2008 Annual Report of Members in New Brunswick are dedicated to living the theme Love One Another through their faith in action. The provincial council consists of four dioceses with a total of 2,837 members. While the provincial membership has declined in the past year, a number of individual parish councils have seen an increase. The history of the council entitled, A Sixty Year Journey of Service 1948 – 2008 , written by Life Member Gertrude Nowlan, was completed. The book is a valuable compilation of material from the beginning of the provincial council. Spiritual Development Members attended an annual retreat which consisted of mass, a prayer breakfast and a presentation by the provincial spiritual advisor. He gave a very insightful talk connecting the theme, Love One Another, with the incoming theme, Women of Peace and Hope. One parish council assisted a member with her expenses to attend the 49th International Eucharistic Congress held in Quebec City, Quebec . Organization Seventeen members were recognized for their exceptional service with the presentation of maple leaf service pins, three members received the Bellelle Guerin award and numerous certificates of merit were presented. Sixty, 50, 40, 25 and 10 year service pins were presented to a number of members and a certificate was presented to one member congratulating her for 75 years of service. Members were saddened by the disbanding of two parish councils, St Theresa Parish Council, Dieppe, and St. Anthony Parish Council, Fredericton, after celebrating 50 and 70 years of service respectively. However, we celebrated the reactivation of St. Gabriel Parish Council, Belledune. Christian Family Life Members believe that life is sacred from the moment of conception to natural death; they attended the annual March for Life. Members remain focused in this fast and ever-changing world, praying for all married couples that they be strengthened to continue inspiring Christian values in their children in a society where the religious significance of marriage is no longer looked upon and respected as a blessed union. Members assisted families in the preparations for baptism, first communion, and confirmation as well as assisting with marriage preparation courses. The chairperson of education and health attended the annual right-to-life conference, prepared a report and forwarded to all executive members. The report was also published in the fall newsletters. Members supported New Brunswick Right to Life Association and Home Missions. One parish council organized and hosted a production facilitated by Rev. Dr. Marc Smith on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide entitled "Is There a Right to Die?" This was followed by an interactive discussion. The youth are the future of the church and society therefore members continuously supported endeavours such as music festivals, school breakfast programs and bursaries. It is important that youth be empowered to flourish and grow to be responsible adults. Members ministered to disabled, seniors, widowed, separated and divorced and prayed daily for vocations. Members visited patients in hospitals and nursing homes, and at home. They cooked for bereaved families, hosted parties for seniors, prepared food boxes for single mothers, cared for sick children and volunteered at shelters. They worked tirelessly for the wellbeing of their neighbours. Community Life Members acted on Resolution 2008.01 Preventing Human Trafficking at the 2010 Olympics by writing to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, reminding him that all levels of government should combat the scourge of human trafficking, and asking him to enforce stricter border control. Members supported Resolution 2005.12 Grandparents' Right of Access to Their Grandchildren, hospice New Brunswick, Lifeline, Teddies for Tragedies, the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace and Save a Family Plan. The government of New Brunswick appointed its first public trustee, Sophie Landry, whose mandate is to protect the interests of the most vulnerable persons in the province, including people unable to make decisions regarding personal care, health and finances. Members were encouraged to vote in the federal election. They received a communiqué giving a brief history of how hard women had to fight for the privilege to vote beginning in 1916 right through to 1951. Members were reminded of their responsibility to know the candidates and the electoral issues before casting that vote. Education and Health Members were encouraged to be proactive in creating an environmentally sustainable province. A couple of initiatives taken included discontinuing the use of Styrofoam cups, hosting a speaker on organic gardening who spoke on recycling and composting, and promoting a scent-free environment. Communications The fall newsletter was published and circulated to national office, the provincial executive, parish councils and life members. Notices of meetings and special events were published in the bulletins. An article on the provincial convention was published in The New Freeman. Members also supported the Ribbon of Signatures Campaign. Resolutions Resolution 2008.03 Toxic Substances in Household Products was adopted at the annual national convention. Legislation A workshop on resolutions and legislation was offered jointly to further educate members. The topics were the purpose of resolutions and how to properly formulate one, what is legislation, why get involved and what could be done to affect legislation. Laws |
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