The Canadian League

Official Publication of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada Volume 89/No.2/Spring 2013

Printed in Canada NATIONAL EXECUTIVE TABLE OF CONTENTS

OFFICERS President’s Message...... 1 Spiritual Advisor: Most Rev. Martin Currie Archbishop of St. John’s 93rd Annual National Convention Program...... 2 President: Betty Anne B. Davidson That All May Be One ...... 3 President-elect: Barbara Dowding Catch The Fire! ...... 4 1st Vice-President: Mary Nordick 2nd Vice-President: Cecile Miller We Are All Sparks ...... 4 Secretary-Treasurer: Judy Lewis Member to Member...... 5 Past President: Velma Harasen Today I Saw Jesus…...... 6 Spiritual Development: Mary Nordick Organization: Barbara Dowding Service to the People of God ...... 7 Christian Family Life: Margaret Ann Jacobs Calling all Parish Councils...... 8 Community Life: Fran Lucas Beware: Identity Theft is Real!...... 9 Education and Health: Peggy Roche Communications: Cecile Miller Dry? Maybe… Important? Always... Resolutions: Shari Guinta Bill C-45 Warrants League Action, Still… ...... 10 Legislation: Anne-Marie Gorman Affordable Housing Bill Defeated by House of Commons. . . . . 11 Laws: Velma Harasen The WUCWO North American Region Meeting...... 12 International Relations: Betty Anne B. Davidson Introducing...... 13

PRESIDENTS OF PROVINCIAL COUNCILS Letters to the Editor...... 13 Alberta Mackenzie: Sheila Houle B.C. & Yukon: Doreen Gowans Manitoba: Jacqueline Nogier Military Ordinariate: Donna Penney New Brunswick: Marion Fogan Newfoundland and Labrador: Lidwina Critch Nova Scotia: Debbie Samson Ontario: Marlene Pavletic Prince Edward Island: Barbara MacFarlane Quebec: Janet McLean Saskatchewan: Tillie Aessie

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kim Scammell, CA The cover image includes artwork from the participating artists in the C-702 Scotland Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3M 1X5 Moved by the Spirit exhibition © 2011. All rights reserved. Tel: (204) 927-2310 Toll-Free: (888) 656-4040 Fax: (204) 927-2321 Toll-Free: (888) 831-9507 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cwl.ca National Office Staff Directory Executive Director: Kim Scammell...... [email protected] EDITORIAL BOARD (national executive and policy) National Chairperson of Communications: Membership Coordinators: Cecile Miller Diane Havens / Amanda McCormick ...... [email protected] or [email protected] National President: Betty Anne B. Davidson (membership renewals, changes and years of service) Executive Director: Kim Scammell Office Assistant: Janice Jones...... [email protected] (bursaries, Book of Life, parish council records and archives) Senior Accounting Clerk: Valroy Anderson...... [email protected] (orders and per capita fees) The Canadian League is published three times a year by The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Material may Executive Assistant: Val Demery...... [email protected] not be reprinted, in whole or in part, without permission (life members and resolutions) of the publisher. Subscription rates: Annual national per Communications Assistant: Erica Johnson...... [email protected] capita fee of $13.00 includes subscription rate of $3.00. (magazine and e-newsletter) Non-members, $8.00 per year. Agreement number 40007536 All other inquiries should be sent to...... [email protected] ISSN-0384-630 for forwarding to the appropriate respondent. Printed in Canada President’s Message “We are resurrection women!”

Betty Anne Brown Davidson National President

“…‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’.… Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that He had said these things to her.” (Jn. 20:15-18)

ast-forward to the present time. Have you had that Spirit” to curate an art show featuring the works of 12 artists intimate experience of Jesus understanding your from Saskatchewan working with various media. Newly confusion and/or dilemma? He gently takes time retired Bishop Gerald Wiesner will explain his vision on the with you. He doesn’t actually solve your problem, role of women as missionaries in the church and the world butF He lifts the burden so you can stand up and face today. The day will conclude with a panel of four honorary another day with a deep courage and an assuredness that life members sharing how their League service offered them you are not alone. Have you shared your experience with opportunities to see the Lord and to minister to His people. someone else who might need to hear about it? Go and tell As the business sessions unfold, Fr. Bill Burke, director everyone – you will never know what your words will do in of the national liturgy office for the Canadian Conference of someone’s heart. Leave that part to God. Catholic Bishops, will instruct on the meaning of the Year The days are lengthening. The sun is warming the earth. Tiny shoots are poking out of the ground. Birds have returned of Faith. Reports will be given illuminating how this faith and are noisily courting. The buds on the trees cannot wait was demonstrated through works of mercy in councils any longer to burst open. Spring is here, a time of new life across Canada. Member Anne Chase will raise awareness and resurrection. My bags are packed, and I look forward to of ovarian cancer, and Maribeth Stewart, vice-president for spending time at several diocesan and provincial conventions. North America for the World Union of Catholic Women’s It is like being invited over for tea to chat, share stories, Organizations, will speak about the upcoming gatherings in celebrate successes and come to understand one another’s Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Fatima, Portugal. situation better. Memories are made of this! Let’s face it; the League is different from other women’s In anticipation of the League’s annual national convention organizations. Jesus speaks intimately to each member, “You in Regina, the convention committee (nicknamed the did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you “Dream Team”) has been planning since 2009. The team to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last” (Jn. 15:16). This is awaits members’ arrival with shining eyes and open arms. members’ raison d’être, as they say in French, or their reason Historically, members on the prairies think nothing of driving for being. It is a common belief which brings members great distances to attend a convention. A great number together. It serves as a common purpose, to be His hands of League sisters will be offering themselves for personal and feet in the world today. Service to others, the sound of encounters with Jesus in others as they listen to theme testimonials and participate in meaningful prayer services. happy laughter and a deep sense of prayer attract women to Besides the evening fun, excellent speakers will challenge join. This is how members evangelize the world. They live members to live the theme We Have Seen the Lord! the theme simply, authentically, inclusively, creatively and On Gathering Day, Sr. Fay Trombley will relay her xperience positively as they move forward into the future. Members as a missionary in Canada’s north. Member Louise Tessier, a trust that God is with them and that He is painting the ceramicist and painter, will share how she was “Moved by the picture. V

