REPORT OF
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND PROVINCIAL PRESIDENT
BERTHA LAWLESS

“We peer into the future with our limited vision, unable to see all that we are destined to be, yet believing, because of a hope we carry so deep within.”

The wide spectrum of activity at the parish council level was amazing, important and obviously fulfilled needs within the parishes. Members' willingness to serve, to go the extra mile often in the face of adversity witnessed to the great hope they carry deep within their being.

Spiritual development reports indicated just how the prayer life of a whole parish can be positively influenced through the activities of a parish council. That is what they are called to do. Councils responded to the call to sponsor retreat weekends, mini retreats, small sharing groups, Holy Hours and A Marian Book of Hours. Members organized programs such as Celebrating the Word, Alpha program, Renew, the Beatitudes , Belonging and Humble Prayer. The prayer, participation, and financial support given to the religious education of youth was a gift that will reap untold benefits for years to come. Generosity to the Catholic Missions In Canada was truly remarkable. One parish council sponsored a mitten tree, purchased yarn for the project and forwarded warm mittens to northern neighbours. Another parish council sent handmade quilts by the dozen. These were comforting gifts from warm hearts.

Membership declined 1% down to 2,657 from 2,743 in 2002. The decline was mostly the result of members not renewing. Councils were asked to invite these women to return. The 14 councils that increased their memberships over the year were commended. Councils celebrated CWL Sunday by hosting guest speakers, attending mass together, serving refreshments and presenting welcome kits and pins to new members. One parish council went out for brunch following the mass and new members went gratis! Councils attached information letters or brochures to the Sunday bulletin. These were great ways to promote the League!

The West Prince Regional Committee continued to provide support, friendship, League formation and spiritual development for the participating councils. Chairperson Julia LeClair enriched the provincial council with her enthusiasm and wisdom.

Fall conferences gave members the opportunity to grow in holiness, fellowship and League development. President-elect Judy Lewis and Community Life Chairperson Marlyn MacIsaac facilitated a workshop on mentoring in the League. These workshops generated a great deal of interest and open discussion on how mentoring can increase friendship and support at all levels of the League. Sister Mary Cummiskey, Father George Gilliland along with Bill and Buelah Costain lead participants in a reflection on “Be Not Afraid” as “they cast out their nets.”

Each provincial standing committee chairperson hosted a workshop on the scope and struggles of her standing committee. Members welcomed the opportunity to share ideas and concerns and to determine their future focus. Positive feedback from all was received on this format.

The P.E.I. newsletter continued to receive honorable mention for its information on matters of the League along with its many other items of interest. Kudos to Editor Marion Buote and her committee, Louise Larkin and Ginny Grant.

Elaine Black (Military Ordinariate) agreed to be the council's representative for MaterCare International. She addressed the fall conferences on the goals and struggles of this program. MaterCare International pins were available for sale in support of this worthy organization.

Parish council members welcomed the position papers on the definition of marriage and the use of stem cells for research purposes. This clear, concise information gave members direction and support in their letter writing campaigns to government. Provincial council urged all members to pray, reaffirm their commitment to family and write yet another letter voicing concern regarding the definition of marriage. Reports indicated a generous response to stand firm and tall in defense of marriage and family. One parish council hosted a family day to kick start National Family Week. The event included face painting, pumpkin carving, games and refreshments. Not only did it send a strong message in support of families, it also heightened the profile of the League within the parish and beyond.

Provincial Christian Family Life Chairperson Marie McKenna sponsored a workshop in Summerside on Resolution 03.02 Increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement as a follow up to Resolution 02.04 Income Supplement Programs for Seniors.

Resolution 03.07 Education on Marijuana, adopted at provincial convention 2003, was combined with a similar resolution from the B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council and adopted at the annual national convention. Additional materials in support of this resolution were circulated to all local parish councils along with the suggestion to invite a speaker to address the topic of drugs. Reports indicated that actions were taken on this information.

Life members continued to enrich the League at all levels with their faithfulness, knowledge, sisterhood and wisdom. The provincial council is blessed with nine life members; Elaine Gallant, Phyllis Quinn, Helen Turner, Myrna Murray, Mona Doiron, Marion Buote (MO), Mary Sullivan, Agnes MacDonald and Marg Fitzpatrick. This year the provincial council mourned the loss of Freda Muttart. May she rest in the eternal peace and joy of God's Kingdom.

The following statement can be found within the annual report of one parish council: “We had a great year, a year of spiritual growth, also many hours of hard work in service to others, with the satisfaction of knowing we have made a difference.” Thank you to all parish councils choosing to use your gifts, time and energy to work within the League. Thank you all for making a difference right where you are planted. And thank you for the honour of serving as your provincial president for the past two years.