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.
A Season of Service: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
As autumn unfolds, October invites us to give thanks, November to notice the needs around us and December to journey through Advent toward Christmas. At the heart of this season is a simple question: How will we serve?
The national theme reminds us of the love flowing from the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a love that calls us beyond ourselves and into the world to serve.
Chairpersons of service do not have to do everything. Your role is to help your council notice where love is needed. These dates are invitations, not expectations. Choose what speaks to your members and community and share ideas with diocesan and parish counterparts. Members at every level may want to team up and volunteer to take on a short-term project.
October – Give Thanks, Give Back: Care for the Poor
Remember those experiencing hunger, poverty or loneliness.
- October 1: National Seniors Day: Visit or call a senior, help with an errand, share a meal or connect with a seniors’ residence.
- October 4: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi: Support a food bank or shelter, practise creation care or offer an act of kindness.
- October 10: World Homeless Day: Volunteer or ask a local agency, “What do you need most?”
- October 16: World Food Day: Organize a food collection, community meal or grocery gift-card campaign.
- October 18: World Mission Sunday: Pray, give and learn about the church’s missionary work through its 2026 theme, One in Christ, united in mission.
November – See the Need, Be the Difference: Homelessness
Family Violence Prevention Month/Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us that leaving an unsafe home can sometimes lead to housing insecurity or homelessness. As people of faith, we are called to see the need, respond with compassion and offer hope. Reflect on and share the League’s webinar Family Violence: Challenges and Opportunities for Catholics, presented by Dr. Cathy Holtmann. It is available at cwl.ca under Inform: Videos and on YouTube @CWLNational.
- November 12: Support Canadian home missions through the Catholic Missions In Canada’s “Tastes of Heaven: Virtual Wine Tasting.” Registration is required.
- November 15: World Day of the Poor: Reach out to someone who may be lonely or struggling. Ask, “What do you need most right now?” Sometimes service begins simply by listening.
December – Give the Gift of Service: Christianity
As Advent begins November 29th, let’s share Christ’s love through simple acts of kindness—a hamper, warm meal, card, visit, donation or listening ear.
- December 5: International Volunteer Day: Celebrate those who generously give their time and talents and encourage members to discover a new opportunity to serve.
- Give the Gift of Life: Through Partners for Life, League members, family and friends can donate blood. Create an account at blood.ca and join the League’s team using Partner ID CATH011269. A printable parish poster is available at cwl.ca under Service Communiqué #03.
Small Things, Great Love
Service does not always require money, special skills or a lot of time.
Save stamps from household mail and encourage your family and parishioners to do the same. For nearly 40 years, donated stamps have raised more than $900,000 for development and humanitarian work.
Invite members to bring their saved stamps to your 2027 provincial convention and ask the provincial president to deliver them to the Development and Peace—Caritas Canada (D&P) display table at the 2027 national convention. It’s a small addition to their suitcase for a great cause and an ironic way to save on postage! (Maybe don’t mention it was my idea.)
Likewise, save aluminum tabs and check within your province for a local organization collecting them for Tabs for Wheelchairs, helping provide mobility equipment for people of all ages.
Look What We Can Do Together
At the national convention, I was honoured to present cheques totalling an incredible $84,640.98 on behalf of members: $30,896.58 to D&P, $18,537.84 to Coady International Institute and $35,206.56 to Catholic Missions In Canada. An additional $16,531.30 was mailed to Catholic Near East Welfare Association, bringing members’ contributions to an incredible $101,172.28.
What could we accomplish next year? One council. One idea. One act of love. Together, small acts can become something much greater.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus ignite our passion for service and empower us to live His mission. May we be women who notice, care and act.
Give thanks. See the need. Serve with love. Please share your stories and inspire members with the wonderful work happening across the League.
Blessings as we journey together in faith, love and service.
Madonna Clark
National Chairperson of Service