Newsletter March 2011
Volume 1, Issue 1 Faith in Action
Ottawa Diocesan Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada
Our New Look Special Interest The purpose of this provide information and prayer is. Articles: newsletter is to provide encourage leadership. If you are reading online, • Our New Look! information to our They are sad, happy, send the newsletter to members. funny, serious and all someone else who may • A Lenten parts of the lives of the Newsletters are a great enjoy it. Print a copy and Reflection by authors. Fr. Jessimar way to share our stories share it with a neighbor and rejoice in the work all Get a cup of tea, sit down who does not have email. members are doing to Index: in a comfy chair and enjoy Take a copy to the church support each other, our the read! and put it up on the parishes, our bulletin board (with President‘s Report 5 Please take the time to communities, our cities, permission). Spiritual Dev 6 province and country. pray for those who submitted articles and Please send feedback to Organization 7 The stories shared are communiqués. Your the Diocesan meant to encourage and Treasurer 8 prayers are appreciated. Communications Chair. inspire. They are meant to We all know how powerful Historian 9 God bless you all Community L 10 Reflection for Lent and on Fasting / Abstinence Ed & Health 12 Prepared by Father Jessimar Tapia, Diocesan Spiritual Advisor Communicate 14 Resolutions 15 From Living Lent (Liturgical Leaflet, edited by the National Liturgy Office, and published by Publications Service, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2500 Legislation 17 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 2J2 Canada). Parish Highlights 18 History: Lent has been part of the Church‘s life for at least the past 1700 years. It Dates to Remember began as a period of special preparation for adults being baptized during the Easter 26 vigil. Gradually it became a period of penance and conversion for public sinners and also for devout members of the community. Feedback 26 Purpose of Lent today: Lent is a time of prayer and penance, when Christ wants to lead us back to our baptismal promises of dying to sin and of living for God. We prepare ourselves to enter once again into Jesus‘ Paschal mystery and to renew it in our lives.
Dying to sin. During Lent, God‘s people seek to put sin out of their lives by uprooting habits and tendencies that are contrary to God‘s will. It is a time of conversion, of turning away from our sins and of turning back to God. Living for God. The Lord Jesus is calling us to be people of praise and prayer, and living signs of his love for all. During Lent, we open our hearts to our Father, so that we may live with Christ for God.
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Reflection for Lent and on Fasting / Abstinence (continued)
The elect: The catechumens who will be baptised at the Easter vigil take a prominent place in the Lenten Sunday liturgies and at celebrations during the week. We join in prayer for them and, through our participation in the various rituals (for example, the scrutinies) come to a better understanding of the grace of our own initiation.
Lenten works: What should we be doing for Lent? Today the Church invites us to prepare for Easter by doing individual penance and penance as a group; by reading God‘s word more carefully; by praying more ardently, including sincere prayer for sinners; by giving of ourselves to the service of God‘s people.
All weekdays in Lent are days of special penance. We are obliged to join the Church around the world in fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. On Good Friday and Holy Saturday we keep the solemn Paschal fast.
Ten forms of penance: These are ―the top ten‖ in the tradition of the Christian people. They are our daily responsibility as believers; in Lent, we concentrate on them even more seriously. 1. Giving up sin. Jesus tells us that we show our love for him by keeping his commandments, especially by loving others as he has loved us. We are called to live blameless lives as God‘s holy people, the Church. Our God wants us to turn away from our sins, our failings, “Our God wants us to our laziness in prayer, our unwillingness to do better. turn away from our sins, 2. Praying. Jesus and his apostles tell us to pray always, to be our failings, our constant in prayer. Traditional times for Christians to pray are morning, laziness in prayer, our evening and mealtimes. Personal prayer is a necessary preparation unwillingness to do for our sharing in the Church‘s public worship, the liturgy. In our love, better.” we join Jesus and all God‘s people in praying for ourselves, for our family and friends, for our leaders, for those who suffer, and for the Church and the world. 3. Fasting. Fasting means cutting down on the amount and richness of our food and drink. Done as a penance for sin, it helps us to pray better: an empty stomach can lead to more attentive prayer. The money we save on food should be given to others in alms. The law of fasting obliges adults until they are 60 years old. 4. Doing good works. Jesus went about doing good. The apostles continued to teach us to do good works, to help those in need, to give others the good example of our living, to pray for other people and to be ready to serve them in their time of need. The list is endless, but can be summarized in a few words: we are to help Jesus and come to his aid by helping other people in a spirit of love.
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Reflection for Lent and on Fasting / Abstinence (continued) 5. Giving alms. We give alms to help God‘s poor and to support the good works of the Church and other positive agencies. Again our help is being given to Christ in his brothers and sisters. Many Churches encourage giving 10%— the biblical tithe—as the minimum gift to God and to God‘s works. We do not give in order to show off or keep up with others; instead we give cheerfully to God, who has given us everything we have. 6. Abstinence. This form of penance needs to be seen as a near cousin of fasting. We may give up meat or other desirable foods on one or two days a week during Lent, especially on Friday, the day of Christ‘s saving death on the cross. Our abstinence is another way of sharing in Christ‘s work of saving the world. Throughout the year, every Friday is a day of abstinence from meat, obliging all Catholics who are 14 years or older. We may also substitute other good actions for abstinence from meat. These could include special acts of charity (visiting the sick or aged, helping those in any need, contributing time
or money to a work of charity) or other acts of piety (taking part in a service of worship with others, praying with our family, spending some extra time in personal prayer, especially with God‘s holy word in the scriptures). 7. Carrying out our duties of life. This is perhaps the hardest and most unrecognized form of penance. We serve God by living out our vocation in love each day. We do our best for God by being a good ―Christians need to be a mother, father, teacher, worker, student, religious, minister, priest. God sign of contradiction to the world, and to spend is calling each of us to be a living sacrifice, and to offer our daily life more time in serving through Christ. God and people.‖ 8. Meditative reading. In an age of constant bombardment by noise and sights, Christians need time to read and reflect. Believers have to nourish their faith by reading. Prayerful reading of God‘s word each day opens our hearts to the Spirit, and lets God‘s thoughts and ways influence ours. Reading other Christian books and magazines will help us to be stronger in our faith and in our living. 9. Controlling our desire for possessions. Jesus reminds us that our heart will be wherever our treasure is. He tells us to build up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Today‘s consumer is constantly tempted to buy more and more things: everything has to be newer, bigger, better—and automatic. As Christians, we should be cutting down on our possessions, eliminating frills, giving our surplus to others, lessening our wants, and sharing ourselves, our time, our talents and our possessions with others. 10. Controlling our desire for entertainment. Too much entertainment—by radio, TV, movies, spectator sports, light reading, distractions—can dull our taste for the things of God, and lead us to have no time for the works of the Lord. Christians need to be a sign of contradiction to the world, and to spend more time in serving God and people.
