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The Catholic Women’s League of Canada
Saskatchewan Provincial Council
Annual Reports
2010

For a downloadable PDF version, click here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Gerri Holmes

DIOCESAN PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Prince Albert – Erica Maier

Regina - Mary Bybliw

Saskatoon - Susan Melchiorre

CHAIRPERSON’S OF STANDING COMMITTEE’S REPORTS

Organization – Tillie Aessie

Spiritual – Eileen Danylczuk

Resolutions – Jean Reader

Legislation – Marcella Pedersen

Christian Family Life – Monica Beavis

Community Life – Marlene Schnell

Communications – Helen Kayfish

Health & Education – Marge Szabo

Archives – Yvonne Colleaux

Life Member Liaison - Joan Petracek

Saskatchewan 2010 Annual Report
Gerri Holmes, Provincial President

Saskatchewan members were busy as Women of Peace & Hope. Our diocesan councils are working hard in 2 of the 3 Diocesan Councils I heard from. One Diocesan President was concerned about the difficulties in getting new members and filling executive positions. Some parish councils felt the use of their bulletin was getting information out to all in the parish and not just members.

The provincial council’s winter executive meeting was held at Manitou beach at the end of February. National President Elect Velma Harasen gave a presentation on her recent trip to India and Nepal with the Coady Institute. The executive gathered socially to hold a sing-song with two talented guitarists and many good voices. It was nice to be able to take time to just “be” amidst the business sessions.

We struggled this year to have a fall workshop. Scheduled later because of the late harvest, we ended up being cancelled in November due to bad weather. Oh those Saskatchewan winters. Vivian Bosch and Fr. Ed Hengen had prepared a workshop focusing on poverty on our new theme. Not to have all that go to waste, it was decided to incorporate that workshop with our winter meeting to be held in February 2011 and usually only an executive meeting.

As your provincial president I represented members at several anniversaries, Knights of Columbus state convention, the national convention and one of the two national executive meetings. An invitation was extended from the Archdiocese of Regina for their 100th Anniversary, but I was unable to attend. I was unable to attend the Prince Albert Diocesan Convention, but managed to take in portions of Regina’s Convention held in Swift Current and also Saskatoon Convention held in Saskatoon. Diocesan and provincial councils positively planned meetings and conventions so that as many as possible could participate. It is always so heart warming to meet the members on their own turf and really get a feeling of where things are at.

Saskatoon hosted our provincial convention on May 31 and June 1. National President Danielle McNeil Hessian was in attendance bringing greetings and doing an educating, emotion filled workshop based on our theme. Theme Presenter was Judy Savoy whose presentations were filled with humor, which was skilfully weaved into her presentation on our theme. The Council’s 50% share of the Mass collection was given to the Oblate Missions. Our Annual Social Justice Award saw Reanne Lajeunesse as the recipient.

A resolution on Crysotille Asbestos was passed and forward to National where it was amalgamated with another similar resolution from New Brunswick. The Nuclear Waste resolution was provincially designated and the President and some members of the executive will meet with the Minister of Energy and Resources.

Some Executive members attended the CHAS Convention & Pro-Life Convention.

The National Bursary was awarded to 12 recipients, 5 from the Diocese of Saskatoon, 7 from the Archdiocese of Regina. It is wonderful to see members access the funds to pursue further education.

The provincial Web site is still a work in progress. As with anything new it takes time to work out the kinks.

The province once again saw a decrease in membership. With a concerted effort of personal contact maybe we will once again see that number rise. The biggest challenge is recruiting members for executive positions.

All good things must come to an end, as does my term as provincial president. It was a wonderful learning experience, one that I wish more members would aspire to. I thank the members who allowed me the gift of their friendship and the great ladies of Saskatchewan for giving me the opportunity to serve.

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PRINCE ALBERT CWL DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT

I want to express my thanks to the Melfort, Mayfair, and Barthel Councils for the beautiful workshops, I attended. The fellowship and spiritual connection with each sister, is something we always receive when we attend these events.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the National Convention, however, we were very fortunate to have one of our executive’s attend. Please read her report and look at the beautiful pictures took.

Very few reports were submitted this year to their standing committee chairperson so many of our stories, our accomplishments will not be documented, or shared for others to read.

Please keep in mind that with out our numbers and support the resolutions will not be heard. Our Faith, now more than ever, is slowly diminishing, and the secular world is taking over. We all have become so busy in our lives; we have forgotten to put our Lord, the needs of the church, first and foremost. We have a tendency to assume, once we slow down, retire, or our careers are more stable, we will have more time to perform the wants and needs of our Lord, not realising we have this backwards.

In closing, I am encouraging each council to request a Mass, in the honour of the League, all that we stand for, the strength to put Our Lord, our Faith, first in all that we do, each and every day.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to work at this level of the League, for the friendships, knowledge and blessings it has brought me.

