60^th Anniversary Celebration - Sunday Nov. 20^th at 2:30 pm
St. Michael Catholic Women’s League (CWL) is turning 60!
The first meeting of the CWL council for St. Michael Parish took place November 27, 1962.  Here we are, 60 years later and still going strong.
This milestone will be celebrated with an Anniversary Mass on Sunday, November 20^th at 2:30pm.  His Excellency, Bishop Douglas Crosby will be joining us and will celebrate this special Mass.
A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Mark your calendars – This Mass & reception are open to CWL members,
 non-members, parishioners and friends.  Everyone is welcome!
See poster for more information.
 

Virtual Rosary during Advent

CWL members and parishioners are invited to join together in praying the Rosary on Monday evenings during Advent - Nov 29, Dec 6, Dec 13, and Dec 20.

The Rosary will be prayed online over Zoom at 7 pm.  

If you would like to join, please email the CWL = cwl@stmichaelw.ca  to request the Zoom link.

All are welcome to participate – CWL members, parishioners, and friends.

Advent Preparation:

November 28th marks the 1st Sunday of Advent.  To aid in your personal preparation for Christmas the National CWL has a number of resources available.  Click here to learn more - https://cwl.ca/communique-3-spiritual-development/

CWL Members Meeting - Tues. Nov 9th - "The Vote"

Just a quick reminder we will be having a General meeting in just under two weeks.  The main purpose of this meeting is to vote on proposed changes from CWL National.  

This is an important meeting and all members (who are comfortable) are requested to attend.
I will send more details a few days before the meeting.

 

CWL League Magazine Survey - Input Requested:

The CWL has asked members to complete a survey regarding the League Magazine.  Please take time to complete the survey as your input is important to the League.

Attached is a copy of the survey.  I only have a PDF version which unfortunately it is not editable electronically.

Your completed survey can be emailed or mailed directly to the Nation office.  Both addresses are at the bottom of the Survey

IF you are not able to print the survey, please let me know and I will provide a paper copy for you to complete.  

OR .... another option if you are unable to print is to type your answers in the body of an email and send that in as well.  Just indicate the question number and your answer.

I will bring some copies to our meeting on November 9th for members to fill out as well.

And ... FYI ....

The fall issue of the Canadian League magazine will only be available on-line (not mailed this time).

Link to on-line magazine: https://cwl.ca/the-canadian-league-fall-2021/

 

Nominations for CWL Executive:

The term of our current Executive is coming up in early 2022.  As such, we will be following a nomination process for new executive members beginning at the end of November.  

Please watch your email and the parish bulletin in the coming weeks for more information on CWL Executive Nominations.







Join our Parish as we come together on October 11th to give thanks

We are pleased to welcome a new Ministry to our Parish and we're invited to join in on their events.

The St. Michael Moms Ministry serves as a ministry for mothers of all stages, fostering a community of fellowship, charity and witness of our Catholic faith to our children and for the St. Michael community.

Here's more information:

Together we will strike a balance between deep dive conversations about faith and social activities. We want mothers to connect with one another, build friendships and feel at home in our parish.

Why Moms?
Now, more than ever, moms are feeling isolated and are craving connections. A Catholic moms group allows women to connect with other mothers, topics of interest specifically related to their motherhood, topics that impact their personal selves and God; it provides both support and encouragement. Beyond that, moms groups help develop friendships with other moms providing proven mental health benefits and is a way of drawing women together to form a stronger sense of parish community.

What does a Moms Ministry do?
We have many ideas of how we can come together, but it's important that we hear from you about how best we can build community for you in our Parish. Some ideas include:

• Monthly Meetings - Meetings support our faith formation, but will also create a peer support network and encourage socialization. Topics could include a Podcast Club, guest speakers, rosary hikes, Mom & Tots groups, etc.

• Social Celebrations - Whether it's a moms-only night out or something for the whole family, we want to celebrate with one another. Aligning our events with important dates in the liturgical calendar will support the domestic church in our homes.

