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The Catholic Women’s League of Canada
Saskatchewan Provincial Council
Annual Reports
2016

PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Jean Reader

DIOCESAN PRESIDENT’S REPORT 

Regina - Lynn Rogers

Saskatoon - Marlene VanDresar

CHAIRPERSON’S OF STANDING COMMITTEE’S REPORTS

Organization – Margaret Schwab  

Spiritual Development – Chantal Devine 

Education & Health – Susan Melchiorre 

Christian Family Life – Marian Zsombor 

Community Life – June Gorgchuck

Communications – Helen Kayfish

Resolutions – Rita Hengen

Legislation – Rita Hengen

Saskatchewan Past-President / Archives – Marge Szabo  

Saskatchewan President’s Annual Report 2016
Jean Reader, Provincial President

As we look over the past year we can be proud of our achievements and all that we have done as members of the Catholic Women’s League.  One of the high points has been centered on Palliative Care, where we took many opportunities to learn more about what it means and how it affects everyone around us.  Did you have a guest speaker at your meetings explaining what Palliative care is as opposed to Doctor Assisted Suicide?  What have you learned about supporting those in the medical profession who oppose Euthanasia?  These are just some of the problems facing us now and in the future.

 As I travelled the province this year I have renewed old acquaintances and made new friends.  I think my arms grew a little longer from all the hugs I gave and received.  What a warm loving and caring group of women you are, rooted in gospel values, going about doing God’s work, spreading the Good News. 

You are a Blessing to society and the world is a better place because of you! Your support for your church as you participate each Sunday, as a proclaimer, greeter, communion minister or whatever you do does not go unnoticed! It is wonderful to see the Honour Guards at funerals and special services, standing proud and tall for the CWL. 

This year we lost a good CWL friend in Frances Mroczko, who sat on the Regina Diocesan Council, she will be missed by all who met her.  It was so wonderful to see all who attended her funeral she had so many friends.

This year several councils were up dating their Policy and Procedure manuals, how old is your book?

The CWL in Saskatchewan has donated over $4,000 to the Catholic Missions of Canada a very important and worthwhile cause.  It was not the only cause we donated to as each parish has its own project that it worked on as well. We have not forgotten Velma’s Dream either.

As we move into this electronic generation it has come to the CWL as well as we learn to do our Annual Reports electronically.  About 50% of parish councils submitted their reports electronically many glitches happening but I assure you ladies, as time goes on it will get easier and one day you will look back and say “why did I think this was so difficult?” and laugh about it! Maybe not today but in the near future!

Have you accepted the gifts that God has given you?  I look around and am amazed at the talents of the women in the CWL.  Every day we must work to grow our gifts and help those we meet to grow theirs as well, sometimes we help others uncover their God given talents. 

It has been an honour and pleasure being your Provincial President and I would like to thank all who have helped me on my journey.  With God’s help and yours I have done the best I can.  Thank you and God bless you all.

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Regina Diocesan President’s Annual Report for 2016
Lynn Rogers – Regina Diocesan President

Annual report details are published in order to give councils a good perspective on the activities of other councils and to give them ideas for future direction. I was pleased with the number of reports that were submitted to National, even though that number was less than in previous years.  I was encouraged that there were 40/72 presidents who submitted to National and 4 councils who missed the deadline but I received the completed reports.  Every question was answered on almost every report. The following report is my summation of those 44 reports and I have rounded the percentages off.  Thank you to all those who submitted reports but please know that we understand and sympathize with the small, rural councils who are struggling with this type of reporting and hopefully we can come up with a compromise/solution for the future. 

Councils get most of their information from newsletters and communiqués from all levels of the League – National - 78%, Diocesan - 58% and Provincial - 45%.  It was reassuring to learn that the website is used 35% of the time for information.

Palliative Care (87%) and Physician assisted dying (74%) were the primary issues that concerned councils last year.  Councils also discussed Warning labels on food and drug products, Pornography, Home care, Youth Mental Health, the Refugee Crises, Canada’s Food Guide, Microbeads in products, Provincially funded abortions for minors and Drop in centers.  In most councils it was the standing committee chairperson that initiated the topics for discussion at meetings but in some instances there was an arrangement made to have a guest speaker address the issues.

The priorities of the councils were wide ranging but those that were listed most often were concerning local issues – supporting the parish, parish priest, youth and elderly (35/ 43).  Membership/active membership/leadership was also a major concern for many councils (22/43).

Spiritual priorities, Palliative care, Physician assisted dying, awareness of CWL issues, visibility of CWL, fellowship, fundraising, letter writing, refugees and pornography, in that order, were the other priorities listed by presidents.

The questions that addressed how often the president met with the Spiritual Advisor, whether the Spiritual Advisor participates in the meetings and if it was perceived that he was supportive of the CWL, were, in my opinion, very important questions.  Most councils (45%) met with the Spiritual advisors on a monthly basis, while 20% met on a weekly basis. 87% stated that the Spiritual Advisor was supportive. This is all good news.  Unfortunately, there was 33% that reported that they rarely meet with their Spiritual Advisor but only 13% indicated that the Spiritual Advisor was not supportive – the main reason given for this was the number of parishes some priests have in their charge and therefore distance and time factored in. It was also mentioned that being from another country could be a factor.  If your Spiritual Advisor does not have a copy of the Handbook for Spiritual Advisors, I suggest that the council purchase one.  The role and the guidelines for a Spiritual Advisor are clearly stated in there and perhaps if he does not feel that he would be able to step into that role you could follow the guidelines for having a lay woman appointed to fill this role.  There are also 2 pamphlets available to assist Spiritual Advisors – ‘A Guide for Spiritual Advisors’ and ‘Information for Spiritual Advisors’.  Presidents would benefit from reading ‘How to Work With Your Spiritual Advisor’.  These are all available on line and some can be ordered from National.

