CWL Newsletter 2022 Jan-Feb
2022-2023 Executive Team
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Fr. Oliver Iwuchukwu CSSp.
PRESIDENT
Therese Baduria
PRESIDENT ELECT
Mary Kelly
Membership & Organization
Mary Kelly
Treasurer
Costanza Deluca
Secretary
Maria Sol Tellis
Spiritual Development
Melrose McGill
Christian Family Life
Tina Zappulla
Community Life
Cheryl Mascarenhas
Communications
Ruth McDonnell
Education & Health
Mary-Louise Morris
Resolution & Legislation
Paola Protain
Past Presidents
Marla Tanuan & Kim Deans
2022-2023 Theme Prayer
Let us pray:
Loving Father, open our
hearts to your infinite love
for all people and to your
presence with us where
ever we go in Your Name.
Lord Jesus, deepen the
spiritual life of the Catholic Women’s League.
Strengthen the faith and good works of our
members, building up the
life in the world by being
Catholic and Living It!
May we imitate you with
works of mercy, welcoming
the forgotten, suffering or
vulnerable where ever we
encounter them.
Holy Spirit,
strengthen us to live our faith,
witnessing to life, peace and
social justice daily where ever
we are in Canada.
Through the intercession of
Our Lady of Good Counsel,
may we be joyful and responsive
to our Christian Calling, by truly
being Catholic and Living It.
We make this prayer through
Jesus, our Teacher and Messiah,
who lives and reigns with the
Father and the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Greetings from Fr Oliver Iwuchukwu. Spiritual Advisor
Dear Sisters of the League,
As we begin our journey through this New Year, we must find it in us to thank God for another opportunity to set new goals for our League, and to dream new dreams with a new leadership team to guide us. Of course we are in the midst of a pandemic. But we are a people of faith. This is why, even as we live under the shadow of this virus, we must always look forward to the future, not with fear and trembling, but with trust in God and with the hope that the future will be better than the past. Because the future we are looking forward to is in the hand of a good and loving God, we have every reason to believe that, according to C.S. Lewis, “There are far, far better things ahead than we leave behind.”
May God bless us and keep us safe as we journey, one step at a time, though the year that is only a few days old.
Fr Oliver
Fr Oliver Iwuchukwu
President's Message
THERESE BADRIA
Dear Sisters in the League,
God’s blessings to all of you and your families, as we welcome the new year 2022.
For the past two years, we have been faced with so many challenges due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Praying that this new year will bring us brighter and joyful hope.
Allow me to share a little bit about me: Since 1 997, our family has been with St. Joseph’s Parish, serving the community in many ministries. Our three children were altar servers, my hubby and I are Eucharistic Ministers and I am a Lector. I am a member ofCWL for 15 years, having served as Treasurer for one term of two years. Outside of the Parish, I am involved with another religious lay organization, Missionary Families of Christ.
I am very excited to share with you my loving personal relationship and experience with God as we journey with our theme “Catholic and Living It”.
Please include us, your new Executive, in your prayers, as we work together “to grow in faith and to witness to the love of God thorough ministry and service.”
Yours in Christ,
Therese
Mary Kelly, President-Elect
I am, a 45 year member of the CWL here at St.Joseph’s Parish. You may have seen and heard me as alector for about 25 years. I am a mother of two adultsand grandmother of two boys whom I enjoy. As anumber of our executive members are new to theirpositions, I look forward to working with them and, Iam sure some new and exciting ideas.
MARY KELLY
Costanza De Luca, Treasurer
Costanza De Luca
Everyone calls me Connie. I have been living in this area and a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church for 42years. I have held Chair positions of Community Life and Education and Health the past. I also taughtSunday school at St. Joseph’s for four years. I have 3daughters and 3 granddaughters, and although they do not all live in the area, they have all been a part of our church as well. St. Joseph’s has always been an important part of my life so taking this next step in the role of Treasurer only seemed natural. I look forward to taking on this new challenge and working with you all. God bless you.
Maria Sol Tellis, Secretary
I am a long time parishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish.I’ve been a Eucharistic Minister for over 10 years and have served the parish in other capacities. I was theResolutions and Legislations Chair in 2011-2012. To accept the post of the Secretary is a great opportunity to serve the community. I am honoured to be a member of the Executive Team for 2022-2023. I look forward to learning a lot and counting on the expertise and experience of our senior members.
I wish to grow deeper in faith with my CWL sisters by giving God complete freedom to do what is best for us.
Maria Sol Tellis
A big thank you to the outgoing Executive Team led by Kim Deans & Marla Tanuan
Message from the Past Presidents
Happy New Year CWL Sisters!
We are looking forward to new term as Past Presidents and we’re excited to be working with Therese Baduria and her new executive team.
