By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
The annual diocesan convention of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada was held May 4, 2026, at St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown, SK, where the CWL was first established a century ago.
The 100th anniversary of the Rosetown CWL council was recognized with greetings, displays, and acknowledgements by special guests during the annual diocesan convention attended by some 120 CWL members and spiritual leaders from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
A certificate recognizing the 100th anniversary was sent to the Rosetown council by Member of Parliament Jeremy Patzer, of the Swift Current-Grasslands-Kindersley riding, and greetings were also sent by the local MLA Jim Reiter.
St. Theresa, Rosetown CWL President Armella Rollheiser (left) and Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Council President Edna Hodgson of Bruno, SK, stand with a 100th anniversary congratulation message from the area’s federal MP, one of several congratulatory messages from local government and community representatives delivered at the May 4 Diocesan CWL Convention in Rosetown. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Provincial CWL President Helen Kayfish presented Rosetown CWL President Armella Rollheiser with a certificate of congratulations on behalf of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in grateful recognition of the parish CWL council’s 100th anniversary, signed by the national and provincial presidents and Provincial CWL Spiritual Director Fr. Francis Hengen.
Rosetown CWL President Armella Rollheiser (left) is presented a certificate of congratulations marking the 100th anniversary of the Rosetown CWL council from Provincial CWL President Helen Kayfish. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Provincial CWL President also recognized CWL member Mary Kehrig of Holy Family Cathedral in Saskatoon, who was recently honoured at the 2026 Bishop’s Dinner for her outstanding faithful service in her parish, her community and beyond. All those assembled sang a blessing on Kehrig, led by the provincial CWL president.
CWL members and guests stand to sing a blessing for long-time member Mary Kehrig (seated) who was recently honoured at the 2026 Bishop’s Dinner in Saskatoon for her decades of service to the League, her community, and her parish. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“All the members are an inspiration to the league and to me,” said Kayfish, about to conclude her two-year term as provincial president at the Provincial CWL gathering to be held May 31-June 1 in Kindersley. “I know that our incoming provincial president (Donna Aldous of Saint Anne Council, Saskatoon) will do well and will receive all your support and encouragement.”
Saskatoon Diocesan CWL President Edna Hodgson also presented St. Theresa Rosetown CWL council with an anniversary certificate.
Guests bringing congratulations included Bishop Mark Hagemoen, Prince Albert Diocesan CWL president Shirley Lamoureux, as well as representatives of several Rosetown churches, and the local Knights of Columbus council.
Diocesan CWL Convention program
The day-long convention program started earlier in the day with the parade of flags and council banners, followed by a welcome from local CWL President Armella Rolheiser of St. Theresa Council, Rosetown. Dicoesan CWL President Hodgson gave a Treaty land acknowledgment
Diocesan CWL Faith Chair Ida-Rose Wilde of Cudworth led the opening prayer.
Ida-Rose Wilde, Faith Chair on the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Executive, led the opening prayer.
Parliamentarian for the convention was CWL life member Mary Nordick of Saskatoon.
Diocesan CWL Past-President Marion Laroque of St. Augustine Council, Saskatoon led the convention roll call, as Diocesan Secretary Agnes Pelletier of St. Mary Council, Saskatoon, was not present. Diocesan CWL Treasurer Yvonne Wiesner of St. Peter Council, Unity, SK, provided a financial report as part of the business portion of the meeting.
Convention delegates also received written reports in their packages from members of the Diocesan CWL Executive: President Edna Hodgson of St. Bruno Council, Bruno; Vice-President Charlene Genkens of St. Augustine Council, Saskatoon; Past-President Marion Laroque of St. Augustine Council, Saskatoon; Faith Chair Ida-Rose Wilde of St. Michael Council, Cudworth; Service Chair Wendy De Sa of St. Patrick Council, Saskatoon; Social Justice Chair Diane Coté of St. John Bosco Council, Saskatoon; Our Lady of Grace Regional Chair Cathy Lafleche of Holy Family Cathedral Council, Saskatoon; and CWL Clothing Depot Chair Louise Kowalski of St. Augustine Council, Saskatoon.
Members of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Executive at the 90th Diocesan Convention (left to right): President Edna Hodgson, Past-President Marion Laroque, Vice-President Charlene Genkens, Treasurer Yvonne Wiesner, Social Justice Chair Diane Coté, Service Chair Wendy De Sa, Faith Chair Ida-Rose Wilde, and CWL Clothing Depot Chair Louise Kowalski. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Celebration of Eucharist
Mass was celebrated before lunch by Bishop Mark Hagemoen, joined by CWL Spiritual Advisors Fr. Frances Hengen , Fr. John Abban-Bonsu, Fr. Habila Musa, and Fr. Prince Sarpong.