• Supporting our Parish’s Families - It takes a village to raise a child, and we want to be there for one another when challenges strike, or new bundles of joy arrive. Coordinating meal trains or other support is one way we can help each other in times of need.

Join us!

• Monday, October 18th - Podcast Club & Soft Launch
  VIRTUAL EVENT - Email parish@stmichaelw.ca to register and receive the Zoom link
  
  We want to get to know you!  Listen to Abiding Together's Podcast Episode S05 E18: The Heart of Motherhood (https://bit.ly/3DKwgiQ), and come prepared to chat about it and meet new friends. We'll also get your feedback and ideas about how we can build a Moms Ministry that is unique to our parish.

• Late November - Mom’s Night out: Liturgical Living Advent Preparations
  Save the date - more details soon!

 

Join us for 2 National CWL Prayer Days - Sunday September 19th and Friday October 1st

 

CWL National Day of Faith - Sunday September 19: 

This Sunday, September 19th is National Faith Day,  Teresa DiFalco (CWL Hamilton Diocesan 1st VP and Spiritual Development Chair) would like to offer all members an uplifting Spiritual Direction themed around "Welcome Home".  The message will be that we all belong so, we will be looking at our spiritual home not only on earth but, also in heaven. The idea is also to look at ways of inviting others to “belong”.  There will be small group breakout discussions, prayer times and reflection. As this is to be a CWL focus, Teresa will be focusing on creating an atmosphere of belonging to the CWL through our Catholic Faith and Spirituality.  The group will look at how the League can become a home for those who are already members and also for those who may be considering joining the CWL. This evening should be very helpful for all the members since many parishes have upcoming elections and we are all searching for ways to increase our membership through membership drives. 

Teresa DiFalco is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Hamilton Diocesan CWL National Spiritual Day of Faith

Time: Sep 19, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83771917818?pwd=QUpEaE92ZUMrWEpLZ3R0bEFCVEJoUT09
Meeting ID: 837 7191 7818
Passcode: 520440

 

The Catholic faith began in Canada through the commitment of missionaries. Catholic Missions In Canada (CMIC) exists to advance and sustain the Catholic faith in remote and poor mission communities across Canada.

One of the challenges to Canadian missionaries is the far distances between Catholic communities and the high cost of living and getting to isolated communities. Many Canadian missions are remote, isolated and accessible only by air.

 “Mission activity was the first action of the Apostles.” (CMIC) When the Canadas began, French missionaries accompanying explorers, continued that action in North America. We are encouraged by Pope Francis, in joining in the National Day of Prayer for Canadian Home Missions, “asking God’s blessing on our mission areas. Our Canadian missionaries and the Catholics they serve need your prayers.” (ibid) 

Please join your League sisters in prayer on National Day of Prayer for the Canadian Home Missions on Friday October 1st. 

Please visit the website to learn more:  https://cmic.info/

"Ready Day One" - Send'em Off Smiling Back to School Campaign - 2021

Our St. Michael Parish community plays a vital role every year supporting the "Send'em Off Smiling" organization, ensuring that all children have the necessary supplies to start the school year. Too often financial obstacles stand in the way of our children's success.  With this in mind please consider supporting our "Ready Day One" back to school campaign.

"Send'em Off Smiling" coordinates with school teachers and the community ensuring that all students start school with the supplies that they need. Our first year we donated the value of $3,700 worth of school supplies.  Last year with the pandemic and Church closures we raised $1,436 of school supplies and monetary donations.  Although we are still in the pandemic we know we can match or top last year's donation.  In fact, both years St. Michael Parish Community was recognized as a Community Partner and Bronze Contributor. 

This year we are keeping it simple and encourage you to go online to the Send'em Off Smiling website to make your donation.  When making your online donation clearly indicate that you are a member of St. Michael Parish.   http://sendemoff.ca/donate/

We won't let this pandemic stand in our way.  Children in our community still depend on us.  Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.