Kim Deans:
I came to St. Joseph’s in 1998 and joined the church through the RCIA in the 1999/2000 year.I joined the CWL in 2013 and accepted the role of Catholic Family Life chair in 2017. It has been a pleasure working with our current executive for the past three years and I look forward to the next two years working with this new executive.
Marla Tanuan:
I am a cradle-Catholic and educated by the Dominicans through-out my formative years. My family and I moved into Highland Creek in 2000, but had been constant visitors to the parish before then because of our friendship with Fr. Locky Flanagan, who was the Spiritual Advisor of our lay Catholic renewal community.
I joined CWL in 2013 and served as Treasurer from 2015 to 2018. It was fulfilling to be able to use my God-given talent and skill in this capacity. The friendships God cultivated through the CWL sisters were life changing. As co-President for 3 years with Kim, I learned a lot more despite the challenges we faced in cancelling most of the council’s traditional activities.
As Past Presidents, we look forward to being able to contribute to CWL’s growth in faith, service and social justice and pass on my knowledge and experiences to future CWL executives and members in order to give glory to God.
We love the new theme that has come down from national – ‘Catholic and Living it’. The focus on faith is near and dear to our hearts. It’s going to be an exciting two years – ending with our 70th anniversary and, if the changes in the strategic plan come through, the executive after this one will look very different from the current format.
Christian Family Life by Tina Zappulla, Chair
Tina Zappulla
Fun Facts About Me:
I have three grown children and six grandchildren. I have been a member of the CWL for approximately 27 years. I taught catechism many years ago. I really enjoyed working with the kids atSunday school and teaching them to have a relationship with Jesus. Now that my parents have both passed away I want to give back to my community and the CWL.
32nd Annual Ordinandi Dinner
What: 32nd Annual Ordinandi Dinner Virtual
Why: To celebrate new priestly vocations
The Ordinandi Dinner is a dinner to hear about the unique faith journey that leadsome fine men to the most noblecommitment vocation: the priesthood. The transitional deacons who will be ordained tthe Priesthood this year. At the Ordinandi,the CWL offers a Spiritual Bonquet of prayerpledges: masses, rosaries, stations of thecross, sacrifices, etc. As done in the past, weare once again collecting your spiritualofferings. Please be generous in supportingour Ordinandi with your prayers. This is freeof any costs, just your prayers. These menneed our prayers to sustain their journey.
Attached to this newsletter is the form foryour pledges. Please fill this out and return iby email to:
tinazappulla6@gmail.com or drop it off at the Parish Office by January24th.
Marriage Sunday
Where: St. Michael's Cathedral
This will be presided by his Excellency Bishop Robert Kasun.
Seating is limited but the mass will be live streamed.
Communications by Ruth McDonnell, Chair
Fun Facts About Me:
Happy New Year,Sisters of the League! I will be your Communications Chair for the next 2 years. I have been a parishioner of St. Joseph’s for 45 years, a music minister for over 35 years at the Saturday evening mass, and a CWL member for 4 years. I have 2 boys, aged 7 and 8 who attend one of our local Catholic schools, whereI also serve on the Parent’s Council. I look forward to getting to know more of you as I learn this new role you have given me.
Ruth McDonnell
Toronto Diocesan Council Newsletter, The Toronto Diocesan Council
Newsletters are available for purchase to all members. In it you will find reports, directives and many items of interest from our Toronto DioceseCouncil.
If you are interested please take a look at the website for subscriptions: www.cwltoronto.ca or call Lucia 416-283-3536 (TDC Newsletter Editor) if you wish to subscribe the cost is $12.00 for three issues per year deadline is January 30th for 2022 subscriptions
National – TO INSPIRE – Youtube
The National has created a new portion to their website called TO INSPIRE – take a look at the new section on the National Website www.cwl.ca
Called TO INSPIRE – https://cwl.ca/to-inspire/ A new way of introducing what the League is all about and to reaffirm why you are a member.Take a look at all the Youtube videos at the bottom of the page.
To learn all about The Catholic Women’s League and the reason as to why you are a member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu7AvXpLoMjQIIZsSaeFuSA/featured
You can follow the CWL updates onTwitter, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Be Inspired!
CWL Websites as your resources
REMEMBER to view these websites on WEB WEDNESDAY!
Community Life by Cheryl Mascarenhas, Chair
Cheryl Mascarenhas
Fun Facts About Me:
A Happy New Year dear CWL sisters. I was previously Health & Education Chair which has been an enriching experience. I moved to Canada in 2016 with my family and joined the CWL soon after.
Working with the community is something that has always been close to my heart and am always happy to be involved in community activities. Ever since I was in university, I have enjoyed being involved in church activities like Sunday School, being a lector, and being a part of theParish Council. Looking forward to working with all my sisters in the League and serving the community as best as we can.
