The League is in its second year of the theme, Inspired by the Spirit: Women Respond to God’s Call, and is focusing its attention nationally on mental health. Councils may have chosen to focus on other related areas such as homelessness, poverty, addictions, abuse, Indigenous issues and the penal system, to name a few. Each parish council is unique in its needs and actions, yet share in the goal of serving members and the community by providing opportunities for spiritual growth, service and social justice.
The strategic plan 2018-2022, unanimously adopted by the national executive at the pre-convention executive meeting, was rolled out at the 98th annual national convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thank you to the participants at diocesan and provincial conventions, as the document reflects members’ input from every region of the country. Provincial presidents will oversee its delivery, so be on the lookout for a workshop or presentation in your area.
As soon as you receive and read the parish memos, please circulate them to the appropriate standing committee chairperson. In the event there is no chairperson, decide who best in the council would be able to receive the memo and share it at a meeting, or share it yourself.
Review the three resolutions that were adopted at the 98th annual national convention. The national resolutions chairperson’s memo provides further information. Make a plan of how best to address each resolution through the suggestions listed in the action plan.
Some things you might also wish to do with members:
- Commit to memory the aforementioned mission statement and the core purpose of the organization which is outlined in the strategic plan: Uniting Catholic women to grow in faith and to promote social justice through service to the church, Canada and the world.
- Commit to memory the core values of the organization: Faith, Service, and Social Justice.
- Plan to attend a regional, diocesan, or provincial development day where the strategic plan is presented.
- Keep yourself and your team updated as information comes to you. Seek out information on the national website and social media, and share the joy that is the League with members.
- You are not alone! There is always someone in the parish, diocesan or provincial council who can be of assistance. Seek help from others. No one wishes for the parish president to do all the “heavy lifting”.
- Remember to incorporate faith, fun and fulfillment (spiritual development, social activity, and education/direction/reporting) into each meeting. The suggested division is 1/3, 1/3, 1/3.
- Ask for Our Lady of Good Counsel’s intercession when difficult decisions are imminent. She will never abandon you, and you will truly be inspired by the Spirit.
- Plan to do something new this year to challenge yourself and council members to grow in faith and bring about the kingdom of God on earth.
As I, from a small rural parish in New Brunswick, glow with pride at the work that is accomplished by this small band of committed women, I know that this is multiplied thousands of times across the country. I look forward to reading of all the work you do.
Be patient, “listen slowly”, as Archbishop Murray Chatlain (Keewatin-The-Pas) directed in his keynote address at convention. In joyful service, “respond to God’s call” in your best way possible.
Your sister in League,
Anne-Marie Gorman
National President
October 5, 2018
