“Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission” – Catholic Women’s League provincial convention held in Kindersley

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

Members of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada from across Saskatchewan recently gathered for their 78th annual provincial convention, hosted by the St. Joseph CWL council in Kindersley, SK..

The gathering of the Catholic Women’s League of Saskatchewan May 31-June 1, 2026, included prayer, updates, reflections, reports, and the election of a new provincial CWL executive.

Elected for a two-year term are:

President – Donna Aldous, Saskatoon
Vice-President – Linda Maddaford, Yorkton
Past President – Helen Kayfish, North Battleford
Treasurer – Arlene Rey, Saskatoon
Faith Chair – Jannette Rieger, Emerald Park
Service Chair – Flaviana Rodulfa-Loken, Saskatoon
Social Justice Chair – Patsy Salzl, Paradise Hill
Spiritual Advisor – Fr. Francis Hengen, Indian Head
Life Member Liaison – Connie Chrichton, Saskatoon.

The position of secretary remains to be filled.

An election of executive members was part of this year’s provincial CWL convention, including (l-r) Life Member Liaison Connie Crichton, Past-President Helen Kayfish, President Donna Aldous, Treasurer Arlene Rey, Faith Chair Janette Rieger, Service Chair Flaviana Rodulfa-Loken, and Faith Chair Patty Salzl. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Convention opening day May 31

Opening ceremonies in Kindersley on May 31 included the presentation of colours, with CWL leaders carrying in national, provincial and league flags and banners. A Treaty 6 land acknowledgement was given by Saskatoon Diocesan CWL President Edna Hodgson of Bruno, followed by the League prayer and a national theme prayer “For Passion on the Mission.”

Welcome and greetings by leaders and special guests opening the convention included messages from Provincial CWL President Helen Kayfish, hosting CWL Co-President Susan Seidel of St. Joseph Parish, Kindersley; St. Joseph CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi; Saskatoon Diocesan CWL President Edna Hodgson; and Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Balzar Schafer of St. Joseph council, Kindersley; in addition to messages from representatives of other church denominations and various levels of government.

Carol Anne Marie Mitchell was guest speaker May 31 sharing insights about counselling families and individuals.

National CWL President Betty Colaneri spoke at the Saskatchewan Provincial CWL 78th Annual Convention in Kindersley, SK. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

On the first day of the Saskatchewan convention, National CWL President Betty Colaneri also introduced the theme she has chosen for the League during her term as president: “Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission.”

Colaneri explained that the inspiration and imagery for the CWL national theme introduced at the beginning of the year is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with the flame of God’s infinite love.

The CWL theme also recalls the scripture account of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus after they have encountered and recognized the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” (Luke 32).

A presentation on the new national theme from CWL President Betty Colaneri. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

National Theme Prayer for Passion on the Mission
By Betty Colaneri, National CWL President
Jesus our Lord, we come to You with open hearts seeking passion for Your mission. Your deepest desire is to draw all peoples into the embrace of the Heavenly Father’s Kingdom. Send Your Holy Spirit to ignite our hearts with the fire of Your passionate love, to empower us with enthusiasm for Your mission.
May we be instruments of Your love to our sisters in the League, our families, parishes, and communities. As we journey together, may the flame in our hearts illuminate ours to know Your eternal love.
May we hold Your people in our hearts as we place all our trust in You. Sweet Jesus, each day as we lift up our hearts to You, we offer You our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings. We humbly ask that our offerings increase our faith, hope, and charity.
O most Sacred and Passionate Heart of Jesus, may our hearts and Yours beat together as one. We make this prayer to You Jesus, in the power of the Father and in the union of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Celebration of the Eucharist

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen and a number of priests from across the province who serve as CWL Spiritual Advisors celebrated Sunday Eucharist May 31.

