Catholic Women’s League
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada was organized nationally on June 17, 1920. It is the largest national organization of Catholic women and seeks to unite Catholic women as a community striving for spiritual, cultural and intellectual growth, and the development of social action.
St. Leo’s Council was organized in February of 2010.
The patroness of the League is the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel.
Mission Statement
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.
Who We Are
We are the voice of Catholic women united in faith, promoting Christian values in the home and In the world.
What We Offer
We offer hospitality, friendship, sisterhood, support and affirmation that empowers women to reach their full potential.
What We Do
We provide faith based opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development and many avenues for service, advocacy and social justice.
Why We Do It
As Catholic women, we are empowered by the Spirit to renew our commitment to the call to holiness through service to the people of God, one in heart, voice and missions as we work to strengthen family values, create sanctuaries of peace and be the Good News to all.
Objects of the League
- 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
Annual donations made by St. Leo the Great C.W.L. in support of the objects of the League:
Spiritual Development – Catholic Mom’s Group, Rosary Apostolate, Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation, Women’s Inter Church Council of Canada
Teachings of the Catholic Church – Children’s Liturgy, graduation gifts for our schools, First Communion and Confirmation gifts to students, Shepherd’s Trust, Bishop Pappin Memorial Fund
Christian Ideal in home and family life – Catholic Family Charities
Sanctity of Life – Rose of Durham, , Hope or Children, Homeless, Refugees, Grandview Children’s Centre, Chalice (Foster child), Euthanasia Coalition, Children’s Wish Foundation, Canadian Food for Children, Sleeping Children Around the World, Pro Life Durham
Enhancing the role of women in church and society – Women’s Inter Church Council of Canada, Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation, National Bursary Fund
To recognize the human dignity of all people everywhere – Hospice Durham, St. Vincent de Paul, Coady International Fund, Denise House, The Poppy Fund
To uphold and defend Christian education and values in the modern world –Catholic Mom’s Group, Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation, St. Mike’s Scholarship Fund.
To contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace and harmony – Velma’s Dream, Coady International Fund, Development & Peace, Catholic Missions in Canada
League Prayer:
We humbly pray You, O GOD our Father, to bless the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Bless our beloved country, our homes and families. Send Your Holy Spirit upon us to give light to our minds and strength to our wills that we may know and fulfil Your great law of charity. Teach us to share with others at home and abroad the good things You have given us. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ and the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Amen
Members support Rose of Durham by working at their monthly bingos so that they receive a portion of the profits. Call 905-620-0724 if you would like information about this community service opportunity.
2024 News:
The membership fee of $35 is due to Barbara Regimbal by December 31, 2023 and can be put in an envelope marked CWL and dropped in the collection basket or church mailbox.
How to join:
To learn more about the League and explore the joys of membership, visit www.cwl.ca or call toll-free 1-888-656-4040
2021-Current CWL Executive
President: Donna Shaddick – dmshaddick@gmail.com
Secretary:
Treasurer: Marguerite Passafiume 905-655-9925
Spiritual Development Chair: Shannon Rogers 905-620-1413
Organization Chair: Sharon Cline 905-767-7670
Education/ Health: Margaret McIntyre 905-655–8648
Christian Family Life: Betty Hallihan / Barb Regimbal 905-620-0352 905-404-2694
Community Life: Margaret Wesley 905-571-5152
Resolutions / Legislation Chair: Vacant
Upcoming events:
CWL (Virtual) Executive Meetings:
- Monday, March 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, April 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
- Mondayy, May 3 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
CWL (Virtual) General Meeting:
- Monday, March 22, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, April 19, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 17, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Newsletter:
Recent Pictures:
In May 2021 we planted the tree for the CWL 100 years anniversary. In the photo: Father Charles, Cathy Duncan, Donna Shaddick, Andrea Losier, Barb Regimbal, Marg Wesley.