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Reflection for Lent and on Fasting / Abstinence (continued)
Lent in Our Home
Examine your conscience: At the beginning of Lent, discuss each of the ten penance suggestions with your family. How can you improve your present way of life? Your resolution: Make a serious resolution to do several actions of penance, both individually and as a family, each day during this Lent. Rewards of a good Lent: The Lord Jesus rewards those who are generous in his service. A good Lent is a sharing in his cross, and leads us to renew our baptismal promises at the Easter vigil. Paschal fast: Make a particular effort to keep the days of the Triduum, and especially Good Friday and Holy Saturday, as a period of prayer and reflection.
All praise to you, Father in heaven, for leading us out of the darkness of sin into the light of your kingdom. We bless you for sending us your Son to save us, ―A good Lent is a to die for us that we might die to sin, sharing in his cross, and leads us to renew to be raised that we might share your life. our baptismal promises We thank you for giving us your Spirit of love, at the Easter vigil.‖ to live in our hearts and lead us to you. All glory, praise and honour be yours, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and evermore. Amen.
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President’s Report I have just come from our On Friday Dr. Perrin, parish bulletins with parish Ash Wednesday President of St. Jerome information on how the service and I am inspired by University in Waterloo gave money will be used. the words of St. Paul in us a talk on the Importance Consider inviting women the today‘s second reading ―So of Catholic University Today. neighbouring churches to we are ambassadors for The talk was well received join in the cause. On Christ, God making his by all. Our time together was Tuesday April 26 donate the appeal through us. We short but fulfilling. I want to proceeds to the project beseech you on behalf of thank you for allowing me to selected. Christ, be reconciled to participate on that team. The Feast Day of Our God.‖ 2 Corinthians 5: 20. I Velma Harasen, lady of Good Counsel will be urge all members to be National President in the celebrated at St. Patrick‘s ambassadors for Christ. "Canadian League" Fallowfield on Tuesday April Through this work we can magazine suggests that we 26th at 7pm. Please make fulfill his words. be Women Against Poverty sure that you have sent a list It was my privilege for (WAP). Change for Change of all pins and awards for the last time to represent you will be a national project for 2010 to the Spiritual at the winter meeting of the April 26th, the feast of Our Development Chair, Joanne Ontario Provincial council. Lady of Good Counsel. A Sisk. They will be read at the On Thursday evening we little change from your purse Mass. shared in two workshops: the or pocket can make a big Registration Forms for first presented by Anne change in the life of Provincial Convention to be Madden, Provincial someone in need. Your held July 10-13, 2011 at the Legislation Chair called council may choose a project Sheraton Hotel in Hamilton Decision Making in Health that will aid the eradication of Ontario will be available Care – the ethical and legal poverty, helping women and through a link on our implications and the second children in poverty, in parish diocesan web site presented by Mary Lou families or communities. www.ottawa.cwl.on.ca . Watson, Provincial With the permission of Register early to avoid Education and Health Chair pastors, at Easter weekend disappointment. on the new privacy policy for masses and services, which the provincial council. Mary fall just before April 26th May Our Lady of Good Lou is serving as privacy invite parishioners to empty Counsel bless us all. officer for this term. They their loose change into a were both very informative. basket. Promote this in Colleen Randall
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Spiritual Development: Joanna Sisk
This month we begin our Consider fasting from Archbishop Prendergast also Lenten journey: our 40 days criticism, impatience and writes about prayer, fasting of prayer, fasting and inflexibility. Thoughtful self- and almsgiving as a way to almsgiving that lead us, with denial cleanses both the renew our own commitment Jesus, to Jerusalem and to body and the spirit. to holiness of life in his ―2011 the Cross. As we know, the Give alms: With a generous Letter for Lent, God's Word journey does not end with spirit, share what you have for Our Lives in Lent‖ This the Cross but with the empty with those who have less. can be found on the tomb – with victory over And share often. Know that (wwwArchOttawa.ca) under death and new life. acts of justice and Home. Prayer: Find a quiet, private compassion bless both the space where you can be giver and the recipient. alone with your thoughts and (By Susan Eaton) alone with God. It could be when you go for a walk, There are two sides to the while you are folding laundry, nature of Lent it is revealed when you are working on a in the various names for this hobby, on your bus commute season. 'Lent' comes to us to or from work, or that from Old English for spring, precious time after the kids referring to the lengthening are in bed. Taking time for days and increasing daylight. yourself isn't selfish; it is In Eastern churches, Lent is about making room in your a season of ―bright sadness‖. life to nurture your And in other languages, the relationship with God. name for Lent refers to the Fasting: Think about what 40 days of the penitential you eat and drink, and why. journey. (Nancy Kayes, Try to make healthy choices ―Living with Christ‖) and support local producers. If you are able, take a short Lent is a time of both pause from consuming your conversation and hope - a favourite foods. Take an time to be centred on faith objective look at your words and act with justice. and actions. The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel April 26, 2011 St. Patrick's Church (Fallowfield) 7:00p.m. Hosted by C.W.L. of St. Patrick's Council.
The feast day of our patroness falls just two days after Easter but please make and effort to attend and encourage others to join us, as we remember our members who have died and pray to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Mass will be at 7pm followed by a reception.