45% of council executives have meetings on a monthly basis.  Others meet on an as-needed basis.  75% of councils meet monthly except in the summer months while others use some of the months for social gatherings, movie nights and other activities.

The resources used by councils, in order of listing, are: Roberts Rules of Order (55%), Constitution and Bylaws, Council Manual of Policy and Procedure, Executive Handbook,  National Manual of Policy and Procedure, Parliamentary Procedure, and other (20%) – internet, CWL website, League magazine, communiqués, previous agendas, and other members.

Most documents signed by council presidents have to do with financial aspects – bank documents and checks (78-96%).  Letters written on behalf of the council within the CWL and outside ranged from 50-58%. The League letterhead was used 35% of the time when writing letters outside the League.  Petitions accounted for 45% of signatures and there was 10% allotted to ‘other’.  With respect to presidents speaking on behalf of the council, there were only 22 responses.  The topics addressed were Palliative Care and Assisted Suicide, Pornography, Human Trafficking and CWL Sunday and Membership.  Places where presidents spoke were at World Day of Prayer, Regional meetings, and parish pastoral council meetings.

75% of Council Presidents represented their council at Diocesan Conventions and 72% at special masses.  Others places were workshops and conferences, fundraising events, World Day of Prayer, Remembrance Day ceremonies, anniversary celebrations, Knights of Columbus activities and Provincial Conventions.  All costs for presidents attending Diocesan conventions were paid by 24 of the councils reporting and 12 of the councils paid for presidents to attend Provincial Conventions.  The remaining councils reported subsidies from 0-50%.

The Executive Handbook has been read and used by 80% of presidents.  It was encouraging to note that 58% of councils have their own Manual of Policy and Procedure and that 25% of those have been updated recently.  It is important for councils to prepare a manual in order to ensure that policies and tradtions that have been established are known and followed by incoming executive until such time as those policies are changed.  Periodic updates keep manuals relevant and current.  There is a guideline on the website on How to Prepare a Parish Council Manual of Policy and Procedure. (Resources→Programs/Workshops→Organization) 

These surveys have indicated that personal contact by phone, is still the most frequently used method to keep in touch with executive members (85%).  Meeting reports (70%) and email (58%) are often used as well.  Other ways mentioned are bulletins, coffee dates, social events, other meetings connected to CWL, and chance meetings.  Only 25% recorded having committees, other than standing committees, within the council and they varied from fund raising to catering to activity planning committees.

Annual summaries/reports are prepared and presented either in written or oral form by 85% of councils reporting.

Presidents,  like any other members, need mentors and assistance and fortunately there are many resources available including past and present executive members at the council, regional, diocesan and provincial level, Spiritual advisors, charter and Life members, newsletters, communiqués and the CWL website.  Most presidents indicated that assistance came from more than one source but the most frequently mentioned was past council presidents and other council executive members.

Challenges were listed in 36 of the responses.  9 responses indicated that getting members involved and/or having members assume leadership was a challenge; the organization of a meeting, studying and learning about issues and about the CWL, and accepting change and new ideas each were listed 5 times; a lack of mentoring was mentioned 4 times; staying positive and being aware of the CWL as a National organization and not just a local ladies group were both listed 2 times; public speaking, feeling incompetent, having spiritually fulfilling meetings and lack of time and energy were each listed once.

 23 presidents participated in the sharing.  Some responses expressed challenges and some were very positive.  I gathered from one that she was entering most or all of the National surveys on-line and this was a monumental task.  This was never the intent and I hope this will be corrected  next year with more members and/or families helping out.  Many aging councils are trying very hard to remain active and involved but it is getting more difficult and they are focusing on parish needs, fellowship and spirituality. Some of these councils are asking for shorter surveys that would suit their circumstances better.  It was noted that there are many immigrant families in parishes that seemingly have no interest in becoming involved in CWL despite being invited and encouraged to come and join councils in many activities.  The National website has been difficult to navigate at times.  Fundraising is too much of a priority for one council.  But to end on a more positive note:  new ideas are being implemented – celebrations, activities involving the spiritual advisor, the parish and the community and letter writing challenges.  There are vibrant councils in our diocese that work well together making their parishes and communities happier and better places to be. Councils may be lacking members but they compensate by taking on fewer projects with enthusiasm and do a great job of them.  It was also stated more than once that being in the president’s position is a worthwhile learning and spiritual experience. 

Thank you to the devoted National Executive for making these annual reports available to councils across Canada.  I feel optimistic that in time we will all be more comfortable with this method of reporting and we will have become more aware of the ‘national’ status of the League and the importance of this national status.  They have clarified important issues that we can focus on.  Change is not always easy and new ideas are not always accepted at the outset but we are open-minded, adaptable and enterprising women in the CWL.  We have been and will be ‘inspired by the Spirit’ and we are ‘responding to God’s call’.

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Saskatoon Diocesan President’s Annual Report 2016

 Marlene VanDresar – Saskatoon Diocesan President

The report can be viewed or downloaded HERE. 

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Saskatchewan Provincial Organization Annual Report – 2016

 Margaret Schwab – Provincial Organization Chairperson

I received reports from two of the diocesan chairpersons regarding the Organization committee.  In the first year of online reporting for Saskatchewan, there was a drop in reporting. In total, 74 of a possible 138 councils reported online.  Some councils responded by mail, which was helpful in giving us more accurate information. The report that was issued by National based on the online reports, contains some results from all three dioceses. 