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 1 93rd Annual National Convention of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada

August 11-14, 2013, Delta Regina Hotel, Regina, Saskatchewan Tentative Program and Agenda

Saturday, August 10 11:00-11:45 a.m. Business sessions • Call to order 6:00-10:00 p.m. Country Hoedown & Western Buffet, Conexus Arts Centre • Opening remarks (ticket required) • Introductions • Bus pick up from Delta 5:30-6:00 p.m. • Notice calling meeting • Bus return to Delta 9:00-10:30 p.m. • Roll call 11:45-12:00 p.m. Closing prayer: Commissioning of Sunday, August 11 New Life Members 9:00-1:15 p.m. Regina City & RCMP Depot Tour and 12:15-1:15 p.m. Life members’ luncheon Luncheon (ticket required) (ticket required) 12:15-1:15 p.m. Spiritual advisors’ luncheon • Bus pick up from Delta 8:30 a.m. (ticket required) • Bus return to Delta 1:15-1:45 p.m. 1:30-1:45 p.m. Reconvening prayer 2:00-3:30 p.m. Resolutions dialogue 1:45-3:15 p.m. Business sessions 5:00-7:00 p.m. Official opening and Eucharistic celebration, • Credentials report Holy Rosary Cathedral • Adoption of standing rules • Bus pick up from Delta 4:00-5:00 p.m. • Approval of agenda • Bus return to Delta 7:00-7:30 p.m. • Approval of previous minutes 7:30-10:00 p.m. Opening Reception, Delta Hotel • Convention committees • Correspondence • Report of pre-convention meeting Monday, August 12 • Reports of provincial presidents 8:30-9:30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration • Report of national president 10:00-11:00 a.m. Keynote address, First Nations in Canada, 3:15-3:30 p.m. Health break Sr. Fay Trombley 3:30-4:45 p.m. Business sessions 11:00-11:15 a.m. Health break • Report of spiritual advisor 11:15-11:45 a.m. Keynote address, Witnessing to Faith • Report of secretary-treasurer through Art, Louise Tessier • Report of executive director 12:00-1:15 p.m. Presidents’ luncheon • Review of resolutions process (ticket required) 4:45-5:00 p.m. Closing prayer 1:30-1:45 p.m. Reconvening prayer 7:00 p.m. Provincial dinners 1:45-3:00 p.m. Keynote address, Women as Missionaries in the Church and the World Today, Bishop Wednesday, August 14 Gerald Weisner 8:00-8:20 a.m. Press conference 3:00-3:15 p.m. Health break 8:30-9:00 a.m. Morning liturgy 3:15-4:15 p.m. Keynote address, We Have Seen the Lord!, Irene Lefort, Claire Heron, Agnes Bedard, 9:00-10:15 a.m. Business sessions Danielle McNeil-Hessian • Credentials 4:15-4:30 p.m. Closing prayer • Report of spiritual development chairperson 6:30-10:00 p.m. Rock’n on the Prairie Banquet • Report of organization chairperson and Entertainment • Report of Christian family life (ticket required) chairperson • Report of community life chairperson Tuesday, August 13 10:15-10:30 a.m. Health break 8:30-9:30 a.m. Eucharistic celebration 10:30-11:00 a.m. Business sessions 9:45-10:45 a.m. Year of Faith, Fr. Bill Burke • Report of education and health 10:45-11:00 a.m. Health break chairperson

2 THE CANADIAN LEAGUE / SPRING 2013 11:00-11:30 a.m. Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Anne Chase 2:45-3:15 p.m. World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations, 11:30-12:00 p.m. Business Sessions Maribeth Stewart • Report of communications chairperson • Report of resolutions chairperson 3:15-4:00 p.m. Business sessions • Report of legislation chairperson • Presentation by 2014 convention committee 1:30-1:45 p.m. Reconvening prayer • Other business • Registration report 1:45-2:30 p.m. Business sessions • Adjournment • Report of laws chairperson 5:00-6:30 p.m. Closing Eucharistic celebration • Instructed voting on constitutional & reaffirmation of officers, amendments Holy Rosary Cathedral • Report of international relations • Bus pick up from Delta 4:15-5:00 p.m. chairperson 7:00-10:00 p.m. Gala banquet (ticket required) V 2:30-2:45 p.m. Health break

