2007 Annual Report of Recognizing the importance of recruitment and retention of members and finding insightful ways to attract new members and recognize current ones were fruitful endeavours for councils that were successful in keeping membership in good standing. Membership remained the same despite amalgamation of parishes and some councils lost members while others gained. In the three diocesan councils there was a membership of 5,428 in 91 parish councils. Antigonish Diocesan Council had 53 parish councils, Halifax Diocesan Council had 32 parish councils and Yarmouth Diocesan Council had six parish councils. Five members were nominated for life membership. Parish councils were very positive about workshops, conventions and leadership development, and encouraged active participation by members. The August workshop was successful and all enjoyed having National President Lorette Noble share the day. The provincial executive was delighted to have National President-elect Danielle McNeil-Hessian attend a meeting with much discussion ensuing on national initiatives such as the Bellelle Guerin Award, focus groups, the Handbook for Organization Chairpersons and provincial concerns. The provincial council promoted the League through advertising in the Atlantic Catholic newspaper vocations fair and the Steubenville youth conference. The most important focus for parish councils was the opportunity for spiritual development. Provisions were made for members to attend days of spirituality and retreats, lectures, share books and videos and listen to guest speakers. The members also welcomed the Ark of the New Covenant. Sanctity of life continued to be an area of concern for parish councils. Members participated in a 57 hour prayer vigil for pro-life, as well as the Walk for Life and life chain. Information and documents from the Catholic Organization for Life and Family were distributed. Ministry for seniors, primarily physical, emotional and financial abuse, continued to be a focus as well as literacy and reading programs. Many parish councils used available websites and newsletters to communicate with each other as well as for research and information. Other parish councils used alternate ways to keep in touch. Provincial council boasted its own website and the provincial newsletter was welcomed by members. Members also looked forward to receiving The Canadian League finding it educational while also allowing them to get to know the national executive. An impressive interest in legislation was shown. Bill C-2 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts was followed with great interest. Legislation was introduced to ban the use of cellular telephones while driving a car as well as proposed no smoking policy for drivers while children are in the car. Resolutions were the backbone of the League and allowed members to have a venue to speak directly to all levels of government. The resolutions adopted at the annual national convention were followed up by the action plans provided. The League was also proactive in bringing concerns of the environment and global warming to the attention of the provincial government long before it was popular to do so. Members were encouraged to take action on both current and past resolutions. Members were feisty when it came to improving social conditions for others and were relentless in letter writing to government. Members also cherished their role in helping with the social development of parish councils through many activities. Of special note were the many parish councils that hosted receptions following funerals. Church closures, amalgamations and clustering of parishes happened in most areas of the province. There was much debate and concern about what happens to the parish council. As an organization under the auspices of the Catholic church, it was incumbent upon members to prepare for this in a prayerful and meaningful way.
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