The second Sunday of each month was designated as Holy Name Sun- day. The members attended Mass and received Holy Communion as a group. Throughout the years the members put on concerts, and held them in front of the Sacristy basement, which was the only part of the church basement finish- ed at that time. Each year a picnic was held on Robinson’s Island for the members and their families. For quite a number of years the society continued to be active. With the liturgical renewal, however, more frequent reception of holy Commu- nion was being encouraged, and the need for the Society was not so great and it gradually declined.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE
The Stella Maris Council of the C.W.L. was organized in North Rustico Nov. 27, 1949 under the guidance of Mrs. Austin Murphy, Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Dr. W.J.P. MacMillan. Fr. Eric Robin became the first spiritual director.
The first executive was:
President - Mrs. M.J. Doyle lst Vice-President - Mrs. J.F. Doiron
2nd Vice—President - Miss Martha Gauthier 3rd Vice-President - Miss Matilda Pineau.
The C.W.L., with an average membership of ninety-five, has been involv— ed in most parish activities over the years. In the beginning the League was primarily involved with the spiritual needs of the people, helping with First Com- munion and Confirmation, visiting the sick and helping those in need.
As time progressed the local councils took more interest in the needs of the church outside the parish boundaries. It donated to Mass for Shut-Ins, the Precious Blood Monastery, Our Ladies Missionaries, Latin America, Pro life,
Development and Peace and the C.W.L. National Scholarship.
To improve the spiritual life of its members retreats were sponsored and members participate in the World Day of Prayer for Peace. Its members are active in the choir, serve as Readers and Lay Distributors, teach religion to the children, and take part in Adult Religion Courses. The C.W.L. is relied upon to provide receptions for First Holy Communion and Confirmation and other special celebrations.
Over the years the Catholic Women’s League has been an integral part of our parish life, and at the present time continues to work For God and Country and for the good of our Community. On May 3, 1982 Mrs. Mona Doiron was elected Provincial President of the C.W.L. during the 60th Annual Meeting of the Organization.
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