  
Due to the number of councils reporting (53.6%) we do not have an accurate number of members for the province of Saskatchewan. The councils reporting online put our total at 4,437.  

Current demographic of membership 

The largest number of members is reported to be in the 56 to 70+ age group, while the numbers decrease as age goes down to end at few to no members in the 16 to 25 year group.

Participation in events 

Members were more likely to participate in fundraising events than attending meetings, while social and spiritual events were fairly even with higher percentages than meeting attendance.

New Members 

Throughout the province, there were a total of 192 new members – an average of 3 per council reporting. 

Member Recruitment

Personal invitation is the most used and effective way to recruit memberships. Other methods include ads in church bulletins, CWL Sunday, presentations at masses, phone calls, potluck dinners, poster displays, joint ventures with the Knights of Columbus and their wives, brunches, teas, and socials, Catch the Fire workshop, gift memberships, and parade float promoting CWL.

Lapsed Memberships

There were 163 reported lapsed memberships – an average of two per council reporting. 

  
The most common way of inviting these members back was through personal contact. Other contact was made by the president, by letter, socials and reminders in the bulletin followed by a phone call. 

Keeping in touch with former members who are no longer able to participate

  
The majority of councils reported that they try to keep in touch with these members. Those who live in the community are seen often. Those in care homes contacted through visits by members, phone calls, cards, paying memberships for those over 90, having meetings or special event celebrations at seniors’ home where these members reside, sending out newsletters, keep them informed about CWL activities, addressing problems such as transportation and hearing difficulties, keeping in touch if they move away by sending special anniversary and Christmas cards, and by adjusting times of meetings to be better for members. 

Member recognition

Councils present years of service pins, Maple leaf service pins, awards and certificates. New members are introduced at council meetings. Special ceremonies are used for new member welcome, and for installation /reaffirmation of officers.

Engaging members

New members are given personal invitations to events and activities; some council give out new member kits. Members receive minutes and updates by email, are invited to take part by way of serving on a sub-committee, and are mentored. Some councils give free memberships and personal invitations to CWL events were given by many of the councils reporting. 

  
Administration of memberships

52% send memberships to National manually, while 47.3% use the online system. 

  
Membership fees due reminders 

Most councils use personal contact by phone to remind members that fees are due. Others use mail, email, handouts, CWL meetings, church bulletins, talks before Mass, special membership Sunday, a special collection envelope with church envelopes, and one-on-one contact.

  
League Development Days

Less than one third of those reporting had members attending a League development day.  The best attendance is at Diocesan and Provincial conventions, but very few councils reported more than 10 members attending either convention. Very few attended other workshops such as Catch the Fire and S’Mores but did report having attended in previous years. 

  
Several reported attending Regional meetings.  A large majority (94.6%) do provide some financial support for members to attend conventions, retreats, or workshops.  Applications for funding for leadership development were very low (2 councils).

Current Leadership 

Most councils have a president, secretary and treasurer.  However two reported not having a president; 2 reported not having a secretary. All have a treasurer. The standing chair positions are filled in this descending order – Organization, Spiritual Development, Communications, Christian Family Life, Education and Health, Community Life, Parish Activities, Resolutions and Legislation.  Communications and Christian Family Life are actually tied for numbers of positions filled. Most councils (87.8%) encourage shared leadership and also include the members input for annual goals and planning (81.1%).  24 of a possible 138 council reported having members serving at the diocesan level; 17 at the region level; 7 at the provincial level and 2 at the National level.

League Publications

The most common publications were, in descending order: League Magazine, Constitution and Bylaws, League Prayer, Executive Handbook, National Manual of Policy and Procedure, Handbook for Organization Chairpersons, and Guidelines for Treasurers and Handbook for Spiritual Advisors.  All other publications were used by less than half of the councils with one council reporting not using any national resources. 

  
More than half of the councils do not purchase any promotional materials for membership drives.  Some do use the Welcome brochure (17), Mass cards (12) and Membership certificates (13).  All other material is used in very small numbers with half of the councils using none at all. One council creates an in-house promotional brochure. 
When completing reports, most councils meet as a group, make use of monthly records and review the council minutes when doing annual reports. In some places, executive members fill the reports out on their own while in others, the president did the annual reports with the intention of mentoring executive members to do their reports next year. 

  
Ten of the reporting councils have life members and these life members play a variety of roles including mentors, parliamentarians at conventions, work shop facilitators, researchers, guest speakers and providers of guidance and wisdom. 

Comments from Councils

  
Ways of reaching out to members: supporting each other, bulletin articles on what CWL means to members, personal contact, using local video, being a presence in the parish with CWL activities, CWL presentations at mass, allowing women to choose their level of participation, using email to keep membership up to date and better informed on issues when they do attend meetings.  

Ways to encourage members attend meetings: Small raffles when we host suppers, working with the Knights of Columbus at some of their functions, special function as a windup in June, holding rummage sales and involving all women from the parish to give them an opportunity to help the less fortunate, shortened business meetings, interesting, dynamic guest speakers, socializing after meetings, keeping most business to be handled at the executive level with only information and items for voting on brought to the general meeting, organizing shared meals or outings, making meetings and functions fun for members, always be welcoming, educating members on CWL and WUCWO, time sensitive meetings–-not too long, but take in spiritual, business and social, holding ‘themed’ meetings reflecting the time of year (September bucket full of blessings where each attendee received a bucket full of blessings), using music at meetings, giving women the opportunity to sing together, and choosing projects wisely instead of trying to do too much.

