St. Columba ParishThe Catholic Women's League of Canada was founded in 1920 and our council in 1956. About ninety members, from thirty to ninety years old, meet monthly under three pillars: faith, service and social justice. The League's motto is "For God and Canada."
Meetings
- General meeting
- Mass for members
- Guest speaker most months
- No meetings
Membership
- Catholic women
- Annual dues
- Includes The Canadian League magazine
Contact
- President: Bernadette Walsh
- cwl@stcolumbatoronto.ca
- Spiritual advisor: Fr. Moreau
What the CWL does here
Prayer and formation
A retreat day each Lent, the May crowning of Mary, the World Day of Prayer with neighbouring churches, and a monthly rosary for members who have died.
Feeding and funding
Funeral receptions for grieving families (about forty a year), the November Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale, layettes for new mothers through Rosalie Hall, and two $500 bursaries for graduating students.
Speaking up
Resolutions on palliative care, human trafficking and housing brought to the provincial and national League; letter-writing campaigns; support for Development and Peace and the refugee committee.
Joining
Come to any general meeting — Mass at 6:30, meeting at 7:00, refreshments at 8:00 — or email the president. Membership is $35 a year and open to any Catholic woman aged 16 or over. Younger members are especially welcome; the council holds one evening meeting and one Saturday-morning meeting each term so that mothers of young children and shift workers can take part, and childcare is offered at the Saturday meetings.
Questions
I can't attend meetings but would like to help.
The funeral reception team and the bazaar bakers work from home and on the day; you can be a member without ever making a meeting.
How do I book a funeral reception?
Through the parish office when arranging the funeral. Sandwiches, sweets, tea and coffee for up to 150 for a suggested $250; waived in need.
What is the national organization?
The League has about 60,000 members in parish councils across Canada, with diocesan, provincial and national levels; see cwl.ca. Our council belongs to the Toronto Diocesan Council.
Bernadette Walsh, President — cwl@stcolumbatoronto.ca.