Council for Women

Established as result of findings of a Steering Committee given to Archbishop MacNeil in August 1985. The Council’s first meeting was held on 09 October 1985.

The Council’s (12 members) basic activities were listening to concerns of women re: their role in the Church; sponsoring programs of prayer, reflection and information; working with existing Church and community organizations to implement the twelve recommendations of CCCB of Oct 1984, and so achieve mandate of Council; and periodic evaluation to determine the need continuance of the Council.

Their mandate: “To enable women in the Archdiocese of Edmonton to realize more fully their baptismal commitment; to call forth their talents and put them at the service of the faith community; to encourage the faith community to call forth and incorporate women’s talents in the life of the community for the benefit of all – family, parish, the whole community. The Council will act in consultation with the Archbishop of Edmonton.” This mandate stems from CCCB Plenary Assembly, 25 October 1984.

Their events and achievements included an annual conference re: role of women and related issues; implementation of “Green Kit” in parishes; briefs to agencies re abortion, inclusive language and other social justice issues; production of video “Women in the Gospels”; support of Inclusive Language Committee of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission; dialogue with other Archdiocesan agencies on various issues such as employment guidelines for the Archdiocese; reaction to CCCB documents; Bursary for women for theological studies to enhance ministry.

Due to a lack of continued enthusiasm and frustration the Council disbanded ca. 1993.