Causes of concern:  Aging membership, not enough young women joining, rural parishes do not get new member prospects, lengthy meetings, too much time spent filling out paperwork, annual report forms do not always reflect what a rural parish is able to do.

Ways your CWL councils are an asset: We are a group of giving and hard working women, constantly supporting each other and sharing fellowship while doing service. Leaders are enthusiastic. Councils accept others time limitations based on family and work commitments, sponsor women of faith days and Mothers and tots groups, celebrate members years of service achievements and council anniversaries and take time to visit our elderly members in seniors centers. In many smaller parishes, the CWL is the ‘glue that holds the parish together’, performing many of the duties of the laity.  Women believe in the League, in strength in numbers and in the power of the CWL voice to assist the vulnerable. 

I would like to thank all who took the time to send in a report--your activities are a valued part of this national organization. They are to be celebrated. It is amazing to read the many ways you have been inspired by the Holy Spirit to carry on God’s work. 
 

This concludes my report.

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Saskatchewan Provincial Spiritual Development Annual Report - 2016

Chantal Devine – Provincial Spiritual Development Chairperson

This report is based on the spiritual development annual reports I received from the three diocesan councils and on the national spiritual development electronic report. The national report is based on 67 councils reporting out of a possible 138, or a representation of 48. 6% of councils. The responses on these reports show the faith and dedication of our CWL sisters as they profess their commitment to Jesus Christ with One Heart, One Voice, and One Mission.

Spiritual Growth of Members

• Most councils reported spending one-third of their meeting time on spiritual development.
• Various liturgies and programs were used, such as reciting prayers  and the rosary, masses, stations of the cross, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, candlelight vigils, pilgrimages, reflecting on the CWL theme, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care, audio/musical media events and mini- conventions.
• For their own personal growth, members said they went on retreats, a several enrolled in the lay formation program, some attended bible studies and other spiritual formation courses offered in their diocese.
• Some of the resources used in developing the liturgical and spiritual programs were, 33 Days to Morning Glory, the CWL Ceremonies Booklet, and CWL Prays Booklet, Living with Christ Missal, Rediscovering Catholicism, Word Among Us magazine, Prayers and Workshops for Women of Peace and Hope, the Prairie Messenger, League magazine, Canadian Messenger of the sacred Heart newsletter, the Catholic Digest and the CWL websites.
• The Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel on April 26th was celebrated by most councils by having mass, some had a CWL luncheon, a few watched the CWL televised mass and 37.3% did not celebrate the feast day.

Study of Catholic Teachings

• Less than half of council members participated in courses or programs that would contribute to their faith enrichment. Those that did participate did so through: RCIA and lay formation; Bible studies; Regional, Diocesan and Provincial Conventions; The Year of Mercy activities; Lenten/Advent Retreats; Spiritual books; Diocesan Faith Foundation Sessions; Christian study of Islam; “Sunday by Sunday” with Sr. Anna Aulie, weekly discussions of the Sunday readings.
• Most councils had not studied the following encyclicals: Evangelii Gaudium; Laudato Si; Christifideles Laici.
• Several councils reported forming or enrolling in groups that studied and shared information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the lay formation program, the Vatican website and the CCCB website.

Role of Women in the Church

• Out of 67 respondents, fourteen councils confirmed that they had studied women in scripture.
• Half of councils reported promoting awareness of women’s place in church and society.
• The leadership roles members have undertaken in the church are: Parish pastoral Council 85.1%; Diocesan council/committees 35.8%; Parish finance committee 44.8%; Parish committee chairperson 38.2%; Regional pastoral council 16.4%; Pastoral associates 13.4%; Trustee 3%. Only 6% of respondents did not participate in any of the pastoral duties.
• 53.7% of members joined their parish liturgy committee and 20.9% reported not having a liturgy committee in their parish.

Evangelization and Mission Assistance

• The Knights of Columbus, Keep Christ in Christmas Campaign, was supported by half of all councils reporting.
• The three diocesan councils reporting contributed $4,391.00 to the Catholic Missions in Canada. This is the primary missionary outreach supported by the Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
• Some of the other missions supported were: Esk- Omi Missions; Kee- Pas Missions; St. Francis Xavier Mission; Valley Native Ministry in Lebret, SK; Tukik- tuk Mission; Sandy Bay Mission; Velma’s Dream/ CNEWA; Food Bank; Coady International; Covenant House; Development and Peace; Covenant House;  African Missions; Ammi Lacome Canada; Chalice; Missionaries of Charity; Mary’s Meals; Friendship Inn;  Operation Christmas Child Boxes; Pro- Life; Terry Fox Foundation; Matercare; Telemiracle; St. Therese Institute, Bruno, SK.; Rock the Mountain; Pure Witness Ministries; Marian Centre; Visitation House.
• Five councils reported reaching out to a Catholic Canadian Mission to offer assistance.

   
Lay Ministries

• Members were very active in the lay ministries in their parish. They participated as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers, hospitality, choir/music, decorating/cleaning, sacristan, and catechist. Other activities they were involved in were: Collection count; Sacramental preparation; Mini-missions; Children’s liturgy; Collection of non- perishable food for the less fortunate; Mass coordinator; Mass server; funeral lunches; CWL Clothing Depot; Teen Aid; Child care; Reading with students; Assisting in seniors’ homes; Making prayer shawls.
• In most cases, these ministries were chaired/organized by a CWL member in the parish.

