The Catholic Women's League of Canada (CWL)

St. Paul Diocesan Council

(Updated March 18, 2010 ; CWL St. Paul  home page ; contact us at: <cwlstp[at]stpaul.cwl.ab.ca> ; CWL ABMK home page)

President-Elect / Organization Communiques

President-Elect (2009-2011):  Lynne R. <cwlstp[at]stpaul.cwl.ab.ca>

Previous Organization Chairperson's Communique: | Communique #1 - Feb'09 |

February 2009  CWL St. Paul Diocesan Organization Communique #1

VITAL! JOYFUL! VIBRANT! FULFILLING!

The words above should be words that the members of your parish use to describe your CWL council. If they are not - well, we have some work to do!

At the Provincial Executive meeting the weekend of January 30-February 1, 2009 these words were a topic of discussion. Why are we having so much trouble getting members to let their names stand for leadership positions in our organization? Is it because we do not have women who are capable? NO! It is because we do not meet whatever needs these women are feeling in their lives.

The National office has hired a Director of Development to help develop ways to enhance the image of the CWL at all levels, and this is also an area that the Diocesan and Provincial executive will be brainstorming over the coming months. We need your help. We need your input. Tell us what you, as a CWL member, are looking for when you join - is it spiritual enrichment? Friendship? A way to become involved with the projects of church and community? Is it because you believe in the principles and values that are part and parcel of the CWL?

I would like to ask you, as Organization Chairpersons at the parish level, to take this question to your members and then let us know where we can help you to implement change that will make meetings and activities more vital, joyful, vibrant and fulfilling.

Memberships are now due and all councils should have received their membership packages from National. If not, please contact National or let me know and I will contact National for you to request your package. If you do not understand how to complete the membership package, please contact the National office for assistance. They have implemented a new computer system and it will not let them process your membership if there is any information missing (e.g. postal codes) or if the money that is sent does not match the money required for the number of members you are registering.

Don’t forget that the best way to retain and recruit new members is by personal contact. Most women wait to be asked, so step forward and do the asking! The recruiting process should continue throughout the year; every woman in the parish deserves to belong to the League. Watch for a second membership remittance package from National that should contain Recruitment Postcards that can be sent to all unpaid members.

Finally, April 26, 2009, the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel has been declared CWL Day of Peace and Hope. This would be a good time to plan a special event celebrating CWL in Peace with each other and Hope for the future.

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