Holy Cross Catholic Women’s League members sing the Centennial Song.
The Catholic Church has remained strong in Fort Macleod throughout the decades, thanks in large part to the Catholic Women’s League, or CWL.
The CWL on Saturday marked its 100th anniversary with a mass at the church and a luncheon at the hall.
Calgary Bishop William McGratton said many things have changed in the world since the Holy Cross CWL was formed and provided a steadying hand.
“I want to acknowledge the CWL for all that you have done to create that unity and that sense of parish community that the church really has been welcoming,” Bishop McGratton said. “You have provided outreach to many in this community so on behalf of previous bishops, Bishop Henry, Bishop O’Byrne, and also Bishop Carroll.”
“I know that each bishop in his own way has come to appreciate and have experience of the CWL”
Holy Cross CWL members and their guests gathered at the church for mass to begin the anniversary celebration Saturday morning.
The scene then shifted to Holy Cross Hall for a luncheon catered by MA Catering Co.
Charlotte Balkham welcomed the dignitaries and other guests to the Holy Cross Hall.
“It’s taken us 100 years to get to this special gathering,” Balkham said. “Many thanks to those ladies who began it, and all of us who have kept us together.”
Balkham asked for a moment of silence in tribute to the CWL members who have passed on.
In his address, Bishop McGratton said the CWL plays an important role in the church locally, provincially and nationally.
Each member who has served has played a vital role in the CWL, and the church as a whole.
“I want to say, thank you for your years of service and your witness to the Catholic faith, and what you’ve done,” Bishop McGratton said.
Those thoughts were echoed in a letter from CWL national president Betty Colaneri, who congratulated the Holy Cross CWL on its milestone anniversary.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for the dedicated and loving service you offer to your parish and community,” Colaneri wrote. “Your collective efforts strengthen and support the vibrant work taking place in your parish and community through advocacy, leadership, faith formation, and service initiatives, you provide vision and encouragement that uplift members and deepen our impact.”
“Each act of kindness, each prayer offered in faith, and each courageous initiative contribute to a stronger, more unified league, one that truly makes a difference.”
Colaneri added that passion begins in the heart, sparked by the Holy Spirit, and “glows brighter when we gather in faith-filled sisterhood.”
“Continue to strengthen one another, embracing each other with warmth and encouragement,” Colaneri added. “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless you as you continue in service with the flame of passion. May this celebration strengthen the bonds that unite you and create cherished memories to uplift your spirits for years to come.”
CWL provincial vice-president Jan Myhre was in Fort Macleod to represent provincial president Betsy Fletcher.
Myhre read a letter from Fletcher that praised Holy Cross CWL for its steadfast service and unwavering commitment to God and Canada.
“Your council has truly been a pillar of strength and compassion in your parish and community living out the league’s mission with grace through prayer, service, and sisterhood throughout these 100 years,” Fletcher wrote. “Your council has been a place where women discovered friendship, purpose, and the confidence to lead. You have supported your parish priests, cared for families, spoken up for justice, and reflected the light of Christ through your many acts of kindness.”
Diocesan president Teresa Duncan was on hand to congratulate Holy Cross CWL for being active for a century.
“For 100 years, this council has served faithfully, quietly, humbly for God and Canada,” Duncan said. “Whenever I am gathered with CWL women, especially when we come together in celebration, I am struck, struck by our tenacity and our resilience. I am deeply grateful for the women on whose shoulders we now stand, and for the legacy we are blessed to carry forward.”
Renee Spohn represented the Lethbridge Regional CWL Committee.
“The Holy Spirit has called you and your council for 100 years to act, evangelize our faith, to serve the parish and those most in need, and to advocate for social justice,” Spohn said.
Spohn said Holy Cross CWL is blessed by God so that its good works can continue into the future.
Andrea Boudreau, a seminarian sponsored by the Holy Cross CWL, thanked the group for aiding him for six years.
Boudreau said the CWL’s monthly letters always seem to arrive at an important time — a low moment or a high one — and serve to remind him why he is in the missary, who he is studying for, and that he has the support of the people of God.
The CWL honoured three longstanding members: Lorine Doyle, 70 years; Iris Maskowitz, 71 years; and Faye Doyle, 75 years.
Malie Charlton presented the three women with certificates.
JoAnn Dunkin offered a brief history of the CWL and screened a video in which members spoke of the importance of the organization in their lives in terms of fellowship, faith and service.
The celebration concluded with CWL members singing the Centennial Song.
