Plenary Conference UCWLC National Executive, Edmonton Eparchy
The UCWLC National Executive, Edmonton Eparchy, held their first Plenary Conference, April 04 to April 06, 2008 in Edmonton.
Attending were 18 members of the National Executive and 7 Eparchial representatives. Eparchial representatives were: Adeline Kotylak, VP, Eparchy of New Westminster; Barbara Hlus, Pres. and Lidia Wasylyn, Constitution Chair, Eparchy of Edmonton; Geraldine Koban, Pres. and Gloria Leniuk, HLM, Constitution Chair, Eparchy of Saskatoon; Stephanie Bilyj, HLM, Past Pres. and Jean Sherman, HLM, Constitution Chair, Archeparchy of Winnipeg; Marta Chomyn, Pres. and Marion Barszczyk, Constitution Chair, Eparchy of Toronto. Also in attendance was the UCWLC National Past President, Olena Gedz, HLM, from the Eparchy of Toronto.
The Conference was officially opened with Prayer led by Spiritual Committee members, Andrea Sagansky and Barb Olynyk.
National President Luba Kowalchyk called the meeting to order and warmly welcomed everyone. She encouraged everyone to work together in harmony and love. “Let’s make decisions not only for ourselves, but for the good of the Organization all across Canada. We need to be united in what we do, keeping in mind the goals and aims of the UCWLC. We need to work towards a vision and find solutions for our Branches and to address the realities of our organizational work. We ask the Holy Mother to guide and help us meet our challenges.”
Eparchial Presidents and designates were invited to present brief reports of activities.
These truly defined the work and dedication of our committed members.
The Agenda, followed accepted format and included business items contributed by the five Eparchial executives.
Agenda items discussed and resolved.
- completion and production of the UCWLC handbook for Branches
- review and plans to carry out the Resolution “UCWLC Building the Future””
- representation to WUCWO and plans for UCWLC hosting of the opening of the WUCWO Conference in Winnipeg in August, 2008
- UCWLC recognition pins for 10, 15 and 20 years of membership
- Nasha Doroha report of the Editorial Board
- WFUWO, choosing a representative and other discussions
- Membership in WCUSS
- Laity and Vocations in the Ukrainian Catholic Church
- Updating of the UCWLC Website Church Traditions Handbook
- Future Projects
UCWLC Resource and Honorary Life Member, Lena Sloboda was invited to present the document “UCWLC Building the Future”.
The Friday Conference was concluded with Prayer, everyone then proceeded to St. Josaphat Cathedral for Moleben where we were joined by UCBC. Our thanks to Sister Rose Luby for leading us in beautiful, prayerful responsorial singing.
Saturday sessions continued on numerous organizational matters and we welcomed Rev. Fr. Janko Herbut, the UCWLC National Executive Spiritual Advisor who presented spiritual guidance to a number of concerns and discussions.
An interesting and stimulating Icebreaker was introduced by Maria Pastuszenko (National Constitution Chair) which was very much enjoyed by all.
Following the Saturday session, Brotherhood joined us for dinner, special musical entertainment and fellowship.
We were most happy to have His Excellency, Bishop David join us for dinner, as he was unable to participate in our Plenary Conference due to previous earlier scheduled commitments.
Sunday commenced with all members attending the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Excellency Bishop David and Rev. Fr. Theo at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral.
Following a delicious Brunch, the joint session with UCBC began with opening remarks by Stan Kobylko, National President of UCBC and Luba Kowalchyk, National UCWLC President.
Most Rev. David Motiuk, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton was invited to speak on Eparchial matters.
Bishop David spoke of the Second Vatican Council recognizing the Laity as bringing important gifts to the Church. He encouraged the faithful to update the Mission of the Church. “We will have a Pastoral Council, to plan a Pastoral plan for the next 25 years, for the future, and to take the steps to make that happen. The Religious and the Laity can come together to foster the Mission of the Church. As Lay Organizations (UCWLC & UCBC) must constantly work and harmonize together. Our gifts can be well expressed through harmony and work, together in Eparchies and on National level as well. Spread the Gospel message of Good News.”
Following further discussions, the final session of UCWLC National Plenary was closed with a prayer and singing of “Khrystos Voskress”
Reported by Helen Sirman, Secretary
UCWLC National Executive