Ecumenism and Interfaith Endeavours 

• Councils reached out to women of other denominations or faiths by: Initiating joint prayer services; Inviting women to council meetings; Inviting women to social events; 85.2% did not  invite women from other churches or other faiths to their CWL functions.
• Councils reported participating in: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity; Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada; World Day of Prayer. Only three councils recognized WUCWO Day in May and no one participated in the Fellowship of the Least Coin.

Thank you to my diocesan counterparts, and to all Spiritual Development Chairpersons at the parish level for your diligence in preparing your annual reports. Your faith and your commitment to the League are evident in the many contributions you made to God and Canada during 2016.

This concludes my report.

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Saskatchewan Provincial Council Education and Health Annual Report - 2016 

Susan Melchiorre - Provincial Education and Health Chairperson

All three Saskatchewan dioceses have sent annual reports.

Heath and Education activities include:

Catholic Education

Catholic Schools   

  
Where Catholic schools exist, councils supported them financially for breakfast/lunch programs and sacramental preparation. Some councils have studies the family life program taught in schools- 

• Members go into the schools to help with reading programs, bake muffins for and provide fruit for Book and Breakfast activities at local schools, have clothing drives, provide child care and assist with extracurricular activities.
• One council purchased a sound system for their school.
• Nearly all councils provide a scholarship or bursary mostly at the high school level ranging from high achievement, music, religious studies, daughter of Catholic Women’s League member .
• Gifts on receiving sacraments are common such as rosaries, prayer books, holy medals and bibles.

Catechesis  

• Councils have members who continue to instruct in the Rite of Christian Initiation.
• Many councils have members that teach children's liturgy and catechism.
• Almost all councils assist with programs to prepare children for first communion, confirmation and reconciliation and many councils give gifts to the candidates.
• Members lead the rosary before Sunday masses.
• All councils participate in being Liturgy ministers.

Literacy and Continuing Education

• Members participate in Bible study.
• Members take Lay Ministry Formation course.
• Promote National Bursary
• Members attend workshops, retreats and conventions and report back to their councils.
• Donations toward the education of priests.
• Attended and promoted “Catch the Fire”
• Four councils reported members trained to e-literacy tutors.

Wellness and Sickness/Disease

• Delivery of Meals on Wheels.
• Help feed seniors in nursing homes.
• Visit the sick and bring communion to them.
• Prayer shawls given to the sick.
• Masses for deceased members and sick members.
• Most councils have a membership with the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan.
• Assist public health with flu vaccines.
• One council had a speaker talk on heart disease and women's health.
• Donations to palliative care in their local health region.
• One council has a member on the community anti drug committee.
• Members in Regina volunteer at Marion Centre preparing meals and in Saskatoon Diocese members work at and donate items to the CWL Clothing Depot
• Councils donate to Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Canadian Diabetes Association, Ronald McDonald House, M.S.Walk, Red Cross, Soul's Harbour, Velma's Dream, Mental Health, Visitation House, Camp Monahan, Wheelchair Foundation, Carmichael Outreach, C.N.I.B., William Booth, Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, World Youth Day, Serena, Birthright,  ProLife, Telemiracle, Hope's Home, My Aunt's Place(addictions), Marion Centre, Natural Family Planning Saskatchewan, Scarborough Missions, Sofia House, Valley Native Ministries, Teen Aid, Options Pregnancy Centre, Birthright, Teen Aid, Fully Alive, Catholic Family Services, CHALICE, Catholic Missions in Canada, MaterCare International and many others
• Participate in working with the elderly and sick through Meals on Wheels, rides to appointment, church and shopping
• Volunteers at and visit nursing homes and hospital
• Liked the TOOL KIT and used it as a guide.  Would like to see itcontinue bur receive material earlier to plan better service
• Studied and discussed resolution particularly those affecting health and the environment

Environment

• Reduce, reuse, recycle - Members are encouraged to use environmentally friendly products and to recycle all that they can.
• Those having recycling programs in their community all use them
• Discussed resolution on microbeads and saving pollinators and encouraged members to participate

Genetics

• Councils expressed concern about stem cell research

12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care

• Many councils enthusiastically supported this either on the specified day or at their regular meeting.  
• Many expressed interest in this becoming an annual activity and sent praise for initiating this as a CWL activity.

Members have written letters to government officials about abortion, pornography, and environmental issues
Many members are writing letters voicing concerns over assisted suicide and euthanasia legislation.

It seems that all reporting councils take a sincere interest in government activities and its effect on Education and Health.  They have sincere interests in the social and educational activities in their communities and province.

This concludes my report.
 

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Saskatchewan Provincial Christian Family Life Annual Report – 2016

Marian Zsombor – Provincial Christian Family Life Chairperson

It was noted that due to the new form of reporting, some councils did not comprehend the new system, so not all councils sent in a report. Saskatoon Diocese received reports from 25 councils out of 42; Regina 29 out of 71; and Prince Albert 5 out of 20.

  
The small rural parishes remarked that they would like a shorter form for small parishes as they do not have the numbers to have the different convenorships. It's a lot of paper to write NA on and takes a lot of extra time.