I thank you all

God Bless each of you and your councils, for your hard work and prayers

Erika Maier
President
Prince Albert C.W.L. Diocesan Council

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REGINA PRESIDENT'S REPORT 2009

Our membership in 2010 was 3,809. This is a decrease of 132 from the previous year. However, 15 councils did have an increase of 41 members. Despite this decrease, the 53% of the councils who reported donated a total of $10,798.75 to the National Voluntary Funds of our League. The reports from our councils show the hard work that is being done by members. In fulfilling our “service to the people of God” part of our mission statement members are giving many hours of volunteer time in our parishes which have no monetary value.

Our 87th Annual CWL Diocesan Convention was held in Swift Current April 25th and 26th at Christ the Redeemer Church. This convention was hosted by Our Lady of the Fields Regional Council with 244 councils representing 43 councils in attendance. The guest speakers for the convention were Sister Judy Schachtel who gave a presentation on 'Reclaiming the Sacredness of Creation'. Shawna Sparrow, Provincial Teen-Aid Co-ordinator and Teen-Aid classroom teacher, gave a power-point presentation on the problems associated with the high rate of teen sexual activities and the issues that are addressed when a Teen-Aid teacher visits a classroom with the chastity message.

A resolution presented by Jeanne Procknow of St. Vincent de Paul Council in Weyburn on banning the export of chrysotile asbestos and having it listed as a hazardous product was passed at the diocesan convention and forwarded to the Saskatchewan Provincial Council. From the Provincial Annual Convention the resolution went to the National Convention in Ottawa where it was combined with a resolution from New Brunswick on the same topic and passed at that convention. Thank you to the members of St. Vincent de Paul, particularly Jeanne Procknow, for their hard work and dedication in bringing this topic to our attention.

At the National Convention we celebrated as a diocese and province the election of Velma Harasen as National President.

The councils of Our Lady of Peace Region received recognition from Sr. Bernadette Feist of the Valley Native Ministry for their continued participation in the twinning of CWL councils and support of her work. One of our smallest councils (4 members) is Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in Val Marie. This council continues to be an inspiration and example for all of us. Members and their husbands work together on their projects.

Because of the size of the Regina Archdiocese, the CWL councils are divided into 10 regions which correspond somewhat to the deanery boundaries of the archdiocese. Each regional council is comprised of six to 10 councils and holds mini-conventions, retreats, spiritual workshops a couple of times a year. These are great opportunities to share faith, fun and fellowship and give members a sense of renewed commitment to living out our mission statement.

Thank you to Marge Szabo, our retiring past president, for all her dedication to our Regina Diocesan Council. Marge continues her CWL involvement on the provincial council and especially as the chairperson of the planning committee for the 2013 National Convention which will be held in Regina.

This concludes my report.
Mary Bybliw, Diocesan President.

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Saskatoon Diocesan Annual Report

2010 saw us loose one council. So we are now 51 councils strong and very active. Attendance at meetings could improve but all report that members are ready, willing and eager to give their support when needed.

Councils were busy promoting membership and interest in the League through membership teas, fun as well as religious events for the ladies, being visible in parishes through helping with ministries to assisting with fundraising. They also go out into their communities to assist where needed and promote the League.

The members of Saskatoon Diocese embraced the theme “Women of Peace and Hope”. They used the logo in many inventive ways. They carried peace and hope through their church and communities by being involved. Aid to shutins and nursing home residents was high on their list of priorities. Many are involved in regular social events at nursing homes as well as bringing prayer and Eucharist to them. All are involved in church ministries and many take their work to their communities by supporting community events such as Tele Miracle, flower sales and youth camps and contributing to the well being of their friends and neighbors. Many council’s had busy fingers knitting prayer shawls and teddies. Our ladies keep the shelves and racks full of clothing and small household items at the CWL Clothing Depot in Saskatoon. All profits from the Clothing Depot are given to charity. In 2010 we were able to contribute $25,500.00 to various charities.

Youth are supported by assisting with children’s liturgy, assisting with the sacraments, providing bursaries and scholarships and helping with youth camps and retreats.

The executive worked hard to bring programming to our members. We have workshops on Ethics, Elder Abuse and “One in the Spirit” which we take out to our members. Members are always available to speak to councils.

This past year we attended a few anniversary celebrations. Our Lady of Lourdes, Saskatoon celebrated 45 years. St Peter the Apostle, Saskatoon celebrated their 50th anniversary. We journey to St Joseph’s, Eatonia to celebrate their 65 with them. St Mary Macklin celebrated their 70th anniversary. What special moments!!!

This year our fall retreat was held in Saskatoon at St Patrick’s Parish. Leah Perrault, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, was the presenter. She focused on our theme of “Women of Peace and Hope”. What a dynamic presenter!!! All thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with her and appreciated the time and effort she put in to give us a first class presentation. Due to a provincial wide snow storm in November the attendance was not as good as it usually is.

In 2010 we received one resolution. It came from St James Council, Wilkie. It was on involving all interested parties in the discussions on the storage of nuclear waste in Saskatchewan. (Not just the companies interested in the storage of nuclear waste). It was past and sent on to the Provincial Council where it also passed. They were to contact the provincial government to begin a dialogue.

