MOOSE JAW — St. Joseph’s Parish welcomed over 120 delegates for the 102nd Annual Regina Diocesan Catholic Women’s League (CWL) Convention on May 3.
The event brought together representatives from 54 parish councils across southern Saskatchewan, including Regina, Swift Current, Raymore, and Carlyle.
The convention, hosted collaboratively by the CWL councils of St. Joseph’s, Church of Our Lady, and St. John the Evangelist in Marquis, featured a blend of spiritual reflection, leadership development, and organizational business.
“It was just a great day; it ran really smoothly,” said Donna Appel, president of St. Joseph’s CWL.
The day began with a mass celebrated by five priests and Deacon Lamont Dyck.
“It’s powerful to have that many priests in one spot,” Appel remarked. The mass collection was designated for Deacon Dyck’s charitable initiatives and the Moose Jaw Right to Life organization.
The convention's theme, “Here I Am, Lord,” was explored through workshops and presentations. Linda Mattaford, president of the Regina Diocesan CWL, led a workshop on women in leadership. Deacon Dyck presented on “Being Present with Christ,” emphasizing spiritual presence in daily life.
Another session addressed palliative care as an alternative to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), a pertinent topic given Canada's leadership in MAiD legislation.
St. Joseph’s CWL has seen significant growth, welcoming 16 new members this year, bringing its total to over 100.
“That’s kind of unheard of,” Appel noted. “In rural Saskatchewan, CWLs are getting older, and people pass away or can’t do the work anymore.” She credited members like Rosalie Boots and Stella Richards for their recruitment efforts, including the establishment of a girls’ group for those under 16 who aren’t old enough to join the CWL.
The convention concluded with the reaffirmation of officers and a post-convention meeting. The next Regina Diocesan CWL Convention is scheduled to take place in Yorkton in April 2026.
For more information on the Catholic Women’s League and its activities, visit .
St. Joseph’s Church is located at 1064 Third Avenue Northwest.
