As 2009 draws to a close I hope that we have had time to reflect on the past year.   It has been a very busy year for members of our branches. Our National Conference held in Perth was a very memorable occasion with wonderful guest speakers who were both entertaining and inspirational. 

In November our Chaplain Father McCarthy celebrated Mass in the CWL Meeting Room to remember all our members who had gone to their eternal reward during the past year. This Mass was attended by many members of the CWL in the Brisbane Archdiocese.   This Mass is celebrated annually.

Townsville Diocese members attended Mass for the 100th anniversary of Blessed Mary MacKillop in August.

Townsville diocese also held their Annual General Meeting in Ayr North Queensland in November. This was attended by representatives from many of the branches in the Townsville Diocese as well as the State President.

On December 4th a special Mass was held in St Stephen’s Cathedral Brisbane in honour of the  Solemnity of the Dedication of the Cathedral of St Stephen and the closing of the Sesquicentenary Year.  The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop John Bathersby, Archbishop of Brisbane and concelebrated by the bishops of the Brisbane Archdiocese as well as the retired Bishops and in attendance were many of the parish priests and retired priests of the Brisbane Archdiocese.  Following the homily Archbishop Bathersby blessed the image of the Archdiocesan Patron, Blessed Mary of the Cross (MacKillop).  It was a beautiful ceremony.  At the conclusion of the mass a representative from each parish was presented with a beautiful image of Blessed Mary Mackillop for their respective parishes.

Over the past few weeks many Christmas parties have been held in the branches and dioceses and I am sure that members are looking forward to the break before coming together in the New Year with many plans for the year 2010.

I take this opportunity of thanking the outgoing National Executive and congratulating them on the wonderful work which they have done over the past two years.  I congratulate National President Elect, Madge Fahy and her team and wish them every blessing as they commence their term as our National Leaders.

To all the many friends whom I have made throughout Australia I wish you all a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas and may 2010  be a year when we can all unite together as we continue our work for the Honour and Glory Of God.

Joan Armstrong
State President - Queensland
December 2009