Catholic Women’s League hosts “Olde English High Tea Party”

The Catholic Women’s League from St. John the Baptist Church held its third annual “Olde English High Tea Party” last Saturday.

The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) from the St. John the Baptist Church brought out their fascinators and hats to enjoy a cup of tea.

The CWL presented its third annual “Olde English High Tea Party” last Saturday afternoon at the Columbus Community Hall on Richmond St. In addition to tea and sandwiches, the ladies in attendance along with Father Matt Kucharski from St. John the Baptist Church enjoyed games, a photo booth and friendly competition for the three best hats.

June McManemy, treasurer with the CWL, said it is the St. John the Baptist CWL’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The organization gives away its funds to local charities and non-profit organizations with causes over the past year including the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter Inc., Our Lady of Guadalupe home, Unity in Christ, the Women’s Welcome Centre and Courage for Freedom.

“We sold 127 tickets,” said McManemy.

Non-CWL members also joined the event, as the Amherstburg CWL has 88 members.

“It’s getting bigger every year,” said McManemy. 

During the year, the CWL also heard from five guest speakers and educated themselves.

“We learned a lot from these people and try to support local,” she added.

The core purpose of the CWL is to unite Catholic women to grow in faith and to promote social justice through service to the church and the world.

Father Kucharski said a blessing at the tea, but also paid tribute to former associate pastor Father Donato Lwiyando. Father Donato went back to his homeland of the D. R. Congo, where he founded the Hope of St. Joseph Shelter. The Canadian fundraising arm of the organization is based in Amherstburg and recently had their charity yard sale.

Father Donato was ill in recent months and passed away last Friday. Father Kucharski said his colleague provided service to the world “in so many beautiful ways.”

Among the individuals and businesses helping to support the Olde English High Tea Party were Luane Faucher, Sharron Barron, Peggy Scott, Anna Adams, Brad Bondy from Remax, Edna Demers, Marilyn Faria, Linda Jones, Joanne Higgins, Rose Beneteau, John D’Alimonte from Remax, Sapphire Hollow, Judith Rocheleau, Michelle Schroeder, Bonnie Reeves, Bernadette O’Mahony, Fran Gawadzyn, The Panetteria, Gabriella Marano, Bonnie Deslippe, Beavertails and various CWL members.

Another CWL in the area will have a celebration soon. The St. Clement Catholic Women’s League in McGregor will celebrate 90 years of service June 19. Mass will be held at St. Clement Church at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at the Columbian Club.  Catholic Women’s League hosts “Olde English High Tea Party”

By Ron Giofu