Communique #7 – Education and Health
National Chairperson of Education and Health Margaret Schwab, September 7, 2022
Oral Report to 102nd Annual National Convention by Margaret Schwab
What a gift it was for members to come together in Kelowna for the 102nd annual convention. It has been too long since we have gathered. Now, our thoughts turn to a new year with new, exciting challenges and experiences.
Change to National Bursary Criteria
Please advise your diocesan counterparts to pass on information regarding a change to the criteria for the national bursary. The addition of education toward a nursing degree has been added. Each application with this in mind will be examined on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the intent of the applicant is to provide ministry to life at all stages from conception to natural death. The updated criteria and application form are found on the cwl.ca website and the deadline for applying is, as always, May 15th. There are many informative courses available, both in-person and online, that will assist members in the service they do. The bursary gives up to $1,000 to qualified applicants. All members should be made aware of this bursary and be encouraged to apply.
Blood Services Canada
The League has an ongoing commitment to provide 200 donations of blood this year in partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS). The CBS is in immediate need for new and returning blood, platelet and plasma donors. Today, CBS has 31,000 fewer active donors than at the beginning of the pandemic. This is the greatest decline in numbers in a decade. Encourage members along with their family members and friends to help this situation by giving the gift of life. All healthy individuals are able to give blood from age 17 onward. There is no age which is too old to help. The League Partner ID with Canadian Blood Services is CATH011269.
National Catholic Health Care Week
From October 2-8, 2022 marks National Catholic Health Care Week in Canada. “Love shatters the chains that keep us isolated and separate; in their place, love builds bridges… We, as people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges” (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti).
This year’s theme Building Bridges focuses on the commitment of Catholic health to reach out, create connections, care for all, address gaps and work collaboratively to improve the health and wellbeing of all Canadians. Nationally, Catholic health care serves over five million Canadians each year and employs over 88,000 people.
Encourage members to take part in National Catholic Health Care Week through using the prayers and resources found at www.chac.ca.
Margaret Schwab
National Chairperson of Education and Health