That All May Be One Mary Nordick National Chairperson of Spiritual Development

“…that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and World Day of Prayer events, and countless instances of and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world Christians of different traditions coming together to work for may believe that you have sent me.” (Jn. 17:21) These are social justice and to pray. It can be as formal as official dialogues some of the last words of Jesus to His followers before He or courses offered by ecumenical institutes and centres for entered into His passion, death and resurrection. These ecumenism or as informal as neighbours coming together to words are an appeal for unity among His followers, a unity meet needs in their community. that binds them to the same love that binds the Trinity, a At the conclusion of this year’s Week of Prayer for unity that proclaims Jesus to the world as the beloved Son Christian Unity, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI stated, sent by a loving Father. “Our search for unity in truth and in love, then, must never Yet what does one see in the followers of Christ whose lose sight of the perception that Christian unity is the work mission it is to bring Him to a suffering world in dire need and gift of the Holy Spirit, and goes far beyond our own of His saving presence? Baptized Christians are called efforts. Therefore, spiritual ecumenism, especially prayer, is the to evangelize, to spread the Good News of Christ in the heart of ecumenical commitment.” Thus, Christians are called world. This task is not optional as it is part and parcel of to cooperate, in their limited human way, with the grace being Christian. But what do non-Christians see when of God to make Christ’s prayer a reality. Even if unable to they look at Christians, the disciples of the Saviour, Jesus engage in ecumenical study and activities, Christians can all Christ? Do they see what people saw in the early church, pray for Christian unity. I would like to encourage my League that Christians loved one another? Or do they see Christ’s sisters in this Year of Faith to pray daily for Christian unity; church broken and fragmented, divided into different the prayer can be as simple as the prayer of Jesus for unity denominations that appear to be in competition rather than in relationship? This division within Christianity that opened this article. The Year of Faith also calls for a renewal makes evangelization difficult. and a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Catholic The formal term for inter-church efforts to bring faith tradition, both essential to engagement in ecumenism. about unity is “ecumenism.” Like the call to evangelize, The Decree on Ecumenism of the Second Vatican Council ecumenism is not an option; it is integral to living a states, “there can be no ecumenism worthy of the name without Christian life. Since the Second Vatican Council there a change of heart.” In his homily, Pope Emeritus Benedict has been renewed emphasis on ecumenism and much further said, “[The] renewal of the interior life of our heart progress has been made, though Christians are still far and mind, which is reflected in daily life, is crucial to every from being one church. Ecumenism encompasses formal dialogue and path of reconciliation, making ecumenism a dialogue between Christian denominations, covenants commitment of mutual understanding, respect and love, ‘that between congregations, inter-denominational bible the world may believe.’” studies, worldwide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity May God grant us the grace of an ecumenical heart. V

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 3 Catch the Fire! Barbara Dowding National Chairperson of Organization

e’re on fire for the League! The country is have to say: ablaze with energy and enthusiasm for the • Finally, I got a clearer picture of the CWL coming from the Catch the Fire! program as is evidenced by the right sources. As a new member my spark is now a flame! flames dotted across the map of Canada on • The day’s activities helped me remember why I joined the Wthe national website! This two year initiative, launched at the League and examine what the League gives – encourage 2012 annual national convention, has really taken off. As the others to fulfill potential in the League. introductory training phase moves into parish halls, diocesan • I am so confident that this is the right place for me. centres and anywhere else they can gather, members and non- • Actually it just confirmed how blessed I am to belong to members alike are re/discovering what they love about the such a wonderful network of women – women who have League and learning why the League means so much to them. the same ideas and hopes as I do. Across Canada, members are experiencing something like • The encompassing power of the CWL to change and touch they’ve never experienced before. Using modern technology, people’s lives. spirited presenters and community building components, Catch • The candle is lit, the fire is burning, I just need God’s the Fire! is poised to set the League world ablaze. Building on guidance and the support of my SISTERS to keep the fire the Catholic faith and the long history and tradition of the burning! League, this initiative is revitalizing even the most tired soul. • How important our CWL is to each one of us as well as to Bellelle Guerin was the first spark! Honorary Life Member Lorette Noble has described her as “the spark that lit the flame the endurance of our Catholic faith in today’s society. which united Catholic women across Canada.” To this day, • I have joined the CWL TODAY! members pass the torch and keep the flame alive through good Have you been counted yet? Not only do we want to example and a passion to serve. There is an old saying that the rejuvenate present members and reach out to those who may more things change, the more they remain the same. Returning have drifted away, we also want to share this good news with all to our roots keeps us grounded; looking ahead, reading the women. Catch the Fire! has something for everyone. In fact, we signs of the times, keeps us focused on the future. are so convinced that everyone should come and see, a national Today, the League’s newest and specially chosen provincial incentive is underway. The parish councils in each province sparks are doing their part, using ingenuity, creativity and (two in Ontario) with the highest rate of participation will have technical savvy to start fires, kindle flames and make even the their 2014 national per capita fees waived! tiniest ember glow! Catch the Fire! is catching on in a big way, The deadline to enter is June 1st, with forms to be submitted indeed! by workshop facilitators directly to national office. Testimony from workshop participants provides a Is your flame on the map? Is your heart burning with zeal? glimpse into what they found in the program. Here’s what they Have you been counted? V

We Are All Sparks Jeanette Stecyk Our Lady of the Angels Parish Council, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

fter reading an article in The Canadian League, I decided who had not renewed their membership and prospective I would attend the Catch the Fire! workshop at my parish members were also invited. Being a fairly new member, council in Sherwood Park. I felt this would be a good opportunity for me to learn more. The article stated that every member should However, I was apprehensive; I worried that by attending, Aattend because there is always something to learn, either from assumptions would be made that I was interested in taking on the program itself or from others in attendance. Past members a leadership position which, believe me, is the furthest from

