Newsletter 2016 Sep-Oct

A Message from the Spiritual Advisor – Fr. Oliver Iwuchukwu CSSp

Summer behind us; fall is before us. As we stand at the intersection between summer and fall, we look back to summer, remembering the things we did and the places we visited. We also think of things left undone, and of places we wish we had visited. These must wait for another summer, three seasons away.

The season before us is a season of beauty, “when every leaf is a flower”, according to a French philosopher. As we get into it, the words of Elizabeth Lawrence, an American writer, can serve as a useful guide: Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn. Indeed, if we take time to watch the leaves, we will see then turning slowly but steadily until the world of nature is awash with colours; we will see them shrivel and fade and let go of the branches to make room for next fall’s leaves and colours. A silent reminder that we live in a world of change, and that we don’t have forever to grace our world with our presence—just like the autumn leaves.

St Paul understood this. His advice to an early Christian community and to us is: Now that we have the chance, we must work for the good of all, especially for those of the family of faith [Galatians 6:10]. And by all accounts, our Catholic Women’s League is, in a special way, our family of faith. We keep this in mind as we pray and plan and look forward to electing new officers of the League. We should not let any opportunity to serve pass us by. We don’t have forever to bloom where God has planted us.

A Message from the President – Ingrid Hart

Where has the summer gone, it is almost over! The weather was amazing, I hope you all had a great summer and that you are relaxed and invigorated to start our last quarter of the year of meetings and important upcoming events, such as our Square Dancing in September and Apple Pie making and Interfaith in October. Please plan on attending these fun activities so we can meet, socialize and share in the sisterhood of our council.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for your tremendous support of our food bank project that was so successful. The food items are waiting to be transported to Iqaluit.

Our Heritage Day Festival was also very successful because of your generous donations and hard work. You have enabled us to continue to support our many charities thus we have made a difference in peoples’ lives.

It is that time again when we will be preparing to choose a new executive for our council. It is an important time in our calendar as we pray and nominate who would be best to make decisions on our behalf, so that our St. Joseph’s Council will continue to be a thriving and successful council.

If you are nominated and a member of our elections committee calls you, please recite this prayer below once again, before you make your decision and let the Holy Spirit guide your YES to serve “God and Canada”.

Let us Pray: Mary my Mother, Our Lady of Good Counsel, filled with the Holy Spirit, counsel us through your motherly love that we may give our “yes” in total trust, just as you gave your “yes”.

Mary, as you instructed the servants at the wedding feast in Cana to “do whatever He tells you”, let us also hear these words of instruction from you, so we may serve Jesus in His Kingdom here on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I look forward to seeing you.

Ingrid

A Message from Organization & Membership – Monica Meharchand

Membership Renewal – Due to National before January 1, 2017

Your November/December Newsletter will include the Membership Renewal Form for 2017. The form will also be available at our General Meetings. For those receiving your Newsletter by email, please ensure that you print the form which will be a separate attachment. If you have moved, are in the process of moving or have had any change in your contact information, we need to have your correct information for our records and for the National Office so that your League Magazine will not be returned.

Annual Apple Pie Making

You know what they say………We Make The Best!!

Each year we gather to continue the tradition of making our famous Apple Pies. We welcome and encourage new members to join in and learn, in order to ensure our reputation of St. Joseph’s having the Best Apple Pies. Our pies are a big hit each year at our November Bazaar so if you are already an expert or you would like to help in any way or just simply have never made a pie before and would like to learn, we welcome you.

Here are the dates for our Fall 2016 apple pie making sessions:

• Thursday, October 6th 11:00am – 4:00pm
• Thursday, October 13th 11:00am – 4:00pm
• Thursday October 20th 11:00am – 4:00pm
• Saturday, November 5th 10:00am – 3:00pm

Please contact Lucia Vacca 416 283-3536 or Ingrid Hart 416 282-8775

Thank you for your continued support in this annual project. We look forward to seeing you there!

Scarborough Region Fall General Meeting

Wednesday October 13, 2016 7:00 pm. Mass followed by refreshments and meeting at St. Aidan Parish (3501 Finch Ave E) – all members from Scarborough are invited to attend. We can carpool call Lucia 416-283-3536

A Message from Treasurer – Marla Tanuan

Autumn is now upon us, dear sisters. Let us take a few moments to thank our Lord for the wonderful summer we just had. If we but ponder our surroundings and count the abundance of our blessings, our souls can’t help but feel the overwhelming love Our Father has for us.

