WelCom June 2020:
Karen Saunders
Hutt Valley CWL Branches hosted the Archdiocese Catholic Women’s League 75th conference on 16 March this year. Held at the Upper Bowling Club, the conference took place just days before the Covid-19 lockdown began, enabling members to share and enjoy much-valued camaraderie.
Cardinal John Dew opened and blessed the conference. He spoke about some of the challenging changes in the Archdiocese and described, parish communities being extended to include neighbouring parishes to form a ‘Faith Unit’. CWL too is being challenged to support similar changes and to always be in a ‘state of mission’.
Three guests spoke on the 2019 theme of Women Welcoming Change: Leole Malama-Prasad on her experience and influence with the Hutt Rotary Club; Raewyn Richardson, an Upper Hutt pharmacist, on health and well-being; and Kitty McKinley founder of the youth ministry Challenge 2000, about how ‘when we make small changes, we can make a big difference’.
The AGM and election of officers saw three council members complete four-year terms: Christine Paterson, President; Kath Cain, Social Issues Convenor; and Susan Lloyd, Mission Convenor. At the Liturgy for the Deceased, special remembrance was given to Anne Conroy whose anniversary was 23 April.
Every year CWL makes a conference donation relevant to a current social need. In 2019, our council made an extra donation of $400 to the Islamic Women’s Council in memory of the massacre in Christchurch. This year, $300 has been sent to Stella Maris, the Apostleship of the Sea.
CWLANZ National Mission Secretary, Jenny Muschamp, spoke about the Missions of Oceania needs and challenges with minimal resources. Funds contributed by New Zealand Branches to Oceania and to the Mission at Home Appeal amounted to an amazing $156,000 – a tribute to CWL members throughout the country.
CWLANZ National President, Susan Dickson, shared her vision for the future. The new theme for CWL nationally is ‘Kia Kaha – Be strong and have courage’, highly relevant in the Covid-19 environment.