St. Clement CWL celebrates its 90th anniversary

Members of the St. Clement Catholic Women’s League (CWL), along with Father Danny Santos pose for a photo on the steps of the McGregor church last Thursday.

The St. Clement Church Catholic Women’s League (CWL) celebrated a special milestone last week.

The McGregor CWL commemorated its 90th anniversary with a Mass in St. Clement Church followed by a dinner and banquet at the Columbian Club Hall. President Diana Coyle told her fellow members that each of them bring their own talents to the league.

Coyle recalled the history of the St. Clement CWL and pointed out Elizabeth Bissonnette was the first president when the charter was received Feb. 11, 1935. 

“We all know a lot of changes have happened over 90 years,” Coyle told the group assembled at the dinner, “but it’s amazing how many things have stayed the same.”

Comparisons were made of how things were done over the years including annual dues being 35 cents in 1935, increasing to 50 cents in 1951 and then to $6 in 1986. Currently, dues sit at $35 for the year.

Pennies used to be collected for the “Sisters of Service,” with a present-day coin collection helping Our Lady of Guadalupe organization. Strawberry socials were held in 1935 and continue to this day.

The St. Clement CWL helped with church expenses over the years and they currently assist with larger projects. They used to assist with food for hungry people in Europe after the war and now assist refugees.

The CWL now assists two full-time missionaries and help with other groups in the community. 

“We’re a small, rural council,” she said. “We do what we can.”

A number of members from the St. Clement CWL spoke on what the league means to them, including Patricia Miller. 

“I love our ladies in McGregor,” she said. “We are a very dedicated group. We always go above and beyond in everything we do.”

Miller later received a Maple Leaf Pin from Coyle for her contributions to the group.

Diane King added her mother was an active CWL member and that led her to join. She became recording secretary and learned the job. She said the CWL is a strength in the community and wanted them to gather more members. 

“Everyone is welcome and generous with their time, “she said of the group.

Marie Morand said she has been a member since 1972 and said the organization has stood the test of time. She said she received a membership as a gift as a youth and that has turned out to be one of the best gifts she has ever received.

Pat Galipeau added she has been a CWL member in McGregor for 37 years and it has been a positive experience. She noted her mother served for 62 years.

“Once I attended my first meeting, I was hooked,” said Galipeau, adding her daughter and granddaughter have since joined. “To me, the CWL brings hope to a troubled world.”

Charlotte Renaud told the attendees at the dinner she has been a member for over 50 years. Through those years, she said she has become a more confident woman.

“I’m so proud and grateful to be part of the CWL,” said Renaud.

Denis Lalonde Morris, president of the London Diocese CWL, also brought provincial and national congratulations. She said membership is key and they have to be proactive in showing what they do in the community.

“We need to show people who we are,” said Morris. “Don’t think everyone knows what you do. Show them.”

Father Danny Santos, the McGregor organization’s spiritual advisor, told the group “you’ve done a lot for the church and the world.” He added when he first arrived at St. Clement Church, the CWL was among the first to greet and welcome him.

St. Clement CWL celebrates its 90th anniversary

By Ron Giofu