May and June 2014

Thanks to all who supported the first ever St. Anthony CWL garage sale! In spite of the cool weather, our ladies braved the tables for three days and we raised about $1200.00! Thanks again, to Pat, for the use of her garage.

Thank you, also, to Rosemary A for organizing our bake sale at the Farmer’s Market on May 24th!
Our finances are in a little better shape now. Perhaps, next year, we will combine the two events……..just a thought!

Currently, we have 108 CWL members in our council.

Some of our ladies, with the help of friends, have been diligently creating corsages for the mothers and fathers in our local nursing homes. Thank you to Elizabeth K for spearheading the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day projects for the past few years. The residents of our homes are very appreciative!

Our Grade 12 students will soon be finishing their exams and preparing for graduation. All grade 12 students who are members of St. Anthony’s parish are eligible to receive a crucifix, donated by the CWL, the Knights of Columbus and our parish. God bless all our students as they soon complete another school year!

Our ladies continue to provide a social opportunity for the residents of Dr. Cooke Extendicare, on the first Wednesday of each month, by assisting with the Bingo.
Additional workers are always welcome!

The 90 anniversary celebration of St. Anthony CWL council will be held this September in conjunction with the parish’s 100 anniversary.
Ann R has been updating our history book. The anniversary celebration is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 21st with 11 a.m. mass followed by a social in our new hall. God willing, the new hall will be ready!

Our New Zone 4 chairperson is Ann R. Zone 4 consists of the CWL councils from Wainwright, Vermilion, Provost and Lloydminster. Thank you, Ann for taking on this job!

The Olive Tree ministry is always looking for helpers. Please contact Christine A if you are able to help.

Our June social was held on Wednesday, June 11 at St. Joseph Mission House, near Marshall. Mother Cynthia and Brother Graham greeted our group that evening. We had a tour of the grounds, followed by our picnic lunches. Afterwards, we had a tour of the inside of the Mission House. Mother Cynthia explained the history behind their ministry – moving from BC to assist Fr. Ron D with his ministry, here in Saskatchewan, in the First Nation communities and how things blossomed.
The ministry in Onion Lake is growing, with God’s grace.
Let us continue to pray for Mother Cynthia and Brother Graham! Thank you for your hospitality and May God continue to bless you!

Have a wonderful summer!

God bless you and your families,
Edna H
President, St. Anthony’s CWL council Lloydminster

April 2014

The Month of March has come and gone.
We took part in the World Day of Prayer at the Salvation Army church on Friday, March 7th. The service was held just before noon and concluded with a lovely meal in the church hall. This year’s theme was “Streams in the Desert”. The service was prepared by the people of Egypt.

Several of our members also led a World Day of Prayer service at the Dr. Cooke Extendicare home on Tuesday, March 4th. Appreciation goes out to all those who helped!

Our Regular CWL March meeting was held on Wednesday, March 12th. My goodness our parish is busy!
First Communion classes were also held that evening, as well as the parish pastoral council.

Our ladies led the Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 14th. Thanks to all who helped out.

A few of us attended the Zone 4 meeting in Vermilion on Saturday, March 15th at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Zone 4 consists of CWL councils from Vermilion, Wainwright, Provost and Lloydminster. It was good to share what each council does! Ladies from Wainwright were interested in the Prayer Shawl ministry, so information was forwarded to them. Fr. Roger Rouleau spoke to us on “Seeing God in Others”, and a couple from Vermilion shared their experiences in visiting Medjugorje. Wainwright council has a very successful garage sale which they have held for the past many years. (Looks like this might be something we’ll try).
Thank you to Zone Chair Donna for organizing the day!

Our regular CWL April meeting was held on Wednesday, April 2nd. We started the meeting with prayers for those who are ill and then watched a DVD with Char Vance on her conversion experience during/after visiting Medjugorje on the one year anniversary of the first apparition. With a great deal of humour, she shared how her life in broadcasting experienced highs and lows, during which time, the Holy Spirit touched her and “healed her head”.

At the meeting, we decided to hold two fundraisers in May.

GARAGE SALE: Thursday, May 1 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, May 2nd from 4 p.m to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 3rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be held at 5403 – 15 St.
Please phone ahead if you wish to drop off items – 780-875-0470. Also if you are able to volunteer your time, please indicate so. We are looking for all sort of household items, but no clothes, please.

