RR Catholic Women's League turns 60

By Jack Elliott
Contributor

This past Sunday, September 15, 2013 the Catholic Women League of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Rainy River celebrated their 60th Anniversary.
Members and their guests attended a special mass celebrated by Fr. Alan Albao and Fr. Victor Degagne.
The festivities then moved to the parish hall where after a meet and greet, a sumptuous meal prepared by the Knights of Columbus was enjoyed by all.
The programme after dinner included congratulatory messages from other CWLs across the District.
Pauline Krupa of Thunder Bay, provincial president-elect of the CWL addressed the group of over fifty, focusing on the role of women in the church since biblical times.
“We shared stories, we prayed, we played, we laughed, we cried. This is what being a member of the League is…it is a time of sisterhood…of being together…woman to woman…Never doubt the importance of the League in our lives,” Krupa related reflecting on her recent experience at a cross Canada CWL event in Regina this past August with keynote speaker Bishop Emeritus Gerald Wiesner.
Guest speaker Heather Oltsher of Barwick reflected on her years in the CWL at St. Pat’s, Emo in a moving and sometimes humorous presentation. With a bag full of props she wore several different hats reflecting the history of the CWL since its founding in Montreal in the late 1800s and her own experiences since joining the CWL in 1974.
“We are angels, but if we break a wing and fall, we just carry on riding broomsticks,” Oltsher quipped as the audience roared with laughter.
Angie Armstrong, mistress of ceremonies, recognized special members with CWL pins presented by president Rachel Marquis.
Bernice Olinyk, a charter member of the CWL, received her 60 year pin to a standing ovation. Not far behind Millie Kuchma was honored for 58 years membership.

Also receiving pins were Donna Noga-50 years, Gayle Yeryk-50 years, Rose Tetu-25 years, Shirley Armstrong-25 years, Evelyn Bourre-25 years, Alice Bremault-25 years, Norma Elliott-10 years.
At the conclusion of the evening a special guest, Elvis, along with his two roadies Judy Cash and Tammi Whynot, resplendent in their show garb, materialized to entertain the group. Some spirited songs and special dances were enjoyed.
At 8 sharp Elvis left the building.