Our Work
Often we are asked, "What does Catholic Women's League do?"
The Parish branches are the power base of CWL, where women are active in every sphere of parish life, as Catechists, Eucharistic ministers, through Hospital visitation, Care & Support groups, Welcoming Committees, discussion groups, fundraising, etc.
Our ongoing project in the Archdiocese is the Marian Retirement Complex at Strathfield. Built in 1965 with 78 self care units to accommodate those who require reasonably priced accommodation. The complex is managed by a Board of CWL members.
Voluntary work
Where ever there is a need CWL members volunteer. Branches in the four regions of the Archdiocese of Sydney support each other, share ideas as well as get together for social gatherings and annual retreat days. Branch members attend a monthly meeting and luncheon in Polding Centre where a guest speaker provides input on a variety of interesting and current issues.
Country of Study
Each year CWL nominate a 'Country of Study' to improve our understanding of that country and we are helped with the facts and figures included in our 'In Touch' newsletter.
In 2007 the country of Study is Paraguay.
Participation
Women's Issues In 1996 when Australian Catholics were invited by the Bishops of Australia to take part in the Research Project on Womens Participation in the Church, many members sent in individual written submissions as well as our oral submission from the CWL Archdiocesan Council. The result of the research is the Commission for Australian Catholic Women set up by the Bishops, with an office in Canberra. CWL works closely with the Commission finding ways women can be involved in decision making at all levels in the church and the community.
Our members are encouraged to speak out or write letters protesting against advertising on T.V , films and all media that is offensive to women and families.
A database of Catholic women was requested by Catholic
Women's League and many other participants during the
research phase leading to "Woman and Man: One in Christ
Jesus" and this proposal was supported by the bishops of
Australia.
The Archdiocese of Sydney has taken up this initiative for the
Church in Sydney and we invite you to participate in it. To
register for the database go to: www.cathcomm.org/women.
Social Responsibilities
We have a committee that alerts members on subjects such as abortion, euthanasia, X-rated videos, bio-ethics issues, refugees, etc. and put in submissions to government on these issues. We have a member representing CWL on the Councils of Caritas, Reconciliation and the National Council of Women.We join with other organisations and publish leaflets to help fight against family abuse, youth suicide and drink driving.
Ecumenism
We are members of Australian Church Women. Our branches join with other Christian churches in their local areas hosting the annual World Day of Prayer, Fellowship Day and World Community Day each year.We have guest speakers from the Jewish and Muslim faiths and join in inter-faith functions and dialogue meetings.
We also choose a Project of the Year for which all branches raise funds.
Resources
Our offices at Polding Centre has an extensive reference and lending Library of books, cassettes and videos available to members. The collection has a special emphasis on womens' interests but also fiction, biography, Australian history etc.