2010 was Our Lady of Grace Region’s (Saskatoon) turn to host the Diocesan Convention and also Saskatoon Diocesan Council’s turn to host the provincial convention. Our 75th convention was held at St Patrick’s Parish with six of our Saskatoon councils taking on the planning and hosting. Most Reverend Murray Chatlain of Mackenzie-Fort Smith was our guest speaker. The Provincial convention was held at Holy Spirit Church, Saskatoon, with another six councils from Our Lady of Grace Region taking on the planning and hosting. Both were successful events.

God bless all of you as we journey forth in Faith and Justice.

Susan Melchiorre
President

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Saskatchewan Organization Annual Report 2010
Tillie Aessie

The province of Saskatchewan consists of three dioceses namely, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon.

This report is based on reports from 87 parish councils in Saskatoon and Regina dioceses, no reports were received from the Prince Albert diocese.

Recruit Members and Maintain Membership

Councils have been very diligent in trying to increase and maintain their memberships. Several of the larger city councils have actually had increases this year. This is partially due to the chairpersons picking up the phone and personally contacting all the ladies in their parish. Some parishes have used the envelope system for the month of October to make it easier for collection of membership dues. Announcements made before Masses on Sundays and articles in the parish bulletins remind members that the time is near. A membership tea, supper or spring BBQ is also a good way to collect memberships, provide hospitality and welcome any newcomers. Some of the council’s give out memberships as raffle items and as gifts for quest speakers.

Councils show appreciation for outgoing executive and incoming executive by having a special prayer service and a potluck supper. Long time service pins and awards are presented to members at a special evening. One council held a prayer circle at a nursing home to show ladies that they are not forgotten. A special effort is made to include them in Xmas parties and when service pins are given. Greeting cards are also sent out to remember members who are sick or if a family member has died. Transportation is also provided to members who have difficulty getting to Mass and meetings.

Almost all Councils hold a candlelight memorial commemoration of deceased members and their families in November.

Leadership Development

A few councils present orientation packages to new members and provide the League magazine. Throughout the year development programs are discussed and Diocesan executive meeting attendance is encouraged. In one diocese, funding is offered to any member who would like to attend a diocesan or provincial convention. Councils are readily made aware of the development fund available from National to sponsor workshops, development days and training days. Councils make use of diocesan and provincial executive for help with leadership development.

League Resource Material

Councils all have updated copies of the National Manual of Policy and Procedure and several even take time to discuss a certain section at each regular meeting. The Leading the League manual is considered “the Bible” of the CWL. Another very important resource is the Executive Hand Book, one for each chair position (I especially like the new Organization booklet), this is a most valuable tool for new executive members. Councils are encouraged to use the National website for League Resource materials for workshops, prayer services, and national office inventory items. Members have also expressed they use The League Magazine for many of their meetings, where articles are shared. Councils used the article that Kim wrote from the League magazine to explain the how, what, when and why of the new proposed per capita fee increase of $5.00. Members expressed gratitude for the detailed information and most accepted it positively.

Annual Reports

When collating the annual reports we see what great work all the parish councils and the dioceses are doing. It is interesting to see how one parish deals with a problem and another does what it has to do to make their council work for God and Canada. This sharing of ideas is a wonderful thing as it also encourages new and innovative ideas. It also shows us that yes; you did all those wonderful work last year and now it is “time to blow your own horn”. (Marie Cameron).

Life Membership

Saskatchewan is blessed with having four Honorary Life Members and eleven Life Members. These ladies have been wonderful mentors and resource persons. Please remember to keep them in prayer.

Thanks goes out to our Life Member Liaison for her two years service in keeping in touch with these Great women.

This concludes my report.

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2010 PROVINCIAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Eileen Danylczuk

Annual reports provide our membership with an overview of Spiritual Development activities offered by our councils in their respective parishes throughout the entire province. Councils have embraced our theme “Women of Peace and Hope” and have used it as a starting point for worship opportunities. A provincial total of 74 councils contributed to the writing of this annual report. The range of activities is impressive, and it clearly illustrates why women choose to belong to the Catholic Women’s League.

Spiritual Growth of Members

• All councils report that meetings either begin or end with spiritual activities, most often the Mass, but also prayer services, the Rosary, spiritual reflections, and the Way of the Cross.
• Councils use the League Prayer and some sing the “Hymn to Our Lady of Good Counsel.”
• Councils use many forms of prayer. Some have learned how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. They also compose and present the Prayer of the Faithful, and celebrate their parish patron saint with special devotions and celebrations.
• Councils are attentive to the needs of their membership – offering Mass intentions for deceased members and their families, sending get well cards and visiting.
• Members attend yearly retreats, workshops and Bible Study classes to enhance their faith life. They report back to their local councils to share what they have learned.
• Councils bring in guest speakers and offer Retreat days and evenings for members and parishioners.
• Many members are active in Prayer Trees or Chains. They pray for the needs of the League, the parish and community.
• The support of Spiritual Advisors is noted and appreciated. In the Year of the Priest they honoured their priests in many and diverse ways.
• Councils mentioned the use of Catholic papers, seasonal prayer booklets, the League Magazine, and the e-newsletter, Be League, as sources of information and inspiration.