  
Councils are involved in Christian Family Life in the following ways: 

Marriage and Family Life:

• Many Councils provide acknowledgement on Weddings, Anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and special Anniversaries.  
• Several Councils present a crucifix to couples who are married in the parish.
• The sacraments are observed by many Councils by giving gifts, cards, or prayer shawls. Teaching the classes, serving a meal following the mass, teaching children’s liturgy, marriage enrichment, giving baptismal bibs and stoles.
• Some members teach confirmation, marriage and baptism preparation.
• Councils are supportive of: Serna (natural birth control planning), Pornography Hurts Campaign, Development and Peace, Spiritual Baby Adoption Program,
• Financial aid is given to women’s shelters, Christmas Child, Sisters of legacy Project. Community involvement includes Christmas supper for the community, Parish picnics.
• Councils organize or help organize World Day of Prayer.
• Offer programs: parenting courses, stress workshops, programs to support happily married couples,
• Letter writing to government regarding the following Resolutions: 1992.05 (Support services for Pregnant Women), 1996.02 (Natural Family Planning).2005.09(Support for Families Experiencing Perinatal Loss).2006.02 (Legal Protection for All Those Who Object to the Solemnization of Civil Marriage for Same -Sex Partners) 1965.05(Marriage Preparations Courses).

  
Sanctity of Life

• Most Councils support Pro Life about 50% have a Pro Life membership and promote awareness.
• Councils pray the Rosary before mass to end abortion, euthanasia. 
• Many councils are reading & taking action on Communiqués & directives
• Birth right is supported by several Councils, and some Councils raise money for Birthright Campaign.
• Some attended the 40 days for Life,. Life Chain, March for Life. National week for Life and Family. 
• Some wrote letters to MPs and MLAs regarding Resolutions: 1995.02 (Abortion Funding). 2002.09 (Human Stem Cell Research). 2004.01 (protection of human life) 2011.01 (prohibition of Practice re Human Reproductive Material)      
• Watch Salt and Light TV, Read the Prairie Messenger. 

  
Vocations

• Councils are dedicated to praying for Vocations, and several have had Mass for Vocations.
• A few give financial assistance to Seminarians and gifts to Priests.
• A few councils invite their parish priest for an evening meal.

Ministry to youth 

• Donate to Camp Monahan, Camp Lemieux, Missoula Theatre, Teen Aid, Christian Ethics School programs, CCO, Altar Servers.
• Teach Catechism, help with Youth Groups, youth Masses, playing music at Mass. 
• Some councils support youth with Christian Ethics Awards, Catholic Christian Outreach, Faith Alive, Girl Guides of Canada. 
• Try to involve Youth in parish events like Fall Suppers, picnics etc.

  
Disabled

• Encourage them to take part in liturgical celebrations.
• A few deliver meals on wheels to them, provide baking at Christmas or other occasions. 
• Some Pray for them, make visits, send cards, phone calls, rides as needed. 
• Several take Communion, Several Councils involved with Birthday Parties.

  
Seniors

• Take Communion, visit, cards, provide transportation, help with Mass at Care Homes.
• Pay fees for those unable to afford. Gifts of Living Faith booklets or religious calendars to residents of Care Homes or individuals. Take food to shut ins, help as needed.
• Birthday and Christmas parties. Give baking trays at Christmas, at Care Homes and individuals at home.

  
Widowed, Separated, Divorced

• Most parishes involved in : prayers, phone calls, visits, taking Communion, providing hampers, rides to mass and other places as needed.
• Councils encourage involvement in Church and Community.

  
This concludes my report.

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Saskatchewan Provincial Community Life Annual Report - 2016

June Gorgchuck – Provincial Community Life Chairperson

We have very busy councils in the Province. Not all councils have this convenorship. They work as a group in the community. Many of the councils are small, especially the rural ones, and due to shortage of members to take on Excutive positions they do the best that they can.

Dignity and Rights of Persons:

• Financial support for Pro-Life, Birthrite, and many local charities, help centers and missions.
• Entertain, volunteer, visit and serve lunch at local care homes, senior facillities, hospitals and serve funeral lunches.
• Sponsored speakers, wrote letters and signed pitions regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide.
• Attend and promote Pro-life events.
• Knit and crochet Prayer Shawls to be given to the physically or emotionally sick, and to family members who have loved ones that have recently died.
• Monetary assistance given to families and communities after a tragedy that affected personal and community.
• Assist people in our community who are sick and travel for medical aid.
• Contribute to Crisis Centre and donated to Ronald McDonald house as well as collect toys for use of visitors.
• Elder abuse and bullying are a concern for some of the councils.

Social and Economic Justice:

• Donate to different Catholic Missions in Canada,
• Active in Social Justice Committee.
• Give Christmas hampers to the needy in the community.
• Host and assist in the World Day of Prayer.
• Provided lunch for Habitat For Humanity Workers.
• Donated blankets to palliative care and senior care homes.
• Made quilts transitional homes for youth.
• The Regional CWL Members made and donated quilts to the CWL Clothing Depot.
• Many CWL members volunteer at the CWL Clothing Depot.
• Councils help support disaster, medical, and famine relief and missions through council or through the church.
• Wrote letters to MPs about human trafficking of women and children and donated food to the food banks and clothing to women's shelters and homeless.
• Assisted indigenous women financially in their persuit of an educastion.
• Invited an elder to speak at a meeting.
• Councils have supported minority groups like those incarcerated, those suffering from domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, human trafficking and those suffering from racism.

Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship

• Wrote letters to government regarding refugees.
• Donated clothing an new mitts, scarves, and toques for Syrian refugees coming into the community.
• Helped at a Community Connection event that brought together all different ethnic groups.

Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace:

• Support CCODP financially.
• Have a Poor Man's Lunch and Soup Suppers with donations going to Development and Peace.

Developing Countries:

• Participate in “Save a Family” in different countries.
• Particicpate in “Operation Christmas Child” project through Samaritans Purse.
• Support Coody Institute and many others such as Mater Care, and Scarborough Mission.
• Support National and International organizations such as, Chalice, Canadian Red Cross, Passionist Mission Canada, etc.

