Three guest speakers address annual CWL meeting in Yellowknife

By LYNNE PERSSON
Special to the WCR
Yellowknife, N.W.T.

The Alberta-Mackenzie Provincial Catholic Women's League annual convention, held in Yellowknife June 16-18, was a resounding success.

One hundred and twenty-seven delegates, of whom 52 travelled by chartered bus, from across Alberta and the Northwest Territories, arrived to enjoy the "long" days and the 30-degree temperatures.

Provincial president Ella Ell welcomed the members and special guests at the opening Mass on Friday evening at St. Patrick's Church.

The convention was honoured to have present several members of the national executive: Agnes Bedard, national president, Lorette Noble, national president-elect, Lucille Partington, national first vice-president and Marie Cameron, immediate past national president.

The convention theme Companions on the Journey - Sharing Our Gifts was well addressed and developed by our special guest speakers Agnes Bedard, Lorette Noble and Julie French, a past executive member of the National Council of Catholic Women (USA). Together they informed, encouraged and challenged the members to continue the invaluable work of the league.

The business portion of the convention, including a well-scripted spiritual program, was conducted on Saturday.

New award

The formation of a new award, which is intended to promote and reward increases in membership at the parish council level, was announced. This award will be named the Father Walter Krewski Award and is named in honour of Father Krewski, a long-time supporter of the league and the spiritual advisor of the Alberta Mackenzie Provincial Council for over 20 years.

Krewski, a nonagenarian, is retired and living in Medicine Hat. Further details regarding this award will be announced in the fall.

Mackenzie Bishop Denis Croteau officiated at the closing Mass on Saturday evening. He gave an inspired homily on the Eucharist and thanked the league for its dedication and service to the Church and its people.

Following Mass, the delegates enjoyed a sumptuous banquet in the decorated hall at the Explorer Hotel. Featured dishes were northern delicacies of caribou and arctic char.

During the banquet, the Elsie Yanik Award was presented to 84-year-old Noreen Ford from Bezanson, Alta. This award commemorates the leadership and service of Elsie Yanik to the Catholic community in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith and is awarded to a deserving league member every year at the provincial convention. Noreen thanked the provincial council for the honour and regaled the assembly with anecdotes and funny stories.

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