June 1, 2026
TO: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
FROM: Madonna Clark, National Chairperson of Service
Please forward this message to chairpersons of service.
June: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus/Indigenous Relations
The national theme, Ignite Your Passion, Empower His Mission, reminds members that the solemnity of the Sacred Heart calls us to reflect on Christ’s love that ignites faith, compassion and service.
As Indigenous Relations is also recognized this month, members are reminded that fire is a sacred symbol in both the Catholic faith and many Indigenous cultures. May the love of the Sacred Heart guide us as we walk together in love, respect, reconciliation, healing and hope.
July: Grandparents, the Elderly and Friends
Guided by the theme’s focus, “Blessed Are the Poor,” members are reminded that poverty extends beyond finances to include loneliness, isolation, illness, grief, loss of independence and feeling forgotten. Members are called to respond with compassion, presence and friendship. Simple gestures—visits, calls, invitations or conversation—can restore dignity, hope and belonging.
Chairpersons of service are encouraged to promote opportunities such as:
- Visiting seniors, shut-ins and nursing home residents
- Organizing check-in calls or parish outreach lists for those living alone
- Encouraging transportation support to Mass and parish events
- Fostering intergenerational parish gatherings
Members are encouraged to listen with presence, offer friendship and practical help, welcome newcomers and pray for those who are lonely, grieving or isolated. Through these acts, members become Christ’s presence to those most in need.
More information will be shared at the service workshop, Heart Within a Heart, during the national convention. I hope to see you there!
August: Youth
August provides an opportunity to promote the Catholic Girls’ League (CGL) and invest in the future of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. The CGL builds faith, friendship, fun and formation while nurturing future leaders grounded in Catholic values and service.
Councils are encouraged to host an information day to share the CGL’s vision, welcome new members and highlight how it fosters confidence, leadership and lifelong faith-filled service. For additional information, refer to (#647) Catholic Girls’ League Administration Manual.
Supporting a back-to-school supply drive is also a meaningful way to engage youth in charitable outreach.
September: National Faith, Care for Creation and Indigenous Relations
This September, members are invited to unite in faith, service and reconciliation through participation in Season of Creation and Orange Shirt Day activities.
The global Season of Creation (September 1–October 4), under the theme Living Waters, invites Christians worldwide to pray and act for our common home. On September 13th, members are encouraged to gather for Season of Creation Sunday in prayer and action, reflecting on water as a sacred gift from God and the shared responsibility to protect creation for future generations. Members are also encouraged to view and share the Faith Leaders Invite You to the 2026 Season of Creation resource on YouTube.
September 30th marks Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring survivors and remembering the children who did not return home, and committing to ongoing healing and reconciliation. Members are encouraged to wear orange shirts and participate in local prayer, reflection and educational opportunities.
Resources
- #625, 625A, 625B Care for God’s Creation Resources, PowerPoint, Speaker Notes
- #900 Building Indigenous Relationships: Land Acknowledgments
- #901 Building Relationships with Indigenous Catholic Women: Suggested Activities
- #902 Walking Together with Indigenous Catholic Women
- Federal Government: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; Reconciliation Information
Ongoing promotion of the national voluntary funds is encouraged: Coady Institute, Development and Peace—Caritas Canada, Catholic Missions In Canada and Catholic Near East Welfare Association, as well as the National Bursary Fund.
Convention season is one of the most meaningful and uplifting times of the year. These gatherings unite members as faith-filled women in purpose, spirit and service. Gathering to share, listen and renew commitment to the mission is a gift. May conventions be fruitful and grace-filled, strengthening commitment and deepening the sense of mission, while bringing inspiration, encouragement and renewed energy for the work ahead.
With gratitude for all you do, and warm wishes for a blessed and successful convention season,
Madonna Clark
National Chairperson of Service