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen presided at Sunday Eucharist May 31 during the provincial CWL convention (l-r): Prince Albert Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Tai Le, Provincial CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen; and Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi, pastor of the host parish, St. Joseph, Kindersley, SK, and of parishes at Eston, Eatonia, and Marengo. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

(Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

Saskatchewan Provincial Vice-President Donna Aldous, National CWL President Betty Colaneri, Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen, and Saskatchewan Provincial CWL President Helen Kayfish on the opening day of the provincial CWL convention May 31 in Kindersley, SK. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

An evening banquet that followed Mass was emceed by Hodgson, and in addition to Saskatoon’s bishop, also included special guests Knights of Columbus State Deputy Marte Clemente Nogot and his wife Lorelie, and Eparchial UCWLC President Doreen Rathgeber.

The banquet program included inspirational messages from outgoing Provincial CWL President Helen Kayfish, and incoming CWL President Donna Aldous.

CWL life member Mary Nordick also announced the winner of the $1,000 2026 CWL Social Justice Award: Maureen Ekwunife, who is involved with the service and justice project at St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon.

Memorial Prayer Service for the Unborn

The convention continued the next day beginning with a memorial prayer service for unborn children, led by Janette Rieger and Fr. Francis Hengen, highlighted by a procession with flowers in memory of children who have died before birth, and a video highlighting the hymn Isaiah 49 by Carey Landry: “I will never forget you, my people.”

A Memorial Prayer Service for the Unborn was held to open the second day of the Saskatchewan CWL convention June 1 in Kindersley. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

CWL members placed flowers inmemory of children who have died before birth. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

Saskatchewan CWL President Helen Kayfish places a flower during the Memorial for the Unborn. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

Regina Archdiocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Thomas Mutavanttu places a flower during the Memorial Service for the Unborn. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

National CWL President Betty Colaneri places a flower during the Memorial Service for the Unborn June 1. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

(Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL

Business meeting June 1

Priests in attendance at the convention had an opportunity to join a CWL spiritual advisor’s meeting, as the convention business meeting got underway.

In her report June 1, President Helen Kayfish highlighted the past year, including council projects such as “It’s My Very Own – Bags of Love” for children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care. The Bags of Love contain items that offer comfort and help meet immediate needs of children in crisis.

Saskatchewan CWL President Helen Kayfish gave an annual report as she concluded her term at the 2026 convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

“I have delivered five of these bags personally and I have witnessed the joy and surprise of these children,” Kayfish said, noting that many League members have reached out to offer quilts and items for the bags.

She also reported on events such as the national CWL convention held last year in Toronto, and other national board meetings, and the status of council annual survey reports. In addition to expressing appreciation to spiritual advisors, guests, and councils across the province, Kayfish also encouraged members to step up and get involved – particularly as the Prince Albert and Regina diocesan CWL councils have not yet filled all of their executive council positions.

“Your voice is needed on you executive councils,” she urged, noting that “God doesn’t call the gifted, he gifts those he calls.”

Donna Aldous of Saint Anne CWL Council, Saskatoon, gave a report as 2024-26 provincial Vice-President. Later in the meeting she was officially elected provincial president for the 2026-28 term. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

In her report as vice-president, Donna Aldous stressed the many benefits and blessings of League memberships, including the national “The Canadian League” magazine, noting in particular a recent article by Saskatchewan’s own Janette Rieger “When Called to Serve: Igniting Our Passion For His Mission.”

Janette Rieger of Emerald Lake, SK, a life member and national service subcommittee member, as well as incoming provincial Faith Chair, recently wrote an article published in The Canadian League magazine. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Rieger, a life member and national service subcommittee member, as well as incoming provincial Faith Chair, wrote: “Consider what you can do when you take a position on an executive council— you can ignite your passion…. Sometimes it can be scary to do something new, but when we are asked to take a new position, we should consult our loved ones if need be, pray about it and then, as many members before us have previously said, add this prayer to our positive reply: ‘I will with God’s help.’”

Aldous also highlighted and recommended the online “Growing in Wisdom” formation program, which will begin another cohort in the fall, inspired by the Forest Dwelling Program at the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas.

