Spring 2012
Teresa Puglia

Click HERE to view the Spring directive. Directive is in PDF format.

Spring 2011
Ana Sousa, Diocesan Communications Chair

To:  Communications Standing Committee Chairpersons

Dear Sisters in the League:

Watch your thoughts ... They become your words.
Watch your words ... They become your actions.
Watch your actions ... They become your habits.
Watch your habits ... They become your character.
Watch your character ... It becomes your destiny.
    -- Frank Outlaw

Members are encouraged to promote the League magazine and our e-newsletter Be League and to submit news of events, articles and photos.

This year on the feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, on April 26th, National is focusing on a national project -- Women Against Poverty (WAP) -- Change for Change. Our National President, Velma Harasen reflects: A little change from your purse or pocket can make a big change in the life of someone in need. Parish councils may choose a project that will aid in the eradication of poverty, helping women and children in poverty, in parish families or communities. With the permission of the pastors, at Easter weekend masses and services, which fall just before April 26th, invite parishioners to empty their lose change into a basket. Promote this in parish bulletins with information on how the money will be used. Consider inviting women in neighbouring churches to join the cause. On Tuesday, April 26th, donate the proceeds to the project selected.

Facebook turned 7 years old on February 4th. If Facebook were a country it would have a greater population than Canada, United States and Russia combined. The rush to keep abreast of advances in social networking makes people vulnerable. Children, who embrace it with complete comfort, are especially at risk. According to Criminal Intelligence Service Canada there have been between 600 and 900 organized crime groups working online in the past five years. Young people need ongoing education both at home and at school about the pitfalls -- everything from exposure to predators to the negative impact on future employment when employers are able to see the messages and comments posted on a user's wall. Children's social networking accounts need constant minding by a parent. With Facebook, or any social media, there really are no such things as privacy or security. That kids and parents can be lulled into thinking there are effective safety nets in place is perhaps the scariest part of all. (taken from the Brantford Expositor)

Human Trafficking equals Slavery. Human Trafficking is the selling of human beings for the purpose of sexual or labour exploitation. In addition to the Pornography Hurts Bus Campaign, as a result of Project Outreach, we are focusing on Human Trafficking. With the help of Sister Theresa Nagle from the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Rosanne Sogan, Anna Brady and myself we have created a letter and poster that we are sending to the school boards in Ontario reminding them that they, as a Board, have a responsibility that all of their students are treated with dignity and respect and not fall into the hands of human traffickers. We are asking them to join us in the fight to abolish human trafficking and protect the children from the crime. We are also pleased that Crime Stoppers has agreed to join us and has allowed us to use their number if callers want to remain anonymous. (1-800-222-8477) or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.

Media relations. Positive relationships promote positive images. Be aware that the council president is the official spokesperson. Ensure that information received from all levels is passed onto members.

Keep up all the hard work you do for the League, God and Canada.

Ana Sousa