Celebration of the Eucharist during the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention, with (l-r) Fr. Prince Sarpong, pastor of parishes at Leader, Fox Valley, Liebenthal, and Richmound; Fr. Frances Hengen, Provincial CWL Spiritual Advisor; Bishop Mark Hagemoen; Fr. John Abban-Bonsu, Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor and pastor of parishes Lake Lenore, Annaheim, and St. Gregor; and Fr. Habila Musa, pastor of parishes at Rosetown, Beechy, and Elrose . (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“The CWL is extremely important in the life of the Church,” affirmed the bishop, thanking League members for their faithfulness, service, advocacy and witness.
“Evangelization is not secondary, it is primary,” he said, reflecting on the scripture readings. “Jesus is not with us to leave us the same, he is with us in the power of the Holy Spirit to continue to bring a healing, a change in us… We are not left as we were. We become more of what we were created to be.”
On behalf of the bishops of Saskatchewan and Canada, Hagemoen expressed “our great appreciation” for the Catholic Women’s League. “We rely on you for so much,” he said.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at celebration of the Eucharist during the annual Diocesan CWL Convention in Rosetown, thanking League members for their prophetic voice. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
“I really appreciate your prophetic voice on many issues,” the bishop added, including the League’s efforts to address human trafficking.
The voice of the League is a voice that “comes from ongoing conversion,” he noted. “I thank you for bringing to bear your God-given gifts, including your zeal and intent to do God’s will, and also your desire to be thorough and discerning.”
At the conclusion of Mass, Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu and Past-President Marion Laroque led a re-affirmation ceremony for members of the diocesan executive.
Members of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Executive re-affirmed their commitment at the conclusion of Mass May 4 in Rosetown. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Later during the afternoon program, three CWL Spiritual Advisors — Hengen, Abban-Bonsu, and Habila — also offered encouragement, thanks, and spiritual reflections.
Other Speakers
Tasha Toupin of the Archdiocese of Regina provided information about a May 11-16 provincial speaking tour highlighting issues around medically-provided death entitled “MAiD for You?” with speaker Deacon Larry Worthen of the Christian Dental and Medical Association.
Tashia Toupin of the Archdicoese of Regina spoke about a provincial May 11-16 speaking tour about the expansion of medically-provided death in Canada. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
After providing a summary of what is at stake as medically-provided death or “MAiD” continues to expand in Canada. Toupin also noted that the May 16 presentation will be available online (LINK).
The second guest speaker at the diocesan convention was Brittany Steinbach, Program Manager for Carter House family treatment Centre, located at the former Queen’s House Retreat and Renewal Centre in Saskatoon.
The grounds and former retreat house building continue to provide an atmosphere of welcome, peace, and healing, although with a different focus, Steinbach noted. “Carter House is full of hope and I think that is part of the transition from Queen’s House.”
Brittany Steinbach, Program Manager at Carter House in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Opening its doors in November 2024, the Carter House family healing and recovery centre incorporates holistic healing and culturally-grounded services in its programming, reuniting families on paths of healing from addictions. The Government of Saskatchewan provided funding for the 17 spaces at The Carter House as part of a commitment to 500 new addictions treatment spaces by 2028.
The three-month family program is designed to keep families together on the journey of recovery, said Steinbach.
The challenges families face are great, including dealing with grief, trauma, and often homelessness, she said. Steps forward include healing from addictions, providing structure, re-connection with cultural traditions, and follow-up support.
The diocesan convention also included displays about stopping human trafficking/ assisting victims, faith resources available from Perpetua Press based in Alberta, as well a display of historical archives and information about the 100-year history of the Rosetown CWL council.
Next convention
At the conclusion of the convention, representatives of the St. Theresa, Rosetown CWL council were acknowledged and thanked for hosting. Finally, Rita Thiessing of St. Augustine CWL Council, Humboldt invited members to gather next year for the 91st Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention, to be held April 24, 2027, in Humboldt, SK.
