Marilyn Martin is a faith-driven leader and dedicated community volunteer with a strong background in finance and Catholic ministry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and a Diploma in Leadership from the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation.

Marilyn has been actively involved with the Catholic Women’s League of Canada for over a decade, serving in roles such as President, Vice President, Past President, Legislation Chair, Communications Chair and is now currently President of the Vancouver Diocesan Council. Her leadership has been particularly impactful during the pandemic, when she used digital tools to keep members connected through communiqués and virtual events. She also collaborated on producing detailed annual reports in the absence of in-person conventions.

Her commitment to service extends beyond the League. Marilyn volunteers with Domestic Abuse Services – Our Lady of Good Counsel Society at their thrift shop, Thrifter’s Paradise. She is also a member of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and the Delta Hospice Society.Professionally, Marilyn has over two decades of experience in financial roles, including as a Controller in the construction industry and a long-time bookkeeper. Her life is guided by faith, service, and a deep sense of purpose.

Her theme is Restore All Things in Christ. A call to all members of the League to deepen their faith and spread the Gospel message through service to the parish, community, Canada and worldwide.

Gerry was born in Red Dear Alberta and moved to the west coast (Victoria) when she was very young. She received most of her schooling in Victoria where she attended the University of Victoria. She received two degrees; the first in education and the other in Classics. Her classics degree allowed her, among other things, to translate large sections of the Greek New Testament and check her work against Jerome’s Latin translation.

Gerry taught school for five years before marrying and raising her three children. Gerry and her husband have been married for 52 years.

Through circumstances, Gerry became involved in the Infant Development Program and the then named Victoria Association for the Mentally Handicapped. She believes that working with these groups taught her more about how people learn than she received in her teacher education.

Gerry returned to work and spent twenty-five years with Corrections Canada. During this time, she worked with many inmates who struggle with illnesses such as HIV/Aids, Hepatitis C or the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, other brain damage and bad parenting. She used her Degree in Education to help diagnose learning disabilities and to work with the institution’s teachers in adapting the education program to meet these people’s needs. She also delivered programs and helped prepare inmates for their return to the community.

Although Gerry attended mass at her church for many years, she knew nothing about the CWL except seeing their meeting times in the church bulletin. Finally, one Sunday a friend invited her to attend a CWL meeting. She did and, as they say, the rest is history.

Gerry spent many years serving on both the parish and diocesan levels. She was president of her local parish CWL council and now is President of the Diocese of Victoria. She holds a strong belief in the goals of the CWL and that this sisterhood is an excellent way to serve God, her CWL sisters and to make the world a better place.

When she is not busy writing communiques, reports and other CWL tasks, she spends much of her free time studying languages and history, taking on mostly CWL projects on her computer, keeping fit and studying martial arts such as Tai Chi as well as other styles. She also writes short stories and songs concerning Christian holidays.

She is looking forward to helping our league thrive in today’s fractured world.

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The Catholic Women’s League has been a true blessing in her life. The stories of kids asking if they can have the cookie or is it for CWL relate to her own family for sure, but they will tell you they never felt resentful of her involvement, but were proud of her and happy for all the wonderful things she was privileged to do as a member, such as flying in a small plane to Ft Chipewyan in the NWT, or flying with Bishop Tom Lobsinger to Smithers. Carol is married 52 years and has 3 beloved grandchildren. She is retired and enjoys gardening, a little travel, getting together with family and friends. For 16 years she has owned and operated a small but loaded rubberstamping and papercraft shop in her basement where she gives cardmaking classes. Through ‘Stampy Stampertons’ she has made many friends.

Although she’s a homebody, CWL conventions and meetings are worth leaving home for. The liturgies, the speakers, the resolutions, the hugs from old friends, and the resolutions dialogues are all so inspiring.

The women of the League hold her deep respect, admiration and love. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is changing so rapidly now, and the commitment to a position may seem formidable but she encourages members to consider the numerous opportunities for growth in so many areas. Her ‘team’ has recently hosted the Provincial convention, a huge challenge that turned out so well, with many blessings for the parish, and Diocese.

Carol has had many wonderful mentors and tries to do the same for others. She is a ‘career’ Diocesan President, having that job for much too long. She would love to give one of her Whitehorse sisters the experience of attending mid-term meetings. When the day’s work is done and it’s time to relax and laugh with her sister friends, special bonds are formed that carry you through, and leave unforgettable memories.It is good to know that the women on the Provincial Council are all ‘lifers’ who share the same faith and will hold you up no matter what happens.