We are the local council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada, founded on October 8, 1959, and operating out of Corpus Christi Parish in Calgary.

Catholic women in Canada were first organized in the Edmonton Archdiocese in November 1912 to assist with the care and placement of the ever-increasing influx of immigrants from Europe and elsewhere.  The movement gradually spread to the port cities and other major centres across Canada – to Montreal in 1917, Toronto in 1918, Halifax the following year, and then to Ottawa, Sherbrooke, and Saint John, New Brunswick.  In 1920, these groups were invited to meet in Montreal to establish a national group of Catholic women.

From its organizational beginnings, as now, the League perceived the need for Catholic lay women’s action in all aspects of Canadian life.  The League crest and seal – the cross surmounting the maple leaves with the words “The  Catholic Women’s League of Canada – For God and Canada” in the surrounding circle was designed by Mrs. Emmett Mullally.

The main thrust of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is, and has always been, the spiritual development of its members, both individually and collectively.  The activities of the League, since its original purpose of aiding immigrants, have broadened and, in recent years, the emphasis has been on issues concerning the sanctity of life, social justice, human dignity, the preservation of  Christian family life and the concept of a preferential option for the poor. We come together for faith, fun and fulfillment.

Who we are:
We are the voice of Catholic women united in faith, promoting Christian values in the home and in the world.

What we offer:
We offer hospitality, friendship, sisterhood, support and affirmation that empowers women to reach their full potential.

What we do:
We provide faith based opportunities for spiritual growth, leadership development and many avenues for service and social justice.

Why we do it:
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service. As Catholic women, we are called to take our place, speak the truth and renew our commitment to holiness through service to the people of God — to fortify the family, create sanctuaries of peace and be the Good News to all.

Principle Ministries:

• to plan, develop and coordinate programs directed toward the individual and collective spiritual development of members as envisioned by the documents of Vatican II
• to encourage and support the development of Christian values, and in particular the image of the family, throughout society
• to represent Catholic women and their views on topics of national interest and importance, and to communicate those views to church, government and society at large
• to plan, direct and coordinate the work of Catholic women in support of religious, charitable and community activities
• to provide a vehicle for communication and the development of Christian companionship among Catholic women everywhere

Subscribe to our website to get emailed when new information is added. For details on the steps to do that, see our Members page.

For more information on the Catholic Women's League of Canada, please see our Calgary Diocesan website, the Alberta Mackenzie Provincial CWL Council website, or the National CWL website.