Study of Catholic Teachings

• Numerous Bible Study programs and Catholic information programs are available and being used by councils province-wide. They also use prayer services found on the CWL web site.
• Some councils have “Book Clubs” where members read selections and prepare for discussion groups.
• CWL members assist with sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Marriage. They also help with RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) programs, with Adoration, with funerals and wakes.
• Councils report members are studying in Lay Ministry Formation Programs and Bible Studies. Members are aware of the financial assistance available from the National Bursary program for any program of adult faith formation.
• Members and councils have personal and group subscriptions to the Prairie Messenger and other Catholic publications.
• Members and individual councils are active in many ways with pro-life organizations.

Role of Women in the Church

• Women are involved in all of the parish ministries: they act as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, choir members, musicians, and hospitality ministers. In many parishes on CWL Sunday all of the ministries are covered by CWL members.
• Women are active in their parishes in other ways: art and décor, children’s liturgy, liturgy committees, hospitality and welcome committees, on financial committees and in the parish.
• Women are active on pastoral councils chairing or working on various committees. They also serve on school and health boards, and are active in programs throughout their communities.
• Women are pastoral care visitors to the elderly and shut-ins. They visit and bring Holy Communion to hospital patients. They provide honor guards and lead vigil and wake services as well as prepare funeral lunches. Names are sent to National for inclusion in the Book of Life.
• Long service awards, the Maple Leaf Service pins and the Bellelle Guerin pins are presented to members who have earned them.

Evangelization and Mission Assistance

• Councils reported that funds raised go toward making life better for their own parishes, their communities, province, country and indeed world-wide.
• Funds were donated to Operation Christmas Child, Christian Catholic Outreach, Haiti, Telemiracle, Net Ministry, African Ministries, Serena, Birthright, Coady, Visitation House, the Marian Centre, Esk-Omi, CODE, local food banks and many others.
• Councils also volunteer their time and talents to many agencies.
• Some councils use a “giving tree” to supply needed items at Christmas time.
• Immigrant and refugee families receive support, assistance and gifts from CWL councils. Families are helped to settle into their new communities.

Lay Ministries

• Many graduates of Lay Ministry Formation Programs assist in all aspects of parish ministry.
• Many CWL members are currently enrolled in Lay Ministry Formation Programs. Financial support is provided where possible and members are urged to apply for National Bursaries for any programs that offer adult faith formation.
• Some members are lay presiders in their parishes, most often in rural areas.
• Members are active in Pastoral Care programs by visiting the elderly and shut-ins in private homes and nursing care facilities by bringing them the Body of Christ and the Word of God,
• Members bring Communion to hospital patients. They act as porters to bring patients to Sunday Mass in hospital chapels and they further assist by proclaiming the Word, and acting as Eucharistic and hospitality ministers, as musicians and sacristans.
• Members facilitate Bible Studies, assist with sacramental preparations, and provide home visits to households celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation.

Ecumenism and Interfaith Endeavors

• Councils assist with World Day of Prayer events either as hosts, readers, attendees or with hospitality offerings.
• Some councils host, and members attend, Christian Unity services in January.
• Community Remembrance Day services are attended in nearly all communities.
• Individual councils host ecumenical coffee parties followed by Lenten or Advent prayer services.
• Members serve as ecumenical representatives on their pastoral councils. They attend workshops and programs to promote ecumenism and share what they have learned with the whole parish.
• The Prayer Shawl ministry comes to us through our ecumenical endeavors. Many hands are involved in the making of the Prayer Shawls which are blessed (sometimes at Sunday Mass) before being presented to shut-ins.

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Provincial Resolutions Annual Report 2010

Resolutions were passed at the Provincial Convention in June, and then headed for their final destination.

Provincial Resolution 2010.01 Nuclear Fuel Waste

This resolution dealt with concerns our 8,125 Catholic Women’s League members had about the way nuclear fuel waste was to be handled in our province. It had been suggested that uranium removed from Saskatchewan should be returned to Saskatchewan once it was spent. Our contention was that if you bought it from Saskatchewan and took it away to some other province then it was that province’s problem of storing the spent fuel, not Saskatchewan’s.

President Gerri Holmes, President Elect Tillie Aessie, and myself met with Minister Bill Boyd, of Energy and Resources, in February in Eston. The meeting was cordial and we presented the Minister with our Resolution explaining our concerns about the issue of nuclear waste from other provinces being stored in Saskatchewan. The Minister explained that this issue was still being debated. Talks were going on at both the Provincial and Federal levels of government. We mentioned that not enough people are attending these hearings or meetings to make their concerns known. My conclusion was that we have to be more aware of the events taking place concerning the disposal of nuclear waste, because by learning more about the issues we can make informed decisions.