FARMERS’ MARKET BAKE TABLE: Saturday, May 24th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum Parking Lot Farmers’ Market.
Please mark your donated baking with a list of ingredients. Drop off at the Farmers’ Market location that morning after 9 a.m. (Apparently, pies, buns and bread are the most popular items for purchase!)
If you are able to volunteer your time, please phone Rosemary at 780-874-9246.

MAY 8 ALBERTA MARCH FOR LIFE: support the ProLife movement through continued prayer and attendance at this event!

God bless,
Edna
President St. Anthony’s Catholic Women’s League Lloydminster

February 12 2014 Annual General Meeting Highlights

Stormy weather!
Thanks to all the ladies who came out to our AGM on Wednesday, February 12th at the Legacy Centre.
We had a lovely meal courtesy of Colleen’s Catering – delicious!
We followed that with a group photo which will be submitted to the Parish Directory for 2014. It is fitting as our council is celebrating 90 years this year! Pretty amazing!

Annual Reports were read to all present and are attached to this newsletter.

Up-Coming Events:

• World Day of Prayer hosted by the Salvation Army church on Friday, March 7th.
• Stations of the Cross led by our CWL on Friday, March 14th starting at 7 p.m. followed by 7:30 p.m. mass.
• Zone 4 meeting in Vermilion at Holy Name of Jesus parish starting at 9:30 a.m.
• Edmonton Diocesan CWL Convention in Edmonton on April 4-6, 2014

Keep our sick and homebound in your prayers.
God bless,
Edna

2013 President.doc
Christian Family Life 2013.docx
Communications 2013.doc
Community Life Report 2013.doc
CWLPast-Pres AnnualReport2014.docx
Funeral Luncheons 2013.doc
Organization Report 2013.docx
Spiritual Development 2013.doc

Date of Annual General Meeting and dinner

St. Anthony CWL Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be held on Wednesday, February 12th starting at 6 p.m at the Legacy Centre.
We hope you can join us!

January 2014 CWL news

St. Anthony CWL held their monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 8th. (Thankfully, our weather was a bit more cooperative!)

Items of interest from the meeting:

– a petition from Leon Benoit, MP, regarding the elimination of sex selection of Pre-born babies which could result in gender selective abortion, was circulated and mailed back to Mr. Benoit.
– CWL Diocesan Mid-Winter meeting will be held at St. Joseph Basilica in Edmonton on Saturday, February 8th.
– The annual reports have been mailed to our Zone 4 chair and the Edmonton Diocesan Organization chair. These reports will be included in the Annual reports presented at the April convention.
– 19th Annual Poster/Essay contest information has been copied and soon distributed in our Lloydminster Catholic Schools. The theme is “We have Seen the Lord”. The deadline to enter is February 28th. The winners are announced at the April convention.
– The February “Be League“, which is the National CWL website newsletter, will be dedicated to Alberta CWL councils. Our communications chairperson was asked to think of an item that could be submitted from St. Anthony’s council.
– The Edmonton Diocesan CWL convention will be held in Edmonton on April 4-6, at the Holiday Inn; Gateway Blvd.
Registration information will soon be available.
– Once again, St. Anthony CWL will be participating in “the Coldest Night of the Year” fundraising walk, for the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, at Bud Miller Park on February 22. If you are interested in walking or donating money, you may contact Edna at 306-825-2699.
Cheques are payable to “Coldest Night of the Year”; you may leave your donation at church in a marked envelope. Tax receipts are issued for donations of $20 and more.
– Next Festival of Praise is also on February 22 at St. Anthony’s.
– Our financial records are currently being “reviewed”. This is done annually. (Our fiscal year runs from January to December).
– St. Anthony CWL Annual General Meeting and dinner will be held at the Legacy Centre. Our Executive members will be presenting their Annual reports for 2013. Dinner is $20/person starting at 6 p.m. Please contact Edna at 306-825-2699, by February 10th, if you are interested in attending.
– Memberships for 2014: We currently have 87 members paid for 2014. If you have not paid your membership, please leave your $25 in an envelope, marked “CWL membership”, in Sunday’s collection basket or at the church office.
– Our Community Life chair reported that two large totes with personal hygiene products, etc, were donated to the Refugee Bag program. Thanks to all who supported this program. There are plans to host a Think Fast at Holy Rosary High School….watch for details in the future!
– OUR PARISH IS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS; ST. ANTHONY CWL IS CELEBRATING 90 YEARS IN 2014!!!
Plans are in the works for a parish celebration to be held on Sunday, September 21st after the 11 a.m. mass. Keep posted for more information!

