Group has been active in Prince George Diocese for several decades

The B.C. Catholic



Hundreds of women in B.C.’s interior are praying for and serving their local church.

About 90 members of the 641-member Catholic Women’s League in the Diocese of Prince George gathered to pray and plan in April.

“We left the convention with everybody so inspired, and full of energy and ideas,” said diocesan president Carmen Foucher.

The CWL has been active in the Diocese of Prince George for several decades. “We’re very involved in supporting our hospice house,” said Foucher. The league raises funds for the hospice and a few of its members volunteer there.

The group also recently held a day of prayer for palliative care. Foucher said more than 40 people from three parishes attended: a good turnout in their Prince George community.

The women spent half an hour in adoration, held a prayer service, and heard presentations from speakers from the hospice. “We are trying to inspire prayer,” said Foucher.

At their 60th annual diocesan convention this spring, members participated in Mass, listened to speakers on topics such as servant leadership and the Jubilee Year of Mercy, and were encouraged in their efforts by Bishop Stephen Jensen.

“All the parishes in my diocese, they all work so hard and they do wonderful, wonderful things,” Foucher said.

Longtime member Irene MacLean, 95, received a pin for her 70-year dedication to the league. She was the first, and is the only surviving, charter member of the local CWL group.

“She’s a great inspiration,” said Pat Forster, the CWL president at Resurrection Parish in Fort St. John.

MacLean initiated many of the league’s early initiatives, such as a very successful delicatessen table at biannual bazaars that raised funds for the local Catholic school.

She was also a long-time extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and sang at a seniors’ apartment building every Tuesday for about 20 years. That choir still brings music to homebound residents today.

“These people can’t get out on Sundays,” said Forster. “Father says Mass and provides Communion for the residents.”