WelCom March 2024
Christine Paterson
Members of the Archdiocese of Wellington Catholic Women’s League branches are preparing to celebrate a major milestone of 80 years of ‘Faith and Service in Action’ along with the recently incorporated branches from the Taranaki region.
CWL has played a crucial role in voluntary social work, launching women into public activities and developing leadership skills. We invite all who have been CWL members, or those interested in CWL, to join our celebrations at our conference over the weekend of 16 and 17 March, at St Bernadette’s Church Hall, Naenae, Lower Hutt.
A keynote speaker will be Joy Cowley with topics including exploration of clerical and feminine spirituality.
The now biennial CWL National Conferences have become a foundation for idea exchange, policymaking, mission discussions, and exploration of national themes. Mission support is our cornerstone, with a unique allocation system of fair distribution. CWL’s mission support includes responses to natural disasters in New Zealand and the South Pacific, support for Māori Missions and the annual national ‘Mission at Home’ appeals, which continue to have importance nationally and locally.
The spiritual dimension, integral to the League, has been nurtured by dedicated national, diocesan, and branch chaplains. Ecumenical events, including participation in the World Day of Prayer, showcase CWL’s commitment to active roles in community life.
Internationally, CWL is part of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO), promoting principles and leadership. Responses to WUCWO questionnaires, Days of Prayer and participation in international assemblies highlight CWL’s global engagement.
We welcome as many people as possible who have past and current connections with the CWL to join us at our conference and celebrations this month.
Please contact the CWL archdiocesan secretary, Helen Greig at archdio.sec@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Christine Paterson is CWL Wellington Archdiocesan Chaplain.
