CWL State Conference hosted in Mackay
16 September, 2024
Rockhampton Diocesan members
Back L-R Maria Curtin, Mary Orchard, Karen Reaston, Keynote speaker Sister Kym Harris, Tina Cooney
Middle L-R Val Jackson, Betty Kirwan, Di Ahmat, Sheryl Cuttriss
Seated National President Ann Pereira, Cathy Leitenberger, Therese Sturgeon
Front Margaret Butler, WUCWO Board member Karen de Sousa
The Catholic Women’s League State Conference was held in Mackay on the 30th and 31st of August. The opening Mass for the conference was held on Friday evening at St Mary’s Church and was celebrated by Bishop Michael, along with State Chaplain Father Matthias and Father James and Father Anthony. The theme chosen for the conference was “Celebrate what we have been given.” At the Mass, a picture of Our Lady Undoer of Knots was presented to the Webb family as a memorial to Jan Webb who was such a valued member of CWL.
Following the Mass, conference attendees and invited guests gathered at the Terrace at the Shamrock Hotel for a Meet and Greet function, where platters of delicious food were served and there was an opportunity for everyone to mingle and catch up with our Bishop and our priests as well as to mix with those who had travelled to be at the conference. Among those in attendance were the National President of CWL, Ann Pereira, who travelled from New South Wales, a member of the Board of WUCWO (World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations) Karen de Sousa, who travelled from Adelaide, keynote speaker Sister Kym Harris from Rockhampton as well as members from Brisbane and Townsville dioceses and our own local members.
On Saturday morning, attendees gathered at the Pavillion at the Shamrock Hotel where they were able to listen to the guest speakers as well as hearing reports from various parts of the State. The conference was blessed and officially opened by State Chaplain, Father Matthias and featured a very moving candle lighting ceremony where the names of all those members who had passed away since the last conference were read out. Also honoured with candle lighting were the two former State Chaplains, Father Pat Mooney and Father Jim Smith who had passed away since the last conference.
As part of the morning liturgy, a gift box containing letters and notes from branch members from all over the state who wrote about all the things they were grateful for. This gift box was added to the Sacred Space which featured a poster with our theme and the candles. Bishop Michael addressed the Gathering and reminded everyone about the mission of the Church and how CWL was an important part of that mission. Sister Kym’s address reminded us of all the gifts we have been given but also challenged us to think about the gifts which are not normally recognised as gifts but they are events which may have provided opportunities for us to grow in our faith and compassion.
During the afternoon session Karen de Sousa gave a very interesting presentation about her recent trip to Rome where she met with other board members to work on the resolutions that will form part of WUCWO’s mission for the next few years. Karen is working on the resolution to care for our planet and told us that they are intending to campaign for the planting of trees.
Participants were able to buy some of the beautiful craft work that members had contributed and also to buy some raffle tickets as well as partake of the beautiful food provided by the venue.
The night was left for celebrating with a singalong with music from local musician, Annette Worthington as well as skits performed by members from each diocese. Mass the next morning was at St Francis Church where everyone was able to farewell Father Matthias before he went on holiday. After Mass those who were available gathered at Harrup Park for a farewell coffee with the travellers who were catching later planes. The Mackay branches would like to extend our thanks to all those who helped to make this conference so enjoyable.
Cathy Leitenberger
Brisbane Attendees
Townsville Attendees