2008 Annual Report of
Quebec Provincial Council
Ellen Peterkin, Provincial President

This past year, members in Quebec were asked to focus on the positives. Although parish councils experienced some uncontrollable situations, many found new ways of doing things. Parish presidents were invited to stretch their imagination and plan a meeting as if they had invited their closest friends over for a lovely meal. With this enthusiasm what could go wrong?

Spiritual Development
Members participated in prayers, the Living Rosary, novenas for members, sick and shut-ins, pilgrimages, retreats, spiritual workshops, reflections, meditations, bible studies, prayer groups, World Day of Prayer, and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. They read religious magazines, held discussion groups with their spiritual advisor and attended the 49th International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City, Quebec. Younger members became involved with youth ministry.

Organization
A personal approach was used; membership was made a priority; service pins were presented; parish membership drives, CWL awareness days, a provincial workshop on "One in Spirit", WOW workshops "A Day of Spirituality" and "Rainbow and Flowers" were held; life members played an integral part in educating members; and parish councils were challenged to increase membership by four. One parish council celebrated March as "Educational Month" with book reviews and CWL interesting items (do you know?). Members were enlightened by several guest speakers.

Christian Family Life
Parish councils celebrated members' wedding anniversaries and hosted lunches and suppers to celebrate the family. A rosary hour was held for family/youth. Catholic Organization for Life and Family brochures were distributed to members. Donations were made to pro-life organizations and Birthright International. Petitions were circulated against Dr. Henry Morgentaler receiving the Order of Canada and the March for Life was attended. Members visited the sick and shut-ins.

Community Life
Members volunteered at organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Nazareth House, Chez Doris, women shelters and Omega House; participated in Share Lent and the shoe box program for poverty; sent donations and cards to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace; donated to cancer projects and the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations; and honored service men and women on Remembrance Day. Selected families in developing countries were supported. Members were encouraged to vote in the provincial and federal elections.

Education and Health
Members were involved with Faith First, children's liturgy, pastoral animation, Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA), and local schools. Parish councils gave The New Testament or a gift membership to participants of RCIA on completion of the course. Bibles were given to confirmation candidates and pins to children taking first communion.

Several members attended the rally against the new Ethics and Religious Culture course which was instituted by Quebec Ministry of Education. Family Literacy Day was mentioned on the provincial Web site as a monthly focus. A letter was written to the federal government requesting $17 million be reinstated for literacy programs. Bursaries and awards were presented to students and youth.

Resolution 2008.04 Accurate Food Labeling, Resolution 2008.03 Toxic Substances in Household Products, stem cell research, prenatal genetic screening and the human embryo were discussed. Members recycled by collecting used greeting cards and eye glasses. Environmentally friendly actions such as composting, recycling bags, and bringing a mug to meetings were encouraged. Donations were made to local hospitals, Coady International Institute and MaterCare International. Members prayed that researchers would respect the dignity of life as they satisfied their curiosity in research. Concerns were raised regarding palliative care and several members took a course on this topic; one member attended a three-day seminar. Several members attended a workshop on human trafficking.

Communications
The Canadian League was found to be informative and used as an educational tool as were videos. Articles were sent to The Catholic Times occasionally. VisionTV and Salt+Light Television were viewed and appreciated by members.

Telephone chains, local newspapers, parish bulletins and word of mouth seemed to be the best medium for communicating. The provincial newsletter, Communicating with League, was distributed several times.

A new form of communication to the parishes, The Grapevine, was published by the Office for English Pastoral Services of the Archdiocese of Montreal. The Ribbon of Signatures Campaign was supported by many parish councils. Letters and signed petitions were sent to the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission for allowing two stations to broadcast pornography.

Legislation
Parish councils monitored legislation including the development of the proposed bill to allow assisted suicide and euthanasia. Letters and signed petitions were sent to the federal government regarding Bill C-484 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (injuring or causing the death of an unborn child while committing an offence) .

Resolutions
The provincial chairperson struck a brainstorming committee which included the diocesan resolutions chairpersons. Many councils presented resolutions adopted at the 2008 annual national convention. As well, several predated resolutions were discussed.

Past President
Past presidents offered help and advice when called upon. Some filled in as president when the position remained vacant. Most parish councils maintained archives; some found it challenging. The Constitution & Bylaws was studied and reviewed; polices and procedures were being written. Mentoring, educating and caring continued.

Life Member Liaison
The life member liaison regularly contacted life members for a variety of reasons with updates from the national life member liaison or from within the province. Several life members facilitated workshops. One life member was appointed to WICC, one served on the national archives committee, one served as national past president, one served as the provincial council webmaster and one served on a national sub-committee for Christian Family Life.

Fun Stuff
Members enjoyed time in fellowship at events such as suppers, bazaars, brunches, penny fairs, teas, card parties, sundae luncheons and parish council anniversaries.