4 THE CANADIAN LEAGUE / SPRING 2013 the truth. But as I continued reading the article, it stated, and I As the fire starts burning, it emanates light. The light quote, “not everyone is or wants to be a leader but by attending represents faith enrichment which members experience through the workshop one would acquire knowledge and tools to be a their spiritual advisor and the spiritual program. fire-starter who helps someone else become a leader.” The fire grows and emits warmth. Warmth represents the I found the workshop to be very informative, insightful and support, mentoring and caring members give and receive from moving. I was extremely fortunate and very grateful to sit next to their League sisters. Hazel Paradis, who has been my parish council president three Fire is also a source of energy. The workshop explains the energy times, God bless her. She graciously clarified and answered my required and generated by the League’s nine standing committees many questions. found at the parish level – spiritual development, organization, It was rather ingenious to use the metaphor of FIRE, as the Christian family life, community life, education and health, various sessions were themed after several aspects of fire, showing communications, resolutions, legislation and parish activities the new life it can bring. – to carry out the duties, deal with challenges and celebrate achievements. I invite you to envision yourself at a campsite with your family, The closer one gets to a fire, the more she feels the heat. The friends and loved ones. As the sky slowly darkens, you gather workshop defines League heat as the justice and social issues around the fire pit with your chairs, beverages, marshmallows, members address by writing resolutions and following through roasting sticks and maybe even graham crackers and chocolate bars until the issue is addressed through legislation. for S’mores. You excitedly anticipate the start of the campfire. To keep the fire going, someone must fan the flames. For the The very first thing required to start a fire is a spark. What was League, this is done by recruiting new members, retaining the the spark that started the League? It was the needs of immigrant current ones, “re-membering” those who have chosen to leave, women in Edmonton. Topics discussed at the workshop were the and “remembering” those members who have gone to be with structure, function and objectives of the League, the League prayer God. which inspires members to sisterhood and charity, and the mission I hope that by reflecting on each aspect of the fire you are able statement which “calls members to holiness through service to to see how wonderful, significant and important the League is in the people of God”. All of the above, however, would be fruitless so many ways. without members. There are four categories of membership – In what aspect of the fire do you see yourself? As members, general membership, life membership (for women who have served we all are sparks. How can you help to feed the flame and keep extensively at the diocesan and/or provincial level), honorary life the fire burning? membership (for women who have served as national president), I’m very glad I decided to attend the workshop as it exceeded and associate membership (for non-Catholic women). all of my expectations. I came to know that the “CWL” is not just a Once there is a spark, kindling is required to start the burning. “Catholic Women’s League” or about bake sales, but is an acronym Topics discussed were the bylaws, policies and procedures and the for “Caring, Worshipping and Loving”. various resources that are available to members. If you haven’t done I would highly recommend the workshop as it truly is a day of so already, check out the website at cwl.ca. faith, fun and fulfillment with a tasty treat at the end. V

Member to Member Mary Cienkowski St. Matthew Parish Council, Edmonton, Alberta

his is my story about how faith sustains us, the role that I had such good feelings and so much hope that all would be well. God plays in our lives and how others encourage But, in the next few days many tests were done and the news us through difficult times. I received was bad. My husband was brain dead. For a moment The year 2003 was a most devastating year – a new I thought that this was wrong; perhaps I did not hear correctly. Tgrandson was born, our third. This was indeed a very precious, In the end it was true. I found myself facing the decision to happy gift of God’s love sent our way. My dear husband and I felt disconnect my husband from life support. This was so difficult ever so blessed. However, coming home from the hospital after for me to do. It was like my loving husband had done something just seeing our grandson, my husband collapsed of a massive terribly wrong, and his life had to end as a punishment. My body heart attack. Paramedics revived him and took him to the hospital was weak with so much hurt, pain and disbelief. But I was there where he was placed on life support. His heart was beating, colour with him and held his hand until he took his last breath. I think returned to his face, and his body was nice and warm to the touch. that part of me left with him; I felt so empty. Continued on the next page

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 5 The funeral arrangements had to be made. It is amazing how by her granddaughter. My grief was not over, and more grief was strength reappeared. God’s strength, my children, friends and to come. Again, with many around and with prayer, my family my dedicated League sisters were at my side throughout it all. managed to get through. My children and grandchildren gave my husband, their father Then a month later, a 50-year-old cousin passed on, another and grandfather, a very special and dignified farewell. I must funeral, and a week later my 43-year-old niece was tragically killed not forget to mention how grateful my children and I were to in a car accident. Four family members were taken within six Fr. John McNeil who offered the mass, the leaders of song, months. How was one to cope or carry on? organist and the many choir members who sang with their warm I know that through my belief and faith, God helped me, hearts, their voices so beautiful. To help me through this grief, one sustained me, and gave me strength to face each day. This was not Sister in Christ arranged a special weekday mass for prayer and easy, but with personal prayer, and many others saying prayers, healing. Many others came to my home to comfort me. You see, Jesus was there for me. So too were many others, including my there are angels that God sends to each of us when He sees the League Sisters in Christ. I began to see the light and was able to challenges we endure. These were true angels, I believe. carry on. But my story does not end here. Three months later, my late Today, I am better. We all need God’s love and love from each husband’s sister passed on in much the same way. She collapsed other. With love, you can bear even the harshest pain, and this at home of a massive heart attack and was found the next day will make you strong. V

