Catholic Women S League

Catholic Women’s League St. Gabriel Parish Burlington, Ontario

General Meeting September 15, 2014 – 7:00 p.m.

Present: 16 Members

Business Meeting

Co-president Anne Walden opened the evening with a Hail Mary in the absence of Marguerite Birette our Spiritual Convenor. Anne welcomed everyone to the business meeting, extended greetings and asked members to share good news. Helen Crooker is now a great grandmother. Gwen Dwyer and her husband celebrated their 57th anniversary. Betty Holland has a new grandson in England.

Minutes The minutes of the May 12, 2014 meeting were previously distributed and posted on the website. They were approved on a motion by: Jane Michael and seconded by Betty Holland.

Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Helen Crooker provided members with a report on the account balances.

Presidents’ Report Anne – reminded members that the CPR defibrillator course is on Sep. 24, 7-9 pm. People who signed up should meet inside the doors at St. Stephen’s before 7:00.

Gloria Nardi-Bell – was away so there was no report from her.

Correspondence – Elaine Herod, Corresponding Secretary, had none.

Convenor Reports Membership – Betty reported that there are currently 102 members, which is down from last year. Health – Pearly Chan reminded members to get a flu shot as soon as possible as people are already getting the flu.

Communion Breakfast Report from Jane Michael – there will be information in the bulletin each week with names for ticket sales. We can sell up to 180 tickets. Sales will end the weekend before the event as numbers must be given to the caterers. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. The speaker is Anne Jamieson – wife, mother of 5, who lives on farm and works. We will give a donation to Anne and also to Roseanne Quinlan, Mary Muller’s sister-in-law, to play the violin as guests are arriving. Coffee and some other items will be donated. Posters are being made. The Polish ladies are catering the breakfast but we need to bring toasters from home for use in the hall. The committee has requested help from students for volunteer hours. Scarlett Michael will go to the schools to provide information about what the students will be helping with. Arrangements are being made for help with set up and clean up. The menu will include scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit, toast. Some breads (i.e. banana bread) are being donated. A donation of fruit would also be helpful. Members were asked to add their name to the sign up sheet to sell tickets at masses over the next few weekends. Gwen Dwyer and Anne Swales are doing some phoning.

Bazaar Nov. 22/23 is the only weekend available. Anne W. noted that for medical reasons she is not able to convene the bazaar this year or canvass for prizes. It was suggested that we put a request in the bulletin for volunteers. Last year Anne and Helen were to co- convene but Anne had to withdraw due to health issues and Helen was left as sole convenor. We need to follow up with people who have helped in the past and ask if they are able to help again this year. Anne received a message from Suzette D’Aoust saying that a friend has items to donate for the bazaar if anyone has room to store them.

Other Business Pearly told members about a women’s organization, Burlington Women’s Connection (formerly the Christian Women’s Club), that gets together once a month at Compass Point for a breakfast. A variety of programs are offered – fashion show, speakers, etc. It is the 3rd Wed. of the month, 9:45-11:30 am, and the cost is $8.00. The money goes to missions. It is open to women of all faiths and backgrounds and there is no discussion on religion.

Adjourn The meeting was adjourned on a motion by Jane Michael.

Presentation Jane Michael gave an extremely interesting and informative talk on the Role of being a School Trustee. She is currently our trustee for wards 3 and 6 on the Halton Catholic School Board.

Trustees are locally elected representatives. There is an election campaign on now and Jane is running again for the same wards. Only one area is acclaimed in Milton.

- Jane outlined the trustee responsibilities in promoting Catholic education, providing anti-bullying campaigns, ensuring effective stewardship of the board’s resources, delivering appropriate educational programs. - She explained that they have only one employee - the Director of Education. Trustees are not involved in hiring teachers or anyone else and some people are confused about this. - In Catholic education there is a partnership with home, church and school – through school children whose families do not go to church have an opportunity to learn about and practice their faith. - The Catholic view is infused in all curriculum. - There are 3 students who sit on the board – they are non-voting members who provide insight and feedback. - Jane expressed concern that a change in government might one day result in merging of the Catholic board with the Public board. - She noted that the Catholic system consistently outperforms the Public in the results of EQOA testing of students.

Jane expertly answered numerous questions that members brought forward and closed her presentation with a prayer for Catholic education. She then offered an opportunity to ask additional questions and continue chatting with her over refreshments.

Minutes by: Anne Cholewka