One thing we can certainly be thankful for was the wonderful weather Our Lord provided on the 2016 Highland Creek Heritage Day Festival which was held on June 18th. He also blessed us with such hard-working volunteers, both within and outside of the League, without whom we would not have had a successful fundraiser. Special thanks once again go to our dear Brothers, the Knights of Columbus.

This year’s Heritage Day Fundraiser yielded net proceeds of $5,414.19, a tad higher than our Budgeted projection. A summary of the proceeds per table are as follows:

And in case you’re wondering which charities are benefiting from this fundraiser, here is a list of our charities:

I thank the Lord for having used us as His instruments in providing for the various needs of His people. Truly our God is an awesome God!

A Message from Spiritual Development – Linda Estrada – Jean Fernandes

Special Toronto Diocesan CWL Screening of Mother Teresa: The Legacy

Saturday September 24th 6:00 p.m. and Sunday September 25th at 3:00 p.m. St. Edwards Parish. Our new Toronto Diocesan Spiritual Advisor – Father Pat O’Dea has arranged for the viewing of the film with family and friends Saturday after the 4:30 mass and Sunday afternoon at 3:00pm. He has also arranged for the award winning director Ann Petrie to be the guest speaker. More information can be found on the Toronto Diocesan website www.cwltoronto.ca

Thanksgiving

A special reminder, October 10th 2016 is Thanksgiving Day. This is a special day for families to celebrate and eat together, giving thanks for all that we have. With so much technology all around us, busy families are so preoccupied and we are losing the human touch of loved ones. This is a particularly good time to say this prayer of gratitude.

Thanksgiving Prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You for our families, our communities and our country. For the grace of love towards all, regardless of colour, creed, race and religion. For the grace of mercy to listen and assist the cries of suffering of the displaced, abandoned, poor, hungry, abused and depressed. For the grace of hope to help those who are on the brink of hopelessness.

All these we offer to You Dear Lord, Amen

22nd Interfaith Celebration

Our Annual Interfaith Evening Celebration brings together our many faith communities in our area. We invite all of you to join in this Annual celebration and bring a friend to share Spiritual and Social celebration. Friday, October 14th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish we focus in sharing with “One Heart One Voice One Mission…Acting with Kindness and Mercy”. We will need some finger foods to share and ask for contributions to this table to show our St. Joseph hospitality.

CWL Masses for the Living and Deceased Members

Masses have been booked for the members of our St. Joseph’s Council. Please make every effort to attend these masses as they are for YOU (the living) and our members who have gone before us (the deceased). We will not be sitting together so wear your CWL scarves, pins, name-tags etc… proudly and visibly for all in our parish community to see.

Mass dates: Saturday September 3rd 5:00 p.m., Friday October 7th 9:00 a.m., Saturday November 5th 5:00 p.m. Sunday December 4th 7:00 p.m.

A Message from Christian Family Life – Irene Dillabough

Welcome back after a beautiful God Given summer! Fall is the end and the beginning. The end of summer holidays. The beginning of the new school year. The end of nurturing plants. The beginning of harvest and the joy this brings. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful safe country which has four seasons. We are truly blessed even when the weeds always seem to grow better than the vegetables and nurtured flowers!

40 Days for Life Vigil

This is an annual event starting Sept 28th – Nov 6th – for the Toronto area for your participation https://40daysforlife.com/local-campaigns/toronto/ – Public right-of-way across the street from Women’s Care Clinic, 960 Lawrence Avenue West, Toronto, Ontario

Life Chain

The Annual Life Chain will take place on Sunday October 2nd. St. Joseph Parish will gather at Lawrence and Kingston Rds at 2:00 p.m. We need to show our support for this important Social Issue. Be the Voice of the Voiceless.

Mass to End Woman Abuse 7th Annual

The Catholic Family Services of Toronto Foundation and Nativity of Our Lord Parish invite you to attend the 7th annual mass offered to End Woman Abuse. It will be held on Wednesday October 12th at 7:00 pm at the Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 480 Rathburn Rd. Etobicoke. Refreshments will be served following the mass.

All are encouraged to attend. Confirm your attendance by emailing info@cfstoronto.com or calling 416-921-1163.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner as well as the barrage of fall activities . Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to deeply appreciate what God has provided for us. A tradition in our family is to have many family and friends gather for a meal consisting of dishes provided by everyone. Everyone is seated and Grace is said and then each person present age 2or3 and up tells everyone what they are most thankful for. It is very moving and very prayerful.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the meetings and the many activities ahead. Don’t forget your milk bags, tabs and Campbell labels.