Today i saw Jesus… Margaret Ann Jacobs National Chairperson of Christian Family Life

oday I saw Jesus – but it wasn’t the loving, most improbable character? Just compassionate, thoughtful, gentle Jesus that I recently as we are called to be Jesus for heard and read about in the prayer room at cwl.on.ca. them, they likewise are gifts to The Jesus I saw looked rather haggard. His hair us, offering us an opportunity to learn and grow in God’s love. wasT shaggy, his clothes unkempt, his eyes sad and downcast, For they indeed are Jesus. and his posture stooped. He looked as if he carried the weight Lent 2013 was a blessed time of learning, reflecting and of the world on his shoulders. looking within for me. It was a time to consider how much I I was shocked! Why had I not noticed him before? What needed to be still, to pray for insight, guidance and wisdom, should I be doing differently to make sure that I don’t miss him and to listen to the voice of God. This quiet contemplation has again? I think often of all those people in my life who have hopefully afforded me the time to be aware of the face of Jesus manifested Jesus to me – the fellow teacher who was never too in all whom I encounter – the guest from “Out of the Cold”, the busy to put her very complicated life on hold so that we could young girl desperate for guidance at the local Birthright centre, have a coffee and chat, the unknown fellow traveler who offered the shut-ins and residents in the local nursing home and the badly needed assistance, the gentle instructor who repeated that stranger – all need to be welcomed as friend. I looked forward concept just one more time because she knew I hadn’t quite to the opportunity to celebrate the Easter resurrection and the “gotten it” yet, the thoughtful neighbour who found a way to challenge during the fifty days of Easter and beyond to being unobtrusively deliver that parcel or special note, the embrace more gentle, compassionate and understanding, recognizing from a friend who just knew how badly I needed it that terrible that all I have is gift from God because He loves me and has day. These amazing people certainly were/are encounters with called me to spread His good news. Jesus for me. As Christian family life chairpersons at all levels recommit Members are very familiar with the notion that they are their energies, and particularly as they try to enliven the national called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The mission statement theme, it would be wise to revisit the spiritual and corporal is a constant reminder that members are called “to holiness works of mercy. If truly We Have Seen the Lord!, then how could through service to the people of God.” we not want to be present to others, to be that loving connection Over the years I’ve gotten good at “doing”, “being busy”, and often “multi-tasking”. But I don’t think I’ve mastered the that affirms they are precious and loved by God? The issues overwhelming need in this world today to be truly “present” to Christian family life chairpersons face will demand a response others, to look directly into their eyes and to listen to them, in that is loving and shows respect for the human dignity of others, other words, to be the Jesus that they need. even those with opinions different from ours. We must speak It is easy to be nice to friends. The challenge is to recognize out against atrocities in our world, but remember that works of Jesus in those unlikely, unlovable, sometimes obnoxious mercy are rooted in love and the concept of human dignity. As characters that fill our lives. Why didn’t I recognize Jesus in this Easter people, as resurrection people, how can we do less? V

6 THE CANADIAN LEAGUE / SPRING 2013 Service to the People of God Fran Lucas National Chairperson of Community Life

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)

It is our responsibility, as Christian women and implications of policies impacting not only First Nations but members of a national organization, to play an active all Canadians. role in opposing discrimination wherever and in The issues of homelessness, hunger, persecution, whatever form it appears.” This line comes from the Executive prostitution, trafficking, violence against women, cuts to “Handbook where it explains the role of the community life chaplain availability in prisons, and so many more demand standing committee as it pertains to dignity and rights of others. members’ attention and action locally. Tied closely to this comment is the one on social and economic For example, recent statistics released in Alberta report justice where it states, “We must be active in making sure the 6,625 homeless individuals were provided with housing most vulnerable members in our society are protected with and supports in seven major cities in the province. It is very love and justice.” If you are a member, you know the statement encouraging that so many citizens were taken out of a desperate “service to the people of God”, which is an expectation of situation and provided with their own home. One wonders members as defined in the mission statement. This statement why there are so many people in this situation in a wealthy must move members to action. Actions come in many varieties province such as Alberta. How many more are homeless? What such as sponsoring a refugee or writing a letter in opposition is happening to cause this? One diocese offers a “Welcome of a potential law that would give less freedom to a particular Home Program” that asks parishioners to be a welcoming group of individuals. presence and to foster relationships with individuals who have The first six months have filled my head with information. I experienced homelessness. Members must ask, “What have we done to help those in this situation?” Living in your own home want to share it with members as it has also filled my heart with for the first time has challenges, but members can help by a yearning to take action, action that provides opportunities to offering assistance. Reference Resolution 2003.01 Affordable proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!” Housing for Low-Income Canadians for ideas and information. The Idle No More movement was a fine example of action Closely tied to the issue of homelessness is the issue of taken to draw attention to potential wrongdoing and prevent hunger. Resolution 2001.03 Hunger in Canada urges members it from happening. The action started small, yet quickly grew to request federal and provincial governments to implement so large it garnered international attention. I watched First the recommendations of the Canadian Association of Food Nations, joined by many others from all walks of life across Banks. the country, marching, walking, speaking and, for the most Members may also wish to consider what actions they part, being respectful in their action. Several times I thought, have taken to address the issue of violence against women. “Why don’t we see more of this type of organized and peaceful Resolution 2009.01 Exit Strategies for Prostituted Persons may demonstration? There are many issues that need the attention help identify the action members can take. of governments at all levels. Why don’t we see more large Perhaps a council could sponsor a pre-approved refugee? groups working to make change happen on issues?” Citizens Refugees from Iraq and Africa are waiting for private complain to each other, and then turn back to their cup of sponsorship by a group, with the possibility of government coffee or newspaper. Weeks or months later citizens complain funding for some of them. For more information contact your again about the same issue. The Idle No More movement took local diocesan office. action! Citizens will decide for themselves if this movement Service to the people of God can take members to paths of was successful. If nothing more, they were made aware of hurt, joy, revelation and a true experience of fulfillment. Let’s the movement’s purpose – to spread awareness about the start the journey today to see where it leads. V

