2014 Annual Report – Saskatchewan
Marge Szabo
Saskatchewan Provincial Council President
2014 Annual Report
It is hard to put into a report the magnitude of work done by the members in the dioceses of Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. All three diocesan councils celebrated many achievements, and can truly say, We Have Seen the Lord! as stated in the theme. Each diocesan president and I were welcomed with generous hospitality as we travelled throughout the province.
Catch the Fire! workshops were especially glowing in the Diocese of Saskatoon, whereas, the same went for the Diocese of Regina in the previous year. A resolutions workshop was held in Regina, hoping to entice members to work on a resolution for the annual provincial convention.
Membership decreased; aging membership and non-renewal were the main factors of this decrease. The provincial executive meeting and workshop held in September featured First Nations elder Loretta Wilson who gave a history and listed current issues. This initiative was the fulfilling of the provincial council’s mandate to reach out and learn about their culture.
Annual diocesan conventions were held in Fox Valley (Saskatoon), Prince Albert (Prince Albert) and Assiniboia (Regina). Elections were held in Saskatoon, whereas, Regina and Prince Albert elections were scheduled for 2015. Diocesan councils reported facing the challenge of members willing to take leadership roles. The provincial council presented its $1,000 Social Justice Award to Kira Paisley.
Diocesan councils continued to be a source of strength in helping their church, community and those in need in disasters and war. The Saskatoon CWL Clothing Depot continued to provide a very important service to the community and made a generous profit of $26,500 which was used for the people in need. One council in North Battleford helped a group of First Nations women set up a second hand shop. Many members worked at the Marian Centre, Visitation House, Birthright International, pro-life organizations, Coats for Kids & Families, and hospital and senior care homes. They provided sacramental help in parishes and served as honour guards for deceased members. Letter writing to federally and provincially elected politicians was considered an important method to express League views and to state League values.
Special anniversary celebrations included the 95th anniversary of Holy Rosary Parish Council (Regina), a very proud moment as Regina had sent a representative to the League’s organizational meeting in Montreal in 1920. (The eastern newly formed dioceses wanted a western connection so that the League could be known as a national organization). Other anniversaries included the 90th anniversary of St. Theresa Parish Council (Wakaw), the 60th anniversaries of St. Lawrence Parish Council (Maple Creek), Sacred Heart Parish Council (Davidson) and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council (Outlook), and the 50th anniversaries of St. Patrick Parish Council (Preeceville) and St. Mary Parish Council (Wynyard).
It has been a privilege to work “For God and Canada” with so many dedicated committed members.