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History of CWL in Canada

The Catholic Women's League of Canada was organized nationally on June 17, 1920 and granted federal incorporation on December 12, 1923.

The League is officially recognized by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) as a lay association of women and is affiliated with the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO), a world-wide federation holding membership in the conference of International Catholic Organizations (ICO) and having consultative status with agencies of the United Nations.

The Objects of the League shall be to unite Catholic women of Canada:

  • 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.

Structure of the League:
The CWL a National organization, with it’s National office in Winnipeg. There are over 1300 “parish based” CWL councils spread across Canada.  There are 11 Provincial Councils and most are divided into Arch/dioceses Councils. Each Arch/diocese council has an elected executive. In some of the larger Archdioceses there is further division by regions.  Depending in which province the parish councils resides, it may be part of a region, an arch/diocese or report directly to the provincial council as is the case in PEI.
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CWL Ontario

The Purpose of the Ontario Provincial Council:

• To implement The Catholic Women's League objectives and policy in the province
• to represent the Catholic Women's League members of Ontario at the national level
• to coordinate the arch/diocesan councils in the province
• to be a link between the arch/diocesan councils in Ontario and the national council for reporting, for resolutions and for those matters requiring an instructed vote at the national convention
• to disseminate information and direction from the national council to the arch/diocesan councils in the province
• to provide direction, inspiration and encouragement to the Catholic Women's League members and councils in the province
• to submit resolutions and briefs on provincial matters as required
• to maintain contact with the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops (OCCB)

St. Leonard's CWL St. Leonard's CWL

St. Leonard's CWL

  • Founded by 5 parishioners in 2004

  • Now has 31 members 

  • Meets once a month for social time and to plan ways to reach out to those in need - the poor, sick, elderly,  single mothers, abused women and children 

  • Providing opportunities for spiritual growth. Stations of the Cross, Hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary. 

  • Support other parish initiatives: Knights of Columbus, Ladies Auxilliary 

  • To be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. To help friends, neighbours, parishioners and others wherever and whenever we can.