This concludes my report.

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Saskatchewan Provincial Communications Annual Report – 2016

Helen Kayfish, Provincial Communications

I received a report from two of the diocese and from 5 parishes in the PA diocese.  Out of these reports I was able to compile the following from the on-line reporting:

  
Questions

Does your council use the League Magazine: 

• As an educational tool? Most councils rated  it as very good.
• As a resource for advocacy/actions? Most councils also rated it as very good.
• As a resource for new ideas? Most councils rated it as good.
• As a spiritual resource? Most councils rated it as very good.
• Was there an article published in 2016 that resonated with you and if so why?  
  • Behold a treasure in the spring issue, it spread the word about archives and what should be saved.
  • Literacy and you in the winter issue, it was concise and well thought of.
  • Palliative care a witness to true mercy was a favorite.
  • The national spiritual advisor's articles were well received as were the national president's reports.

Very few articles were submitted by the Saskatchewan councils to the league magazine. World Communications Day is June 1st and it seems many councils are not aware of this. I have spoken in the past as an oral report but it seems I will need to do more.

Many councils subscribe to Catholic reading material/subscriptions such as the Prairie Messenger, which was number one, and others such as Vision TV, Salt & Light TV, Catholic Missions in Canada and Oblate Missions. Very few councils watched the on-line live stream of the speakers/presenters from the National Convention in 2016. Most were unaware it was even available. Some councils visit the national website regularly as well as Facebook.

Most councils use their parish bulletins to announce activities, as well as local media, radio and newspapers. Very few councils distributed the "pornography hurts" campaign cards and only a few wrote to their member of parliament or the Prime Minister.

Many members are of an age where the Internet is of no use to them. They are worried that soon they will be left out as everything is moving to electronic devices.

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Saskatchewan Provincial Resolution Annual Report 2016 

Rita Hengen, Provincial Resolutions Chairperson  

The data from the online reporting and two summary reports I received indicate that 40 councils submitted reports.

Personal development resolutions workshop attendance:

• Affirmative 25%
• Attended: How to Write a Resolution (many years ago), Catch the Fire, workshops by Diocesan Councils in previous years, some at National convention.

Reference communiqués/annual reports:

• Affirmative 87.5%

Considered and studied issues that might become resolutions/discussed ideas with councils:

• Negative 67.5 % and 70% respectively.

Passionate issues in 2016:

• Bill C-14, euthanasia/assisted suicide, palliative and home care, drunk driving in Saskatchewan, Syria, local issues, Dress A Girl, Labeling of Over the Counter (OTC) Medication, donate outdated foodstuffs, youth mental health, refugee issues, spiritual development leadership.

 Has council prepared a resolution and if not, why not?

• 95% have not.
• Why? Responses many and varied include: council too small, no chairperson, time, not ready, time sensitive, no interest from members, lack of committed members, too extensive and not sure or wording required, no passionate issue, already are resolutions concerning these topics, did not do background checks.

Resolutions presented to and adopted by your council and other council levels in 2016

• Labeling of Over the Counter Medications adopted at parish, diocesan and provincial level.
• One council prepared a resolution that was not passed at council level.
• Another council did work on two resolutions.

Reasons not presented:

• At the national level the Labeling of Over the Counter Medication resolution was rejected because Health Canada already put the resolving clause into effect in February 2016.
• Other reasons listed for not moving on were: needed more time and information, lack of time commitment by members, no one issue stood out, no resolutions chair, lack of interest.

Familiarity with resolutions requiring actions listed on cwl.ca:

• 66.7% affirmative

Five most important resolutions from those listed on cwl.ca:

• Resolution 1: 2016.04 Amend the Canada Health Act to Identify Palliative care as an Insured health Service
• Resolution 2: 2016.05 Amend the Canada Health Act to include Home Care as an Insured Health Service
• Resolution 3: 2016.02 Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide
• Resolution 4: 2015.01 Equal Access and Intervention to Children and Youth Mental Health Services
• Resolution 5: 2016.03 Warning Labels on Food and Drug Products for all Inactive  Substances and Additives

Provincial resolution acted upon in 2016:

• Labeling of Over the Counter Medication
• Reports indicate that resolutions 2015.04 and 2016.04 were acted upon and that some councils researched labeling of OTC meds.

Diocesan/Parish resolutions acted upon:

• The St. Gerards’ Council resolution on Labeling of OTC medication was supported.

Specific action taken by councils on adopted resolutions:

• Responses were many and varied: writing letters to and calling MP’s and MLA’s, referencing the League magazine, attending conventions and workshops and taking information back to meetings, signing petitions, checking for products with microbeads and seed packets with neonicotinoids, presenting and discussing at meetings, donating money, praying, following Action Plan of resolutions.

Resolutions dialogue at national convention:

• Have attended 5 – always educational – table discussions very informative
• Enjoy round table discussions – need to hear from other groups because there are many different opinions based on which part of the country each lives in.
• Very interesting, especially when the resolution changes proposed by the members at large are discussed. Missed that discussion this past year in Halifax, did they run out of time because of the WUCWO presentation?

Sharing council’s resolution activities:

• Difficult to get chairperson, not technical savvy, small membership – grouping together to do report – suggest smaller, short form reports, some councils are (cap’s) SERIOUSLY considering WITHDRAWING from CWL membership because of forms that have to be filled out – forms too long – many questions redundant, participation limited to letter writing,  need workshops on how to create resolutions, no ideas/time for a new resolution – continue to study them,  members watching the clock so time for resolutions limited.

