DATE: October 9, 2020
FROM: Janet McLean, national secretary-treasurer
TO: Parish treasurers
As autumn descends upon us, members look forward to resuming meetings and activities. While this is possible for some councils, sadly, others cannot meet in-person because of limits on gatherings imposed by provincial health authorities and parishes due to the pandemic. Whatever your council situation is, you and your members are in my prayers daily.
I know parish councils are concerned regarding their ability to raise funds in support of their communities throughout Canada and abroad. I also know councils have become very creative in their efforts to help those in need. Your council may be one of the many that made or is still making masks for people in your area, or you may have provided meals for those in need. Members are some of the most creative women I know and manage to help in countless ways.
Later in the fall, you will receive the treasurers’ online annual report survey for completion. The form has been streamlined, which I hope will make it easier to complete. Do not worry if the monetary donations your council makes in 2020 are lower than in previous years. Whatever financial assistance your council has provided is most appreciated. The volunteer hours that are donated are just as important. These hours include the time members spend in prayer for their League sisters, their families and all those in need.
Collecting memberships for 2021 may be a challenge, particularly if councils cannot meet in person. Whatever role you might play in your council’s membership process, I encourage you to suggest the 2021 membership drive start early. Do not wait to collect all memberships before remitting to national office. If your council has collected 10, then remit those 10. If some members are experiencing financial hardships, perhaps others in a better financial situation can offer “secret” gift memberships.
Running a national organization costs money. The stalwart employees at national office are continuing to work throughout these difficult times; even when the office is required to close, they continue their work at home. Great progress is being made on implementing the strategic plan, and you will see and hear more about it in the months to come. The portion of each member’s annual per capita fee allocated to national is only $13.00 and is used carefully to keep this great organization operating efficiently. Now, more than ever, the timely payment of 2021 per capita fees would be of great help to the League. I truly feel Catholic women today need to belong to an organization such as the League, not the least reason being the mutual support and prayers members can offer one another, especially at this unique time in history.
If you have any questions regarding your position as a parish council treasurer, do not hesitate to seek help. I am sure your diocesan treasurer will be pleased to assist you.
Keep well, keep safe and keep happy – you are a League member.