Join us as we pray the Rosary During the Month of May and June 2021
On-Line - 7pm, Monday evenings
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 
Email cwl@stmichaelw.ca for the link



CWL Webinar on Palliative Care - Saturday May 8th:

https://cwl.ca/webinar-on-palliative-care/



Marillac Place 2021 Baby Bottle Campaign - Mother's Day to Father's Day

The Marillac Place 2021 Baby Bottle Campaign will be underway on Mother's Day, May 9th and will run until Father's Day, June 20th.

St. Michael Parish is proud to participate once again this year.  Marillac Place relies heavily on donations from our community to support mother-led families in need of assistance.  Due to ongoing social distancing restrictions, similar to last year, we will not be delivering baby bottles this year.  Please provide your support through their virtual campaign by donating online or sending a cheque directly to Marillac Place.  When you donate online, you can indicate that you are a member of St. Michael Parish and you have the option to send an e-card to someone special on Mother's Day!  Go to http://www.marillacplace.ca/donate/  to make your donation.

Thank you for your support.  All proceeds from the campaign will directly support the operations of Marillac Place to help us make an immediate impact on residents.

For more information about Marillac Place please call (519) 571-0722 ext. 202, or send an email to admin@marillacplace.ca, or visit http://www.marillacplace.ca.

Thank you for your continued support.


                                                                   

Join us as we pray the Rosary During Lent 2021
On-Line - 7pm, Monday evenings
February 22nd, March 1st, 8th, 15th and 29th 
 

Praying the Rosary through Lent - Please register

CWL members, parishioners and friends are invited to join together in praying the Rosary on Monday evenings during Lent.
February 22nd, March 1st, 8th, 15th and 29th

The Rosary will be prayed on-line over Zoom at 7pm, led by a member of our CWL.
If you would like to join, please email - cwl@stmichaelw.ca to request the Zoom link.
 

 

Join us for 12 hours of Prayer and our Virtual Rosary
Monday's - September 21, 28 and October 5 2020
 

Praying the Rosary through Advent - November 30th, December 7, 14, 21 at 7pm - Zoom - Please register
CWL members, parishioners and friends are invited to join together in praying the Rosary on Monday evenings during Advent-Nov 30th, Dec 7th, 14th, and 21st. This will be online using Zoom at 7pm. If you'd like to join us email cwl@stmichaelw.ca to request the Zoom link.

Join us on Monday's for our 12 hours of prayer and our virtual Rosary.


Join us for 12 hours of Prayer and our Virtual Rosary
Monday's - September 21, 28 and October 5 2020

12 Hours of Prayer - Monday September 21, 28 and October 5 from 7am to 7pm:

Members are invited to 'sign up' for a time slot from 7am to 6pm to pray the Rosary on your own.  You will pary the Rosary during the hour that you've chosen, on your own.  Email cwl@stmichaelw.ca to provide the hour that you're available.  You are welcome to include a special intention.

Virtual Rosary - Monday September 21, 28 and October 5 at 7pm

Join members of the CWL as we pray the Rosary online using Zoom.  All parishioners are invited to join as well.   Email cwl@stmichaelw.ca in order to receive the Zoom link for connecting. 

If you have any questions, feel free to email cwl@stmichaelw.ca, or contact a member of the executive.

10 Reasons Why Praying the Rosary Works:   https://dynamiccatholic.com/rosary/10-reasons-why-pray-the-rosary

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See our Twitter feed below (bottom of this page) for up to date news and information, or click here -  https://twitter.com/stmichaelcwl

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Ready Day One 2020!  Throughout August you can donate new back to school supplies to help children in our community:

Our 2nd Annual "Ready Day One"  back to school campaign is As I'm sure you've read or heard, the plan is to open our schools in September.  Wouldn't it be great if all children in our city could be ready for school on the first day?  Too often financial obstacles stand in the way. 

This campaign supports the "Send'em Off Smiling" organization that coordinates with school teachers and the community ensuring that all students start school with the supplies that they need.  Last year our parish community generously donated the value of $3,700 worth of school supplies.  We will also allocate some school supplies for our St. Vincent de'Paul Society.

