Catholic Women’s League

CHESTERMERE – After taking the summer off Denine Welsh, President of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), is ready to hit the ground running with her membership drive. The organization was founded in 1906 and the first Canadian CWL meeting was held in Edmonton way back in 1912. Back then their primary objective was to provide support to women, especially immigrants, seeking work in Edmonton. They operate out of St. Gabriel the Archangel School in Chestermere where their spiritual advisor is Father John Nemanic. Currently the CWL has 14 registered members and they would like to get the word out about their organization.
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada consists of 11 councils, 10 provincial, which include the territories and 1 military ordinate. The levels of hierarchy within the organization start with National, Provincial, Diocesan and then lastly Parish councils. The St. Gabriel CWL Council was granted their official charter on February 23, 2012 and promptly held their first fundraiser in April 2012 hosting a garage sale during the Chestermere Parade of Garage Sales. The remaining items from the garage sale were donated back to the community by way of Calgary Drop In centre.
Member registration is ongoing and they are holding their annual membership drive this October 20th and 21st. This will be in conjunction with their parish’s St. Gabriel the Archangel, ministry information weekend. Here they will have a trade show of sorts where many of the other organizations within the church will show the many things they do to help their fellow man and the church. The Knights of Columbus are similar to the CWL. Future initiatives of the CWL include contributing to the Chestermere Christmas With Dignity campaign and a volunteer day to assist with St. Mary’s Feed the Hungry Program.
The CWL meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM. They welcome any denomination and any women over the age of 16 can become a CWL member. Mark your calendars – October 20th & 21st.