The National Resolution 2010.001 Chrysotile Asbestos

This resolution was shared by Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, the resolution was passed at the National convention. This is a very contentious item for the Federal government and they were not very receptive of the Resolution and informed the Catholic Women’s League delegate that it was a “sensitive” issue and they would take it under consideration. I think that this issue is one that is going to need a lot of letter writing to be done to make the Federal Government realize that all the Catholic Women’s League members are concerned about this horrific immoral deal that we are making with Third World countries.

This has been a very enlightening and learning experience for me and I thank all those that helped bring these Resolutions into being.

Jean Reader

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Legislation Annual Report
Marcella Pedersen

It is really nice to recognize some positive actions by our Canadian government and/or our parliamentarians: 1) our great triumph during this past year is the defeating of Bill C-384 re: Euthanasia. 2) Canada ratified the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. With the CWL focusing on poverty and housing issues in the future, this is one area to monitor. 3) Terrence Young, Ont. M.P. introduced a Bill advocating for safe prescription drugs. This is long overdue.

I received 2 of 3 reports from Dioceses. Many parishes do not have a Legislative chairperson, or they are combined with other standing chairs. Bills that were studied monitored or letters written on were:

Gun control, refugee legislation; pornography; stimulus money; and exporting of asbestos to third world countries. Bill C-545- An Act to Eliminate Poverty in Canada; Bill C-304- An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians; Bill C-268- An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of 18 years; Bill-C474- that required an analysis of the market harm to farmers before new Genetically Modified (GM) varieties are released which deals with genetically engineered seed.

Concerns over the last year has been the secretly developed CETA (Canada-Europe Trade Agreement) which puts our whole culture/sovereignty at risk from our municipal laws to jobs, water, health care, to the foods we eat. The economy, poverty, gender, human rights, culture, Indigenous peoples, public services, municipal autonomy and the environment will all be affected. As currently drafted, everything is on the table for negotiation. Do inform yourselves about this agreement. My understanding is that it is worse than NAFTA. If NAFTA has sent more people to food banks and poverty, will CETA reduce us to Third World conditions? It is interesting and incredible to me that our forefathers came to this country to get away from serfdom, and we are headed in the same direction under a different guise.

In October, I attended the United Church of Alberta Women’s Conference and was a presenter as National Farmers Union guest speaker. The program that Mary Nordick and I drafted and presented to the CWL fall workshop in 2003 was mainly what I presented to the United Church women with some updates. This program is mainly about food sovereignty from the farmer to the consumer from a social justice perspective. Although I was wearing my NFU hat, I was very aware that I was also wearing a CWL hat. They were very pleased and suggested that the CWL and the UC women should work together on issues. For example, I was presented with a Raggedy Ann Doll which the UC women are giving to politicians to make them aware of poverty of children. They had made over 200 dolls to present to "people of influence".

And last but not least, Bill C – 573 is an act to establish Pope John Paul II Day in Canada in April. Wouldn’t that be something to celebrate? When so much of our times seem focused on destroying Christian values, it would be nice to recognize Pope John Paul II Day in Canada.

On the Saskatchewan front: issues monitored were the decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal that the Marriage Commissioners of Saskatchewan have to perform gay marriages regardless of their personal or religious convictions; labor laws infringing on worker’s rights. More issues to be monitored are the nuclear waste disposal issue. It appears that the Saskatchewan Legislators have not understood that in regards to nuclear, that “No” by the Saskatchewan public means “No!” not a yellow light or green light.

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Christian Family Life Annual Report

MONICA BEAVIS

Reports were received from the Regina Archdiocese and the Saskatoon Diocese. When we calculate the number of CWL Councils that reported it works out to approximately 50% .The reports indicate the dedication caring and involvement of the members in the activities of their Parish Communities .The following is an outline of the work that CWL participated in the last year.

Marriage and Family

• Honoring all mothers on Mother’s Day by having them participating in the Liturgy and presenting them with a flower.
• Supporting newly wed couples through prayer and presenting them with a gift such as a cross.
• Dedicating time to pray for the single parent, separated, divorced and also the homeless and those living in poverty.
• Donating to the Food Bank and preparing food hampers for those in need.
• Volunteering and collecting used clothing for the clothing depot.
• Lobbing and actively participating in letter writing on issues such as human trafficking, euthanasia and issues involving youth and family.
• Sponsoring a family through the Save the Family Plan

Sanctity of Life

• Supporting, creating an awareness and actively become involved in pro- life issues.
• Donating layettes for newborn babies through the Birth Rite organization.
• Lobbying against BillC384, an act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity)
• Promoting alternatives to Abortion, Euthanasia, and Assisted Suicide.
• Donating to organizations providing Palliative and Hospice Care.

