. Baby Kit: contains Flannelette diapers, pins, plastic pants, soap, wash clothes, towels, sleepers, shirt, receiving blanket, toys and cream. Carpenter kits: Work cloths for men, tape measures, hammers, handsaws, screwdrivers, squares, files and rasps, axes, chisels, wrenches, nails, screws, nuts and bolts & lumber. Other kits include Shoe Shine/School kits, Nurse Kits, Sports Equipment, and Miscellaneous. One group just picked up thousands of school books that will be shipped to the various countries. All the items are collected, packed tightly in shipping containers and shipped to Angola, Columbia, Dominica, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatamala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Madagascar, Malawi, Nicaragua, Peru, Phillippines, Sierra Leone, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Trinidad and Zambia. They have never had one container go astray, having strict red-tape protocol and designated receivers in each country who are working with the people who send us feedback letters and photos. How can we help? Monetary donations can be sent. Please make cheques payable to Canadian Food for Children, Okanagan Division, PO Box 339, 113-437 Martin St., Penticton, BC V2A 5L1 Print your name and address and you will receive a receipt for Income Tax. Charitable Registration #83300607RR0001 for more info go to: http://www.canadianfoodforchildren.net/ Donate by mail: Donate by credit card or Pay Pal : Please print out our Donation Form and mail to: CFFC-BC. 3218 - 224 Street, Langley. B. C. V2Z 2G8. Save a Family Plan (SAFP): where 100% of your donation reaches the poor. This is a sustainable family and community development program. It is an international non- governmental organization based in Canada and India, founded in 1965 by Monsignor Augustine Kandathil. The organization is committed to seeking justice and working with the marginalized and poor of India irrespective of caste, creed, gender or political affiliation. Offices are in London, Ontario (based at St. Peter’s Seminary) and Parappuram, Kerala, India. It is governed by a Board of Directors in Canada and a board of Trustees in India. Monetary donations can be sent to Save a Family Plan, PO Box 3622, London ON N6A 4L4 for more info go to www.safp.org

HOW IS THE VOICE HEALTH OF MY PET, ‘COMMUNICATOR’? ‘ Communicator’, our provincial CWL newsletter, has heard advice, tips for happiness, stories of wonderful ladies living long productive lives of service, stories of how the young have found their place among us. Thank you to all who have given your voice and have kept the Communicator healthy. If you have any articles, ideas or suggestions for Communicator, please e-mail your suggestions to Laura at [email protected] or [email protected].

The Communicator is intended to be a teaching aid to educate members and to share ideas from the BC & Yukon Provincial Council and from our members to our sisters in the League.

Deadline for the Spring Issue #32 is March10, 2016.

2016 Spring Newsletter Theme is One Mission – Joyfully Serving the Lord