The League’s Monthly E-newsletter

October 2014

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Table of Contents

Presidents Message 3 Visitation Parish Council 4 Church of the Ascension Parish Council 5 St. Charles Garnier Parish Council 6 Anniversaries and Service Awards 7-8 October quiz 8 September quiz answers 9

From the Editor

Greetings ladies!

We really are defined by the seasons. Fall, autumn, or however you define this period of time, is a beautiful season, full of colour, crisp air, a warming sun and beautiful sunsets! It is a time when we think about making hearty vegetable stews, pulling up the last of the potatoes and putting away the flowerpots. It is a time for donning that comfortable throw as you read the book that has laid forlornly on the table for the last month, waiting for your return. Now is the time all League activities kick into high gear!

Please take the time to capture those unique activities that your council or an individual member was a part of to share with members across Canada. In September, you were encouraged to send in your July and August activities. If you missed that opportunity, it is not too late. If you visit this site on a regular basis you will see things you can share with your council members, or it may spark an idea for something you could initiate. Everyone loves a doer— perhaps today is your turn! Do not be afraid to think outside the box and to try new things, or old things with a new twist.

In this issue you will read about a council in Kelowna, British Columbia, that “adopts” pregnant mothers who need a friend; a festive autumn bazaar in Comber, Ontario, and a successful membership tea in Parksville, British Columbia. In every issue of Be League you will be asked to print a copy (or two or ten) and take them to your next meeting to share with members. You may be pleasantly surprised when members are sparked by what they read and offer up ideas for your own councils.

The deadline for the next issue is Halloween (Friday, October 31). Fran Lucas National Chairperson of Communications

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With Thanksgiving on my mind, I could not help but pause and reflect on how blessed we are in Canada. I pray your celebrations were special and with times of sharing, gratitude and prayer for those who have so little.

As anticipated, it was a hectic time these last few weeks, filled with travel, meetings and opportunities to share the good news of the League on your behalf! It began at the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Quebec to participate in the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) 2014 National Forum with Catholic Movements and Associations. This was one of those times that living on the west coast had its advantage—in order to be there on time for the opening I had to leave home a day early, giving me the most wonderful morning to myself at the magnificent shrine. Years ago, I took a bus trip on my own and it was with wonder and awe that I returned to find it exactly as I remembered. I took each of you with me as I walked the Stations of the Cross on the hill, visited Ste. Anne’s altar to pray for the grandchildren of League sisters and sat for a time in the Adoration Chapel, listening and praying in the quiet presence of God. It was like a mini-pilgrimage filled with peace and gratitude.

There were more than 30 national groups from across Canada. The church is truly rich in its diversity and the gifts and charisms each of these groups and lay associations bring. It was a wonderful opportunity to network, to meet women and men who are serving the church in so many varied ways and to learn of the different areas and people they serve. The presentations were enlightening, relevant and particularly focused on Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”).

We were very privileged to go to the special mass at the Cathedral-Basilica of-Notre-Dame de- Quebec in Quebec City, for the joyful celebration of the 350

th anniversary of the canonical erection of the

first Catholic parish in North American outside the Spanish territories of the time. Along with nearly all Canadian bishops, in attendance were Archbishop Jaime Lucas Cardinal Ortega y Alamino, (Havana, Cuba), special envoy of the Holy Father; Primate of Canada Cardinal Archbishop Gérald Cyprien Lacroix (Quebec); and Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio to Canada. It was a wonderful celebration and witness to the faith; hundreds of people lined the streets outside to watch the celebration on the big screens.

From there, it was on to Mont-Sainte-Anne for the CCCB plenary assembly. It was nice to see former national spiritual advisors Archbishop Martin Currie (St. John’s), Archbishop Richard Smith (Edmonton) and Bishop Douglas Crosby (Hamilton), who were all so welcoming and send League members their good wishes. There were 27 observers in attendance for the first day and a half of the plenary, where we were all warmly welcomed by CCCB President Archbishop Paul-André Durocher (Gatineau). The League is held in very high regard by bishops across Canada and it was a pleasure to represent you. The highlights of that time are too many to report here. Suffice it to say it was gratifying to see this body wrestling with all issues of concern, from human trafficking to euthanasia and, in particular, the potential impact of the synod on the family.

Then it was time for a quick trip home before heading out again to the National Council of Catholic Women’s convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is always a pleasure to join these Catholic women who share the League’s values and concerns that affect society and to bring greetings on behalf of the League. We have so much in common. This year’s theme, Be the Voice of Catholic Women, resonated with me. Those gathered attended workshops, participated in the liturgies and heard from well-known presenters, Ralph Martin, president of Renewal Ministries, and Catholic talk show host Teresa Tomeo, among others, who encouraged and challenged all to be disciples and to be an active part of the new evangelization with faith and confidence.

Up next is the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization’s General Assembly in Fatima, Portugal, at the end of October. Stay tuned! Barbara Dowding, National President

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Parish president Laurie Lassaline said the council spent the summer preparing for its main fundraiser—the Autumn Fest Bazaar. This year, the bazaar was blessed with over 500 in attendance and a 28°C temperature. The bazaar was full of crafts, baked goods, colouring contests and more! Raffle profits went directly to the parish’s building fund, the used children’s books and videos table was very successful, with profits benefitting three local children’s charities.

Left to Right: Monique Lemire, Adele Pilon, Yvette Janisse, Lucille Comartin, Pat Janisse

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September was the start of the fall/winter activities for the council, and foremost was the membership tea on September 4

th. The council welcomed seven new members, adding to the 140 it already has, and 80

members attended a celebratory tea with desserts and sandwiches. Each member of the executive gave a short presentation of her responsibilities, inviting new and existing members to come share their time and talents. The council had also received a plaque for being the council with the most members in the province!

