The Catholic Women’s League

The Catholic Women’s League is a unique ministry. Our motto is: For God and Canada. Our Council received its charter in 1946. 

We currently have about 150 members. All women 16 and older are encouraged to join because the larger the numbers, the greater our influence in Ottawa when resolutions are presented in Parliament. In the recent past, we have campaigned for issues concerning ethics, drugs, women’s rights, human trafficking and child pornography. We also promote pro-life issues.

FAQ:

How do you help in the parish?
We work in a variety of ways to improve our parish. We organize funeral receptions upon request, giving bereaved families the opportunity to meet with friends and relatives. 

We also offer up Masses for the sick and deceased out of the League’s funds. Each year, we also put on the Christmas Fair which is our main fundraising project. The proceeds support our operating costs and a variety of charities such as Vision TV which broadcasts the daily Mass on TV, Meals on Wheels, Sisters of the Atonement, The Door Is Open and Mater Care.

What if I don’t have time for meetings? 
If you don’t have time to attend the meetings, you can be a prayer-member – one who prays for others and the success of the CWL.

What other areas do you need help in?
If we had more members we would be able to expand our reach in many different areas such as health, education, Christian family life, community life and legislation.

What are the benefits of membership?
The CWL is a great way to bond with other women of our parish who share similar values. There are several opportunities to socialize and get to know members. Among them are after-meeting gatherings, the annual Spring Brunch and the Christmas Fair. 

President: Jutta Zeisler 604-224-4081

The Craft Group

The Craft Group meets once a week to knit and make crafts for the Christmas Fair. Many of them are women who share a love for knitting and come together to exchange ideas, share wool and enjoy a cuppa. The group meets every Tuesday morning from 10am-noon. They welcome anyone who would like to knit or would like to learn how to knit. 

Coordinator: Doris Rankin 604-224-0876

The Madonna Group

The Madonna Group caters to the well-being of the elderly women of the parish. They meet once a month for spiritual and educational talks as well as to socialize. If you would like to help out or bring an elderly person from our parish to their meetings, you are welcome to contact the Coordinator.

Coordinator: Monica Cheung 604-739-8837

Pastoral Care

The Eucharist is at the very heart of our gathering as Church. At Mass we are nourished by the Word and become one with Christ at Communion. The Pastoral Care Team then takes the Eucharist to those who are unable to join us in our Sunday worship. 

FAQ:

What makes a good Pastoral Care Minister?
A good Pastoral Care Minister should be a devout person who understands the awesome responsibility of taking the very presence of Christ himself to someone. Regular attendance at Mass and participation in other sacraments are signs of a sound grounding in your faith and are valuable assets to someone of this ministry. You should also have a strong prayer life. 

How frequent and how long are the home visits?
In the current schedule, each member is scheduled once a month for home visits or every three weeks for visits to a residence. Each visit could be 20-30 minutes long but it depends on you and the person you are visiting. 

What do I have to do?
You will be given a booklet which will help you with the prayers and an abbreviated liturgy before you give the Eucharist. 

Coordinator: Marie Paule Dutto 604-224-7855