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Saskatchewan Provincial Legislation Annual Report, 2016
Rita Hengen, Provincial Legislation Chairperson

The data from the online reporting and the two summary reports I received indicate that 43 councils submitted reports.

Knowledge of Government and Legislation:

• The majority of members know their government officials at all levels while a lesser number receive government issued mailings.
• One council attended a government sponsored public forum on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Canada by Mary Deutscher MA in Public Ethics.
• Most councils consider themselves somewhat to well informed on various issues.
• Federal Bills monitoring:

• Bill C-14     ranges from 7.9%  not aware to 71.1% shared issue with council
• Bill C-211   ranges from 55.3% not aware to 7.9% shared issue with council
• Bill C- 206  ranges from 31.6% not aware to 23.7% shared issue with council
• Bill C- 204  ranges from 26.3% not aware to 15.8% shared issue with council
• Bill C-223   ranges from 34.2 % not aware to 10.5% shared issue with council.

Petition on Palliative Care

• Over 63% circulated and participated in the petition.
• As well, council responses to the Action Plan of Resolution 2016.04 Amend the Canada Health Act to Identify Palliative Care as an Insured Health Service vary from no action (18.4%) to writing government officials (42.1%) to educating members and community at large (63.2%).
• Additional comments on palliative care include: inviting guest speakers, reading Catholic newspapers and contacting government officials.

Resolution 2016.05 Amend the Canada Health Act to Include Home Care as an Insured Service

• 31.6% of councils have not acted on this resolution, although almost 25% indicate monitoring the federal government response to the request contained in the resolution.
• Members were encouraged to participate in the online petition initiated by Nancy Simms.
• Several councils report volunteering and financially supporting hospices and those in need of help.

Other Legislation Resolutions

• 1997.10 Amendment to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Interpretations Act to Recognize the Child as Human Being for Inception: 13 councils wrote letters
• 2004.06 National strategy for Suicide Prevention: 9 participated in the various categories
• 2006.05 GST Exemption of Funeral Services: 2 wrote letters
• 2014.05 Old Age Security Allowance for Individuals 60 – 64 Year of Age Regardless of Marital Status: 2 wrote letters.

Provincial Legislation Monitoring

• There weren’t any titles of bills monitoring provincial legislation listed.
• The postcard campaign for enactmen tof a law by the Saskatchewan Government requiring parental consent for medical and surgical procedures for children under 18 was noted. The intent is to have safeguards in place so teen cannot have an abortion without parental knowledge and/or consent.
• Monitoring changes to drinking and driving laws.

Hansard

• 3 councils accessed.

 “Responses to the Federal Government Consultation on Legislative Options on Assisted Dying”

• 86% affirmative responses were noted.
• Councils supported the League’s position by: participating in 12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care, Mass Intentions, writing letters, signing petitions, viewing Euthanasia Deception documentary, presenting information at council meetings, attending conventions that focused on this issue, prayers, financial support, reviewing resolutions on CWL website.

Sharing

• No convenor, other members share information and do reports as a group.
• Suggest short-form survey.
• Newspapers, TV, radio and Internet (CWL website) sources of news.
• Palliative care, euthanasia/assisted suicide noted as particular focus points.

Future Goals

• Have guest speakers to become more informed on palliative care and mental health.
• Raise awareness of Bills that are introduced and debated.
• Encourage more letter writing.
• Share message that CWL’s active participation impacts society as a whole.
• Awareness of municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, school governance.
• Fill legislation position on executive.
• Future goals difficult to set due to age of members and lack of younger members.

Suggestions

• Resolution writing - workshops – resources available at diocesan and provincial level.
• Favorable comments re the information in League magazines, CWL website and communiqués.
• An N/A option to some questions on report form.
• Did not receive DVD to help with online reporting.

Keep up good work! God bless you!

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Saskatchewan Past President / Archives Annual Report 2016

  Marge Szabo – Provincial Past President/Archives Chairperson

There has been a significant change in reporting this year with the addition of on-line reporting. Some of the councils followed the new method, while others sent reports to national and then a compilation of these reports were returned to Diocesan Presidents or others chairs. Regina had 28 reports and Saskatoon had 30, or 62.3% annual reports.

Thank you to the Regina and Saskatoon Diocesan Presidents who submitted annual reports to me while information from Prince Albert Diocese were received from national.

Duties of the past president are listed in the Executive Handbook, page 23. Past Presidents continue to serve in a consultative capacity, often continuing on the executive taking on another chair, especially in small councils. 

When asked if councils consult with diocesan, provincial or national executives for advice, a large percentage of councils do not. Saskatoon Diocesan Past President worked out percentages to verify this statement.

The responsibility of archives, in most cases, have been given to the past president. Photo albums, CDD’s and memory sticks are being used to record events. Some councils call their archives a Council History Book with more detailed information. Most of the councils store their archives in their church. Make sure it is a secure site. Saskatoon Diocesan Council stores archives at St. Thomas More College and Regina stores archives at the Diocesan Centre.

Regarding the question of encouraging the study of the Constitution and Bylaws and the Manual of Policy and Procedure, the reports show very little time is given for this in their councils. Councils seem to continue on with what works for them. 

All three past diocesan presidents felt that this new reporting system will take a few years so that every council will feel comfortable to respond electronically. Some councils have become discouraged by the numerous questions on line, thinking they are not doing enough, so why continue? Many of the councils in rural areas are very much struggling with their low enrollment and their limits have been stretched to try meet their commitments.

There is a positive side of this electronic reporting, as many have found it fast and efficient and the tabulation sets out a good outline of the committee’s responsibilities. So let’s be patient and continue to do your best.

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