Mary Sheil, Blanca Stead and Tina Hanlon pose with the membership increase award.

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The council has taken on a mentorship program to assist distressed young women facing pregnancies alone. St. Charles Cradle was born when the director of the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre spoke to members about how many young pregnant women lack support and are abandoned by those closest to them in their time of need. Now, the director recommends a young expectant mother to the council and the council then meets her at the centre, women to woman. At a later date, council members have coffee with her. Part of the mission is to befriend and welcome the young women, accepting them unconditionally and without judgment. Members stay in contact with the young mother throughout her pregnancy, and, on the joyous day the baby is born, an announcement is placed in the church bulletin and a baby shower is held shortly afterwards. Now in its second year, St. Charles Cradle has welcomed two beautiful babies! “We are all richer for the many blessings the St. Charles Cradle has brought into our lives,” says council member Gudrun Cobham.

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Bellelle Guerin Award Marjorie Skinner Immaculate Conception Parish Council Stratford, Ontario

Maple Leaf Service Pin Lorraine Hertel Immaculate Conception Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Carole Hourigan St. Edward Parish Council Duncan, British Columbia

60-Year Pin Suzanne Benoit Our Lady of the Angels Parish Council Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta Dorothy Plouffe St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario

50-Year Pin Dorothy Boonen St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Gertrude Ort St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario

40-Year Pin

Celestine Hall St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Marion Hall St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Audrey Murray St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Alice Reinhart St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Madeleine Visser St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Lise Willems St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario

25-Year Pin Agnes Andrea St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Anne Beda St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Susan Benvegnu St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Olga Bystrican St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Sadie Canzi St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Celestina Carella St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Isabella Carella St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Karen Carlucci St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Marisa Cavion St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Helen Christie St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Annette Comuzzi St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Gilda Covino St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Alice Drndak St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Debrah Fletcher Ewing St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Hazel Fletcher St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Anne Frastak St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Olga Fuchek St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Elizabeth Gollat St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario

65th

Anniversary St. Margaret Mary Parish Council Cumberland, Ontario

60th

Anniversary Immaculate Conception Parish Council Heatherton, Nova Scotia

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Kathleen Humenaj St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Pauline Krupa St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Anne Labdik St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Kristi Lacko St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Lana Latta St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Brigette Marchinko St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Mary J. Margarit St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Angela Meady St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario June Meady St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Mary Migay St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Teresa Munro St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Barbara Fletcher Nyman St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Lori Pecchia St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Annie Pero St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Elda Pessotti St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Christina Pizzi St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Jane Slobodnik St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Aleida Stinnissen St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Marie Suffak St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Jean Suffak-Wyrot St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Ida Trevisan St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Marie Walsh St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario Mary Zack St. Peter Parish Council Thunder Bay, Ontario

10-Year Pin Violeta Andino St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Pres Barnachea St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Elia Forte St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Elaine Lamy St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Catherine Schoonderwoerd St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario Patricia Singh St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Sylvia Stanko St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Evelyn Ugbaja St. Dunstan Parish Council Scarborough, Ontario Danielle Wynne St. Joseph Parish Council Stratford, Ontario

Pick the ten saints out of the following names!

St. Braden St. Patrick St. Daniella St. Constance St. Amy St. Ursula St. Valentine

St. James St. Olivia St. Afra St. Bridget St. Albertine St. Sylvester

St. Bartholomew St. Homer St. Umberto St. Elizabeth St. Bridget

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C-702 Scotland Ave Winnipeg, MB R3M 1X5

Phone: (204) 927-2310

Toll Free: (888) 656-4040 Fax: (888) 831-9507 E-mail: info@cwl.ca

It’s meeting season! Test your knowledge of League Constitution & Bylaws.

1. What is quorum? (Ten percent of voting members shall constitute a quorum. Part XIV, Sections 2, 3, 4).

2. Who is an associate member? [A non-Catholic woman 16 years of age or over with voting privileges but without eligibility for office by election or appointment. Part VII, Section 1, (d)].

3. What, adopted in 1990, is the permanent public symbol of the League? (The flag. Part III, Section 3).

4. Under which standing committee does “sanctity of life” fall? (Christian family life. Part XIII, Section 3).

5. How many days before a meeting should its time and location be distributed to voting members? (At least 21 days before at the parish, diocesan and provincial level, and 60 days in advance at national level. Part XIV, Section 9).

6. What is the primary difference between a voting delegate and an accredited delegate? (Voting powers. A voting delegate may take part in all proceedings and shall have power to vote on all questions. An accredited delegate may take part in the business sessions of the annual convention and vote on any question except the election of officers, amendments to the Consitution & Bylaws, and increase in per capita fees. Part XV, Section 2).

7. What is an instructed vote? (An instructed vote requires the voting delegate to vote according to the instructions of the council represented. Part XV, Section 3).

8. What is the maximum number of national executive members? (No more than 22, with no more than 11 national officers and 11 presidents of provincial councils. Part X, Section 1).

9. Where does the League officially stand politically? (Non-partisan. Part V)

10. Which members can attend annual meetings or conventions? (Any member may attend annual meetings or conventions at any level and may speak at business sessions at the discretion of the chairperson. Part XV, Section 4).

The next deadline for submissions is October 31st

. Please submit your stories and photos to communications@cwl.ca, by mail or by fax to (888) 831-9507.