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 7 Calling all parish councils...

Cecile Miller National Chairperson of Communications

re you familiar with the League’s e-zine, Be League? 10. Newspaper articles will be eliminated unless they are It is a monthly e-newsletter, “... a member-driven clearly readable and authorization to reprint has been creative outlet [which] serves the purpose of received. spreading the good news of parish council events.” 11. Personal comments shall be excluded or edited out. ABetween October 30 and December 3, 2012, a survey 12. Submissions shall be reviewed and approved by the was conducted to identify readership patterns and areas of communications chairperson prior to being posted on the improvement for the current website and Be League. The survey website. was distributed to every member with an e-mail address on 13. The executive director in consultation with the file at national office. Responses were collected using Survey communications chairperson may decide not to publish a Monkey. Nine-hundred twenty-three members completed the submission. survey for a response rate of 77.5%. One of the main issues Besides the need for submissions from more councils raised was the promotion of the website and Be League; it is for across the country, there is a need to promote the e-zine among this reason that I write to you today. the members. Some members are not aware that Be League is The team responsible for reviewing the results met via available each month. What are some ways to promote the teleconference in late January. It decided that councils within e-zine? each province would be highlighted in Be League in turn. • Print a copy and take it to a council meeting. Submissions from all provinces would still be welcomed, but • Encourage members to submit an article with a picture, the team asks that councils within the designated province and make sure permission to use the picture has been make a special effort to ensure items are submitted for its provided in writing. Members want to see themselves and/ designated month. Provinces will be reminded of their month or their friends online. in the preceding month’s issue of Be League. Submissions are • Encourage members to try an activity, fundraiser, prayer due on the last day of each month for inclusion in the next service, workshop, etc., that was a spotlight in Be League. month’s edition. Adapt it to suit your members, and then submit an article. Submissions to Be League should meet the following criteria: 1. Each submission shall be typed and not exceed • Brainstorm other ideas for promoting the reading of Be 50 words. League. Tell us about them, too! 2. Each submission shall be limited to one topic and one • Be creative! photograph. In March, the League launched an account on Facebook, 3. Councils may send more than one submission. joining the over one billion users of Facebook. Facebook is a 4. Items must be about League events. How was the League great way to communicate as news items are posted directly to involved? your Facebook feed. The page will include updates on League 5. Council title and location must be mentioned. activities, photos and stories. Please select the “like” icon on 6. Items should be new or innovative and able to be replicated the Facebook page to follow along. Share the updates with by councils. your friends. 7. There will be limited focus on anniversaries, service pins, Twitter is also a great social media service in which updates members’ years of service and members’ birthdays. They are restricted to 140 characters, making it user-friendly for may be listed. Details will only be included if there is busy members. Over 500 million users “tweet” multiple times significant importance to the event. daily. Please follow @CWLNational for updates and feel free 8. All persons in photographs must be identified, unless it to “tweet” (and “retweet”) League news. is a crowd scene. Written permission to publish must be Members are encouraged to learn more about and use sought from those identified. Be League, the website, Facebook and Twitter. The League has 9. Photographs should be cropped to eliminate distracting so much good news to share! Help us to spread the good news details and provide better balance. so others can Catch the Fire! and light up our world! V

8 THE CANADIAN LEAGUE / SPRING 2013 Beware: Identity theft is real! Lynn Cashin National Sub-committee Chairperson for Communications

he way we communicate has changed greatly. I have seen senior ladies carry their debit card pin number At one time communicating was done by talking on a piece of paper in their purse. If someone stole their purse, to someone in person or by telephone, sending a that thief would have access to their finances. telegram or writing a letter. Now communication I do not carry my SIN card in my purse. If I lost my purse, Tincludes social media, skyping and tweeting. We seem less a stranger could not use my SIN information to obtain loans concerned about privacy. Some people’s entire lives are available in my name. I have heard of people who spend years trying to for the world to see on Facebook. Everything they do and clear their name because of identity theft. think is posted. At any moment, anyone on the web knows There are many e-mail where they are and what they and telephone scams are doing because their lives are shared with the world. where the scam artist seeks They share Information to any personal information. the point that a thief could They eventually sell that know when they are not information to thieves. home; it could provide an It would be so easy to opportunity for the thief to be paranoid in this world! break into their house. Some people prey on the Despite a lack of concern vulnerable like the youth about privacy, it remains and the elderly. Be careful important to protect Social not to trust too easily. If Insurance Numbers (SIN) someone e-mails or calls and access to our finances and says that he or she (bank accounts, investments, is from the bank, do not credit cards, etc.). Further, answer any questions. there must also be concern Go to the bank and talk to about identity theft. Pin numbers protect access to finances. Bills are paid online. someone in person. No bank asks for personal information Love is found on social networks. over the phone or in an e-mail. I am not an authority on the matters of identity theft or the It is important for people to be “street” smart. Be wary in web, but I have heard from professionals. I have heard of thieves public places. Protect yourselves and the ones you love, for we who can walk through malls and steal personal information do not think like thieves, and therefore are vulnerable to their from credit cards and bank cards with special scanners, just by lies and deceptions. We can still love one another as we are walking nearby. This is very scary! supposed to, but we should do it wisely. V

