Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Marilyn Van Dongen

Family Life in our modern world has gone through many changes that have affected our society and culture. In the quest for materialism many people have lost sight in what it means to nurture the family. Children are no longer viewed as blessings but as hindrances. Many moral values that we held sacred have now been discarded and viewed as old fashioned. What can we do to make a difference?

National council has started a Catholic Girls’ League (CGL) encouraging parish councils to organize a council in their parishes with guidelines based on faith, fun, friendship and formation. The only CGL council that I know of in BC is in the Alberni Valley. The counselors are Myrna R……. and Debbie M…….. They are excited to see a way to draw our youth into service and community before the catechism years end. They are hoping that this will promote continued participation in their parish community and they will be encouraged to join the CWL when they become 16. Catholic Women’s League Campus Councils are comprised of young women in university. They are enthusiastic about the development of a women’s group based on the principles of sisterhood and promotes spiritual growth, service activities and social events. These are CWL members and will transfer their membership to a parish council when they are ready to leave their Campus Council. August 15 – 17 there is a conference in Edmonton to teach the fundamental steps in creating a CWL College Council. I have information and registration forms for the conference. (email Marilyn for information)

I was contacted by Sarah Hudson from the National Campus Life Network (NCLN). This is a pro-life organization for students, by students. They maintain an active pro-life presence on campuses. Taken from their brochure Nowhere is there a greater urgency for the pro-life message than on the university campus. The university is the place where the ideas and values of our society take root. An active pro-life presence is needed to promote ideas and values that embrace the objective truth that all human life is worthy of protection. Sarah runs the Western Canada Office in North Vancouver.

We must support our youth. They need the support of like minded Christians in order to get through this period of their life with their faith intact.

A new prayer for Married Life has been written. This prayer will be included in the next revision of the League prayer card. I have photocopied it for you.

May God bless each of you in all your endeavors.