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October 2014
The League’s Monthly E-newsletter
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
Table of Contents
Presidents Message
Visitation Parish Council
Church of the Ascension Parish Council
St. Charles Garnier Parish Council
Anniversaries and Service Awards
October quiz
September quiz answers
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7-8
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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 deQuebec in Quebec City, for the joyful celebration of the 350th 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 4th. 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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65th Anniversary
St. Margaret Mary Parish Council
60th Anniversary
Immaculate Conception Parish Council
Cumberland, Ontario
Heatherton, Nova Scotia
Marjorie Skinner
Bellelle Guerin Award
Immaculate Conception Parish Council
Stratford, Ontario
Lorraine Hertel
Carole Hourigan
Maple Leaf Service Pin
Immaculate Conception Parish Council
St. Edward Parish Council
Stratford, Ontario
Duncan, British Columbia
Suzanne Benoit
Dorothy Plouffe
60-Year Pin
Our Lady of the Angels Parish Council
St. Dunstan Parish Council
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Scarborough, Ontario
Dorothy Boonen
Gertrude Ort
50-Year Pin
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Celestine Hall
Marion Hall
Audrey Murray
Alice Reinhart
Madeleine Visser
Lise Willems
40-Year Pin
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
Scarborough, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Agnes Andrea
Anne Beda
Susan Benvegnu
Olga Bystrican
Sadie Canzi
Celestina Carella
Isabella Carella
Karen Carlucci
Marisa Cavion
Helen Christie
Annette Comuzzi
Gilda Covino
Alice Drndak
Debrah Fletcher Ewing
Hazel Fletcher
Anne Frastak
Olga Fuchek
Elizabeth Gollat
25-Year Pin
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
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Kathleen Humenaj
Pauline Krupa
Anne Labdik
Kristi Lacko
Lana Latta
Brigette Marchinko
Mary J. Margarit
Angela Meady
June Meady
Mary Migay
Teresa Munro
Barbara Fletcher Nyman
Lori Pecchia
Annie Pero
Elda Pessotti
Christina Pizzi
Jane Slobodnik
Aleida Stinnissen
Marie Suffak
Jean Suffak-Wyrot
Ida Trevisan
Marie Walsh
Mary Zack
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
St. Peter Parish Council
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Violeta Andino
Pres Barnachea
Elia Forte
Elaine Lamy
Catherine Schoonderwoerd
Patricia Singh
Sylvia Stanko
Evelyn Ugbaja
Danielle Wynne
10-Year Pin
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Dunstan Parish Council
St. Joseph Parish Council
Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Scarborough, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario
Pick the ten saints out of the following names!
St. Braden St. Patrick St. Daniella
St. James
St. Olivia
St. Bartholomew
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St. Constance
St. Afra
St. Homer
St. Amy
St. Ursula
St. Bridget
St. Umberto
St. Albertine
St. Elizabeth
St. Valentine
St. Sylvester
St. Bridget
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
[email protected], by mail or by fax to (888) 8319507.
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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: [email protected]