Catholic Women's League
What is the Catholic Women’s League?
The CWL is a lay association of Catholic women recognized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). The League works to promote Catholic values, as well as to carry out volunteer and charitable work.
Our Mission
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God.
If you want to make a difference in the world, enrich your faith, and uphold family life, consider joining the CWL. Through your membership, you can support charitable outreach projects locally and around the world.
Can I join?
We welcome all women ages 16 and older, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. As women, we understand that attending every meeting is not always possible; we encourage you to join us whenever you can. We welcome the gifts and talents you have to offer.
If you see the St. Michael’s CWL as a place where others share your Christian values, a place where we all seek to grow in our faith and to put that faith into action, then this is the place for you!
How to join
To join the CWL at St. Michael’s, simply fill out this form and send a scanned copy to cwl@saintmichael.ca. You can also drop it off at the parish office, or in the collection basket during Mass (place it in an envelope labeled CWL).
You can pay your $30 membership fee via Interac E-Transfer by sending it to smcwltreasurer@gmail.com (set the security answer to membership). Please put your name in the message field.
Feel free to download our League Prayers for you to use for your personal prayer.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at cwl@saintmichael.ca.
Download our newsletter
St. Michael’s CWL is active in ministry even during this time of pandemic. Download our newsletter (December 2020) to see the latest news and our current activities.
St. Michael’s CWL receives Fr. Walter Krewski Awards
The Fr. Walter Krewski Awards are given annually to three councils in the Alberta-Mackenzie area for increases in membership during the previous year. The Awards are presented each year at the CWL Provincial Convention in June. In 2020, due to COVID, the Provincial Convention was cancelled and the awards were presented at the Calgary Diocesan CWL Fall Meeting on September 26. For the year 2019 all three awards were won by St Michael’s CWL Calgary. This is only the second time that one CWL council has won all three awards.
Initiatives
I’m Worth It Now (IWIN) Initiative
IWIN is an initiative of St. Michael’s CWL which seeks to assist human trafficking survivors by providing them with backpacks and raising awareness about this important issue.
Each backpack contained personal care products, change of clothing, and a personal note for local survivors of human trafficking. A bracelet was also enclosed, with a matching bracelet being given to a prayer warrior to keep the recipient close to their hearts in prayer. These backpacks were distributed through Calgary Police Service personnel and the RESET Society of Calgary.
Undie Sunday
Weekend of March 21-22, 2020
Undie Sunday is an annual drive by the CWL and Knights of Columbus which benefits clients of the Elizabeth House, Drop-In Centre, and the RESET Society of Calgary.
Parishioners are encouraged to donate new underwear, socks, nursing bras, baby sleepers, diapers, diaper wipes, and gift cards (Click here for Elizabeth House’s 2020 wish list). Collection bins will be available at the gathering area. Further,
Also, any monetary donations earmarked Undie Sunday will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation.
Events
Monthly meeting dates: (Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, meeting ID 405 356 1505):
- Nov. 10, 2020
- Jan 12, 2021
- Feb. 9, 2021
- March 9, 2021
CWL 100th Anniversary Events
- May 12, 2020: 3rd annual Mary’s wine and cheese birthday party, hosted by Holy Name CWL
- June 10, 2020: Twilight Retreat at Mount St. Francis with Holy Name CWL
Interested in doing a pilgrimage to Mary? Click here for a list of churches in Calgary with dedicated spaces for prayer before our Blessed Virgin Mary.
Quick Links
Resources
Articles
- Care for our Common Home: Tips for living with less plastic
- Mother’s Day celebration at Elizabeth House with St. Michael’s CWL and Knights of Columbus
- A memento for Lynn L’Heureux, St. Michael’s parishioner and Calgary Diocese CWL past-president.
Monthly School Prayers
Join the CWL in praying for the schools in our parish community by downloading this month’s prayer.
Calgary Diocesan Council
- 2019-2021 Calendar: Click here to download the Calgary Diocesan Council 2019-2021 calendar
- 2019 Resolutions: Click here to see the 2019 resolutions adopted at the 99th annual National Convention and the Provincial Convention in June 2019.
Advocacy: West Calgary High School
If you would like a support letter to send to your MLA regarding the construction of a High School here in West Calgary, please download this file.
If you have any questions about this advocacy, please contact cwl@saintmichael.ca.
Book of Life
The Catholic Women’s League’s Book of Life remembers departed sisters in Christ who have passed away over the years that the council has been in existence.
Did you know that CWL members can serve as honour guards? Below you will find the names of deceased sisters on whose funeral CWL members have served as honour guards.