Remember to bring your Council's Book of Life
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Organization: Heather Sisk
MEMBERSHIP AND wonder, if I asked you if you come to know God. Yes you RECRUITMENT wanted to let your hair down will have fun getting together This is the ninth and have some fun, would with your sisters in the Communiqué I have written you go for that? League, laughing and joking since taking on this chair As we go through life, we in a Christian atmosphere of almost 2 years ago and I‘m make choices: We choose friendship and sharing. really coming up blank with to love. We choose good We need you and we want anything new to tell you. over evil. We choose our you to infuse us with your The following came across mate, our friends, a certain fresh new ideas, with your my desk from somewhere. It life style and the list goes on energy and your positive was taken from ―The Jewel and on. attitudes – we know you in God‘s Crown‖ – a speech I am inviting YOU to choose have a lot to give. Just as given by a CWL member to become a member of the God has a place for us, there Maura Canavan during the Catholic Women‘s League of is a place for each one of us 2006 CWL Leadership and Canada. If you choose the within the framework of the Public Speaking Course in CWL, it is a diamond, a CWL. I ask you to join us Peel Region and I think it sparkling, twinkling diamond and choose to be a part of sums up beautifully what the in God‘s crown, and there that precious jewel in God‘s CWL is all about. I‘m happy are many facets to this crown. to share it with all of you – diamond. PINS AND AWARDS maybe there‘s something in Yes you will have the If you have members who it you could use in your opportunity to improve the received Maple Leaf pins, membership drives. quality of your life and the years of service pins, Why Become a CWL lives of those you love. Yes certificates of merit or other Member? you can help your neighbour. special awards during 2010 If I offered you a shiny, Yes we do raise money for please send me a list of sparkling diamond for $20 a the church. Yes we do those members as soon as year – would you go for it? If encourage and recognize possible. They will be I offered you a chance to our youth. Yes we take recognized and celebrated at improve the quality of your action on health issues. Yes the Feast of Our Lady of life, the life of your family – we are a powerful force in Good Counsel on April 26th would you go for it? If I the church. Yes our voice is and will be listed in our offered you a chance to heard in the local, provincial, annual report book. know God, to grow spiritually national and international – would you go for it? I community. Yes you will
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Treasurer: Helen Bissonnette
We have just completed To be protected from any our Annual Report and potential personal liability, the question as to what to all cheques must be include in ―Convention signed by any two of the Subsidies‖ was raised. If three signing officers. your council pays for any Further, blank cheques part of the fees for should never be pre- members to attend a signed. convention, this would be considered a subsidy i.e. Budgets registration, meals, Most of you are in the accommodation and process of drafting a mileage. budget for 2011 to be presented for approval. Signing Officers Please refer to the It cannot be stressed Guidelines for enough how important Treasurers, page 6, the following information ―Budgets‖ and page 9, is: ―Signing officers have ―Sample Parish Council a fiduciary responsibility Budget‖. I am sure you for League funds and are will find this helpful. If you accountable for all have any questions or distribution of monies. require assistance, The treasurer shall please do not hesitate to arrange for three signing contact me, I will be only officers too happy to lend a (president/treasurer/and helping hand. one other). For more information please refer Your sister in Christ, to the Treasurer section Helen of the Executive Handbook.
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Past President/Historian: May Lubin NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE: Updates from the National I was appointed by the Therefore, it is important that Website: President to be the Chair of councils complete this form the Nominations and and return it by the date To Membership Chairpersons: Election Committee for the requested in order to Remittances received at 2011 elections. The other participate in the election national office on: members of the committee process on the first ballot. February 17 will be processed are Kay May and Joan Scott (Constitution and Bylaws by February 28. who are both Archdiocesan Article XV Section 3 refers February 18 will be processed retired Past Presidents. to this process). Each by March 2. Parish Council Presidents Parish Council Executive February 22 will be processed will be receiving shortly, a shall nominate a slate of by March 4. Nomination Form to be officers for the diocesan February 23 will be processed completed at the Executive council from the list of those by March 8. meeting of the Council and eligible, who have agreed to February 24 will be processed to be returned to me by April let their names stand for by March 10. 8, 2011. This form when nomination. February 25 will be processed completed and signed is by March 14. called the Instructed Vote. 2011 memberships processed to When we begin the election February 15, 2011: 22,150 process at the Convention May the peace of the risen on May 14, 2011, the voting Lord be with you all as we delegates (the parish council begin our Lenten journey. presidents or their appointed representative) will vote in accordance with the May Instructed Vote for the first ballot.
“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go” …Psalm 32:8
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Community Life: Sharon St. Jean
As we prepare to enter the season They hope to enable these people Agricultural Workers Program, of Lent, let us remember that the to stand on their own and know spoke of unfairness and abuse Father is always with us and dignity in their lives after years of against seasonal migrant workers sometimes that is all that keeps us war and oppression. Cambodia is in the Niagara region of Ontario. going. Let‘s thank God for never regarded as ground zero for the Workers have been denied leaving us ―alone‖. Please keep in child sex traffic in South East Asia. assistance when sick. Some have mind all of our brothers and sisters Young women and children are their health cards taken from them who struggle continually from bought and sold like animals. They (for safe keeping). One migrant different forms of poverty. are often the only commodities worker was denied a doctors care Dignity and Rights of the some communities have. Parents in his fight against cancer. Many Person, Social and Economic see nothing wrong with selling their no longer have their passports, as Justice, Immigration, Refugees children to pay off debt. these too have been taken for ―safe and Citizenship Another speaker, Julia Smith- keeping‖. A video depicting the In January, 2011, Provincial Brake, from Chab Dai Canada, trafficking of First Nation women Community Life Chair, Willy Wicka, which means literally ―joining can be found at attended the Inaugural Conference hands‖, spoke of their three main www.indigenousstudentlife.com for ― Alliance Against Modern