Case Studies
Members of the Catholic Women’s League are united in faith, but wonderfully diverse in terms of our age, location, life experiences and lifestyle.
The reasons why we joined CWL and what we get out of our membership are equally diverse, so we have asked a few ladies to let us know a little bit about themselves, why they joined CWL or what they love about our League.
Case Study Videos
Westminster Branch gained a new Section last year: “I had the pleasure of visiting Greenford section to give them a restored statuette of Margaret Clitherow to have on display at their meetings. Congratulations on your first year ladies – already a vibrant & busy section. Long may you continue & welcome to Westminster Branch.” Vee Comparini, Westminster Branch President.
At our recent Spring Zoom, Kayla Giordman gave a short report on Greenford Section’s first year:
Greenford Section started because of a speculative e-mail sent to the parish priest by Siobhan Garibaldi. Kayla had been suggesting starting a women’s group within the parish, so explored the idea of launching a CWL Section. One year on and the Section continues to be extremely successful. Their first get-together was a cheese and wine evening. Drawing on their talents, they put their programme together. The second meeting was ‘Still Life drawing’ led by one of the members. Their charity focus has been serving the parish community: Cake sales etc. raised money for a defibrillator for the church. They are now raising funds to buy an outside reading corner shed for the parish primary school. This has raised awareness of the group and attracted new members. During the year they have assembled 200+ PACT backpacks and involved the parish in donating money for stock and items for the packs.
“I joined the CWL a lot of years ago because my Mother was in it – not the best reason for joining anything, and I had no real plans on staying for long. However, I met people, I learned about the area where I lived, I helped with so many events, and enjoyed the company of the Ladies in our group. When my husband was ill and eventually died, I would not have got through those dreadful months without their strength, support and friendship. My Mum knew what she was doing and I am so glad I ‘stayed’. The CWL has been, and still is, a huge part of my life”
“We had just moved to the area and I was invited to a CWL meeting by one of my new neighbours. I had heard of the CWL but I did not think it was for me. I preferred somewhere with a bit of life. How wrong was I! What a wonderful way to make new friends when you know
no-one. For the last 30 years, we have shared together fun, laughter, friendships and the ups and downs of life. How glad I am I went that first evening”