Amalgamating a Ladies Auxiliary & CWL Parish Council

"I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16) Our Council walked through "The Open Door" in a unique way as we faced the closure of two parishes. Our story began over 40 years ago with a ladies auxiliary established in 1956 and a CWL council organized in 1959. These two active women's groups set out on a journey of faith in the fall of 2001 when the decision was made to close Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) and St. Clement parishes in Sudbury, Ontario in the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. The two would merge to form the new parish of Our Lady of Hope, a name chosen by the parishioners.

In February 2002, our Spiritual Advisor and pastor of both parishes asked the President of OLPH ladies auxiliary, with 115 members, and the President of St. Clement CWL council, with 220 members, to work together and plan for the inclusion of all women in the new parish. At their initial meeting, both Presidents discussed a common goal for the new parish, envisioning a larger group of women to pool their gifts and talents. They recognized that the new parish would find strength in one women's group under the banner of The Catholic Women's League of Canada, and agreed that this was the recommendation to be made to their respective groups.

In March 2002, St. Clement's CWL Executive met with the Diocesan President and President-Elect seeking advice on how to proceed.

In April 2002, with direction from the Diocesan Council, St. Clement's CWL President called a special membership meeting and presented the options available to our council in accordance with the National Manual of Policy and Procedure. Members voted unanimously to keep the existing CWL charter, to adopt the name of the new parish, and invite ladies auxiliary members to join.

In May 2002, the CWL President and members of her Executive attended a special meeting of the ladies auxiliary and spoke about the League's objectives, focusing on the unity of one group of catholic women with an opportunity for their collective voices to be heard by government and to make a difference especially in the areas of social justice. An invitation to join our council in the new parish was extended and those present, who were not familiar with the CWL, were assured that there is a place for them in the League.

The CWL President was informed the next day that the majority had voted to dissolve the ladies auxiliary and join The Catholic Women's League of Canada in the new parish.

In July 2002, our original CWL charter was returned to national office for archives and a charter for Our Lady of Hope Council, with original charter number, was issued.

While the two groups had participated together in social functions, in anticipation of the merger, nothing could prepare us for this emotional journey on the road that few have travelled. It has taken tremendous courage and the open hearts of all of the women to make our story a success. The bonds of friendship were being built before Our Lady of Hope Parish officially opened on October 6, 2002.

After two years of "Casting out into the Deep" through perseverance and prayer, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in Our Lady of Hope Parish. Our council honoured the two Presidents who paved the way for us by presenting each with a Certificate of Merit. Current CWL President, Karen McDonald, says, "We have embraced change, respecting the past but looking to the future. In my term, our focus has been to educate all women of our new parish about the CWL. It is inspiring to witness a renewed passion and interest in the League."

As Sisters in the League, united in faith and hope, we wholeheartedly embrace our national theme of "Companions on the Journey" and pray that Our Lady of Good Counsel continues to guide us on this our journey!

Submitted by:

Karen McDonald
Past President - Our Lady of Hope
Catholic Women's League Council
Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie
Sudbury, Ontario