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Reports- Sault Ste Marie Diocese

|Annual Report (2008)|

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Annual Report 2008

Diocesan President:    Vivianne Frankish        Spiritual Advisor: Rev Larry Rymes
Members:    4,307                                          Honorary Life Member: 1
Councils:    36                                                 Life Members: 11

The theme “Love One Another” continued to be an inspiration to whatever function or celebration was undertaken by our parish councils as well as our diocesan council. This theme was woven into every workshop planned and presented by our three regional spiritual advisors. These workshops continued to provide the spiritual development committee chairpersons with the material to conduct meaningful spiritual programs at their meetings.

The 88th annual diocesan convention was held in April in my home town of North Bay where, again, the theme of “Love One Another” was widely used. Eliminating the usual practice of having key speakers gave a great opportunity of having more time, within the limiting condition of a two-day convention, to present two workshops with timely and essential topics. The one titled “Environmental Discernment” was given by one of our diocesan officers, 2nd vice-president Anna Tremblay, and the one titled “Trying to be a Mary in a Martha World” was presented by our special guest, provincial President-elect Shari Guinta. Both programs were enthusiastically received by the delegates.

An ad hoc committee led by past president Evelyn Theriault has continued to work diligently on the study and revision of the diocesan policy and procedure manual. The first draft of their work was presented at the fall meeting, with the final product promised for the winter meeting in 2009. Since this manual had been revised sporadically over the years, the committee recommended a completely new publication, which was unanimously accepted by the council members.

The primary objective I set myself for my two-year term was to pay personal visits to our three regional committees and to various parish councils in those regions, especially the ones celebrating important milestones. It was the most amazing experience; I was grateful and privileged to be given the opportunity to attend many functions and to meet and talk face-to-face with many of our sister members.

Retreats have always afforded a time of peace and tranquility. The retreat I attended in the North Bay region was no exception as participants were immersed in reflection and prayers. These spiritual days are now presented by all three regional spiritual advisors, which role has been taken on by the sisters of St Joseph in our diocese.

Three of our parish councils were having difficulties in surviving what appeared to be insurmountable obstacles, but it is with gratitude and prayers to our patroness, as well as the courage displayed by the beleaguered members, that all problems have been resolved and everyone is back on track. All is well with the Sault Ste Marie Diocesan Council and its members – thanks be to God!

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