Submitted by Elaine Wintonyk
Over 200 Catholic women from across the Regina ArchDiocese gathered recently in Yorkton to attend the 88th annual Diocesan Catholic Women's League convention.
The convention began with an evening Mass where the celebrant was Rev. John Weckend, the Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor. Mass was followed by a social hour and a banquet with greetings from and including, Greg Otten-breit, Saskatchewan Party MLA for Yorkton, Les Arnelien, who spoke on behalf of Yorkton Mayor James Wilson, Ed Gibney, Knights of Columbus, and Sonja Pawliw, President of the Ukrainain Catholic Women's League from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church (in Yorkton).
Following the banquet, guest speaker Leah Perrault, gave a short presentation. Leah, who is Director of Pastoral Services for the Saskatoon Diocese, spoke on the Leagues new theme "Women of Faith and Justice." She talked about who we are and how we are called to be women of Faith. She described Faith at a practical level noting that it is not something we think but something we do. She went on to say it is someone we know who challenges us and changes us and leads us to be people of justice.
The second day of the convention began with praying a scriptural rosary for our morning devotion, prepared by Lynn Rogers, Spiritual Development Chair and led by members of the League and Fr. John Weckend. Diocesan President Mary Bybliw of Yorkton called the meeting to order after the singing of O Canada and flag presentation.
Another presentation was given by Sr. Bernadette Feist about Native Valley Ministries, which was one of two groups to which the Sundays collection was donated to. The other group receiving assistance was Rama Pilgrimage site. Through Native Valley Ministries Sister Bernadette, who is co-ordinator for the ministry, provides education and faith formation, and pastoral ministry among other things for the First Nations people of the diocese.
Leah Perrault continued with her presentation on the theme Monday morning. This time speaking about how as women of faith and hope we go forward centred on faith and justice. She developed the theme using stories about three women from the Old Testament, how hospitality is where justice can happen, that peace and perseverance can lead to a commitment to justice, and that hope is a vision of the possibility of justice.
The latter part of the convention focused on the activities of the league through the Standing Committees followed by the business portion. The convention was concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided by the Vicar General, Rev. Lorne Crozon, Father John Weckend and Father Francis Hengen.
During the celebration the new Diocesan executive was installed with Chantal Devine as our new Diocesan President.
