REPORT OF
ALBERTA MACKENZIE PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
MARY HEINZLMEIR

Another year in review, compiling the efforts and accomplishments of the League sisters throughout Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Council. January brought forth enthusiastic membership drives to increase memberships and to find creative ways of inviting younger ladies to take their place among us and to share their gifts and talents. Councils realized the importance of retaining members and the need to find out the reason why some members had not renewed. Though Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Council had an increase in membership for the year, there was a great potential talent to be tapped in those who have not joined.

Some of the innovative methods used to increase membership were: personal invitation, maintaining visibility in the parish and community, announcements in the bulletin, welcome packages with information about CWL being prepared and handed out, and presentations following Sunday mass. With the closure of some parishes, councils had to consider their options. Some have disbanded; others amalgamated.

In Calgary diocese, the two main objectives were to increase spiritual programs and increase membership, especially younger women. Some councils said there was a need to involve all members in activities; for some the main goal was to keep their council alive and active. Fellowship and a welcoming atmosphere were important in keeping members and getting them involved. One parish council divided activities into seven categories and each member was asked to sign up for an activity for one year and this was effective.

In Edmonton archdiocese, there were 76 parish councils with 4,556 members. The outgoing and incoming archdiocesan officers participated in a two-day orientation program, which provided an opportunity to become familiar with their roles and responsibilities, long and short term goals, and also to pray. They had 16 members recognized by Catholic Social Services for 20 years of volunteer service to the Sign of Hope campaign.

In Grouard McLennan archdiocese, there were 512 members in 21 parish councils scattered throughout a large area. Recruitment of new members was not very successful; however, they certainly had quality workers. Members were involved in various activities such as parish ministries, social justice and letter writing to government.

In Mackenzie diocese, there were five councils with 74 members. They faced many challenges–small councils, great distances apart, travel was costly; therefore, they did not have an opportunity to gather often. Though their membership was small, they were strong in spirituality. They also lobbied politicians in matters concerning safety and well being of the community and society, acted on resolutions, wrote letters to government about issues and prepared a form to be sent to government requesting that tax dollars not be used to support abortion.

In St. Paul diocese, there were 21 councils with a membership of 615, an increase of 28 over last year. The League was alive and well. Councils worked diligently to provide spiritual nourishment and educational opportunities for its members. They had invited guest speakers, provided workshops and were visible in their parishes.

Several councils celebrated special anniversaries this year. Some of the issues addressed by councils were: the definition of marriage, stem cell research, the resolutions that were adopted at the annual national convention, social justice matters, Catholic education, health care, pro-life issues, MaterCare International and conservation of water and electricity. Two resolutions were presented and adopted at the annual provincial convention.

Members in all five dioceses were involved in parish ministries such as eucharistic ministers, lectors, sacramental preparations, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, serving on parish pastoral council, facilitating bible study, taking communion to the sick, parish missions and religious study and education. They also fundraised to assist their parishes, gave financial assistance to various organizations and awarded scholarships. All diocesan councils provided educational opportunities for their members through various workshops.

As part of the spiritual aspect, councils had eucharistic celebrations before their meetings, recited the rosary, had spiritual readings/ reflections and prayer at meetings, pursued theological studies, and participated in retreats and programs to help members develop their own personal relationship with God.

Members participated in various community activities such as: youth activities, visiting the sick and shut-ins, supporting new immigrant families, presenting bursaries, giving workshops, serving dinners for the homeless, hosting seniors' teas, serving funeral lunches, delivering Meals On Wheels, hosting World Day of Prayer, coordinating Operation Christmas Child Shoebox, providing entertainment at lodges and hospitals, tutoring at drop-in centres, recycling, fundraising for missions and women's shelters, serving on school boards and canvassing.

Several members received financial assistance from the National Bursary Fund. Kay Chudleigh from Calgary received the Elsie Yanik Award for 2003 at the annual provincial convention.

Councils were casting out into the deep to face new challenges and to make a difference. Members were following the Mission Statement of The Catholic Women's League of Canada–calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God.

A member of Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Council attended a symposium on Catholic education in Alberta and also the National Pro-Life Conference 2003–“Silent No More.”

Connie McBride received her life membership at the Edmonton archdiocesan convention. Two life members were lost with the passing of Dorothy Keates and Flore Shaw. Life Member Rose-Marie McCarthy presented a workshop on communications and team building at the fall executive meeting of Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Council.

The provincial council website continued to keep members informed and updated. A newsletter was sent to all councils as a way of keeping in touch. It was with determination, dedication and enthusiasm that members moved forward in faith and action to bring about positive changes. May the Lord bless all League members as they continue to work “For God and Canada.”