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Holy Trinity CWL gets an education on St. Michael’s programs

The March 15 meeting of Holy Trinity CWL followed evening Mass at the Church.

The March 15 meeting of Holy Trinity CWL followed evening Mass at the Church. CWL Education chair Rosemary Catalano introduced guest speaker Julia Mason, principal of St. Michael’s School. Mason updated members on the variety of programs and services offered at St. Michael’s, including partnering with Hospice in an afterschool initiative to assist students dealing with grief situations. She stressed the partnership of school and parish in serving the community and outlined volunteer opportunities that ranged from coaching and club activities to establishing a school garden. President Marjorie Nutini thanked Mason for her leadership and commitment to Catholic education.

Spiritual chair Marlise Gattafoni asked members to read Fr. Bart’s articles in the current issue of the diocesan paper, The Catholic Mountain Star.

Bunny Dallas and Selma Nutini, Christian Family Life co-chairs, encouraged members to make a special effort to visit care homes and the homebound during the Year of Mercy. They are organizing a “coffee and chat” afternoon visit to Rosewood April 26.

Under Community Life, Sister Norma Gallant reported on the successful grassroots community building and literacy programs that Development and Peace sponsors in Afghanistan.

Communications chair Connie Makse directed members to read the statement from Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston on the movie Spotlight, which he called “an important film for all impacted by the tragedy of clergy sexual abuse.” Members can also read Dr. Rayleen DeLuca’s excellent article, “Child Sexual Abuse”, in the current League magazine.

Mary Billingsley, Resolutions chair, discussed National resolution 2015.1 that calls for increased early intervention and access to children and youth mental health services. She asked members to write to federal and provincial government representatives on this concern, noting that there are 140,000 young people in B.C. who suffer from some degree of mental health illness, ranging from substance abuse to eating disorders.

On another health concern, Rosemary Catalano distributed copies of a letter to Provincial Health Minister Terry Lake advocating enhanced Palliative Care over Physician Assisted Suicide.

Linda Zol, reporting for Parish Activities, reminded members of the Palm Sunday Bake Sale after all weekend Masses March 19 and 20.

Spiritual Advisor Fr. Bart van Roijen outlined a full parish schedule of meaningful Holy Week services leading up to the celebration of Easter. Chrism Mass will be Monday March 21, 7pm at the Cathedral in Nelson.

Marlise Gattafoni thanked members for their help taking Hospice Swimathon pledges. Over $1500 was raised to sponsor three swimmers from the parish.

Nutini announced the council’s Year of Mercy challenge for March/April: encounter people where they are; be aware of suffering human beings; reach out in mercy.

Executive members joined in lively song to encourage attendance at the CWL Diocesan convention in Kelowna, April 28-May 1. The Provincial Convention will be June 16-18 in Coquitlam.

In upcoming events, members were reminded of Rossland CWL’s St. Patrick’s Tea, March 19, 1-3pm. Holy Trinity CWL will celebrate Our Lady of Good Counsel with a luncheon on April 24. The Parish Festival of Mercy celebration will be May 29, the Feast of Corpus Christi.

The meeting closed with six parish choir members leading the singing of an inspirational hymn for the Jubilee Year, “Heart of Jesus, Heart of Mercy.” Next general meeting will be Tuesday April 19, with Louise McEwan speaking on SKOOL AID.

Connie Makse