This year the approach will be different.  We invite you to support this initiative in one of the following ways:

1.  Bring in new school supplies - backpacks, pencil cases, pencils, pens, highlighters, calculators, rulers and place them in the basket that will be at the door.  The baskets will be emptied after every Mass, OR

2.  We will accept cash, or cheque payable to 'Send 'em off smiling', placed in an envelope clearly marked for this campaign. The envelope can be placed in the collection basket, OR

3.  Donate online on the Send 'em off smiling website and make a donation online, clearly indicating that you are a member of St. Michael Parish.  http://sendemoff.ca/donate/

Note:  Tax receipts will be issued if requested. Request form and instructions - http://sendemoff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Send-em-off-Smiling-Tax-Receipt-Individual-Sponsors.pdf

We won't let this pandemic stand in our way.  Children in our community still depend on us.  Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.

 

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On-Line Summer Speaker Series - August 10 - 14, 2020

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada presents the Online Summer Speaker Series-August 10-14, 2020. The series will focus on Care for Our Common Home, Women in the Church and the League of the Future. Register online -
https://cwl.ca/summer-speaker-series-registration/

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Marillac Place - Baby Bottle Campaign 2020

 

Your donation will bring BIG CHANGES to the lives of the women and children of Marillac Place.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and St. Michael Parish is proud to participate in the Baby Bottle Campaign, in support of Marillac Place. Marillac Place relies heavily on the donations from our community to keep its doors open. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic this year we are unable to deliver baby bottles. Please provide your ongoing support through our virtual campaign by donating on-line or sending a cheque directly to Marillac Place. You can make your donation in honour of someone special on Mother’s Day as there is an option to send an ecard when you donate on-line. www.marillacplace.ca/donate/

Thank you so much for your support. All proceeds from the campaign will go directly to the operations of Marillac Place and create an immediate impact on the residents.

When you donate online or by cheque,  please specify that you are a member of St. Michael Parish.  Marillac Place uses this information for tracking purposes.

For more information on Marillac Place please call (519) 571-0722 x 202, or visit www.marillacplace.ca

Thank you for your continued support!

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Renew your membership, or join the League

Please remember to get your membership dues submitted as soon as possible.   They can be deposited in the Sunday Collection baskets - clearly marked "CWL"
Note - if you are using your parish envelope, please fill in the information on the front of the envelope (name, address, email .. etc..).  Having all this information available (and not just your envelope number) makes it easier to keep the CWL records up to date.

Consider joining the league for personal and spiritual growth, friendship and fun!

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Saturday's - Nov 2019 to April 2020 - Volunteer opportunity at Saturday Supper Program at Stirling Ave Mennonite Church

Join our St. Michael Parish community as we reach out on the 4th  Saturday of the  month serving dinner to those who are less fortunate.
Open to everyone in the Parish.  Sign up required.  Contact Kathy at shawbing@rogers.com

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Parish small group / outreach - Support Group for Separated and Divorced

Meetings will take place on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.  Join us in the basement of the Church.

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Friday March 6th - World Day of Prayer

St. Michael parish is hosting the World Day of Prayer service this year.  The country being celebrated in Zimbabwe.
The service will start at 1pm and is about an hour in length.  A light lunch / refreshments will follow.

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Tuesday Mar 10 2020 - Speaker from Reception House followed by CWL meeting - 7:30pm

The CWL has invited Reception House to speak to members and parishioners at 7:30pm in the parish centre.  A brief CWL meeting for members will follow this presentation at 8:30.

Reception House - Hear about how our community welcomes refugees and how we can lend a hand.  Wars and persecution have driven more people from their homes now than at any time since World War II.  Reception House helps to shed light on their journey.  For 30+ years, Reception House has welcomed the most vulnerable group of newcomers, government-assisted refugees. In 2019, 90% of government-assisted refugees arrive in the Waterloo Region reporting having no family or friends. Everything Reception House does is focused on a warm welcome,  enabling these newcomers to settle, integrate and lead healthy and stable lives in their new community.   Join us to find out how we  can make newcomers feel more a part of the community.

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