President Helen Kayfish, Secretary Patty Salzl, Parliamentarian Margaret Schwab (l-r) during the convention business meeting before the election of a new slate of officers. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Faith, Service and Social Justice Reports

A written report from 2024-2026 Faith Chair Wendy Dale was read by provincial secretary Patsy Salzl. Dale described how CWL councils across the province “are definitely taking on projects to support the least, the last, and the lost.”

She listed: “Buying acres of land through Grow Hope, supporting various homeless shelters, promoting letter-writing campaigns, giving out candy to kids at Easter Masses, having a team in the Lenten 40 (relay), supporting moms desiring to grow their faith, taking communion to shut-ins, having secret prayer sisters, organizing the parish social calendar, and gathering to pray together for each other’s friends — our actions are our witnesses to Jesus’ command to love your neighbour.”

Patsy Salzl read the report from Faith Chair Wendy Dale. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Monthly CWL online praying of the scriptural rosary continues over the summer on July 6, Aug. 4 and Sept. 2, Dale reported. She also highlighted the online CWL national introductory course for clergy and spiritual advisors.

Dale also encouraged councils to use the new national theme prayer “to bring the theme to life … in anticipation of all the way we can serve next year.”

She added: “I encourage all councils to create and use land acknowledgements at the beginning of your meetings, and to find out about the treaty your council is in. Councils in Treaty 6 territory have the 150th anniversary of signing to acknowledge this year.”

Provincial Service Chair Mary Kehrig cited 1 Peter 4:10, encouraging members to use their gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.

Mary Kehrig, 2024-26 Service Chair gives her report. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

“These gifts include loving and praying for others,” she said, before reviewing a year of activity that included a flag-raising to build awareness of human trafficking and sexual exploitation; a Teen Aid fundraiser; a Bishop’s Dinner with the theme “Mercy and Compassion” where stewardship was hightlighted; and a recent information presentation at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon about Indigenous cultural powwow traditions.

“To get the public the pulse of needs in your diocese it is helpful to attend diocesan events,” Kehrig encouraged. “Your meetings can be enriched by inviting speakers from outreach ministries such as Mustard Seed, the Bridge, Carter House, St. Mary’s Outreach, Pregnancy Option, Pro-Life, or Development and Peace, and many others.”

She also noted plans to plant a tree at the Blackstrap Youth Camp south of Saskatoon to commemorate the recent centennial of the CWL.

Marcella Pedersen, 2024-26 provincial CWL Social Justice Chair gives a report. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Social Justice Chair Marcella Pedersen reported that CWL members throughout Canada have been working on many issues provincially and federally. “Homelessness, domestic intimate partner violence, missing and murdered Indigenous women, human trafficking… euthanasia, MAiD, Bill C-218 and Bill C-9, updates, and cybercrime. There’s a lot of work to do.”

Provincial Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen gives a report at the annual CWL convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen provided a summary of the Spiritual Advisors’ meeting held in conjunction with the provincial convention, describing challenges and suggesting initiatives, as well as offering an overview of his year on the provincial executive.

Diocesan CWL council reports

Reports from the three diocesan CWL councils — Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon – were also presented. Former diocesan presidents Shirley Lamoureux (Prince Albert) and Linda Maddaford (Regina) encouraged greater involvement at the diocesan level, where their councils have yet to elect a full executive.

Prince Albert Diocesan CWL Past-President Shirley Lamoureux (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Lamoureux announced the formation of a new CWL council at the Catholic parish in Glaslyn, SK, and welcomed their Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Edward Obi, MSP.

Convention delegates also heard that there is a new CWL council at the Francophone parish of Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens in Saskatoon, with strong participation from newcomers to Canada.

Regina Archdiocesan CWL Past-President and incoming Provincial CWL Vice-President Linda Maddaford provided a report from the Archdiocese of Regina CWL council. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Regina Archdiocesan Past-President Linda Maddaford noted changes in technology and society that have created challenges and greater need in many areas, including an epidemic of loneliness.