Rita Thiessing of St. Augustine CWL Council in Humboldt invited members to next year’s convention in Humboldt, SK. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Other Photos
Bishop Mark Hagemoen assists wtih windows in the church hall May 4, before the start of the Diocesan CWL Convention at St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Provincial CWL president Helen Kayfish carries in the provincial flag during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention in Rosetown. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Saskatoon Diocesan CWL President Edna Hodgson leads the diocesan executive in the opening procession of flags and banners. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu participates in the entrance procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Bishop Mark Hagemoen was one of the special guests at the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Members of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL executive particpate in the opening procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Members of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL executive particpate in the opening procession. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
St. Theresa Parish CWL President Armella Rollheiser welcomes delegates and guests to the 2026 diocesan convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Members of the CWL council at St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown welcomed delegates from across the dicoese to the annual convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Diocesan CWL Convention head table, left to right: Life Member and Parliamentarian Mary Nordick (seated); Past President Marion Laroque; Vice-President Charlene Genkens; Treasurer Yvonne Wiesner; Social Justice Chair Diane Coté; CWL Clothing Depot Chair Louise Kowalski; and Faith Chair Ida-Rose Wilde. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu stands during introductions at the annual convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Saskatoon Diocesan CWL President Edna Hodgson of St. Bruno Council, Bruno, SK. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Provincial CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen acknowledges those assembled during introductions at the annual convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Celebration of Holy Eucharist was part of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention held at St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown on May. 4. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Celebration of the Eucharist during the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Diocesan CWL President Edna Hodgson proclaims a reading during celebration of the Eucharist at the annual convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Prince Sarpong, pastor of parishes at Leader, Fox Valley, Liebenthal, and Richmond, proclaimed the Gospel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The gifts are brought forward during celebration of the Eucharist at the Diocesan CWL Convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The gifts are brought forward during celebration of the Eucharist at the Diocesan CWL Convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Diocesan CWL Past President Marion Laroque hands the gavel to President Edna Hodgson during a re-commitment service at the conclusion of Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Members of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Executive re-affirmed their commitment at the conclusion of Mass May 4 in Rosetown. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
(Left to Right): Diocesan Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu and Past President Marion Laroque lead a re-affirmation and blessing ceremony for members of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL executive: President Edna Hodgson, Vice-President Charlene Genkens, Service Chair Wendy DeSa, Treasurer Yvonne Wiesner, Justice Chair Diane Coté, Faith Chair Ida-Rose Wilde, and Clothing Depot Chair Louise Kowalski. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The new national theme for the Catholic Women’s League of Canada “Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission” is featured on a banner from St. Anne CWL Council, Saskatoon, on display at the recent diocesan convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
A cake and historical displays marking the 100th anniversary of the Rosetown CWL council were part of the diocesan convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Prince Albert Diocesan CWL President Shirley Lamoureux brought greetings to the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
At the recent diocesan convention, members of the Catholic Women’s League from St. Anne Parish, Saskatoon, stand with their new banner highlighting the national CWL theme “Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
At the recent diocesan convention, members of the Catholic Women’s League from St. Anne Parish, Saskatoon, stand with their new banner highlighting the national CWL theme “Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission.” (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
One of the 100th Anniversary displays listed the St. Theresa Rosetown CWL presidents over the past century. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Books and resources from Perpetua Press of Alberta were on display at the diocesan convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
The Catholic Women’s League advocacy to end the scourge of human trafficking was outlined in a display at the 90th annual Saskatoon Diocesan Convention May 4 in Rosetown, SK (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Books and resources from Perpetua Press of Alberta were on display at the diocesan convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Catholic Women’s League members at St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown welcomed delegates from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon to the annual convention May 4. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
CWL member Dorothy Rollheiser assists delegates during the 2026 diocesan convention at St. Theresa Parish in Rosetown. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Volunteers from the Rosetown CWL council hosted the 90th annual Saskatoon Diocesan CWL convention during their 100th anniversary year. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Accredited CWL members vote on an amendment during the diocesan convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Provincial CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen spoke during the convention program. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu shared a reflection at the annual convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Louise Kowalski, Chair of the CWL Clothing Depot, provided a report about the thrift store. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Fr. Habila Musa, pastor of parishes at Rosetown, Beechy, and Elrose, welcomed CWL delegates to the annual diocesan convention held at St. Theresa Parish, Rosetown on May 4, 2026. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Rosetown pastor Fr. Habila Musa welcomes delegates. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatono News)
St. Theresa CWL President Armella Rollheiser concluded the diocesan convention with words of thanks. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
St. Theresa CWL President Armella Rollheiser concluded the diocesan convention with words of thanks. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Members of the St. Theresa Rosetown CWL council came forward at the conclusion of the convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.