WelCom December 2016:
Diocesan News
Kathleen Blackburn
Looking back over the year, a ‘stand out’ for the Catholic Women’s League New Zealand was our national conference in Christchurch, in July, with the theme of Mercy and the inclusion of young people. Students from St Mary’s primary school and Villa Maria College shared their impressions of the meaning of Mercy, giving conference participants joy and hope for the future.
Our ‘mercy’ journey continued through the year. In Wellington, members took part in parish pilgrimages to enter the Mercy doors. Onslow CWL hosted a reflection evening on the presentation, which had been given by Sr Ann Gilroy rsl about integration of creation at the national conference, and in Otari Parish, members held a fundraiser for refugee reunification.
The Kapiti regional meeting hosted Bill O’Brien, Sophie Elliott Foundation Trustee and co-author of the relationships programme for senior students, Loves-Me-Not. Fundraising for the foundation, our ‘At Home Appeal’ for 2016, continues in all dioceses. Contributions will be used to develop resources for the Sophie Elliott Foundation relationship programme.
Our commitment to Aotearoa New Zealand Religious Against Trafficking of Humans (ANZRATH) continues with our membership of the Wellington group.
In Palmerston North Diocese, diocesan President Rae O’Grady with CWL members’ support, spoke to parishes about CWL history, our goals and aims, support for the Sophie Elliott Foundation, raising awareness among our members of social issues, and CWL support of Pacific Mission communities.
CWL members in New Plymouth help monthly with Community Meals and with afternoon teas for the disabled group, All Stars, who attend a YMCA programme.
CWLANZ wishes you blessings at Christmas.
Kathleen Blackburn is National President Catholic Women’s League of New Zealand Inc.