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 The sun shone brightly on the 181 delegates attending the Annual Saint John Diocesan Convention of the Catholic Women's League.
Host council was St. Michael's Basilica CWL in conjunction with councils from
The Most Pure Heart of Mary, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Annunciation, St. Patrick's, St Raphael's,
St. Thomas the Apostle, and White Rapids, all from the Northumberland County.
Martina McCarthy, Regional Chairperson, was overall convention convenor.
Rev. Vincent Donovan celebrated the Convention's opening Mass while members of
the Senior Choir offered melodious hymns of praise.
Following Mass, welcome and greetings were extended to the delegates by the CWL
Provincial and Diocesan Presidents, St. Michael's CWL and Parish Council Presidents and The Grand Knight, Bob McCallum, from
1219 Miramichi Knights Of Columbus.
Following Mass all participants met in the Parish Centre to enjoy a lovely social
evening. The Knights of Columbus not only supplied the "grape" juice, they even set up and poured. White Rapids, St. Raphael's
and St. Michael's supplied the food for the wine and cheese. It was a delightful evening. The combination of renewing friendships
and the joy in making new friendships supplied happy memories for years to come.
Business meetings resumed on Saturday morning following the continental breakfast.
Six Resolutions were presented. The topics of the five Resolutions that were adopted
and forwarded to Provincial for approval are: Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD), Animal Uses of Antimicrobials and Their Impact on Resistance and on Human Health, Health Danger from Exposure
to Lead in Consumer Products, Chloramphenicol, a Banned Antibiotic Drug detected in Imported Honey and Food and National Strategy
for Computer-Based Child Pornography.
 The committee announced three Bursaries in the amount of $300 each. To all who applied, prayers and good wishes are extended
to each of you in all of your future endeavours.
The Family Violence Partnership committee performed an interactive skit titled
"A woman's Cry for help." Participants were Pat Foran, Mary Moar, Patty Daley and Constable Linda Dugas. The skit is an expose
on the abuse suffered by women by showing how it weighs you down, smothers you and takes away all of your self-esteem. Linda
Dugas and Patty Daley are to be commended for the work they are doing to enlighten the community of the cruelty suffered as
a result of any type of abuse.
The Rodd Miramichi catered a splendid Banquet. Bishop Faber MacDonald was our
wonderful guest speaker. In his presentation the Bishop encouraged CWL members to "Cast Out Into the Deep", and to constantly
seek the face of Jesus. He also noted the importance of scripture and spoke about forthcoming changes in the Lectionary. 1st
Vice President Mary Ryan noted that Bishop MacDonald was celebrating his 40 years of ordination and how vibrant he is in proclaiming
the gospel message!
A surprise for the evening activity was the presentation of a Life  Membership to Anne Marie Gorman from Stanley, NB. Anne has served on three levels of the league and is currently the Provincial
Communications Chairperson. Anne recently was appointed to the National Council of the CWL as a member of the Resolutions
committee. Family members as well as all of her friends were there to share this happy moment. President Marion Fogan was
delighted to do the honours by making the presentation.
Margaret McCallum compiled
annual report books and depicted on the front cover, a sketch of St. Michael's Basilica and the history on the back cover.
Ann Knowles crocheted Butterfly pins for everyone. Betty Wood was registration Chairperson. Polly Jamieson was in charge of
gifts. Margaret Walls was seen working everywhere especially the kitchen. Polly Jamieson, Pat Foran, Joan (Ray) Cripps, Betty
Wood and Marjorie Reinsborough were hostesses The reaffirmation of Officers took place at the Sunday Morning Mass. Four Life
Members were in attendance at the convention: Gertrude Nowlan, Maureen Barry, Yolande Perry and Margaret Reid. President Fogan
expressed heartfelt thanks to all of the Councils for their participation in making the Convention an overall success.
Bobbie Cross is the Diocesan Communication's Chair.
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