The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church recently marked 70 years of service to church and community.
During their wind-up mass and supper on Monday, June 1, the ladies of the CWL and their guests celebrated the group’s long history by honouring outstanding members and initiating two new members.
Father Paul Bringleson and acting president Lucille Rossington hosted the event at St. Ann’s.
First, the two new members, Johanna Shortreed and Dianne Russell, were welcomed into the league.
Next, four members received their 25-year pins, namely Marlene Poirier, Evelyn Oliynyk, Bev Beever and Jan Gourlay.
Three very surprised ladies received Maple Leaf service pins: Maureen Fox, Donna Coles and Bernadette Benson, who was also presented with her 45-year pin.
Helen Schaff, who joined the CWL just five years after it was established in Flin Flon, received her 65-year service pin.
Blanche Kryschuk, who was escorted to the podium by Father Paul, received the Bellelle Guerin Award for her dedication to the CWL.
Kryschuk, who has served on various executive positions locally, and at the Diocesan and provincial levels, was seen as a most deserving member.
St Ann’s CWL presently has 63 members with about 35 of them active.
The CWL was organized in 1944 with the first election of officers held in November of that year. The group received its charter on June 5, 1945.
In June 2014, the CWL ladies held a banquet to reflect on seven decades of service with speeches, photos and extended conversations.
The CWL is an underpinning of St. Ann’s, assisting the church with financial and volunteer backing as needed.
But it is so much more. Members cater funerals, organize teas, support charities, and, when requested, spend time with hospital patients in need of a friendly face.
The ladies are involved with Meals on Wheels, the Remembrance Day service, the Relay for Life cancer-fighting fundraiser and in awarding high school bursaries, to name but a few initiatives.
– Gail Baker, with files from The Reminder
