2007 Annual Report of New Brunswick comprised of 55 parish councils in four diocesan councils (Bathurst, Edmundston, Moncton, and Saint John ) and had just under 3,000 members. New committees were struck to supplement the work of the organization, education funding, and convention workshops committees. Members journeyed to the shrines of Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Howard, and Saint Francis of Assisi at Skiff Lake. One council planted a rose bush in memory of deceased members. Presidents attended Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada meetings, Women of the Bible series and participated in World Day of Prayer services. Membership initiatives Potential members were invited to luncheons and dinners, as well as to special programs organized by the parish council. One council presented a non-member with a one year gift subscription to The Canadian League. Major diocesan events, such as the installation of a new bishop, Bishop Robert Harris of Saint John, provided visibility for the League as members wore the League scarf for identification. Volunteerism in other church organizations included Mother and Child Welcome House, Birthright International and St. Vincent de Paul Society. One president led the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program in her parish. Presidents also presented awards during liturgies and led the rosary before mass. They hosted Christmas parties that collected gifts for the less fortunate; held baby showers and collected clothing and cash donations; and had carnation campaigns. Funds were raised for the needy of parishes and the greater communities. One parish council donated more than $3,000 to the church and another $2,500 to the community. Presidents spoke of their terms as vast learning experiences that brought pleasure by serving. They were supported by their executives, some remaining for extended terms in extreme circumstances. Diocesan presidents chaired mid-term executive meetings, served on convention planning committees, represented the League at prayer breakfasts, attended regional meetings in the diocesan councils, and attended 50th , 70th , and 75th anniversaries and special anniversary projects by parish councils. Presidents modeled leadership and the need for spiritual nourishment by attending annual diocesan retreats. One diocesan president, Rosemary Gorman, mentored a parish council as it moved forward; another, Georgina Babcock, gleefully oversaw the reactivation of St. Gabriel Parish Council with encouragement from the parish spiritual advisor. Moncton Archdiocesan Council graciously hosted a fall workshop in conjunction with the provincial fall executive meeting, an initiative for the benefit of members in the archdiocesan council and around the province, as well as provincial executive members. Parish councils' milestones were celebrated without exception. Presidents and spiritual advisors acknowledged the work of members who were visionaries, many who were charter members, and three of whom attended the celebrations and received the praise they richly deserved. One parish council, St. Theresa in Moncton, received recognition for 50 years of service and celebrated with the Eucharist, a traditional Acadian dinner, and the attendance of many guests including former clergy and members. That council also purchased the 13th Station of the Cross, the Pieta, for the Moncton Prayer Garden, located at the Papal Site at Magnetic Hill, and a beautiful stained glass window at the church entrance commemorates the League. All this was done as a final honour to the years of League work before submitting its charter to national office. A bittersweet celebration of the past and present, this occasion pointed at the reality of a few parish councils. Something new in the reports of diocesan presidents for 2007 was the need to raise funds for the diocesan councils, as per capita fees were not sufficient to cover working expenses of the councils. Unfortunately, ticket sales and other raffles had to be resorted to in order to meet commitments. Raising per capita fees would certainly have to be an issue so councils would not have to spend valuable time and energy on fund raising ventures. Diocesan councils have bridged with their counterparts in other provinces to share information, and cooperated on research for prospective resolutions. Provincial council researched the subject of proper burial of human remains. Trafficking of women and children was a growing issue that saw increasing research among members especially in light of the Winter Olympics in 2010. Many parish councils reported writing members of parliament, the minister of justice and prime minister on age of protection, funding for research using embryonic stem cells and euthanasia. The first Bellelle Guerin Award pin was presented in the Bathurst Diocesan Council to Theresa Landry for outstanding service to her parish and diocesan councils. Personal highlights • being part of preparations for publishing a provincial history to commemorate 60 years of the League in New Brunswick written by Life Member Gertrude Nowlan
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