Communique #3 – Communications
National First Vice-President and Chairperson of Communications Betty Colaneri, December 16, 2021
“Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem.
May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man” (Pope Francis).
My dear sisters in the League,
What a wonderful time it is with Christmas right around the corner! Every year excitement builds during Advent as Catholics prepare for the birth of the King. The sights, sounds and wonderful aromas all communicate the joy of the season. It is important to communicate excitement for the coming of Jesus rather than the stress of the preparations. As you wrap presents, be mindful of those around you and be ‘present’ and appreciate being in their midst. Please give them the best gift of all—your time.
Should you be looking for a stocking stuffer, The Canadian League magazine fits perfectly! Does your spiritual advisor have a subscription? Now is a good opportunity to gift him with a subscription. Please ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage parish councils and members to use the magazine as a resource to spread the good news of the wonderful works being done across the country. It is a great way to stay connected and get the conversation started. The editorial board welcomes members’ comments and suggestions regarding what they would like to see in the magazine.
A new feature is available when renewing membership. On the online membership system, membership administrators can now select the method with which members would like to receive their magazine—in digital, paper or both formats.
Speaking of gifts, the implementation committee has gifted the League with a brochure called Faith, Service, Social Justice. The beautiful tri-fold brochure with its new look will make an excellent tool to promote membership. Download the brochure from the national website at cwl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/627-Faith-Service-Social-Justice-Brochure.pdf.
Be sure to visit the website regularly for updates from the implementation committee. Some use the titles “Website Wednesday” or “Facebook Friday” as a reminder.
I have had the pleasure of receiving newsletters from the Military Ordinariate and B.C. & Yukon provincial councils and St. Bonaventure Parish Council (Toronto, Ontario). They are very well done and showcase the creative and amazing work being accomplished in many councils across Canada. Newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with councils, parish members and communities. St. Peter Parish Council (Goderich, Ontario) made a special Christmas bookmark as a fundraiser and outreach program. Members delivered 450 bookmarks to all six local retirement and nursing homes! What a thoughtful way to let the residents know that members are thinking of and praying for them. I look forward to receiving more newsletters.
Communication Connection
Be sure to keep the lines of communication going in everything you do. Knowledge is power, and communication is the key.
- Why not share your provincial newsletter with other provincial and diocesan councils? It is an excellent way to network, share and exchange ideas.
- Remind your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to send news items for On the Spot to be featured on Facebook.
- Be sure to visit Salt + Light TV to see what programming is on for the month at slmedia.org.
With members finally able to come together to celebrate, remember to put the technology aside and enjoy the in-person communication. For those that cannot gather in person, let technology help you connect. Applications such as Facetime or Zoom can be the next best thing to being there.
Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits the size of every heart. May the Lord bless you with the gift of His perfect peace and joy that He brings to your life this Christmas.
May you and your families have a blessed and very Merry Christmas!
Betty Colaneri
National First Vice-President and Chairperson of Communications