Catholic Women's League

The first Canadian unit of the Catholic Women's League was formed in Edmonton in 1912 by Katherine Hughes. CWL was organized nationally in 1920, and in 1921 became part of the International Union of Catholic Women's Leagues (now the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations). In 1948 the Alberta Provincial Council was formed to unite the four diocesan organizations of the province. It became the Alberta Mackenzie Council in 1976 when the Diocese of Mackenzie in the Northwest Territories was included. The Provincial Council consists of a Director (an appointed priest), the Executive, and the Conveners of provincial committees. The five diocesan councils and the parish councils are structured similarly. The objects of the organization are to encourage the spiritual development of its members, promote the teachings of the Catholic Church, and enhance the role of women in church and society. In recent years it has been involved with the rehabilitation of criminals, child welfare, Girl Guides, family counselling and the care of the mentally handicapped. For further information see 50th Anniversary, 1948-1998 : A History of the Alberta-Mackenzie Provincial Council of the Catholic Women's League of Canada / researched and written by Sheila Ross. -- Edmonton : Liberty Printers, 1998; and Sheila Ross's article, "For God and Canada: The Early Years of the Catholic Women's League in Alberta", in Canadian Catholic Historical Association, Historical Studies, vol. 62, 1996, p. 89-108.