National Communique #5 under Community Life contains much information on the areas of responsibility.I encourage you to read this communique of social justice issues.
Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
National Voluntary Charity CNEWA
Giving you the knowledge as to one of the charities that we at St. Joseph support with our funds for the National Voluntary Charity CNEWA
Watch the documentary: WITNESSES OF HOPE – A CNEWA TV Special on Christians in the Middle East
In recent years, the Middle East has been covered by clouds of war, violence and destruction, threatening the existence of Christianity in the region. In partnership with Salt + Light Media, this Web/TVSpecial will explore how Christians in theMiddle East are affected, their important role and how to help. For more information, please visit https://www.cnewa.ca
Education and Health by Mary-Louise Morris, Chair
Facts About Me:
I have been a parishioner of St. Joseph’s for 21 years. I work in the financial industry and am the proud mom of 2 beautiful children. I have volunteered with the RCIA Program as a sponsor for the past couple of year and most recently, have been a member of the Saturday 5:00pm User & Greeting Team during the pandemic. These have been great experiences for me and most of all, I treasured the people I have met and the new friendships I have made. I’m excited to be your new Education andHealth Committee Chair and look forward to working with all the beautiful women of the CWL in serving the community of St. Joseph’s
Mary-Louise Moris
Mary Dobell Pro-Life Essay andPoetry Writing Contest
This essay and poetry writing contest is open to Intermediate ( Grades 7, 8 and 9) and Senior ( Grades 10, 11 and 12)
Jean McCann Youth Service Award
This award recognizes the role playedin our parish by confirmed youth (ages15-18) who exemplify service to otherswithin their community.
The Toronto Diocesan Level submissions for the following contests are due to the Diocesan contact Connie Cristinziano at ccristinziano@rogers.com as follows.
- Mary Dobell Pro-Life Essay & Poetry Contest March 14, 2022
- Jean McCann Youth Service Award Contest by March 14, 2022
St Michael’s College Scholarship
This $3000 scholarship is awarded to qualified students in our parish community, who are making St.Michael’s College at the University of Toronto their 1st choice for their postsecondary education.
Applications are to be sent directly to the Diocesan contact by June 30, 2022
Resolutions and Legislation by Paola Protain, Chair
Paola Protain
Facts About Me:
The Catholic Women’s League has been part of my family for many years as the women in my family have been and are members. I have been a member since 2002. Since my family moved to this area, St. Joseph has been my parish and during my time as a student at Cardinal Leger Catholic School many years ago. I have two daughters, one age 20 (who is also a 4-year member of CWL) and a 13 year old, who belong to St. Joseph’s Parish, active in this community and have supported many of the CWL events throughout the years. I am looking forward to my term in the role of Resolutions and Legislation Standing Committee Chair for the next two years. This will be a learning curve for me, but I promise to keep everyone of you up-to-date on the legislation and resolutions as they come to pass.
New year, why not start with a resolution!
Your resolution could be for a social justice issue or a resolution that will speak for the vulnerable and those who have no voice.
Do you have an idea for a resolution?
If you have an issue that you would like to discuss, I welcome all your ideas, please feel free to come to me to discuss further action.
I would love to hear all your ideas on ways we can support those who need our voice.
I encourage everyone to have a look at these two websites to gain even further knowledge on past Resolutions, www.cwl.ca
The second link below is a detailed PowerPoint presentation on Legislation workshops.
This year’s resolutions will be announced in the upcoming months!
Spiritual Development by Melrose McGill, Chair
Facts About Me:
Dear sisters of the League, I feel so privileged to be part of this sisterhood. I came to Canada fromIndia in 2010 with my husband Lyndon and 3-year-old son Tyler and we have been part of the parish ever since. I volunteered with the Sunday School, Children’s Liturgy and Rosary Apostolate. I was a stay-at-home mom for 5 years before I began working at Metro as a cake decorator till2019. As I am a certified teacher, in order to gain Canadian experience I worked as an Educational Assistant for 2 years and thoroughly enjoyed working with kids with special needs. This year I got hired as anOccasional Teacher with the TCDSB. I miss my one and only sister who lives inAustralia, so I decided to bond with many new SISTERS in the CWL.
As a Spiritual Development Chair for this new term, I hope to increase our love and devotion to Our Blessed Mother who guides and protects us.
Melrose McGill
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service 2022
When: Sunday, January 23, 2022, 4:00 pm
Where: Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church 920 Progress Ave.,Scarborough
Join Cardinal Thomas Collins and a wide representation of Christian leaders to pray for the restoration of full visible unity willed by Jesus Christ for the Church. This event is jointly organized by the Office for Promoting Christian Unity and the Greater Toronto Area Council of Christian Churches. All are welcome to attend in person or watch the livestream on Facebook.