Congratulations! Congratulations to Sacred Heart Parish Council, Rossland, British Columbia celebrating its 80th anniversary. Charter date: March 16, 1933

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 9 Dry? Maybe... Important? Always… Bill C-45 Warrants League Action, Still...

Anne-Marie Gorman National Chairperson of Legislation

he two prescribed duties of the national chairperson federal government and many First Nations. The League wants of legislation are to monitor and study legislation to be part of the solution. Hence, it is a League issue. and preparation of briefs and position papers on The part of Bill C-45 that is relevant to membership is proposed federal legislation. In order to monitor and Division 8, Sections 206-209, which amends the Indian Tstudy legislation, I spend a considerable amount of time on Act. The provision concerns the leasing of reserve land for the parliamentary website (parl.gc.ca). Provincially, legislation commercial purposes and simplifies and speeds up the chairpersons are vigilant in scanning, reviewing and alerting approval process needed before leasing. Section 209 of the act members to what is occurring legislatively in their provinces. requires an order in council before certain provisions come into One such piece of federal legislation that was brought to effect. Hence, an order from the federal government signed by my attention in late fall was Bill C-45 Jobs and Growth Act, 2012 the governor general is required before amendments to the which received royal assent on December 14th. This bill had Indian Act take effect. gone through the required number of readings, the respective There is no time limit for this to occur. The section in committee stages, voting in the House of Commons and the question may or may not come into force at some point. If Senate, and was signed by the governor general. enough pressure is brought to bear, the federal government may Once a bill receives royal assent, one would assume this is never deal with it. the end of the process, but for Part 4 Division 8 of the Jobs and So, my dear sisters, Bill C-45 is now law as an act, but Growth Act, 2012, this is not the case. Part 4 Division 8 amends certain provisions will not come into effect without another the Indian Act. step. Membership, therefore, is urged to continue to write In acts of parliament, there is sometimes what is called letters to members of parliament, the federal minister of justice “coming-into-force provisions.” A clause may be included in and the prime minister to encourage a positive resolution to a bill that specifies when an act or certain provisions of an act long-standing issues of First Nations. shall come into force. The bill may contain a clause providing During one visit to federal ministries, members were for its proclamation on a specific date or a date to be fixed by encouraged to write letters regularly to all cabinet ministers, as an “order in council.” The order in council is made by the they meet weekly. The more members advocate for action, the federal government, which must then be signed by the governor better. The League may not be able to do everything, but it can general. do something. How are this act and its progress relevant to members? This act provides not only a case study in following the A letter to the prime minister from the 92nd annual national parliamentary process, but also the need to examine carefully convention asked how the League may assist in helping to solve bills that relate to adopted resolutions. The fire continues to serious and ongoing issues that cause division between the burn in us. We Have Seen the Lord! V

National Council Regretfully Advises The passing of life members Mitzi Crowe of Edmonton, Alberta Sharon Harland of Halifax, Nova Scotia

10 THE CANADIAN LEAGUE / SPRING 2013 Affordable Housing Bill Defeated by House of Commons Terri Scott National Subcommittee Chairperson for Legislation

he much needed and anticipated private member’s Since then housing has been considered a provincial Bill C-400 Secure, Adequate, Accessible and Affordable matter and the responsibility now weighs heavily on the Housing Act was defeated in the House of Commons shoulders of each province to provide for struggling families. on February 27th. Bill C-400 replaced the earlier Canada is now the only country in the world without a TBill C-304 which died when parliament recessed for elections national housing strategy. in 2011, after having passed first and second readings. Short-term funding has been scarce, and there is Member of Parliament Marie-Claude Morin (Saint-Hyacinthe– little coordination between federal, territorial, provincial, Bagot) brought forward Bill C-400 which called for the municipal and Aboriginal governments or other private and development of a national strategy for affordable housing. community sectors. Canada has lacked a national affordable housing plan The loss of this bill will have negative implications for since 1993. In the 20 years the housing plan was in place, the less fortunate. Encourage your member of parliament, more than 600,000 affordable, good quality homes were member of the legislative assembly and city officials to provided to families in need. In the early ’90s, the dismantlement support an affordable housing strategy in your jurisdiction of national housing program led to a rise in homelessness. or area. V

Happy Birthday! Congratulations to the following centenarians:

Alice Gervais 106 years old March 8, 2013 Mary Gougeon 100 years old May 2012 Our Lady of Auvergne, Pontiex, Saskatchewan St. John Vianney Parish Council, Penticton, British Columbia

