2013 Annual Report – Alberta Mackenzie
[print_link]The national theme We Have Seen the Lord! has been well received in Alberta Mackenzie and integrated into the plans of councils in many ways. It has encouraged members to show their faith in action. They filled ministries at mass, led the rosary, participated in prayer groups and bible studies, and served as members of parish pastoral councils and catechists. Some councils hosted World Day of Prayer and participated in interfaith celebrations. Members reflected on and discussed how they had seen the Lord, including through charitable works and retreats. One council organized a vacation bible school.
When it came to helping, members got involved, even though there was a shortage of women willing to take on executive positions. Catch the Fire! was held in many areas, has energized current members and has encouraged women to join. Many members reported gaining lifelong friendships after sharing an executive role with another member. A team approach seemed to be the key to encouraging members to take on executive positions and mentoring new standing committee chairpersons. There was also more activity to educate parishioners about what the League is and does.
Members who have seen the Lord have been witnessing through good works in their parishes, communities and world. They gave small gifts to children and adults receiving the sacraments, participated in the annual Life Chain, decorated giving trees, provided “Warm Socks for Cold Souls,” held baby showers, filled Christmas hampers, and worked with Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. They participated with global organizations including Operation Christmas Child, Chalice, Save a Family Plan and World Vision. They also volunteered at mobile breast cancer screenings, prepared soups for Relay for Life in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, helped to build school playgrounds and collected donations for local food banks.
Donations of $396,684 were reported to the provincial treasurer. Members also collected donations for Nickels for the North and to assist sisters living in the north to attend meetings and conventions. Donations were made to national voluntary funds and many other causes, including school lunch programs, the BETTY House and Bailey House in the north (places for people to get back on their feet after a life of family violence, and drug and alcohol abuse) and CMIC.
Members wrote letters to provincial and federal governments on issues such as preventing the legalization of euthanasia, eradicating pornography and protesting against abortion, human trafficking and the legalization of prostitution.
Members worked in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul Society, supporting their goals and works. They supported Catholic schools and their sisters and neighbours in the Diocese of Calgary who were affected by the flood that occurred in June.
Many organizations and diocesan councils invited members of the Alberta Mackenzie provincial executive to attend meetings and functions, including the Alberta Catholic School Trustees’ Association annual general meeting, Covenant Health luncheon, STARFest, Archbishop Joseph MacNeil Society luncheon, Kevin Carr Christian Leadership Award luncheon, graduation ceremonies of Newman Theological College and St. Joseph’s Seminary, the sod turning for the new Corpus Christi church in Edmonton, CCODP workshops and the Grouard McLennan Diocesan Council Education Day.