“We are called always to welcome the poor in spirit, to bind the wounded and hold out our hands in friendship and support. And our members have responded by sharing the abundance that God has given them,” she reported. “Those who have talents, put them to use. Where we have more than we need, we give it away. We pray for one another and encourage one another.”

Maddaford added: “In the newly released encyclical Magnifica Humanitas Pope Leo asks us to examine several crucial questions that impose themselves on our conscience and which cannot be ignored… He reminds us that our common language is one of community, that despite rapid technological adaptations and social upheaval, we remain a people who work together in the presence of God to continually build a church of fraternal co-existence.”

Edna Hodgson, President of the Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Council provided a report. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Saskatoon Diocesan President Edna Hodgson reported on activities over the past year that have included involvement in ecumenical prayer events, advocacy against human trafficking and action in response to homelessness. She also spoke about the need to continue to reach out and engage older CWL members.

Related: Saskatoon CWL Convention held in Rosetown – LINK

Past-President Connie Chrichton spoke about archives and resources. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Past-President Connie Crichton of Saskatoon spoke about the need to preserve and store council archives, and the challenge of caring for archives when a council closes down. She also pointed to resources on the national CWL website to assist local councils with policies, procedures and forms.

Crichton also reported on the work of a Catholic Connections network of leaders and representatives of dioceses, Catholic health, and Catholic education, and tentative plans to hold a provincial “Catholic Congress” that may include involvement of the CWL, with the date and details to be determined. She also encouraged members to continue to find ways for CWL councils to continue truth and reconciliation efforts and building of awareness and relationships.

Life Member Liaison Chantal Devine spoke about a national CWL program responding to declining membership. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Life-member Liaison Chantal Devine of Saskatoon listed the CWL life members in Saskatchewan. She also described the League’s “R3 to 1, Unity!” task force, introduced to address the ongoing concern of declining membership, and assist councils in recruiting, retaining and regaining members. It also supports councils considering becoming inactive or disbanding.

In reaching out to inactive or potential CWL members “personal contact makes all the difference,” Devine said. “Take the onus… we are blessed, don’t neglect to share the blessing of the League.”

World Union of Women’s Organizations

Life members Claire Heron and Velma Harasen presented a report about the CWL’s membership in the international World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO), whose mission is the evangelization and human development of women.

WUCWO includes over 100 Catholic organizations in approximately 60 countries, and some eight million members, reported Harasen. Organizations in the North American region of WUCWO include the CWL and the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League and the Sisters of Providence.

“Representation on the WUCWO board alternates between the CWL and the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League,” she explained, noting that CWL life member and former national president Barb Dowding is presently Canada’s representative.

WUCWO has consulting status with UNESCO in Paris, United Nations in New York, and the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. “So you can well imagine the wide range and varied issues that are dealt with in various areas where women suffer, religious freedom, ecology, migrants, refugees, human trafficking, just to mention a few,” Harasen said.

Life Members Velma Harasen and Claire Heron (l-r) gave a presentation about WUCWO, the international Catholic women’s organization that includes Cathoic Women’s League of Canada membership. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

“I served on the WUCWO board as a North American regional vice-president from 2014 to 2018. I was elected to the board in Panama in 2014, and completed my term in Dakar, Senegal, Africa in 2018,” Harasen said, sharing highlights to demonstrate the value and importance of WUCWO.

Heron represented the CWL on the WUCWO board for 10 years, 1995 to 2005. “Every year I went to the meeting, I took a suitcase full of medications and t-shirts,” she said, describing a “River Trek” fund-raiser organized in her home town of Eston, SK. for the supplies, and the assistance provided by pharmacies.

Heron also chaired an endowment fund established in support of WUCWO, which was established in 2000 after a fund-raising effort that raised over $1 million.

