2005 Annual Report of National Chairperson
of Spiritual Development
Betty Anne Brown

Sub-committee chairpersons:
Bonnie Brennan ? study of Catholic teachings
Carmel Foster ? evangelization and mission assistance
Anne Teschke ? lay ministries
Kay Kiss ? ecumenism and interfaith endeavours

The Year of the Eucharist became the focus as Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayerful deepening of their relationships with God called for members' attention . Two other fields showed a concerted openness: education on spiritual matters and inter-religious dialogue .

Spiritual growth of members
Meetings opened with Eucharistic celebrations, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, seasonal or Marian prayers, League prayers or regular prayer for the sick and shut-in. Members celebrated devotion to Mary on or near her feast days with prayer services, song, celebration with neighbouring parishes and rosary recitation, including the Living Rosary, in several languages. At meetings and gatherings, most councils decorated a sacred space with a lit candle and flowers near a statue or picture of Mary. Retreats, days of reflection, parish missions, novenas and scripture study were offered . Attentive prayers and ministry to deceased members was evident through masses, prominent display of the Book of Life, honour guards at funerals, hosting funeral lunches and bereavement counseling. Provincial prayer booklets were prepared, distributed and widely used. Promotion and participation in faith sharing groups became common. At Sunday mass, members participated in liturgical ministries. The Ceremonies Booklet and CWL Prays were used for installing officers, welcoming and initiating new members, presenting pins, honouring deceased members and for council reflection. Mary's Way of the Cross was a popular Lenten devotion. A travelling crucifix and chalice was circulated among parishioners.

Study of Catholic teachings
The Year of the Eucharist was highlighted with special speakers, prayer cards, retreats, processions and reflections, as well as more frequent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Gift of the Eucharist brochure was produced by the national executive. More members took theology, pastoral care and lay formation courses. Videos on spiritual topics were used to teach and prompt faith discussion. Members were involved in catechesis, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and sacramental preparation. Pilgrimages to shrines, especially in Quebec , to Germany for World Youth Day and to Spokane, Washington, for the Marian Eucharistic conference were undertaken. Articles from Catholic media were read at meetings. Members tended parish lending libraries.

Role of women in the church
Members served on pastoral councils, community boards and as pastoral associates. A workshop, entitled Spirituality in Leadership and led by Honorary Life Member Vivian Bosch, was offered to members in New Brunswick. Prayer services were led to honour Our Lady of Good Counsel and members participated in the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations Day of Prayer. Members actively celebrated the newly ordained and anniversaries of priests. Members were lay associates of religious confraternities.

Evangelization and mission assistance
Prayer lines, prayer partners, prayer calendars and spiritual bouquets were used to request special intentions. Councils sponsored Vision Television daily mass. Members attended Remembrance Day services for deceased members and service personnel, and supported Holy Childhood Association, Kee Pas Missions, Scarboro Missions and Catholic Missions In Canada. Mission parishes were twinned with councils. Members collected clothing, toiletries, toys and games for a mission in the Yukon.

Lay ministries
Members served in parish liturgical ministries as altar servers, bible study leaders, children's liturgy teachers, Eucharistic ministers, intercession writers, lay presiders, lectors, money counters and sacristans and assisted with church decorations, hospitality and music ministry. Holy Communion was brought to the sick and shut-in. Members transported the infirm to mass. Sick members were companioned with visits, telephone contact, cards and flowers. Councils hosted parish first communion and confirmation receptions. General lunches were prepared for families, parishes and the community. Members co-operated with the Knights of Columbus on various projects.

Ecumenism and interfaith endeavours
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, World Day of Prayer, March for Life, Canada Day, memorials to honour women who died violently, Christmas walks and carol services were attended. Members participated in the ecumenical bible study Alpha Program. They held Seder meal celebrations during Lent . Councils held joint community prayer services. Members and councils hosted/attended interfaith prayer breakfasts. Military Ordinariate members attended events with the Protestant Ladies Guild members. The study of world religions led to greater understanding of other faiths.

Special mention
A rosary-a-thon in honour of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe was held. Members requested and used Nativity-themed postage stamps and then wrote to the federal government on Resolution 2005.01 Christmas Postage Stamps. One parish council invited children to design a religious Christmas stamp, then offered a prize for the parishioners' favourite design. The Pal from Heaven program was instituted whereby members chose a saint with whom to develop a relationship. One council held a candle light prayer vigil for peace in the world and participated in the Prayer Shield program for members of police forces . Members attended memorial masses for Pope John Paul II. During Advent, one member spoke to her parish each Sunday before mass to explain the various Christmas traditions. One council helped with a youth musical living rosary.