objectives- advocacy, raising Slavery‖, held at York University in awareness and research. She Toronto. Many spoke on the spoke of the fact that Human Bill C-389, a private members bill, awareness of Human Traffickers collaborate better and tabled by Bill Siksay, has passed Trafficking/Slavery. All agreed we are better organized than the second reading in the House of must band together in fight against organizations who are addressing Commons and will now go to the Human Trafficking. It is estimated the issue. Chab Dai Canada is Senate. The final vote was 143- that 27 million men, women, and engaged in establishing better 135 (Feb. 9). This Bill could children are bonded in slavery- collaboration across geographic reshape society‘s understanding of victims, from various countries, areas to help anti-slavery groups human sexuality by granting working off ―inherited debt‖. Many and movements come together and protected status to transgendered are involved in the sex trade in present a united voice against this and transsexual people. It would countries where police turn a blind injustice. add gender identity and gender eye. It is big business-bringing in Adam Churchman, education expression to the Criminal Code between $30-32 billion per year. director for ―Canada Fights Human and the Canadian Human Rights Police, prosecutors, judges, and Trafficking‖, says it is important for Act. All opposition leaders voted in social workers are under pressure us to unify ourselves in fighting favor of the Bill. Most to provide victims with relief and trafficking issues. Injustice is seen conservatives and the Prime after-care, and to bring everywhere in bondage and Minister voted against the Bill. perpetrators to justice. slavery. Human trafficking is the Conservative Senator Gerry Ratanak International is a Christian worst of all evils. St.Germain said the vote is ―an organization motivated by God‘s Christine Cudahy, grassroots indication of just how secularized love, to serve Cambodian people. advocate for the seasonal our House of Commons has
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Community Life: Sharon St. Jean (cont’d)
become‖. Concerns have been allow her legal counsel to speak on relating to asbestos mining in voiced by many groups including her behalf. Lobo said CUSA‘s Quebec. COLF and Campaign Life policies do not prohibit non- Coalition. It is felt that by passing students from speaking at these this Bill, it will cement the meetings. They are silent on the Development and Peace government‘s agenda to bring issue. She feels her rights are these controversial issues into being denied. To keep up to date First of all I must correct the dates I kindergarten classes. Activists on this issue, please visit the gave you for the Share Lent behind this legislation will have the website: Campaign for 2011. It is March 9- perceived ―moral authority‖ to www.carletonlifeline.wordpress.co April 24. The theme is‖ Building a demand that transgenderism be m World of Justice.‖ We are called taught in schools as something that to feel the same compassion Jesus is natural and normal. Developing Countries felt when faced with human As many of you are aware, in Voting in the southern Sudan took suffering. We are called to feel that Oct.2010, several Carleton place January 9-15,2011. This same depth of compassion when University students, members of vote would determine whether faced with the suffering of our Carleton Lifeline Club, were Southern Sudan would remain part brothers and sisters in Asia, Africa, arrested as they attempted to set of the Sudan or become an Latin America and the Middle East. up a pro-life exhibit on campus. independent country. Results A short video is available on the Their club status was taken away. published February 7, stated that Development and Peace website The club was notified of the denial 98.83% voted in favor of www.devep.org in support of the of status because the clubs independence. The predetermined Share Lent Campaign. ―constitution is in violation of date for creation of an independent CUSA‘s Discrimination on Campus state is July 9,2011. Please keep March 10, is Bottle Water Free Policy, which states that CUSA these people in your prayers, as Day, in support of the Development supports a ―woman‘s right to well as all those in the Middle East and Peace education campaign, choose‖, and will not support any who are living in such turmoil. ―Water for All. Let Justice Flow.‖ student group that holds a different Mining Watch Canada has viewpoint. expressed grave concern over Ruth Lobo, head of Carleton robberies and detentions against El Live simply Lifeline, following denial of CUSA Salvadoran environmental Love generously to recertify the Carleton University organizations. Also, in the last six Care deeply pro-life club filed a Constitutional months there has been an increase Speak kindly, Challenge, challenging CUSA‘s in violence against environmental decision and section 5 & 6 of its defenders in Mexico and Central Your sister in the League, Discrimination on Campus Policy. America, too often involving When CUSA‘s Constitution Board Canadian mining projects. Visit Sharon St.Jean held a meeting to rule on Ms. www.miningwatchcanada.ca for Lobo‘s challenge, they refused to recent updates on this and issues
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Education & Health: Michelle Morrow
CATHOLIC EDUCATION aspect of a subject area of HEALTH Ontario Provincial the curriculum to ensure that Child and Youth Mental Education Network (OPEN) that the materials are current Health Toolkit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/t and that concerns are One in five children suffer ools/eduminister/eng/open addressed. The curriculum from at least one mental list/mailinglist.asp documents are revised upon health disorder, and usually This is a new website of the the recommendations that more than one is the norm. Ministry of Education where they conclude are necessary The Child and Youth Mental information about new to provide our students with Health Toolkit was designed initiatives are available and the necessary skills, to increase awareness for comments can be posted knowledge and attitudes that parents and healthcare and responded to by Ministry allow them to function in professions. The kit may be personnel. Do you have a today‘s society. All partners found at the following link: burning question about our in the public and Catholic http://www.shared- educational system, use this education of our children do care.ca/page.aspx?page=58 site and email the minister. feed into this review. The 7&app=250&cat1=619&tp=2 You may access the site by Catholic Association of &lk=no&menu=65 . This kit is entering ‗Ontario Provincial Religion and Family Life depicted as a flower and on Education Network‘ into your Education of Ontario each petal is a link to search engine. provides a wide variety of information on a mental Catholic Curriculum resources and information health issue for a child: If you are concerned about based on Catholic education ADHD, Behaviour Problems, how matters affect the in our schools. The Catholic Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Catholic school boards, it is aspect of educational Trauma, Psychosis, Autism recommended that you curriculum is addressed Spectrum Disorder, contact your local trustee or where our values are Substance use & Addiction any of the Ontario Catholic maintained and also meets and at the flower base Curriculum Cooperatives in the needs of the Ministry‘s Separation & Divorce and our province. To initiate policies dictated in their Healthy Child Development. contact you can access their curriculum outlines. Behind each is further addresses via the site information which could help http://catholiccurriculumcorp. parents take the first step in org/. Each year the getting help for their child. Curriculum Council undertakes a review of some
