REPORT OF NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
CECILE MILLER

The successes of 2003 far outweighed the challenges and hardships faced. The provincial council's vision for 2002 - 2004 was to maintain the membership, which had been declining. The provincial council purchased Leading the League for every parish council, and facilitated the mentoring workshop in each of the three dioceses. Thirty-five of the 93 councils reported maintaining or increasing their membership.

One diocesan council listed the hosting of the provincial convention as a highlight and a big success. All councils, as well as a military ordinariate council, took part in the preparations and the smooth running of a very successful convention. Another diocesan council wound up meetings by resource teams to each of its 53 councils. One diocesan council reported a retreat as a highlight for its members.

Hurricane Juan devastated parts of Halifax in September causing hardship and loss. Neighbours and strangers gathered together to help each other. Volunteers cleared trees and debris, repaired damaged homes, and through it all, managed to turn a tragedy into a positive experience of caring and fellowship.

Some challenges that members and leaders faced in Nova Scotia were: recruiting and attracting new members, maintaining members, enticing members to serve in leadership positions, and providing funding for members to attend fall conferences and conventions. One council with 38 members became inactive.

The two diocesan councils which have completed the visits of resource teams must continue to address the issues which were raised. Completed reports provided a framework and vision for future planning. The use of resource teams made parish councils more aware of all the resources available, and follow-up will strengthen the relationship at all levels of the League, especially between diocesan and parish councils. Diocesan councils were very grateful for the assistance from the National Development Fund for this endeavour.

Much energy was devoted to the spiritual growth of members at the parish and diocesan levels. There was celebration of the eucharist or liturgy of the word prior to monthly meetings. There were spiritual development activities provided at the parish and diocesan levels on the theme, cast out into the deep. Two diocesan councils held a retreat–one for all members and one for the diocesan executive.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church was studied. Missions at home and abroad were supported. Members were very involved in all lay ministries. Participation in ecumenical and interfaith endeavours included ecumenical services, World Day of Prayer, Proclamation 2003, and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Members followed up on their commitment for the spiritual bouquet for Pope John Paul II.

Women were recruited by various means from information sessions to potluck meals. Certificates of merit, service pins, and maple leaf service awards were presented. In one diocese, 24 of the 53 parish councils received a certificate of appreciation for maintaining or increasing their membership. Kits were given to new members, and many had their membership paid for the first year. The revised National Manual of Policy and Procedure was promoted. One member received her life membership.

Councils continued to support and promote programs which enhanced family and parish life. They prepared, served meals and hosted many get-togethers, such as a “lunch-brunch” for seniors. Donations were made to Birthright International, Amnesty International, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and many other organizations involved with youth, family and the mentally and physically challenged. One council took a treat and a copy of meeting minutes to sick and elderly members. Councils paid for youth to attend a week-long diocesan summer camp. Seasonal, birthday, and get-well cards were sent to older members who are shut-ins.

Members participated in many organizations serving those in need: Red Cross, Foster Parents Plan, World Vision International, and Childcare International. Donations were made to parishes, food and fuel banks, breast cancer research, and many other local charities. Some councils reported keeping abreast of any changes or added programs in citizenship and immigration. Members reported promoting the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) campaign on the right to clean water and the 1% Program. One parish council president went to Nigeria as part of a delegation to see first-hand CCODP's involvement in that country. In one council, pennies were saved by parishioners and $1,300 sent for the care and education of foster children in other countries.

Members were religious education teachers/substitutes and/or members of hospital auxiliaries. They were involved in the Alpha program, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, and pre-marriage courses. They prepared children and young people for first communion and confirmation. Members continued to promote literacy and continuing education. Scholarships and bursaries as well as prizes for school-aged children were provided. There is an increased awareness of the issues of genetics, stem cell research, cloning, and genetically modified foods, and members continued to write letters to government. Members supported wellness and disease prevention through involvement on health care boards, in palliative care, crisis intervention, relay runs for charity, and inviting guests to speak on health issues. The provincial council sent $500 to MaterCare International for the LifeSaver Program. Many councils supported their local hospitals, and one council gave $800 toward the purchase of an MRI machine.

Councils spread their good news through parish bulletins, local newspapers, radio and television. Monthly newsletters and minutes were sent to members who could not attend meetings. The Canadian League magazine was used for reference for discussions and for an update of national activities. Members were called for meetings, events, and funerals. Many councils had effective and dedicated telephone committees. Many councils participated in the White Ribbon Against Pornography campaign. The Atlantic Catholic provided current news on CWL activities and happenings. There was positive feedback from the provincial newsletters. One council did a survey of unacceptable television programs for children/grandchildren.

Workshops on resolutions were held in one diocese. Diocesan councils were more aware of the need to make sure that resolutions are well prepared, researched, and presented. Action plans were followed, and at least one council discussed resolutions at every meeting to keep members informed. Members were encouraged to read articles pertaining to resolutions in The Canadian League magazine.

Two thousand letters were sent to support Resolution 03.02 Increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement. One council wrote to the Canadian Cancer Society regarding ethical issues in embryonic stem cell research. Letter writing campaigns focused on such issues as Bill C-13 Assisted Human Reproduction Act, the definition of marriage, pesticide bans, Youth Criminal Justice Act, pornography, legalization of marijuana, automobile insurance, bullying in schools, Sunday shopping, environmental issues surrounding the clean-up of the tar ponds in Sydney, and fetal alcohol syndrome.