For details, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Gm0CZj
Organization and Membership by Mary Kelly, Chair
Membership Renewal Membership
Renewal is now OVERDUE!
If you have already paid THANK YOU!
To submit your payment for 2022, mark your envelope: “CWL MEMBERSHIP” and if you are writing a cheque, please make it payable to: St. Joseph’s CWL.
Here are the ways that you can accomplish this task:
- You may drop it in the collection baskets at any Mass that you attend.
- You can drop it off at the Parish Office during office hours.
- You can pay by e-transfer send to stjosephscwlhc@gmail.com or call Lucia 416-283-3536
The $25.00 fee is set by the Council which includes the national fees.
Here is the breakdown: National receives $13.50,Provincial $3.00 and Diocese $4.00 per person a total of $20.50 the rest covers the Regional fees and any service pins purchased. Not much is left in the General Account.
Executive Orientation Program
It is a National self-directed program to learn about the League. Go to www.cwl.ca Resources 800 Series to see all the available workshops https://cwl.ca/resources/800-series-workshops/ look for the https://cwl.ca/executive-orientation/
The various modules give each of the members the opportunity to discover and understand the protocols and structure of the League.
Not just for Executives. It is for EveryMember!
The programs have been developed aslearning tools for the new Strategic Plan for the future of the League.
Development Day
Saturday, February 12th
Theme: Living Justice: A CWL Response
This is an annual event and is open to all
Now Virtual Only
Please email Mary at marybck@bell.net if you are interested to attend
Christmas Cards
CWL Collection
CALLING ALL SISTERS WHO LOVE TO READ
The C.W.L. Book Club meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Please contact: Jackie (416-266-4604) for more details. These are the books we will discussing:
| Month | Book | Author | Year | Pages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Miss Benson’s Beetle | Rachel Jones | 2020 | 337 |
| February | American Dirt | Jeanine Cummins | 2020 | 386 |
| March | The German House | Annette Hess | 2017 | 336 |
| April | Little Fires Everywhere | Celeste Ng | 2017 | 338 |
| May | This Is How It Always Is | Laurie Frankel | 2017 | 336 |
| June | The Rose Code | Kate Quinn | 2021 | 624 |
DATES TO REMEMBER
| January 13 (Thursday) | New Year’s Wellness Spa 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL |
| January 22 (Saturday) | Scarborough Region Winter Event 10:00-12:30 VIRTUAL |
| January 23 (Sunday) | Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service 4:00-5:00p.m. (in-person and livestream options) |
| January 24 (Monday) | Deadline to submit Spiritual Bouquet pledges for the Ordinandi |
| January 30 (Sunday) | Deadline to subscribe to the Toronto Diocesan Council Newsletter |
| February 12 (Saturday) | Toronto Diocesan Council Development Day Virtual 10:00 a.m.-3:00p.m. |
| February 15 (Tuesday) | General Meeting 7:00p.m. Rosary 7:30p.m. Meeting |
| March 1 (Tuesday) | Ordinandi Dinner (VIRTUAL) |
| March 4 (Friday) | World Day of Prayer |
| March 14 (Monday) | General Meeting 7:00p.m. Rosary 7:30p.m. Meeting |
| March 24 (Thursday) | Scarborough Region General Regional Meeting 7:00p.m. |
Mission Statement
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love ofGod through ministry and service.
Core Values
Faith – following Catholic teaching
Service – local, national and international
Social Justice – actively involved in society
Core Purpose
Uniting Catholic women to grow in faith, and to promote social justice through service to the church, Canada and the world.
Objects of the League
The objects of the League were established to unite Catholic Women of Canada to:
Achieve individual and collective spiritual development.
Promote the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Exemplify the Christian ideal in home and family life.
Protect the sanctity of human life.
Enhance the role of women in church and society.
Recognize the human dignity of all people everywhere.
Uphold and defend Christian education and values in the modern world.
Contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace and harmony.
The Promise of the League
For the glory of God and the good of God’s people
I promise as a Catholic woman to honour, invoke and imitate our patroness, Our Lady of Good Counsel.
I promise to be loyal member of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada and to promote its interests andgrowth in every way.
I promise to cooperate withe officers in all programs under their directions and to conform to the best ofmy ability to the by-laws of the organization in all League activities.
Amen,
League Prayer
We humbly pray You, O God our Father, to bless The Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
Bless our beloved country, our homes and families. Send Your Holy Spirit upon us to give light to ourminds and strength to our wills that we may know and fulfill your great law of charity.
Teach us to share with others at home and abroad, the good things You have given us.
This we ask through Our Lord Jesus Christ and the intercession of our patroness,
Our Lady of Good Counsel.