St. Louis Catholic Women's League Waterloo, Ontario

06/03/2026

05/26/2026

Another meeting with government, this one in Ottawa with National CWL.

A delegation from the League is in Ottawa this week to meet with members of parliament (MPs) about issues that matter to members! The delegation began its day at Parliament Hill with a celebration of the Eucharist organized by MP Garnett Genius (Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan). The celebrant was Fr. Timothy Nelligan, a retired priest from the Military Ordinariate.

Left to right: National Chairperson of Service Madonna Clark, National President Betty Colaneri, MP Garnett Genius, Fr. Timothy Nelligan, National Chairperson of Social Justice Jessie Parkinson and National Vice-President Glenda Carson.

05/18/2026

Hello ladies. I am sure you are all into gardening activities as I pen this on the May long weekend - whether in ground or pots on balconies!
You are invited to our June 3rd meeting starting with Mass at 6 p.m. Potluck dinner where we get to sample many flavours will follow. Please bring your own dishes/cutlery to cut down on waste. We will have a fun sing-a-long of music we all know and love after dinner. Please join your CWL sisters in celebrating this season of spring and summer growth before we take a break until September 2nd.

Reminder: we are collecting household items for the Better Tent City. See the April newsletter for details.

05/18/2026

Congratulations and blessings to Fr. Phil Reilly, CR on this 45th anniversary of your ordination to priesthood! Ad multos anos.

05/18/2026

Pope Francis' encyclical - linked to resolutions from the CWL by Hilarion Mitchell, Ont The Catholic Women's League of Canada Ontario Provincial Council

𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐢’ 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (May 17–24) This week, we join Catholics around the world in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week 2026, marking the anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home and embrace integral ecology.

The 2026 theme, 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, invites us to move from inspiration to commitment — one concrete step at a time.

Read more from Hilarion Mitchell OPC Social Justice Chair: https://cwl.on.ca/laudato-si-week-2026/

As CWL members, we ignite the inner flame of faith into outward acts that help renew creation and serve His mission

Choose your action this week:
🌱 Host a prayer service or dialogue on Care for Our Common Home
🌱 Reduce energy use at home or in your parish
🌱 Review purchasing practices with sustainability in mind

Study and implement one of our CWL environmental or social responsibility resolutions:
✨ 2023.01 Combating Textile Waste in Canada — urging federal programs and subsidies to reduce textile waste
✨ 2022.01 Reduce Food Loss and Waste — calling for legislation to reduce food waste across Canada’s agri‑food sectors
✨ 2019.02 Support for the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons — urging Canada to sign and ratify the treaty
✨2018.02 National Standards for “Flushable” Products — calling for clear testing and labelling standards

🔥 Every small act becomes a spark of hope.
🔥 Every spark becomes a witness of faith.
🔥 Together, we care for creation — together, we live Laudato Si’.

05/11/2026

National Family & Life Week • May 10–17, 2026

“I am with you always.” — Matthew 28:20

This week, we join Catholics across Canada in celebrating the gift of family and the sacred value of every human life. As the CCCB reminds us, Christ walks with us in our laughter, our struggles, and our everyday moments — strengthening our bonds and calling us to lift one another up.

The Ontario Provincial Council invites all members to reflect:
How do our lives proclaim the joy and gift of life?
Where is Christ inviting our families to grow in gratitude, compassion, and witness?

Looking for ways to participate?
✨ Share the NFLW promo video
✨ Download family activities
✨ Host a parish prayer evening
✨ Coordinate a family service project

Read more from Sue Lubowitz, OPC Service Chairperson, and explore resources for your council:
👉 https://cwl.on.ca/national-family-and-life-week-2026/

05/11/2026

Be sure to sign up for the free courses available to all League members! These are to help broaden your understanding and equip you with supportive tools.

Email [email protected] to share which courses you are interested in to register. The courses begin on May 31, 2026.

05/08/2026

On Friday, 1 May 2026, the CCCB presidency met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in his office on Parliament Hill.

🔗 Read the full media release: https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/cccb-president-and-vice-president-meet-with-the-prime-minister-of-canada/

05/03/2026

CWL General Meeting, May 6 at 7:30. Crowning of Mary ceremony at the end of Mass! Followed by the annual PIN ceremony.

Guest speaker is Paul Landini from St. Louis fit Club.

Our beautiful magnolia marking spring! Father Phil kindly sent me the pix.

04/23/2026

On Sunday, April 26th, members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada are invited to come together in prayer through a special Mass in honour of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

This Mass is offered for the intentions of living and deceased members, their families, spiritual advisors and for the continued well-being of the League. Celebrated by Cardinal Thomas Collins and prerecorded at the Manresa Jesuit Spiritual Renewal Centre (Pickering, Ontario), the scripture readings were read by National President Betty Colaneri.

As women of faith, members are called to live their faith with purpose and conviction. This Mass provides a meaningful opportunity to ignite our passion through prayer and to be renewed in our commitment to empower His mission in our parishes, communities and beyond.

The Mass will be broadcast on the following networks:

· Daily TV Mass

· FaithTV

· JoyTV

· Salt + Light TV

· Vision TV

· Yes TV

Please note that broadcast times may vary by location. Viewers are encouraged to consult their local listings for schedule details.

May we be guided by the wisdom of Our Lady of Good Counsel, strengthened in unity and inspired to continue our service “for God and Canada.”