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Education & Health: Michelle Morrow (cont’d)
Safe Food Handling Tips minimize your risk of from the Government of contracting a food borne Canada illness by avoiding these The government has put out foods and this pamphlet a handy pamphlet entitled contains a list of foods to Safe Food Handling for avoid and safer alternatives, adults 60+, but most of the as well as a list of internal points apply to all ages such cooking temperatures for as: Wash your hands with meat products. You can get warm soapy water for at your own brochure from least 20 seconds ( as long as Health Canada at 1-866- it takes to sing Twinkle 225-0709 or email info@hc- Twinkle Little Star) to prevent sc.gc.ca. bacteria from transferring from your hands to food or Respectfully submitted, surfaces; Sanitize surfaces Michelle Morrow and utensils with the following homemade solution: 5ml (1tsp) of bleach with 750 ml (3 cups) of water in a labelled spray bottle. Spray the solution on the surface, let stand briefly and rinse with lots of clean drinkable running water and air dry; Wash reusable grocery bags frequently, especially if you are carrying raw meat, poultry, fish or seafood; Some foods can be a higher risk for older adults to eat because of the way they are produced and the conditions and length of time they are stored- you can
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Communications: Barbara Devine
are talking to before Canadian Register Ltd. 1155 News from Provincial: allowing them to turn Yonge St. Suite 401, When you post something on on a web cam. Toronto, On M4T 1W2 the Internet it is immediately www.catholicregister.org for anyone to view. Rates: One year:$42.70, Technology News from National: Two years:$78.00 (GST has made research and Mary Nordick has become incl.) information you need the National Chairperson of Seniors 65+and students accessible, but it has also Communications. She has One year:$37.40, Two made it easy for criminals. written a great article in the years:$69.90 (GST incl.) Canadian League magazine, Your council should How to protect yourself: Winter 2011 edition. Page 3, subscribe and find lots of Never give out on how we can spread the interesting articles each personal information good news of council week to share with your Banks will never ask activities. members. for your personal information via email World Communications Website: Do not share your Day: June 5, 2011 Do not forget to check on our password PINS Pope Benedict XVI said in website Be cautious when his message for the www.ottawa.cwl.on.ca using bank machines celebration, ―In the search Report any problems for sharing, for ‗friends‘ there to your financial is the challenge to be Your sister in Christ, institution and /or authentic and faithful, and police. not give in to the illusions of Barbara What can parents do: constructing an artificial Keep computers in an public profile for oneself.‖ open area of the home. Not in the CATHOLIC REGISTER: bedroom I have written in the past Be wary of web cams. about this great publication. I Unplug web cams have been asked about how when they are not in to get a use. Be sure of whom Subscription: It is published children 47 times per year by:
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Resolutions: Patricia Moore
Ladies, I wish to thank you In 2009 a Resolution was Canadian Physicians for Life most sincerely for e-mailing passed with regard to Website: me to let me know how you Palliative Care. This http:www.physiciansforlife.ca appreciate your Resolution Resolution was to increase /html/life/palliative/articles/pal Manual and how it is helping awareness of the issues of lcarecomments.html you. I hope you will truly Palliate Care among our Sharon Carstairs has written make it a Working Manual in members and get individuals another position paper titled that you will add sections to understand that palliative Raising the Bar: A Roadmap pertinent to your council and care is not just for the dying for the Future of Palliate build it up with copies of it starts with the diagnosis of Care in Canada work that you and your a chronic disease. It is hoped http:www.sen.parl.ca/scarsta council do in relation to it will bring about a better irs/PalliativeCare/PalliativeC resolutions. This then should understanding in the general are_e.asp be passed on to the next public. There are services Honourable Sharon Resolutions Chair. available to people but many Carstairs, P.C, Senator in In the Action Plan section of are not even aware they her Position Paper of June your Manual, I tried to give exist. It is hoped, through 21010 Raising the Bar: A direction for follow up to this Resolution, to raise Roadmap for the Future of Resolutions and Reporting. awareness and get people Palliative Care in Canada With this communiqué, I am help sooner rather than later. makes several attaching a copy of Bills This Resolution was sent to recommendation to before the Government that the other Provinces for the a) The Federal we are asked to follow up on same reason but did not go Government as much as possible. This to National. However there b) The Provincial and opens up our choices for are things happening Territorial Action for each council. nationally. Governments and Remember, some action on I am giving you two websites c) To the Community. In the part of all of us is much received from Anne Madden, all there are 17 more positive than no action Ontario Provincial Legislation recommendations. I at all. Please discern what Chair. They have excellent will be sending these your council can do. information. Please take the to you for your time to look them up and reading by e-mail. share them with your council in whatever way you can.
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Resolutions: Patricia Moore (cont’d)
As well, we will have reports Prayer Reflection: taken back from Pauline Krupa, from Prayer for Resolutions Provincial Resolutions Chair Chairpersons regarding the delegation‘s meeting with the Heavenly Father may the government. As soon as I tasks we share in the hear from her I will pass the resolutions standing news on to you. Please committees be a reflection of remember to pray for them at the love You alone can give. this time. Let your love touch others through our lives, deeds and On May 14th 2011 we will be actions. This we ask in the celebrating our Archdiocesan name of your son Jesus and Convention at my parish St. through the intercession of Martin de Porres in Bells Our Lady of Good Counsel. Corners. If your President can briefly include in her oral report Action taken by your council, it would be much See you at the Convention. appreciated. Pat
We are looking forward to welcoming everyone. If you can, please attend. It is a wonderful experience for everyone and remember it is also our Election Year.
Holy Spirit Church Presents Eleanor Glenn in her play The Servant at the Supper
Tuesday April 12, 2011 at 7:00pm following Evening Prayer.
All members are invited to attend this event.
