Our Catholic Women’s League council has been a part of St. Bernadette parish since April 1960, celebrating our 56th anniversary this year. Since the beginning, our mission remains the same; we are a national organization rooted in gospel values calling the members to holiness through service to the people of God.
The CWL of Canada represents more than 99,000 women, expressing their concerns and acting upon issues of the present time. To a member, the League is a gift of faith, friendship, leadership development, support, and affirmation. Together we share our gifts and make wonderful works happen.
Since 1960, we have had numerous members, and currently, we have an average of 80 members, representing from 1 to 60 years of service. Service pins are presented to members for their years of service. One member has been awarded “Life Member”, one received the “Bella Guerin” award and two received the “Maple Leaf” award. These special recipients met the criteria required for such an honor.
We hold an executive and a general meeting every month except for July and August. At our general meetings, we collect personal items, underwear, socks, food, etc. and money which we donate to different groups/organizations for their specific missions. At Christmas, we adopt a family from the local women’s shelter and fulfill the wish list that they have identified. Our Council’s Christmas Dinner in December was held at the Viscount Gort Hotel.
Once a year we hold a Citizenship Court reception for new Canadians. Recent contributions to our parish have included items such as trolley carts, a computer program for the office, Father Baron DVD series and Arise Together in Christ books for the children. We organize the annual Parish Bake Sale with the proceeds going to the “Mercy Fund”. This year we financially supported Northern Missions, D&P, and Caritas.
We have written to our MP’s regarding our position against pornography and physician-assisted suicide, as well as the banning of microbeads in hygiene products.
Members attended the Provincial Day of Celebration, the Pro-Life Brunch, the World Day of Prayer, the Social Justice Conference as well as have participated in Honor Guards at the Mass for the start of the “Year of Mercy”, the Chrism Mass and at funerals for some of our members.
Every year members participate in the St. Boniface Diocesan Convention and the National Convention which will be held in Halifax this year. The 2018 National Convention will be held in Winnipeg.
New members are always welcome. – Yvonne Roy,