Catholic Women’s League

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The St. Stephen’s Parish Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL) is one of our oldest and most active parish organizations. The first meeting of the organization was held on March 24, 1964, just a few months after the first Mass in the parish was offered. Our first president was Jackie Fodor. Click here to see a photograph of the first executive committee of Saint Stephen’s CWL.

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada

St. Stephen’s CWL is an affiliate of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada, an organization that has been in existence nationally since 1920. The CWL describes itself as an organization “rooted in gospel values calling members to holiness through service to the people of God.” Its main goals are:

  •       to achieve individual and collective spiritual development;
     
  •       to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church;
     
  •       to exemplify the Christian ideal in home and family life;
     
  •       to protect the sanctity of human life;
     
  •       to enhance the role of women in church and society;
     
  •       to recognize the human dignity of all people everywhere;
     
  •       to uphold and defend Christian education and values in the modern world;
     
  •       to contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace, and harmony.

Activities in St. Stephen’s CWL

Over the years, 21 women have served as presidents of St. Stephen’s CWL, and this is a testament to the depth of involvement, dedication, and leadership of the women of the parish. One of these extraordinary women, Lillian Emberley, served as President three times. The current president is Linda MacDonald.

Although many things have changed during the past 40 years, many of the basic functions of the CWL at St. Stephen's have remained constant. The minutes of our first meeting include a discussion of and planning for a parish retreat, and such retreats continue to be a central focus of the group. In another early meeting reference is made to the World Day of Prayer, and this gathering of women from all denominations continues today. Other early meetings discuss the organization of hospital and seniors’ homes visits, one of the corporal works of mercy still carried on by members of the CWL.

Among the current annual activities of the CWL are the awarding of the Penny Radar Scholarship to the child of one of the members who will attend St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, a reception for graduating students, a dinner for parish seniors, funeral receptions, Christmas visits to seniors, and participation in the work of the Parish Council.

In 2002, St. Stephen’s CWL participated actively in the work leading up to World Youth Day. Besides providing financial support for pilgrims from St. Stephen’s who were attending the event and participating in the “Days in the Diocese” events, the members hosted a picnic lunch in Lynn Headwaters Park and created hand made mementoes for each pilgrim.  We rejoiced to hear the deep faith experiences our parish pilgrims brought back from World Youth Day. Planning and fund raising for the next World Youth Day in Cologne are already well under way.

St. Stephen’s CWL contributes actively to the work of a number of organizations, including Covenant House, Our Lady of Good Council Society, Sisters of Atonement, Birthright, and the Pro Life Society.

Come Join Us

Membership in the Catholic Women's League is open to all Catholic women 16 years of age and over. Our members know the value of League membership, and many of them have belonged to the CWL for more than 25 years. In fact, even though the St. Stephen's council is less than 40 years old, three St. Stephen’s women have been CWL members for over 50 years: Monica Hopwood, Jean McCaffery, and Jo Smith.

Membership in the CWL can enhance your life as a Catholic, as a woman, and as a member of St. Stephen’s parish. Our members come from all walks and stages of life. Some have difficulty getting out, so they contribute through the prayer chain or the telephone committee. Many work full time or have family responsibilities, but they contribute a few hours working at the Craft Fair or baking for funeral receptions. Others are able to visit the sick or convene our Seniors Lunch.

No matter how much time or how much talent an individual has to offer, membership in the CWL allows us all to share in the graces received. We know that sharing time with women of faith can help us along our own road to God. Each deceased member of St. Stephen's council is remembered with a page in our Book of Life and a memorial service that is offered each year at our November meeting.

Women interested in learning more about or wishing to become members of St. Stephen’s CWL should attend one of our monthly meetings or contact our president. Her phone number is listed on the front cover of the parish weekly bulletin. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday or every month except January, July, and August. The December meeting (our Christmas pot-luck luncheon) is held on the first Sunday of that month following the 11:30 Mass.

 

 

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