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Legislation Oral Bills before the government
Federal Bill C-22 An act tanning salons from serving Ontario Bill 99 Children's Respecting the Mandatory anyone under 19 years of age and Activity Tax Credit Act, 2010 Reporting of Internet Child better regulate the industry. Received Royal Assent November Pornography by Persons Who The World Health Organization 23, 2010. To help parents with the Provide an Internet Service (WHO) calls these devices: cost of enrolling their children in (short title: Protecting Children ―carcinogenic to humans.‖ activities that encourage them to from Online Exploitation Act), was be healthy and active, the introduced in the House of Ontario Bill 38, Criminal Record government is proposing to Commons on 6 May 2010 by the Checks for Volunteers Act, 2010 introduce a new Children's Activity Minister of Justice, the Honourable The purpose of this Act is to Tax Credit. This would be the only Robert Douglas Nicholson. promote volunteerism by reducing tax credit in Canada provided for a Status of this Bill: Debated at 2nd the frequency with which an comprehensive range of children's Reading in the Senate December organization that retains the activities. Resolution 2010.02 9, 2010 services of a volunteer can require Income Tax Credit for Participation a criminal record check for the in Arts and Cultural Activities Federal Private Bill C-304 An Act volunteer and by reducing the cost to Ensure Secure, Adequate, to a volunteer of obtaining a Ontario Bill 101 The Narcotics accessible and affordable criminal record check, while still Safety and Awareness Act, housing for Canadians - Bill C- ensuring public safety. 2010, Ontario Moving to Reduce 304 would require the federal Status of the Bill: 1st Reading April Abuse of Prescription Narcotics, government to consult with the 19, 2010. Received Royal Assent November Provinces and Territories to 29, 2010 develop a National Housing Plan Resolution 2007.01 Government The Ontario government that would "ensure secure, Funding for Police Records introduced this legislation on adequate, accessible and Checks September 15, 2010. If passed, affordable housing for Canadians". There has been no current action the legislation would seek to Status of the Bill: Debated at 2nd or activity on this since April 2010, improve the health and safety of Reading November 24, 2010 members are to be encouraged to Ontarians by promoting write letters, email, or call MPP‘s appropriate prescribing and Ontario Bill 31 Skin Cancer to inquire about this Bill. dispensing practices for narcotics Prevention Act, 2010, An Act to and other controlled substances, help prevent skin cancer Ontario Bill 58 Planning identifying and reducing the abuse, First Reading April 13, 2010 Amendment Act (Enabling misuse and diversion of these (carried) Municipalities Inclusionary drugs and reducing the risk of No person shall market or sell Housing), 2010. The purpose of addiction and death from the tanning services or ultraviolet light the bill is to amend the Planning abuse or misuse of these drugs. treatments to an individual who is Act to allow municipalities to lass than 19 years of age. introduce Inclusionary Housing By- This is a joint NDP-Liberal private Laws and programs. This has member‘s bill. New Democrat been sent to committee in June France Gélinas and Liberal Khalil 2010. Ramal introduced it. It would ban
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
The Good Shepherd presented with a bookmark, gifts and presented them to the which included a religious family a few days prior to medal. On National Child Day, Christmas. They were During 2010, The Good we presented each child in the overjoyed. Shepherd Parish Catholic parish with a prayer card of the Our major fundraiser was our Women‘s League held Holy Family, a prayer card for Craft Fair and Bake Sale. This numerous events. families, a Maple Leaf pin and a event is held every year on the Spiritually, we prayed the Discover Canada booklet. first Saturday in November. Rosary before our March In February, we had a mass Our event includes various general meeting. Along with emphasizing support of the crafters, a bake table, a raffle the Knights of Columbus and Family followed by our First table, and lunchroom. It was a the Youth Group, we did the Family Day Spaghetti Supper great success. Ways of the Cross followed by with a free will offering to During the year, we had two a Lenten soup supper. In May support Fr. Tommy Dougherty;s guest speakers at our general and October, we did the Living missionary work in Nigeria. We meetings. Office St. Denis of Rosary. During Lent and celebrated Valentine‘s Day by the Ottawa Police Department Advent, each family in our making a poster as well as a gave a presentation on fraud parish was presented with a spiritual bouquet signed by our and scams, especially as specifically designed card to members which was presented directed towards the elderly. promote family prayer during to the women at the Miriam Lynn Kachuik gave a the respective season. Besides Centre. We held our annual presentation and discussion being an effective means of Spring Tea and June Pot Luck about Palliative Care services prayer, it had helpful supper. Monies collected at available in our Ottawa information regarding each these events were given to Hospitals. liturgical season. support our refugee family who Mothers were given a flower at are coming from Africa. In all masses for Mother‘s Day. celebration of ―The Year of the Claire Reede We held a mass in honor of all Priest‖, we gave a spiritual President Fathers in the parish for bouquet to our Spiritual Advisor The Good Shepherd Catholic Father‘s Day. The children of at our June pot luck supper. Women‘s League our parish, who made their First For our December Pot Luck Communion, were given a Supper, we collected money for scroll with a religious verse and a family (parents and 3 flower, which was made from children) within our parish. seed paper. The children could With monies collected, we went plant the seeds and watch them out and purchased presents for grow as their faith also each member of the family and blossomed. The children who received donations from other made their Confirmation were members. We wrapped all the
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
St. Isidore rosaries/holy cards for First counting collections; and Communicants, and hosting finally, some of us belong to Been in and out of my home, a retreat for women. We The Women of Zion Group cat/house-sitting for friends plan on taking part in the who meet weekly, attending and never received you Stations of the Cross, along Mass, praying the Rosary, original message – with our Youth Group on the watch a religious video, apologies! Here is what I Fridays during Lent. We are discuss it and then have came up with – hope it is also hoping to have an prayer request and answers what you were looking for: outdoor Rosary in May (Our to previous prayers. We Lady‘s Month) before our keep these intentions in mind Because of our position in own statue of Marry during our daily prayers. (It tearing down and building a (although it is snowing right is amazing how many new Church, the St. Isidore now so it is hard to think of prayers have been Council has been somewhat Spring)! answered!) limited in the activities we can engage in. Individually, we have women So, even though we are working with the children in working in less than ideal Has that stopped us? school, teaching them the circumstances, we are doing Rosary and preparing them our best to continue CWL Oh, no! We are a small for the Sacraments; with the work with Our Lady‘s group of women who are Girl Guides who planted blessings. committed to continuing to bulbs last Fall to help live under the mantle of Our beautify our Parish grounds Good luck in getting this and Lady of Good Counsel. As a (everyone is looking forward the others sorted out. group, we have held Bean to seeing if they really come Suppers on Palm Sunday up); and then there are those God Bless you - MJ (thanks to the availability of who prepare and serve St. Isidore School) for funeral lunches (on hiatus families in our Parish, to right now until our Church is raise money for Shepherds built); in Pastoral Care, of Good Hope and The bringing Communion to the Mission. We have sold meat sick and shut-ins, and pies before Christmas to visiting; as Eucharistic raise funds for our ongoing Ministers, Sacristans and Charities, such as Hospitality Ministries;
