The Catholic Women's League of Canada

World Day of Youth
2024-11-24

Start of Advent
2024-12-01
“Advent has a two-fold nature: It prepares us for Christmas, when we recall Christ’s first coming among us, and it is also a time when we look forward to his second coming at the end of the ages. Advent is a season of joyful expectation” (GNLY, no 39). During Advent, each Sunday’s gospel focuses on a specific theme. The Old Testament readings, especially from Isaiah, prophesy about the Messiah and messianic times, while the Apostles’ writings offer exhortations and instructions related to the season (Ordo). Members are encouraged to prepare for the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year and Christmas through prayer, caring and sharing.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2024-12-03

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
2024-12-06

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2024-12-08

Human Rights Day
2024-12-10

National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples (CCCB)
2024-12-12

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feast Day)
2024-12-12
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) honours the Virgin Mary’s apparitions to Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert. The Basilica in Mexico City, where his cloak with her image is preserved, is a major pilgrimage site. Pope John Paul II’s visit 25 years ago led to his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, calling for a new evangelization under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Members are invited to pray the attached prayer in joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth.

Advent Webinar: A Walk Through Salvation History
2024-12-15 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)

International Migrants Day
2024-12-18

International Human Solidarity Day
2024-12-20

Christmas, The Nativity of the Lord
2024-12-25

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
2024-12-29

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation in Canada)
2025-01-01

World Day of Peace
2025-01-01
World Day of Peace, celebrated on January 1, 2025, focuses on the theme Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace, chosen by Pope Francis. Linked to the Jubilee Year, the theme emphasizes hope, forgiveness and unity. The message, inspired by Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, calls for lasting peace through personal and global change. Pope Francis urges Catholics to be disarmed in heart, foster forgiveness, selflessness and justice, turn anxiety into hope, and build a better world and true peace beyond human compromises. Members are urged to greet the New Year by joining the Holy Father in his prayer for forgiveness and peace.

The Epiphany of the Lord (Solemnity)
2025-01-06

St. Andre Bessette (Memorial)
2025-01-07
Following the Epiphany of the Lord, Catholic Canadians memorialize St. André Bessette and his deep devotion to Saint Joseph. Known as Brother André, he was the porter at College Notre Dame in Montreal, welcoming visitors and inviting them to pray through St. Joseph’s intercession. This led to the creation of a small chapel, which later became St. Joseph’s Oratory. As the patron of family caregivers, St. André’s intercession for the sick and afflicted can be sought by praying the attached prayer.

Baptism of the Lord (Feast Day)
2025-01-12

St. Marguerite Bourgeoys (Memorial)
2025-01-12

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
2025-01-18 - 2025-01-25
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world January 18-25, though the week may be observed to include two Sundays. The theme for this year is, Do you believe this? (John 11-26) in recognition that 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council held in Nicea, Constantinople. Christians express their personal “I believe” in praying the Nicene Creed and seeking a deeper understanding of ecumenism by meeting, celebrating liturgy and praying our oneness in Christ with Christians of other denominations.

Finding Hope in the Fight Against Human Trafficking Webinar
2025-01-21 18:00 - 19:00
FINDING HOPE In the FIGHT Against Human Trafficking

“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”
Saint Mother Teresa
All members are invited to an online webinar on
January 21, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. CST.

At the 10th World Day of Prayer, Pope Francis shared, “It is a call to take action, to mobilize all our resources in combating trafficking and restoring full dignity to those who have been its victims. If we close our eyes and ears, if we do nothing, we will be guilty of complicity.”
The webinar features three dynamic women who will not only inspire and motivate but will provide concrete actions moving forward.

Moderators:
Glenda Carson, National Chairperson of Social Justice
Sharon Ciebin, Member, National Social Justice Subcommittee

Presenters:
GLENDYNE GERRARD, Founder of Defend Dignity
Defend Dignity works to end exploitation through

Raising awareness through events and resources

Advocating for law and policy reform with all levels of government and companies

BARBARA RENAUD, CWL Member, Vancouver Archdiocesan Anti Human Trafficking Committee

Originator of two League resolutions.

Presenter at the Federal Government’s Justice Committee Hearings on Human Trafficking

Advocate for enforcement of Canada’s law, Protection of Communities and Exploited Person’s Act

TRISHA BAPTIE, SURVIVOR

From victim to survivor

Founder of EVE, a vehicle for survivors to have a voice in policy, law discussions, and reform

Advocate at all government levels for enforcement of the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act

To register, click on https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1128195031188487258.

Day of Sanctity and Protection of Human Life (USCCB)
2025-01-22

Bell Let's Talk Day
2025-01-22

Day of Prayer for Legal Protection of Unborn Children
2025-01-22

Sunday of the Word of God (third Sunday in Ordinary Time)
2025-01-26

World Day of Consecrated Life
2025-02-02

The Presentation of the Lord (Feast Day)
2025-02-02

World Wetlands Day
2025-02-02

International Development Week
2025-02-02 - 2025-02-08

St. Blaise (Feast Day)
2025-02-03