Eva Robicheau 102 years old February 12, 2013 Frances Hutmacher 100 years old March 3, 2013 St. Ambrose Parish Council, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia St. James-Assiniboia Parish Council, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Grace McBride 101 years old March 31, 2013 Elizabeth Keifer 100 years old November 18, 2012 St. Stephen Parish Council, Cayuga, Ontario Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council, Winona, Ontario Sr. Antoinette Korpacka 100 years old October 28, 2012 Frances Ballantyne 100 years old September 15, 2012 Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption Parish Council, St. Andrew Parish Council, Oakville, Ontario North Bay, Ontario

Marcelina Elder 100 years old January 13, 2013 Jean Mack 100 years old March 12, 2013 St. James Parish Council, Wilkie, Saskatchewan St. Thomas A. Becket Parish Council, Pierrefonds, Quebec

Sadie Graham 100 years old November 6, 2012 Amanda Rivait 100 years old July 31, 2012 St. Peter Parish Council, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia St. Anne Parish Council, Tecumseh, Ontario

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 11

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” THE WUCWO NORTH AMERICAN REGION MEETING

29-30 SEPTEMBER 2013

lease make plans to participate in the World Union of WUCWO board member from Canada, a wonderful speaker on Catholic Women’s Organization’s (WUCWO) North human trafficking who herself became a victim as a young girl American region meeting to be held at the Marriott while on a family vacation, time for discussion, a message from Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, the president-general and a beautiful closing mass. FloridaP September 29-30, 2013. The registration fee of $75.00 US includes lunch on the first We shall learn, participate in a wonderful interactive day and coffee/soda breaks throughout. workshop on poverty, and, most importantly, pray together, Hotel reservations should be made directly with the enhancing our understanding and embracing the beautiful Marriott. Please see the National Council of Catholic Women’s commandment that is our meeting’s theme, to love your website (nccw.org) for more information on the hotel and rates. neighbour as yourself. Please join us and be a part of the meeting. We so look Together with WUCWO’s President-General Maria forward to learning, praying and celebrating with you. Giovanna Ruggieri, we shall enjoy speakers who will address us regarding the WUCWO priority theme for 2013, reduction of poverty and the designated sub-themes of human trafficking, To register: violence and respect for migrants. Please send a cheque for $75.00 US The schedule for the first day includes the WUCWO (made payable to “WUCWO–NA Meeting”) 2013 Day of Prayer Service, a keynote address delivered by and the completed registration form by July 31st to: Archbishop Thomas Wenski (Miami), lunch together, an interactive workshop and time for discussion. Kim Scammell, CWL Nationa Office The closing half day will begin with an English prayer C-702 Scotland Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3M 1X5 service offered in the Ukrainian rite and organized by the

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12 THE CANADIAN LEAGUE / SPRING 2013 Reactivated Councils The Catholic Women’s League of Canada welcomes councils that have reactivated.

St. Peter Parish Council Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Council St. John the Baptist Parish Council Sarnia, Ontario Uxbridge, Ontario Amherstburg, Ontario

Introducing Letters to the Editor Barbara MacFarlane Prince Edward Island Provincial President Dear Editor, I congratulate Betty Martin on her continuing quest to Barbara was raised on educate the membership about the devastating effects of a farm in Cornwall, the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Winter 2013 edition eldest of three children. of The Canadian League. After attending a two-room school, she went to high I accept David Taylor’s statement that the ALS Society school in Charlottetown of Canada does not fund research projects using human and was taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Following embryonic stem cells. high school, she attended Saint Dunstan’s University However, considering its former stance, I would feel (now the University of Prince Edward Island) and was in much more comfortable had he assured members that the the last graduating class. ALS Society of Canada no longer supports the use of human In 1972, Barbara married John and together they embryonic stem cells and will not do so in the future. raised five children, four of whom still live on the Island. One daughter, a medic, is stationed at the Canadian Dianne Williams Forces Base in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Shortly after St. John Parish Council, Toronto, Ontario their marriage, the MacFarlanes moved to Johnstons River and still live there today. Barbara taught school for 30 years, most of which was spent at the elementary level; she retired in 2005. Barbara’s League journey began in 1980 after the Dear Editor, birth of her second child. She was relatively new to the community and thought it would be a good way to meet I have to send a note to express how much I enjoyed Cecile people. Her first council was Sacred Heart Parish Council Miller’s article in the Winter 2013 edition of The Canadian in Mount Ryan. This council disbanded in 2009, so League. It was wonderful! I am currently recording secretary Barbara joined St. Patrick Parish Council in Fort Augustus. for my parish council, having served as president (three She has held various positions in both councils and was times), communications chairperson and in other positions. president twice at Sacred Heart. In 2006, she joined the I constantly promote the magazine at regular meetings. This Price Edward Island provincial executive and has held the edition particularly stressed the spiritual ministry as primary. positions of chairperson of communications, Christian Sometimes this fact gets lost in the other events we sponsor. family life and organization. The magazine, under the presidency of Velma Harasen and In addition to the responsibilities of provincial now Betty Anne Brown Davidson, gets better and better with president, Barbara is involved with Meals On Wheels, Fort Augustus Heritage Park and Donagh Community each issue. Thank you. Regional School. She very much enjoys her involvement in the community. Barbara Diemert Barbara attests to her growth in confidence from being St. Francis of Assisi Parish Council, Kitchener, Ontario involved in the League and an appreciation of the many opportunities it offers for growth. She shares that the many wonderful women she has met have been a real blessing to her! V

SPRING 2013 / THE CANADIAN LEAGUE 13 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT C-702 SCOTLAND AVENUE WINNIPEG, MB R3M 1X5 E-MAIL: [email protected]

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