God Bless

A Message from Community Life – Marguerite Civello

”Being Christians means acting: doing the will of God” And on ‘the last day—because we will all have one—what will the Lord ask us? Will he ask us: “What have you said about me?” No! He will ask about the things we have done’. He will ask us about ‘practical things: “I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me”

(Not talk but action, Pope Francis, Feb. 2016)

Refugees in Canada

We are continually urged to help our refugees that have come to Canada. We can welcome them, be an ear to listen to their concerns and help them settle into the community. Help can come in different ways: donating kitchen items, school supplies, helping with the English language, driving them for groceries, doctor’s appointments, bringing a meal. It has been suggested by our Provincial Council that parish councils could host a “welcome shower” whereby items much needed by the family could be donated. Also by having the “welcome shower” the mother or woman of the family has an opportunity to meet women and begin a connection.

ORAT- the office for Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto, provides advice, support and assistance. Their support comes with information sessions to parish councils and committees on general refugee issues and civic sponsorship opportunities. Their website: https://www.archtoronto.org/catholic-outreach/social-justice-outreach/refugee-sponsorship Please continue to pray for the refugees, those who have been able to find a safe haven here in Canada or other countries, those who are struggling to escape and/or stranded and those who are working with them.

Plight Of First Nations Young People

In the last few months we have heard of a great plight of attempted suicides and deaths of the Cross Lake Nation and Attawapiskat First Nation. Young people in these communities are struggling with many social issues. There has been a plea for prayers and cards/letters of support from the youth of these communities. We have been encouraged by our Provincial Council to write positive messages on cards. We will endeavour to do this at one of our meetings. If you are not able to attend and you would like to send a card with a positive message, this can be sent to: Youth in Cross Lake, Cross Lake Band Office, PO box 10, Cross Lake, MB R0B0J0 — Youth in Attawapiskat, Payukotayno Administrative Office, 50 Bay Road, P.O. Box 189D, Moosonee, ON P0L 1Y0

Human Trafficking

Have you seen the short five-minute video entitled I am Miriam? It is a short anti-trafficking video and can be found by googling I Am Miriam. (against-humanity.org/watch {2}.

Helping Seniors Stay Involved

For the past 8 years, a spirited group of seniors have gathered every Saturday morning at Birkdale Community Centre (1299 Ellesmere Rd. Toronto (near Brimley) 416 396-4069 to dance, sing, play music, share meals and learn about keeping healthy. The Scarborough Ontario Seniors Association was set up to promote and maintain seniors’ physical, mental, emotional and social well-being through wellness programs. SOSA offers line dancing, Tai Chi and Zumba dancing, exercise, karaoke singing and healthy eating workshops. They have started a choir, an instrumental musical group and a folk dancing group. Pleasure trips are also arranged. Some of their destinations have been Nashville, Montreal and Makinac Island. Please call if you are interested.

A Message from Education & Health – Joan Impraim

A Departure From our Comfort Zone may be difficult, but worthwhile. It is pretty easy to live our lives in comfortable bubbles and keeping our involvement with strangers to a minimum. At times this is not an unreasonable approach and most of us tend to know when it is OK to be selfish.

With regard to our church, which boasts a congregation of a few thousand, it is not difficult to understand why some belonging to other faiths, claim that the atmosphere in Catholic Churches is somewhat COLD.

After mass there is very little socialization and people disappear quickly. It would be very good if we could, in an effort to promote more warmth in our church environment, not only reach out to familiar folk, but also to strangers in our midst. It would certainly be a worthwhile gesture to step out of our comfort zone, greet strangers & break the ice with a smile, and a chat may follow.

A ready smile can be disarming; it shows warmth and is a sign of love.

In keeping with this message, it could be a good idea to bring back “CWL Welcome Sunday”.

World Teacher Day is Wednesday October 5th, 2016

A Message from Resolutions & Legislation – Raffaela Civello

Much work and many hours go into preparing a Resolution – from the initial idea and research to ultimately presenting to the various levels of the Catholic Women’s League. Let us show our appreciation and support to those who worked so tirelessly on these Resolutions by learning more about them and following the Action Plans.

The following Resolutions have gone through that process, and were presented and passed:

Provincial Convention in Stratford

• ON.16.01 Enhance the Canada Health Care Act to Include Home Care
• ON.16.02 Equal Access for Permanent Residence, an Amendment to the Immigration Act
• ON.16.03 Expand the Nutrition North Program
• ON.16.04 Training for the Safe Operation of All-Terrain Vehicles

Please go to www.cwl.on.ca for detailed context and action plan.

