RR CWL turns 50

Jack Elliott

On February 15, 1953, thirty-two women from Our Lady of Good Counsel signed a charter in Rainy River to form the Parish‚s Catholic Women’s League. This started a half-century of service to the Church and community by the CWL. The group‚s focus has at OLOGC, included organizing many of the social aspects of the parish, Eucharistic Ministries, youth catechisms, Sunday School, and choir. They also spearheaded a number of fund raising activities in support of various church projects, including kitchen renovations, building maintenance, and beautification.
In the broader community the CWL supports the Cancer Society, the Trillium Camp for Kids who are victims of cancer, and the “White Ribbon” campaign against violence and pornography. Over the years they have hosted Senior’s Christmas Parties at the Rainy River Hospital and aided in Seniors‚ support across the community, and operated a youth bowling programme
This past Sunday, February 23, following Mass at OLOGC, parish members attended a CWL luncheon honouring the founders of the CWL, and the community spirit of past and present members. Charter member, Bernice Olinyk, cut a beautifully decorated cake prepared by fellow CWL comrade Gail Yeryk. A poster listing the charter members of the Rainy River CWL, is displayed in the foyer of OLOGC. It honours the vibrancy and strength of the CWL over the last half-century and continuing today, and it attests to the founders‚ foresight and commitment.