faith | service | social justice

2018 Annual Report – Quebec

May 31, 2019 | Annual Reports, Provincial, Quebec

Linda Chisholm
Quebec Provincial Council President

In my second and final year as provincial president, I was reflecting on the goal I set two years ago—to improve communication between provincial council and the parish councils. Good progress was made primarily by having all communiqués sent to presidents through the provincial secretary. A focus on small workshops given to diocesan and parish executives would ensure information distributed was shared with the membership.

It was a blessing working with the provincial executive who were so supportive and worked well as a team. The experience of meeting and sharing with provincial presidents from across Canada was thoroughly enjoyed. It was apparent across the country all dealt, to various extents, with the same challenges—maintaining membership, recruiting new members and filling leadership roles. Some parish councils were unable to fill all positions and there was a slight decrease in membership, yet councils managed to continue.

Provincial workshops were offered with focus on the strategic plan and how to run effective meetings. These leadership workshops were very well attended and appreciated by participants. It remained a priority to deliver workshops that trained members to take on leadership positions within councils.

It was an honour to announce the renewal for another five-year term for provincial spiritual advisor, Fr. John Torrance. Fr. Torrance continued to nurture members’ spiritual lives so they could continue to grow in faith and offer refuge to those who sought it.

Two provincial retreats were co-hosted in collaboration with Holy Cross fathers at Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. The mid-term meeting took place in Kahnawake at the Shrine of St clomid cena. Kateri Tekakwitha and was the highlight of the year. Mass was said on her tomb and a guided tour of the shrine followed the blessing with sacred oils. Members were blessed to live in a province with rich religious history, with many beautiful churches and cathedrals.

Many members remained actively involved in parish life and were found helping in every ministry. Members were leaders in faith education programs in parishes, helping to form the community’s youth in spiritual growth. Members continued to grow in faith through personal prayer, by taking courses and participating in bible study groups. Members’ devotion to Mary was apparent in the services organized to honour her, particularly for the feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel. On this occasion some councils hosted a CWL Sunday, complete with a flag procession at mass.

Councils were busy with various fundraising events that enabled them to support a number of causes in the community and gave generously to national voluntary funds. All councils continued to promote the protection of life from conception until natural death. This was accomplished by supporting pro-life initiatives, attending workshops and information sessions, as well as devoting time and talents to palliative care residences. Members were active in writing letters on several resolutions adopted by national council. Councils were very active in the postcard campaign against pornography.

Councils remained in contact with members through various means including Facebook and visits with shut-ins. Members were encouraged to check the League website and refer to The Canadian League magazine to stay updated. Provincial and national communiqués continued to be the greatest avenue of communication to members.

I was honoured and blessed to represent members from Quebec Provincial Council. Thank you for the confidence you had in me to perform this duty.