National Convention in Halifax

• 2016. 01 Equal Access to Permanent Resident Status, an Amendment to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• 2016.02 Eating Well With Canada’s Food Guide
• 2016.03 Warning Labels on Food and Drug Products for all Inactive Substances and Additives
• 2016.04 Amend the Canada Health Act to Identify Palliative Care as an Insured Health Service
• 2016.05 Amend the Canada Health Act to Include Home Care as an Insured Health Service

For more information on each of these Resolutions, and what action we can take, please visit www.cwl.ca and search under Resolutions.

“Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness.” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

A Message from Communications – Mary Tuccitto

Volunteers NEEDED!!

Our Council now has over 212 members and we need YOU to help in connecting with our members.

This is a great way to be involved and make a connection with our sisters in the League, particularly with those who don’t often or are unable to come out to events. You would be required to make only a few calls once a month to say “Hello” and share with our members, information on upcoming events and generally let them know we are sisters, looking out for one another. Please call me: Mary Tuccitto at 416 283-8828

Square Dance Social

Saturday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Once again, we will be hosting an evening of Square Dancing. This very popular and fun event is free of charge and is open to all families in our Parish community and guests. So spread the word and let’s have some fun! Refreshments will be available.

Remember:……..The Catholic Women’s League is a living, breathing call to service and as women of faith, this is not an “option” it is who we ARE! Be proud and invite others to join us.

Please contact me at marytuccitto@hotmail.com or call me 416 283-8828

A Message from Past President/Historian – Mary Campanelli

St. Joseph’s CWL Nominations/Elections for New Executive Team 2017– 2018 will be held at our November 14th, 2016 General Meeting

Dear sisters in the League, by now you will have received your Nominations and Election Package. Please be sure to complete the Nominations form and returned it by either placing it in a collection basket during mass, mail it in the return envelope enclosed in your package or you may drop it off to the Parish Office by the deadline of Tuesday October 11th.

Note: Any nomination forms received after that date will be destroyed by the Committee.

Please take some time in quiet prayer to ask our Lady of Good Counsel to accept the nomination if you are called. The Nominations and Elections Committee is comprised of Lucia Vacca, Eileen D’Souza and myself, Mary Campanelli as Chair. Remember, if a member of this Committee calls you, then this means that you have been nominated to a position on the 2017–2018 Executive and that someone has seen a special God given talent or gift in you. It is through your acceptance of this nomination that a healthy election can bring about a new and vibrant Executive to lead our Council for the next two years. I encourage you to accept the nomination with an open heart, joyously giving of your service to our members, our community and our charities – “For God and Canada”.

Our Mission Statement: “The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God.” Serving on an executive team is a great opportunity for personal growth and a wonderful way of fulfilling your commitment to the CWL.

Here is what you need to know in making an informed choice in nominating someone for election:

Some names will not appear on the Eligible Members List which was included in your package.

Ingrid Hart – automatically assumes the Past President role and I, Mary Campanelli – Chair of Nominations and Elections Committee, am not eligible for nomination therefore our names have been omitted from the eligible members list as well as others who are not in a position to direct the council. There are many former executive members and members at large who have much CWL experience who can act as mentors to help the new executive team. Ladies, be not afraid to say ‘YES’ as you are called to “Serve God and Canada”.

Betty Anne Brown Davidson Award of Honour

The Betty Anne Brown Davidson Award was initiated by our Council in 2013 to honour Betty Anne Brown Davidson who became a CWL member here at St. Joseph’s Council in 1973, and continued her CWL journey to become National President in 2012.

We would like to continue this Annual Award and if you (our members) have someone in mind that you feel will meet the Criteria for Eligibility, we need to hear from you. For your information and to eliminate duplication, in 2013, the first recipient of this award was Pat Sheehan, in 2014 the recipient was Anne Rode and in 2015 Delma Alphonso. For your convenience, attached to this Newsletter, you will find the Guidelines and Criteria for Eligibility and the Nomination form which can be printed, filled out and returned to your Executive committee for consideration. Please place your nomination in a sealed envelope marked: “CWL – Betty Anne Brown Davidson Nomination”. This may be dropped off at the Parish office or in the collection basket at any Mass. Please note: the Deadline for submissions for this Award is October 21st, 2016. If you need to contact me for any questions in this regard, please call 416-283-0870 or email at: mary.campanelli@hotmail.com

Did You Know?????- In this section we will be featuring items of knowledge, experience, interest and historical value as reported by the Past Presidents of our St. Joseph’s Council. Our May/June Newsletter submission is from Marlene Don Paul St. Joseph President 2003 – 2004

My two years as President was quite an experience. The highlight was the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Catholic Women’s League at St. Joseph’s Parish which was celebrated on November 1st 2003 with a delicious lunch and music provided by our folk group.

