WEYBURN – The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) hosted its annual provincial convention in Weyburn from June 1 - 2, bringing together around 100 members from across Saskatchewan to strengthen their faith, engage in service, and celebrate decades of dedication to community and church.
Marilyn Schuck, who helped organize the event, said the main purpose of the convention and all CWL conventions is to “unite Catholic women to grow in faith, and to promote social justice through service to the church, Canada and the world.”
As a registered non-profit, the CWL holds annual meetings to elect officers, review finances, and coordinate charitable efforts. This year’s theme, “Here I Am, Lord, Send Me,” resonated with members, reflecting their commitment to answering the call to serve.
“The theme is chosen by the President of the National level and stays in place for two years,” said Schuck. “It has been very popular with the membership as its scriptural reference resonates with our call to serve wherever we are called or find a need.”
With a 105-year national history and 77 years of provincial conventions, the CWL has evolved to meet modern needs.
“We have streamlined some of the old protocol and shortened the amount of time to meet in convention partly because most women are in the workforce these days."
The Weyburn parish council, established in 1926, will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026, added Schuck. There are four levels of executive in the league: parish, diocesan, provincial and national. The conventions are held in various locations within the boundaries of each level.
The convention featured two Eucharistic celebrations at St. Vincent de Paul Church, led by Archbishop Don Bolen of Regina and Fr. Francis Hengen, provincial spiritual advisor.
Speakers addressed pressing issues, including, a video presentation on “Understanding Anxiety in Teens” by Fr. Greg Elder, Chaplain for John Paul II Collegiate, North Battleford, and Victor Quijada, student counsellor; "Here I am Lord, Send Me," presentation on Leadership in the League by President Helen Kayfish and Donna Aldous; and National Task Force R3 to 1, Unity given by Life Member Chantal Devine on recruiting, retaining and regaining members.
The CWL Charitable and Service Projects are many and varied throughout the province. Delegates highlighted ongoing projects, such as: Indigenous relations with First Nations people are being developed; awareness of trafficking of women and children; "Bags of Love" providing necessities for children who are removed from their homes due to parental abuse; donating to food banks; and supporting schools with scholarships and hot lunches.
Two women received special recognition. Marilyn Schuck (Weyburn) was awarded the Bellelle Guerin Pin for extraordinary service, and Janette Rieger (Regina) received a Life Membership Pin for her continued contributions. The awards were presented by Helen Kayfish.
The St. Vincent de Paul parish council supports numerous local initiatives, including the Salvation Army food banks, help to the Newcomers` organization with furniture and household goods, the Summer School lunch program, the Community Hot Supper program and many more.
“We support Catholic education with scholarships and prayer for children receiving their first sacraments,” said Schuck. “We support our members with spiritual programs, retreats, and fellowship.”
Schuck said the CWL appreciates all the support they receive from the Weyburn community when they are holding fundraising events.
“Our convention has been supported by the community with donations from various businesses and groups.”
Looking ahead, the CWL is prioritizing mental health outreach and membership growth.
“Many councils including ours have had speakers on this topic,” said Schuck. “Our convention this year had the presentation on anxiety in teens. Another goal is to continue to invite Catholic women to join the league so that we can increase our membership in order to grow in faith and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.”
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