That’s all for now.
God bless,
Edna
St. Anthony CWL President
Lloydminster

December 2013 news

Advent is quickly coming to an end. I hope everyone has had a chance to prepare their hearts for the coming of the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

On November 30th, we had a successful bakesale/raffle and lunch fundraiser. We raised $1300.00 Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time this day, including two members of Pathfinders. Thank you also for the baking, raffle items and lunch items that were supplied. Lunch was delicious, and the day was a great success.

One week later, on December 7th, a small group of brave souls came out in the cold to celebrate anniversary memberships of 12 of our ladies. Pat H led us in the annual Pin Presentation. Rosemarie S organized some games for us to play. Of course, food was available for all!

We will see you at our next meeting in 2014, on Wednesday, January 8th, starting at 7 p.m. in the basement of St. Anthony’s.

Until then, Merry Christmas to all!

Correction to Edmonton Diocesan website address

There is a new address for the Edmonton Diocesan CWL website.
It is www.edmontoncwl.org

God bless,
E

2014 Membership Drive is on!

Dear Ladies of St. Anthony’s Parish,

We are currently accepting new and renewed memberships to the Catholic Women’s League for 2014.
Our year runs from January to December.
Our membership fee is currently set at $25 for one year. Cheques are payable to St. Anthony’s CWL. You may put your cheque in an envelope marked “CWL” and leave it in the collection plate on Sunday or at the parish office during the week.

The membership fee includes The Canadian League magazine which comes out four times per year.
As we are a grass roots organization, $21 of the $25 we collect per person goes to Edmonton Diocesan council, the Alberta Mackenzie Provincial council and a portion to National Council. We retain but $4 of the total $25.

If you feel called to join a National Organization rooted in Gospel values, calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God, then we are for you!!

The national CWL website may be found at www.cwl.ca
The Edmonton Diocesan website is found at www.edm.cwl.ab.ca

Thank you!

November 2013 Meeting highlights

St. Anthony’s Catholic Women’s League met in the evening on Wednesday, November 13th.

At the beginning of each meeting, we have prayers for loved ones, for those who are sick, dying or deceased, and special intentions. Last evening, we prayed in a special way for Marlene’s daughter and her family who are dealing with sickness while travelling to Florida; for Elizabeth K.;
Joan R, whose son recently died of cancer; and for all the people of the Philippines.

Marlene then led in a reflection on Purgatory. She stressed the importance of praying for our deceased loved ones.

Correspondence items of interest:

• The Canadian Catholic Conference of Bishops are requesting all parishes and dioceses in Canada to have a special collection for the people of the Philippines who recently experienced a devastating Typhoon, leaving some for dead and many homeless.
• Volunteers are needed to help run the children’s programs for the up-coming Festival of Praise, November 23rd. Please contact the parish if you are able to help.
• In the recent Canadian League magazine, there were two postcard inserts entitled, “Pornography Hurts“. Members are urged to send one to Peter McKay, Federal Minster of Justice/Attorney General and the other to your Federal member of Parliament. These cards may be send postage-free.
• We received an email from the seminarian we have “adopted” who is attending St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton. His name is Ross C. and he is from the Hamilton Diocese. Over the past number of years, the Edmonton Diocesan Catholic Women’s League has linked a seminarian with a willing CWL council in the diocese who is able to give their support to a man preparing for the priesthood. Our council will be sending letters and cards of support to our seminarian from autumn 2013 to autumn 2014.
• A letter went out to St. Anthony Parish council regarding a possible joint anniversary celebration. Next year, St. Anthony Parish celebrates 100 years and St. Anthony CWL council celebrates 90 years. How can we celebrate these two events next year?

At the end of each year, Executive members complete an annual report which summarizes the accomplishments of each committee. Executive members are reminded to complete their reports by December 7th so the reports can then be compiled by the President, and eventually submitted to our Diocesan Council Executive. Our Diocesan council uses these reports to plan accordingly for the future.
Our Community Life chair, Barb B, has been busy with a Development and Peace initiative which asks us to individually voice our concerns about Canadian mining companies in other countries. Are best mining practises being used? Postcards were available at last weekend’s mass to which you could sign your name and then mail to our federal government.
Also, Barb B is asking members and parishioners alike, to provide personal hygiene items to the Refugee kits which are assembled by St. Charles council in Edmonton. These kits are given to refugees entering Canada. Barb has a list of most needed items on her collection container in the Narthex.

