St. Joseph Calasanctius Catholic Women’s League hosted the Prince Albert Region 2 Fall Diocesan Workshop on Sept. 29 at St. Joseph Church in North Battleford.
In attendance were Rev. Father Peter Nnanga, Rev. Father Dong Doan and Rev. Father Phinh Do, provincial, diocesan and St. Joseph’s advisors respectively, as well as Shirley Lamoreaux, CWL diocesan president and diocesan president-elect Helen Kayfish.
Representatives from regional councils were from Cut Knife, Mayfair and the CWL of the Battlefords – St. Vital, Notre Dame and St. Joseph.
The workshop, “Mental Health as a Priority for our Well-Being,” began with a welcome, introductions and league prayer by president Wendy Hunchak.
Cherie Lascelle Hamilton and Michelle Lascelle presented informative, inspiring and courageous stories. Their challenges regarding personal and family mental health issues touched members’ hearts. They brought out the importance of mental health, personal stories, how to help, who can help and self care. They made members more aware of the needs of those around them – be it a child, teen, adult or senior. These needs can occur at home, in a workplace, anywhere in communities.
Cherie and Michelle were instrumental in organizing a group called “Hugs with Mugs” in the Battlefords. It is a safe drop-in community space where all are welcome. This support group is an informative gathering place for those who believe “mental health matters.” They meet at Chapel Café Tuesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. It is for young and old who are suffering in any way. It is a place to share, listen or just sit. The “Hugs with Mugs” is a place where receive smiles are received, friends gained and emotional support is received and given. They will readily accept donations as the group hopes to create programs for youth and adults in the community.
Michelle shared her experience of the loss of her son, Ash Lascelle. He loved spending summers at Ranger Lake Bible Camp. Michelle and her husband started a fund in his honour, which sends children, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford such experiences, to summer camp. The children are selected from the Bridges for Children Program. Anyone wishing to assist in this worthwhile project can contribute to the Ash Lascelle Ranger Lake Bible Camp Hope Memorial Fund.
The presentation helped those present become more aware of mental health issues and the need to nurture bodies and minds –overall being.
The message is: “In life we are to be of service to others. The panel demonstrated how to make someone’s life a bit brighter. We all need ‘to be kinder than necessary,’ because one doesn’t realize what the road is like that others travel on in their journey. Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can. If we can’t do great things, we can do small things in a great way.”
Celebration of the Eucharist followed the panel discussion. Concelebrating the mass were Father Peter, Father Doan and Father Phinh. It was an honour to have these priests celebrating the mass with CWL members.
Father Peter gave a wonderful homily speaking on the feast day of the Archangels Gabriel, Michael and Raphael.
He shared how Archangel Michael was the protector against evil and leads God’s army in this way.
Archangel Gabriel is the messenger of God, who revealed announcements of great importance to Zechariah and the Virgin Mary.
As the healing angel, Raphael gives physical and emotional healing.
Thus, Father Peter made a reference to the workshop’s theme linking the CWL to these angels. Members can and should pray to these three archangels for support and guidance.
A delicious soup and biscuit lunch was provided by St. Joseph CWL. Following lunch Father Peter, as provincial spiritual advisor, gave a brief, meaningful and humourous talk. He encouraged CWL in our region to continue their good works and expressed his love, concern and appreciation for all.
Shirley Lamoureux, the diocesan CWL president, reported on topics from the national and provincial conventions. Major changes in planning strategies have been discussed and will be available soon. Shirley also reminded members that resolutions sent to the legislature and parliament have been effective in influencing legislation in the past. The national CWL meets directly with the appropriate government ministry to express our concerns with the backing of every parish council in Canada, a privilege not given to many organizations. Members are to continue to push against injustices.
Diocesan president-elect Helen Kayfish then led a session of sharing of concerns and suggestions from the overall group. Sensitivity to others, compassion, communication, work ethic and co-operatively working in groups were touched on. Upcoming dates of conventions and workshops were given.
President Wendy thanked everyone for attending the workshop. After wishing everyone a safe trip home, the day closed with prayer.