Ministry to Seniors and Disabled

• Visiting of people shut-in and in senior care homes
• Arranging for birthday parties in Long Term Care facilities.
• Conducting a regular CWL meeting in a Senior’s residence to promote participation and a sense of involvement
• Providing transportation to mass.
• Donating to Telemiracle to assist people in need

Ministry of Youth

• Providing bursaries’ and scholarships to high school students
• Sponsoring youth retreats
• Assisting youth financially to participate in summer camps and also sponsorship to the World Youth Days in Madrid Spain August 16th to the 21st 2011.
• Encouraging youth to participate in parish ministry.
• Contributing to Teen Aide
• Distribution of gifts for children receiving First Eucharist and Confirmation

Ministry of Widowed, Separated, and Divorced

• Being aware of those who are grieving a loss-a willingness to be there for them, listening and supporting them on their journey.
• Making an effort to include those who are widowed separated, and divorced in the parish and CWL activities so that they don’t feel left out.

Vocations

• Supporting diocesan committees who assist people who may be discerning a vocation as a priest or religious life and provide the information that they may be searching for to make a decision.

Parish Activities

CWL members are very active within the Parish Community; they reported that they participate in coordinating one or more parish programs such as:

• RCIA,
• Sacramental preparation
• Fund raising activities for the parish
• Lay Presiders
• Organizing and serving funeral lunches.
• Distributing Eucharist to the sick at home, private care homes and hospital

Other

• Selling daffodils for breast cancer
• Utilizing the talents of CWL Members to knit prayer shawls and teddies (500) they also sew bibs for children who are being baptized.

This report outlines the many activities that CWL Members are involved in across the province. You are sharing your gifts, time and skills as you reach out and serve the people in the community. God bless you.

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COMMUNITY LIFE ANNUAL REPORT - 2010
Marlene Schnell

I received all of the three annual reports from my Diocesan counterparts. These were very well compiled and will give my report from them. As you will see we have very busy councils who are involved in the parish & community. Not all councils have a Community Life chairperson, but many still do community work in their council.

Dignity and Rights of Persons:

• Financial donations given to Transition Homes, Telemiracle, Early Learning Centre, Coady Institute, Teen Aid, Visitation House
• Hosted a bingo and birthday party at Santa Maria nursing home. Prepared and served lunch, provided prize money and helped residents play bingo.
• Presented a donation to Wascana Rehabilitation Centre – ladies help porter, serve and feed residents.
• Volunteered two weeks of the year at Marian Centre that feeds men for lunch – help with meal preparation and sorting men’s clothing.
• Serve at funeral lunches and act as Honour guard for a member’s funeral
• Support Pro-Life through prayer and donations and participate in the Chain for Life Sunday.
• Send get well, sympathy, mass cards and anniversary cards as well visit the sick, shut-ins and those in palliative care, hospitals, care homes and serve as Eucharistic ministers to the sick and shut-ins
• Make comfort cushions for the palliative care patients, as well some members are knitting or crocheting prayer shawls for ill parishioners.
• A drugstore in one council supplies unsold books and magazines to the Regina penitentiary which the prison Chaplin distributes to the prisoners
• Purchased and laid a wreath for Remembrance Day
• Signed petitions and wrote letters to defeat the euthanasia and assisted suicide Bills

Community Services: [Social and Economic Justice]

• Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and the Meals on Wheels program
• Christmas hampers of food and gifts collected and donated to needy families
• Assist with community based charities such as Pro-Life and Birthright by donating baby clothes.
• Clothing donations made to the Salvation Army, Diabetes Society, Clothing Depot, Blue Mantle, and Good Neighbour Store
• Transport seniors to Doctor appointments and Sunday mass
• Ministries to the youth
  • Recruit young people .for altar servers, readers
  • Support youth camps and leadership training
• Organize and participate in: [WRAP] White Ribbon Against Pornography
• Give Pamper baskets of bath products to local Women’s shelters, as well blankets, quilts, baby clothes and women’s clothes.
• Christmas Gift Wrapping for Canadian Mental Health fund raiser and selling raffle tickets
• We educate our members, how plastic water bottles are filling our landfills and to refrain from buying bottled water if possible
• Volunteer for various community functions such as Relay for Life, Terry Fox Run, and canvassing door to door for various charities
• Volunteer at nursing homes through visiting, bingos, birthday parties, teas, bake sales and bazaars and hosting First Friday lunches for seniors
• Volunteering and donating food to the local Food Bank and Salvation Army
• Doing Prison Ministry
• Donate blankets to palliative care, senior and care homes.
• Collect tabs from cans to give to the hospitals which buys wheelchairs
• Collecting toys for Friendship Inn
• Assisting at the parish bazaar and many other parish or community events
• Gifts for Baptism, First Eucharist and Confirmation
• Holding a community Trade Fair
• Members volunteering on the Social Justice committee
• Participated in Ecumenical Week activities of soup and prayer
• Recognize milestone anniversaries and birthdays of members and at times help with the celebrations
• Have a jar at Christmas to collect monies for various needs

Social & Economic Justice:

• Attending and participating in International Women’s Day services and World Day of Prayer and Christian unity week services
• Letter writing to government re: justice issues and human rights such as Human Trafficking, Pornography [WRAP], Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, and issues of poverty.
• Spoke against bullying and encourage your children not to bully.
• Spoke at meetings on poverty and elder abuse
• Proceeds from a council’s Christmas party [raffle and donations] given to Afghanistan Institute of Learning.
• Several members are on the Social & Justice committee on Parish Council.

Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship

• Helped our Social Justice Committee with needs of new refugees
• Welcomed refugee families into our community and collected household articles and clothing to donate to them. Also organized a “meet and greet” for them.
• Charity quilts were made and delivered to the needy
• Auctions held to raise funds for immigration families.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development & Peace

• Contribute to D&P through our parish campaign and fundraising events such as clothing sales, “birthday box” where a penny is given for the age you are.
• Signing cards D&P sends out to support various causes in developing countries such Save our Water Campaign and encouraging mining companies to maintain and uphold Canadian standards in developing countries
• Twice a year one council has a clothing sale with proceeds sent to CCODP.
• Donate to Fr. Doubourt in Africa money that is used for schools, new wells and churches
• Developing Countries:
  • Adopt a family in India [Save a Family Plan] and sponsoring a child through “Chalice” or other organizations
  • Used stamps collected for Franciscan missionary which are sold and with money received help the poor.
  • Organize collection of Operation Christmas Shoe boxes for distribution in developing countries.
  • Donations made to Coady, MaterCare, Catholic Missions, WUCWO, Cuernavaca project in Mexico, Esk-Omi Missions, Haiti, Chile, Missions in Africa and Northern Missions
  • Collect used eye glasses for distribution to third world countries
  • A council gave $550.00 for medical supplies to two local nurses going to Haiti

I thank the councils for the tremendous work you have achieved in your parish, your community and in third world countries. We are proud of all your achievements. May God continue to bless all that you do. Our theme for the next two years is “Centered on Faith and Justice” and from the reports I have received you are working on this theme and I encourage you personally to learn and help eliminate poverty where possible.

Submitted by Marlene Schnell
Provincial Community Life Chairperson

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Saskatchewan Provincial Communications Annual Report

There are three Dioceses in Saskatchewan. Two Diocesan councils have chairpersons one does not. I heard from the two who have chairpersons and I received one report from one parish in the P.A. Diocese which does not have a chairperson.

All reports say the members use the League Magazine at meetings discussing articles, using prayers included and looking at the resolutions.

Many councils use the local newspaper to report on CWL events. A few submitted to the e-newsletter “Be League”. Some councils use the website for general information, for resolutions and communiqués.

Councils hold a day to celebrate and promote the league. Most council’s are involved in the ministries and the Sunday Masses. Councils are using parish bulletins, church announcements, personal contact and telephone committees to inform members of council activities.

They report that letter writing evaluating or promoting good content in the media has dropped. The councils remain at being involved in the parish and in their communities.

I currently am finishing up my term as chairperson of communications on the Provincial Council. I have found this to be a challenge for me. In particular putting together the provincial newsletter, having it printed from discs and learning the ways to work with my computer that are different than what I have already learned.

I have worked through this and done the best I was able to do.

Just one question for you, could you be send me a little information about cradle program?

This concludes my report.

Helen Kayfish
Communications Chair
Saskatchewan Provincial Council
Catholic Women’s League of Canada

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Education and Health Annual Report

Marge Szabo

Catholic Schools and Catechesis

Each of the dioceses has many Catholic schools operated by Catholic School Boards. The Catholic Women’s League members have many opportunities to participate in the educational programs such as assisting with nutrition programs, reading programs and fundraiser events. St. Mary’s Community School in North Battleford celebrated their 50th Anniversary in a special way. The Art Club painted the Rosary on the ceiling tiles of the school. On the day of celebration, a Living Rosary was prayed with students, teachers, and guests in the hallways of the school, a very touching and memorable occasion.

For catechesis, most of the councils are involved in preparing children for the sacraments, especially if they don’t have a Catholic school in their community. Gifts of rosaries, pins, bookmarks and scholarships are often given. Many of the councils prepare lunches for retreats or special events. Financial assistance has been given to children’s liturgy, scholarship programs and to children and youth attending summer camps.

Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

Many members are involved in a variety of ways in helping the RCIA program. Members are often presenters, sponsors, and hosts to the program. A prayerful community welcomes the new members into the church.

Literacy and Continuing Education

Members are taking the challenge and are learning to use the computer, cell phones and texting and other modern technology. They share their time and education to teach English to immigrants. Two dioceses have reported the operation of a book exchange and were encouraged to donate books for literacy. Informational topics provided by guest speakers on health issues, safety and social justice issues are given at council meetings. Bible studies are conducted in many councils and parishes.