Delma Alphonso volunteered to organize the event along with other members who did an excellent job.

We started with mass followed by the League Prayer in the hall which was led by our Master of Ceremonies, Cindy Fisico. This was followed by a welcome speech by me, as President. We enjoyed greetings from Past Presidents, Delma Alphonso, Betty Anne Brown (Davidson) and Ann Rode and a special blessing from Fr. John Pikauskas as well as 50th Anniversary Congratulations from Provincial Secretary/ Past Diocesan President, Mary Ellen Stinson, Regional Spiritual Advisor, Fr. John, Diocesan President Celestine Hall, Provincial MPP Mary Ann Chambers who all joined us for this special celebration.

A representative from Rosalie Hall and St. Joseph’s Highland Creek Deacon Tom McKeogh all of whom were also present. A Spiritual Bouquet was presented to our Pastor/Spiritual Advisor Fr. Peter Flemming and an Anniversary Cake was enjoyed as we listened to a musical interlude presented by a folk group.

On this occasion we presented many League awards and the President’s Plaque was established noting all presidents to date starting with our Charter President Mrs Kathleen Forbes (President 1953-1954) she also received a 50 years of service pin. Two 25 year pins were presented to members by our Spiritual Advisor Fr. Peter Flemming and our Toronto Diocesan President Celestine Hall and seven 10 year pins were presented. We presented Rosalie Hall a collection of baby gifts and Membership Scrolls to all those with 30 to 48 years of service, this was done by the Past Diocesan President/Life Member, Karen Lawless. Other awards were presented to Barbara Sullivan for the Mopits Preschool Program, Muriel Gaston for the Meals on Wheels Program and the Youth Awards were presented by Eral Zong.

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration closed with a special prayer.

May the good Lord Bless and keep you all,

Marlene Don Paul
St. Joseph’s Highland Creek
Past President

Prayers of condolences for our Sisters in the League

Our condolences go to our many Sisters in the League who have had a death in their families during the summer months. We keep them and their families in our prayers as well as those who are unwell at this time.

We also keep in our prayers our CWL sister Mrs Mary Matthews for whom the annual public speaking award is named. Mrs Matthews passed away on June 5th of this year. As well, our St. Joseph’s Council Past President, Mrs. Ann Marks. Ann was a very active President and served our council in 1980-1981.

Eternal Rest, grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

Announcements

Our congratulations go to our sister Sarah Rebello and her husband Melroy on the birth of their first child, Nathaniel, born July 12, 2016. Congratulations also to Rebecca Rebeiro (of the same family) on her recent wedding on September 3rd, 2016 to Jordan Patterson.

Members are encouraged to bring their own mugs to meetings, so please remember to “Lug A Mug”.

We are also collecting the following items:

• Campbell Soup Labels
• Pop Tabs for Wheelchairs
• Donations of extra blank cards and blank birthday cards are welcomed and appreciated.
• Donations of your extra Rosaries are welcomed.
• Milk bags are being collected to be used in the project of making sleeping mats being sent to Africa.
• Your used postage stamps are being collected for forwarding to Development and Peace to help fund projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America
• Please bring a donation of canned food when attending General Meetings, they are being collected for Covenant House.

The C.W.L. Book Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. give us a call and join us!

For more information please contact Jackie at 416 244-4604 These are the books we will discuss:

• Oct. How the Light Gets In Louise Penny 2013 545p.
• Nov. Secret Life of Bees Sue Monk Kidd 2002 301p.
• Dec. The Return of the Prodigal Son Henri Nouen 1994 151p.

Household and Environmental Tips —– “Tips For A Better Life”!

• Take a 10-30 minute walk every day and smile while you walk
• Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
• Live with the 3 E’s: Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
• Play more games
• Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
• Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip
• Smile and laugh more and try to make at least three people smile each day
• Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6
• Life is too short to waste time brooding about things you cannot control
• Surround yourself with positive people and don’t take yourself too seriously…….no one else does!

If you would like to contribute something to this section in our next newsletter, please send it to me at:marytuccitto@hotmail.com or call me @ 416-283-8828

A final note: Remember to refer to the Catholic Women`s League as The Catholic Women`s League, at every opportunity, rather than just calling it the CWL – we ARE a National Organization!

CWL Websites

• National: www.cwl.ca
• Provincial: www.cwlon.ca
• Toronto Diocese:www.cwltoronto.ca
• St. Joseph’s Parish: www.stjosephstoronto.org/ministries/catholic-womens-league/

DATES TO REMEMBER

Download Newsletter in Original Format