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
St Theresa of the Child Although there is no charge 14 blessed shawls to those Jesus’ Catholic Women‘s for this luncheon, attendees who do not get any visitors at League is looking forward to themselves proposed a Christmas time. We also hosting the 2011 League ‗goodwill‘ offering basket gave two $100 gift cards to Development Day and we which has been very family of St. Patrick Catholic welcome our sisters on successful in providing funds School in Rockland, which Saturday, March 26th from for this monthly event. We we normally do each year. 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon. appreciate the huge efforts We will donate again this Our ―Senior‘s Luncheon‖ will of the volunteer organizers year another $200 to the resume this March 25th, 2011 and workers which continue Mary Barrett scholarship and continue on the last to yield rewards in promoting fund. Mary Barrett was a Friday of every month until faith and justice within our CWL member who was a and including November surroundings. teacher at St. Francis Xavier 25th, 2011. These luncheons God Bless You All, High School in Hammond, are part of a non- Ann M.M. Taillon Ontario. At St. Patrick denominational community St Theresa‘s CWL President Catholic School in Rockland, ‗outreach to seniors‘ effort some of us will go in to make which is proving increasingly St. Edith Stein rosaries with the grade six popular within our downtown students and do 1 decade community core and has Our parish is only 11 years with them. A few us will drawn St Theresa‘s CWL old. Our CWL members are make rosaries to give out to members closer to very involved in many the first communion students organizers from Knox functions in our community. at St. Patrick Catholic School Presbyterian and St. John Just this Christmas past, we in Rockland. We also have a the Evangelist. We are ask from our parish shawl ministry get together happy to report that community if they could every second Wednesday at attendance is ever donate toiletry items so that one of our members home. increasing as the word gets we could give Christmas We will participate in the way out about this CWL and socks to the senior home in of the cross whether it be in parish-sponsored event. Clarence Creek. We had an the procession, cooking , Some of our past luncheons overwhelming amount of reading or music. saw attendance increase to stuff donated. With this kind thirty-five or so seniors of generosity we were able Mrs. Toni Belanger enjoying a hot lunch and to do two homes. We also President good conversation. gave from our shawl ministry
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
St. Leonard’s * Put on a fashion show and brunch to raise money for Our New Beginnings Ratanak – Charity that Workshop, held in January, rescues young girls from the was a great success. We sex trade in Cambodia identified fresh new ideas * Support the Knights of and ways to make the group Columbus with their parish more accessible and more events relevant to the existing * Contribute to the Peace members as well as adding 5 and Development initiatives new members to our in the North numbers. These are a few of * Create a ―Learn and Love the things we‘ve adopted the Rosary‖ program at St. from the suggestions we got: Leonard‘s school * Sponsor a writing contest – * Switch up the days of the ―Why God Made Moms‖. week for our meetings Publish the best essays in a * Have events as opposed to booklet to give to parish meetings Mom‘s on Mother‘s Day. * Support existing projects * Organize an Hour of within the parish Adoration for St. Leonard‘s * Have something for the parishioners ―prayers‖ and something for the ―doers‖ We look forward to * More charity fundraising accomplishing these goals * More work in the schools with God‘s help and to * More visibility for CWL meeting our CWL sisters at the League Development Projects that will support the Day in March. above ideas include: Suzie Noaro * Create prayer intention President – CWL St. cards to be placed in the Leonard‘s Parish pews – ―St. Leonard‘s CWL Manotick Prays With And For You‖
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
Greetings to our sisters in additional ten since then for ―How Many Loaves Have the League from the St. a grand total of 24 new You?‖ Maurice Council. members. St. Maurice Church will be The Seniors Service and hosting the Pro-Life dinner We are delighted to Social Group at the church and auction on March 26th contribute to the first edition made 15 Valentine cards and our CWL will be of the E-newsletter – more which we distributed to shut- donating the desserts for this importantly, we are pleased in members and friends of event. that this website has allowed the CWL on February 11th, In April, we will be us the opportunity to connect World Day of Prayer for the celebrating the Feast of Our with you directly across the Sick. The cards were well Lady of Good Counsel. Diocese. received. Sister Betty Ann Kinsella, January 2011 commenced The CWL assisted with who recently received the with an almost completely organizing two very Order of Ontario for her new executive. Our meaningful celebrations for exemplary work at the Installation of New Officers World Marriage Day, held Youville Centre will be was held on January 16th, during the weekend of attending and speaking to us 2011 during the 9:00 a.m. February 12/13. At the dance briefly. Sister Maureen Mass with Father Simon on the night of February 12th Killoran from Carty House Lobo presiding. we helped with food will be the main speaker. In the first weekend of preparation and provided the She was recently awarded February we were given the desserts. On February 13th, the province‘s Newcomer opportunity to speak about married couples were invited Champion Award. the CWL for a couple of to renew their vows and As CWL members at St. minutes prior to each of the each couple received a Maurice, we truly live the Masses. After each Mass, certificate and blessing from very essence of who we are members at the exits met Fr. Francis Ching. by growing in our faith, with parishioners and On March 4th, we will be having fun and enjoying lots handed out CWL brochures. actively participating in the of fellowship! The women were invited to service and social of The join us for our meeting the World Day of Prayer at City Catherine Pereira following Tuesday, followed View United Church. The President by a wine and cheese service this year has been reception. Six new members written by the women of signed up that night, and an Chile, and the theme is:
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