Scholarships and Bursaries

All 3 dioceses reported funding for scholarships and bursaries. The Regina Diocesan scholarship of $750 is given to a student entering Campian College University; Saskatchewan Provincial Council offers $1000 in the area of social justice. Other councils have also donated to Grad bursaries and university entrance fees. Fundraiser events also helped youth go to World Youth Day, music conferences and NET Ministries. Some of our councils donate to COADY Institute in Nova Scotia where foreigners are educated to be leaders in their countries. Our National Bursary Fund provides League members funding to further their education, most of them in Lay Ministry programs.

Wellness and Sickness/Disease

CWL members are part of the caring program. Many work in the health care field and others work as volunteers in hospitals and care homes. Members have made Teddies for children, quilts and shawls for the shut-ins, pillows for surgery patients. Many get-well, sympathy and prayers cards have been sent. Often, councils provide food and entertainment for special events at nursing homes. 4 councils support “Meals on Wheels”. Many of the councils are members of the Catholic Health Association and follow their Pastoral Care Program. One council collected pop can tabs, which in turn purchased 17 wheel chairs. One council raised money to dig a well in Nigeria. Again, donations were given to local care homes, Santa Maria Care Home, Mater Care, Ronald McDonald House, Sophia House, Food banks, Sask, Abilities Council, Pro Life and Telemiracle.

Environment

Most all of the councils are active in recycling programs. 7 councils indicated that they avoid using Styrofoam products. 1 council reported to hold discussions on cleaning products, recyclable materials and unnecessary packaging. Good progress has been made in using cloth bags for groceries instead of plastic, also using reusable containers instead of throw- away bottles. Good media coverage has helped with this “Go Green” Campaign.

Genetics

Only a few of the councils tend to address this topic. Some have discussed stem cell research and have written letters to government. Our Pro-Life organization provides good information on this topic. A couple of councils are monitoring the Bill on GE crops.

This concludes the summary of the 3 dioceses in Saskatchewan. So much time is freely given to serve our brothers and sisters in need. Through our faith and commitment to serve, we fulfill our great law of charity at home and abroad. We are certainly “Women of Peace and Hope” and “ Centred on Faith and Justice” Yes, we are the Catholic Women’s League in our homes, communities and our country.

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2010 Archives Annual Report
Yvonne Colleaux

Reports were received from the Regina and Saskatoon dioceses – 36 from the Regina diocese and 31 out of 54 from the Saskatoon diocese. I cannot overstress the importance of keeping archives up-to-date. They are the permanent record of your council’s activities.

In most councils, the past president is the archivist. She also acts in a consultative and advisory capacity, and rather than planning meetings, she can update the council’s history. This includes:

• Updating photo albums and scrapbooks
• Book of Life
• Membership lists
• Transferring minutes to archives
• Ensuring that newspaper clippings are photocopied on acid-free paper. With today’s technology, information could be transferred to disks.

The past president assists the president in a variety of ways – mentoring and supporting, co-chairing meetings when needed, assisting in making phone calls, helping to make the new president comfortable in her position, volunteering to help organize events, helping by doing daytime activities for whose who hold full-time day jobs. The majority of past presidents are actively involved in nominations and elections. A small number of councils do not have nominations and elections due to the small number of members.

Speaking of serving on your council’s executive – particularly assuming the role of president – we need to have members who accept to serve on the executive. It’s certainly not a lack of talent. All of us want the League to be vibrant, so we cannot keep on thinking: ‘Let someone else do it.’ Why should that ‘someone else’ not be you?

In the Saskatoon diocese, 20 councils have policy books, while 11 do not. Most policy books are kept up-to-date by the past president, some by the secretary or current president. In the Regina diocese, a number of councils are now writing their P & P. An awareness of the importance of this manual has been stressed through archivist’s communiqués and reports at conventions.

Very few Council’s indicated that they study the Constitution and Bylaws or the Manual of Policy & Procedure.

We have a rich history – let us record it and pass it on.

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LIFE MEMBER LIAISON – ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Through this position I have the opportunity to be in contact with the 15 Life Members in Saskatchewan, and also with National Life Member Liaison Suzann Kiazyk. I sent letters/notes of congratulations, sympathy, get-well, thinking of you and birthday greetings. As well I sent Christmas greetings to Life Members in our province.

On behalf of Life Members I sent a sincere note of congratulations to Velma on her election in August, and also a thank you for service to the League to Danielle MacNeil-Hessian.

It is part of this position to notify National Office of the death of a Life Member, as their passing is noted in the League magazine. Life member Catherine Bird died January 14th, 2011.

Birthday wishes were extended to National President Velma January 23, on behalf of Life Members.

National Life Member liaison Suzann keeps in contact with each province by e-mail. She forwards messages of good news, requests for prayers, deaths, etc. from other life Members across Canada.

Life Members meet during National convention at a noon luncheon for a time of fellowship and exchanging experiences and knowledge.

It has been my pleasure to be your Life Member liaison.

Joan Petracek

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