Spirituality, sisterhood draws women to CWL

Church organization gives women space to grow, take action

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Westaskiwin

"The spirituality aspect of the CWL is very important to me. I feel that I really had an opportunity to grow in that area," Lucas told the WCR during the 80th annual archdiocesan convention.

"Secondly, it's the people. You make wonderful friends.

"You get an opportunity to meet people from across the province and across Canada as we take part in various conventions."

Through spirituality and sisterhood, members of the league try to be right out there in the community helping those in need.

"Rootedness in Gospel values is what we're all about," emphasized Lucas, who belongs to St. Joseph's Basilica Council.

Mable Solomon has been with the league for 20 years. She belongs to St. Francis of Assisi Council and is the archdiocesan education and health convener.

"It's the sisterhood that I enjoy the most. We all feel like we belong to each other because it's an organization of our faith."

A great deal of what Solomon does is to provide leadership, and training for those who want to learn about the faith and about the Catholic position on different issues of the day.

"But I believe that leadership really begins with being of service to others."

June Fuller of Holy Family Council in St. Albert echoed Lucas and Solomon.

"I enjoy coming out and being with all these wonderful ladies and just deepening my faith in God.

"The support and encouragement that I receive from these ladies, both on the personal and faith levels, are just tremendous."

Becky Kallal grew up in a CWL home: Her grandmother and mother were active members.

"The league just gives you so many opportunities. For me, the most important thing that the league does is that it allows the average Catholic woman to have her voice heard at the provincial government level or the national government level on issues that are important to all of us."

For example, when asked on what she has done on issues like euthanasia, Kallal can say with integrity she belongs to the largest women's organization in Canada and that they have approached the government with their views on the issue.

"To me that is really powerful," said Kallal, who was made a CWL life member, during the convention. The archdiocese currently has 10 life members.

Life members are given special voting privileges at the national, provincial and diocesan conventions. They also may be asked to serve on committees of national council.

Kallal presently works with the national resolutions committee that prepares resolutions to go to the federal government.

While being a member of the CWL is a worthy cause for women, there are also challenges.

"I think the challenge for our younger women is balancing the time they spend raising a family, work and devoting some time to the various CWL activities."

This means that there is often limited involvement by younger members. Mature women however feel they need to carry things forth and make sure that they are heard.

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