The Fall 2013 St. Anthony CWL newsletter is out!
Rosemarie S, who is our communications chair, will be distributing these to all members.

Our Past President, Ann R, is working on our council’s history. Ann will be contacting people who have headed special projects over the years to write up a summary which will then be compiled and made available for reading. Did you head up a special CWL project in the past?

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Saturday, November 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m in the BASEMENT of St. Anthony’s – CWL Bake sale and Lunch Spectacular!
Volunteers are needed for various areas. Please contact Rosemarie S. to help. The church elevator will be available and in use that day!! If you have difficulty with stairs, you may use the elevator!

Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. – in the BASEMENT of St. Anthony’s – ADVENT SOCIAL AND PIN PRESENTATION
Please join us as we recognize members who are celebrating significant membership years. Bring along a friend and a plate of goodies to share!

God bless you all,
Until next time….
Edna

October 2013 newsletter

Our most recent CWL meeting was held on Wednesday, October 9th starting at 7 p.m.

After our opening prayers, Marlene R presented a DVD on the testimony of Marino Restrepo, an actor, musician and composer who was born in Columbia, moved to Germany and later the USA. He had turned away from his Catholic faith as a teenager, experimenting with every angle that New Age could offer. When he was around the age of 46, his mother, wife and 3 other loved ones died, within the span of 4 years.
On Christmas Eve, with the encouragement of a family member, Marino participated in the Baby Jesus novena. Within 12 hours, he was kidnapped and held captive for about 6 months. On day 15 of his captivity, he had an “out of body” experience in which he had a vision with the Lord, which lasted about 8 hours. This was the beginning of his conversion back to the faith and to the Lord. He spoke of God’s message of love and compassion. Being a Christian on earth is a great responsibility – we need to be willing to share our faith with others.

The Parish Ministry fair will be held on the weekend of October 26/27th after the four weekend masses. Everyone is encouraged to share their time and talents to benefit the parish community. You will also be able to renew your CWL memberships for 2014 at this time! It is still $25!

The Rosary ministry is also looking for additional people to sign up to lead the rosary before the Sunday masses. Please consider this important ministry. Members are also encouraged to help staff the table after the four weekend masses.

We continue to support Mother Cynthia with her work in the surrounding missions, by providing muffins for her catechism students.

We currently have 105 members in our council.

The Life Chain on Sunday, October 6th went well. Thank you to all for your continued support in prayer and action for life from conception to natural death.

Several of our members attended the Catch the Fire Development day in Vermilion on October 5th. We hope all were inspired.

On October 1st, CWL co-presented New Testaments to about 180 Grade 4 students. This is jointly funded by the parish, Knights of Columbus, Catholic School Division and the CWL.

Our Community Life chairperson, Barb B is encouraging all members to support the Welcome Bag for Refugees project. Save all your hotel shampoo, conditioners, soaps, toothpastes, brushes, razors, and hygiene products which can be donated to this cause. New refugees, who enter our diocese, are given a gift bag with toiletry products to help them in their new lives in Canada. Barb B will be collecting these items at each meeting.

Barb B is also looking for extra help with the Dr. Cooke bingo coming up on November 6th.

CWL presented two $50 cheques to Grade 9 students at Holy Rosary High School. They are Cameron P and Victoria C. Congratulations to these two students who showed marked improvement in their grade 8 studies!

We support Remembrance Day each year, by purchasing and presenting a wreath at the ceremony on November 11th. It’s a small way to show our gratitude to all our military men and women from past and present. The ceremony is held at Lloydminster Comprehensive High school gym.

Saturday, November 30th: CWL Bake Sale and Lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Basement of St. Anthony’s Parish. Please show your support; come enjoy a delicious, homemade lunch! Help is needed, too, for this event. Rosemarie S is heading up this event.

Saturday, December 7: Annual Pin Presentation and Advent Social from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. Anthony’s. There are about 9 ladies who are celebrating various milestones as members of the Catholic Women’s League.

Funeral Luncheons: Although we are unable to do so at the time, we still receive requests to host funeral luncheons. Our continued prayers to the building construction team who are working hard on our new parish centre!

Fall Newsletter: Rosemarie S is asking members to write a short biography which could be published in the next newsletter. Deadline is October 31st.

Future events: January 8/13 regular monthly meeting; February 12/13 Annual General Meeting (dinner meeting); possible Soup and Share in March 2014; World Day of Prayer in March 2013.

Whew! That’s all for now,

God bless you and your families!
Edna Hodgson
President, St. Anthony’s CWL