faith | service | social justice

2017 Annual Report – Newfoundland and Labrador

Sep 24, 2018 | Uncategorized

Barbara McGrath
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Council President
2017 Annual Report

This year has truly been a learning experience, but it has been a very rewarding and special year of my life. Eighteen parish councils worked diligently to meet the objects of the League. As I read the year end reports it becomes abundantly clear that although small in number, great work was done by parish councils in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Through highlighting the objects, the dedication of members became obvious.

To Achieve Individual and Collective Spiritual Development
Members devoted a great deal of time to spiritual development through prayer services at meetings, novenas, “12 Hours of Prayer for Palliative Care”, Divine Mercy Sunday services, the rosary during the month of May, World Day of Prayer, stations of the cross, prayer corners for individual devotion and reflection, ecumenical services and many other special celebrations and events.

To Promote the Teachings of the Catholic Church
Members constantly found ways to educate their sister members and members of the faith community in the teachings of the Catholic church. Although there are only two Catholic schools in the province, members continued to support the education of youth through mentoring, volunteering and helping with the catechetical and sacramental programs offered in parishes. Parish councils subscribed to Catholic magazines and encouraged members to avail of literature to become more informed about present day issues in the church. Faith literature was supplied whenever possible.

To Exemplify the Christian Ideal in Home and Family
Members struggled to live the Christian ideal both in homes and families, but continued to exemplify the ideals in any way they could. Members who were seniors, parents, grandparents or concerned members of the Catholic communities tried to be diligent in this role and did whatever they could to help younger generations live the Christian way. Parish councils offered support, living the word and praying for the continuation of the moral way.

To Protect the Sanctity of Human Life
The sanctity of life was foremost on the minds of members. Many members supported the Centre for Life and took part in discussions of the importance of life from conception to death for all members of society. Members respected life by supporting pregnant mothers through baby showers and donations. Members tried to support youth by helping with activities organized for them. Many members helped enhance the lives of seniors by visiting them at home and in senior care homes. Members tried their best to respect life at all stages.

To Enhance the Role of Women in Church and Society
Members lived out the theme, Inspired by the Spirit, Women Respond to God’s Call, any way they could. Many members played important roles in church communities such as leadership roles on pastoral councils, liturgy committees and in ministry. Support for the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation showed commitment to enhancing the role of women in church and society.

To Recognize the Human Dignity of All People Everywhere
Members demonstrated respect for all people everywhere through different projects. They supported people in need throughout the world by donating to Development and Peace and other relief funds in times of unexpected disasters in the global community.

The theme of the provincial executive’s fall meeting was Living the Corporal Works of Mercy. Guest speakers spoke about people living on the streets, inmates of the penitentiary and patients at psychiatric hospitals. Members heard about their plight and were given suggestions as to how they could help. Members collected greeting cards and supplies to be used by the resident chaplains and donated hygiene supplies for people living on the street. Members made a monetary donation to The Gathering Place for people who are homeless, live in less than desirable housing conditions, are unemployed or do not have adequate social supports.

Members laid wreaths on November 11th and July 1st to respect those who fought for freedom and continued to serve and protect.

To Uphold and Defend Christian Education and Values in the Modern World
Members supported family catechesis programs in communities and parishes through the delivery of these programs. Many parish councils gave sacramental candidates small tokens such as prayer beads, prayer cards and medals. They took part in an anti-pornography campaign in hopes that children and members of society would not be adversely affected by this disregard for Christian values.

To Contribute to the Understanding and Growth of Religious Freedom, Social Justice, Peace and Harmony
Members wrote letters to government in support of Resolution 2017.04 Protection from Coercion of Conscience for Healthcare Professionals. Social justice issues were at the forefront in discussions, and the appointment of a provincial senior’s advocate was an example of the success of persistence.

These are just a few examples of how members lived their commitment to the objects of the League.