A display about WUCWO (World Union of Women’s Organizations) at the provincial CWL convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The World Women’s Observatory (WWO) was created in 2021 by WUCWO, she noted. “The goal of this observatory is to give visibility to women, especially those that are invisible… It seeks to eradicate all forms of violence and discrimination against women.”

Another recent project calls for members around the world to plant a tree in a “Planting Hope Campaign” focused on the environment.

Faith enrichment events

Life member Mary Nordick provided information about an upcoming summer Festival of Faith being held July 8 to 15 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Saskatoon, featuring speakers Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI, and Eric Clayton, and others in a program of faith enrichment, prayer, and music.

Nordick also noted that next year is the 100th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer, a global ecumenical event organized by women.

She also encouraged CWL members to check the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism website for inter-denominational Christian Bible studies and prayer events which are offered in person or online, often during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity or seasons such as Advent and Lent.

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Invitation to North Battleford in 2027

Before the election of a new slate of provincial officers, representatives of the CWL council at St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish extended an invitation to next year’s Saskatchewan CWL Convention to be held June 6-7, 2027 at their church in North Battleford. CWL Spiritual Advisor and accomplished musician Fr. Tai Le added that the 2027 convention may include a concert.

Representatives of St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish CWL Council in North Battleford extended a news-style invitation to the next provincial CWL convention, June 6-7, 2027. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The 2026 convention closed with celebration of the Eucharist with Fr. Francis Hengen presiding, along with other CWL Spiritual Advisors.

Presiders at the closing Mass of the 2026 provincial CWL convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

President Donna Aldous proclaiming scripture at the closing Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Psalm cantor at the closing Mass. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Music ministry at the closing Mass at St. Joseph Parish, Kindersley. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Provincial CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen presided at the closing Mass of the 2026 convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Mass concluded with the installation of the new provincial CWL executive.

Installation of the new executive. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

More Photos:

CWL delegates from across Saskatchewan attended the convention May 31-June. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

National CWL President Betty Colaneri with Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen

Flowers were placed as part of a Memorial Prayer Service for the Unborn. (Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

(Photo submitted by Donna Aldous, CWL)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Treasurer Arlene Rey delivers her report. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Helen Kayfish (right) reported on the acknowledgement given to long-time CWL member Mary Kehrig (left) during a recent Bishop’s Dinner in Saskatoon. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu (pastor of parishes at Lake Lenore, Annaheim, and Englefeld, SK) and Spiritual Advisor Fr. Clement Arthur (pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Michael, and Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes in Saskatoon) were among the CWL Spiritual Advisors in attendance at the convention. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

National CWL President Betty Colaneri (left) was one of the special guests at the provincial convention, speaking here with incoming provincial CWL Faith Chair Janette Rieger, and Gerralyn Alan of the hosting St. Joseph, Kindersley CWL council. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Janette Rieger made a presentation to Linda Maddaford, who recently concluded her term as Regina Archdiocesan CWL President. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Displays at the Catholic Women’s League provincial convention in Kindersley. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Installation of the new executive at the convention closing Mass June 1. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Celebrants at the closing Mass of the Saskatchewan Provincial Convention June 1 (back, left to right in red vestments:) Saskatoon Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. John Abban-Bonsu; Provincial Spiritual Advisor Fr. Francis Hengen; Fr. Francis Appiah-Kubi, pastor of Kindersley, Eston, Eatonia and Marengo parishes; (front row, l-r:) Fr. Prince Sarpong of Leader, Fox Valley, Liebenthal, Richmound, SK. parishes; Fr. Edward Obi, MSP, of Glaslyn, SK; Fr. Clement Arthur, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, St. Michael, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parishes in Saskatoon; and Prince Albert Diocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Tai Le; and Regina Archdiocesan CWL Spiritual Advisor Fr. Thomas Mutavanttu. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The new provincial executive stands together with diocesan council representatives: Prince Albert Diocesan Past-President Shirley Lamoureux (at left) and Saskatoon Diocesan President Edna Hodgson (at right). (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.