their help and finally Pauline decided to be the convenor of this Love of a community came alive event. that night. There was a lot of food, desserts and laughter. Some St. Margaret Mary, Cumberland Pauline organized a meeting with parishioners were deeply touched. her team; Paulette Beaudette, They sensed that someone truly At our General Meeting on st Helen Schulte, Claire McNeely, cared after all the challenges our Tuesday, February 1 an item on Naomi Read and me. She had put parish community experienced the Agenda was presented or together all of our ideas and we over the last few years. One of rather was asked, ―Did we want to went through them one by one. our members said with a smile, do something for Valentine’s We wanted to build on the ―People might think there’s new Day?‖ The question hung groundwork laid by Fr. Jim to blood!‖ Other women said, ―we expectantly over the room. create an atmosphere of a loving would never have done all this!‖ A Nobody spoke. community, inviting all particular parishioner expressed parishioners, and making the thankfulness for what the During that silence, one could feel event special and memorable. It organizers accomplished when he the echo of what once existed, would reflect the past and at the said: ―I don’t know if you know, but what was cherished, a flashback to same time embrace who we are Father Jim used to do this for his a past leader in the St. Margaret today. volunteers. What you’ve done Mary Church: Fr. Jim Whalen. Fr. here this evening, you’ll never Jim used to organize a Valentine The night before the event, the hall know how much it means to us. Potluck Volunteer Night, was decorated. Large hearts that Thank you.‖ Gratefully I shook this decorating the hall with pictures, Father Jim had made with pictures man‘s hand and knew by the look hearts and chocolate. His annual of the parishioners were hung on in his eyes, that the evening event would include all the the walls. Hearts dropped from brought back life, hope, and a volunteers of the parish and their the ceiling and tables were renewal of faith. families. Since his passing a few covered with red and white years ago, the laughter and joy of tablecloths. There were candles, We are social people. Community those events became fading centerpieces, balloons grouped is the church and beyond. Deacon memories within the walls of the together to add a festive element, Tom Donohue said it best when he church. Parishioners continue and the back wall was adorned said, ―It is not just what we do in mourning the loss of this special with white and red fabric making it the church, it is also events like priest. a perfect backdrop for the this Valentine Social, which bring Valentine Raffle and the giant jelly us together as the body of Christ.‖ ―Do we want to do a Bake Sale, a bean jar contest. This backdrop Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to raffle; anything at all?‖ I asked. also became the setting for our our convenor. Again that intense silence MC, Pauline, and our speakers on persisted. Then, Pauline Murray love; Father Gerard Monaghan, Respectfully submitted, began reminiscing and Deacon Tom Donohue, and me. President Lynn Lavictoire, St. commented how nice it would be if When the evening was all over, Margaret Mary Council we could rekindle and host the everyone left with a chocolate Valentine Potluck Evening. Five heart and a Valentine card. people came forward and offered
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
Ottawa Community Resource Center in memory of Theresa Hall. St. Martin de Porres CWL Our CWL is hosting a trip to St. Joseph‘s Oratory on June At our Christmas Dinner we 9th 2011. In the event that were delighted to present the we have available seats on following pins: the bus we will extend an 60 Year Pin to Joan invitation to our parish and Monette possibly to other CWL 50 Year Pin to Eleanor councils.
Sheedy On May 14, 2011 we will be 10 Year Pins to Dianne hosting the Archdiocesan Hendrick and Helen Convention. Bissonnette Hope to see you at the convention. We will be hosting ―Servant th at the Supper‖ on April 14 Respectfully submitted 2011 at 7:00 pm. We are Rosanne Nadon, President extending an invitation to other local CWL councils and churches. At our annual Christmas dinner as an alternative to a gift exchange we take up a collection and make a charitable donation in memory of a deceased member. The family of the deceased decides on the charity and our council rounds off the collection. In 2010 a $500.00 donation was made to the Western
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Highlights from our Parish Councils
St. Mary’s Council by vote of the luncheon Not only is the Friendly Almonte volunteers). Lunch an example of great sandwich art, it also The Friendly Lunch in Over the years, the luncheon exemplifies how we can work Almonte has been taking has served an average of together in our community, place annually for about 20 about 75 people monthly. across faiths, for a common years. Four of our long time Although, a few years back cause. The very fact that our CWL volunteers, Pat Bailey participation had declined to luncheon volunteers have and Elizabeth Vaughan, Fran about 40 people and the been making sandwiches Renwick and Fran Shane group thought they might and serving our seniors for say they have been involved have to discontinue the 17 years is a true testament helping in the kitchen and lunch, attendance has to how much they enjoy making sandwiches for at rebounded,, and some being involved in this event. least 17 years. It is said months as many as 90 that they make the best people attend. Many sandwiches in the valley (I seniors attend, including Submitted by guess if you had been some residents of the Nancy Timmons & making sandwiches for 17 Fairview Manor. Everyone Catherine Hudson years you would be good at enjoys the company of a it too!). Ladies from the great mix of people at the
Anglican, United, lunch both young and old Presbyterian and Catholic Churches prepare the food The lunches take place on and set up for the Friendly the first Tuesday of the Lunch. For the cost of only month from October until $5 guests will be treated to May. Each church take soup, sandwiches, cheese, turns, twice per year, crackers, pickles, celery supplying desserts (and carrots and, of course, along with the desserts, their delicious homemade Priest or Minister to say desserts. The proceeds of grace). In addition, we often the lunch go toward covering have groups who volunteer expenses, and any to provide entertainment. remaining funds are donated to a charity (which is chosen
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Dates to Remember Ottawa Diocesan April 26, 2011 June 11, 2011 Council Feast of Our Lady of Post Convention August 13 – 17, 2011 Good Counsel Meeting National Convention Toronto, Ontario E-MAIL: April 30, 2011 July 10 -13, 2011 [email protected] Pre Convention Provincial Convention September 24, 2011 Meeting Hamilton, Ontario Fall Potluck & Exec Meeting May 14, 2011 88th Diocesan Convention
Feedback
The main goal of this at suggestions will be
newsletter is to inform [email protected] taken under
our members. To that advisement end we ask that all Please let us know God bless you all. feedback, both what you think. This Colleen Randall positive and negative is your newsletter. President be sent to the We cannot always Communications Ottawa Diocesan accommodate but all Chair Barbara Devine Council
About Our Organization… We‘re on the Web! See us at: The Catholic Women's League of Canada www.ottawa.cwl.on.ca is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God.
Congratulations to Heather Sisk for her prize winning suggestion of Faith in Action For our new e-newsletter
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