MOOSE JAW — The women and girls of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Parish have demonstrated their care and commitment to the community’s pre-born and homeless by donating to two organizations.
The parish’s Catholic Women’s League (CWL) held its spring potluck supper on June 4 as a windup before the summer break. During the event, the CWL donated $300 to Moose Jaw Right to Life (MJRTL) while the Catholic Girls’ League (CGL) donated $600 to Square One Community Inc.
Jean Landry, the outgoing board president of MJRTL, accepted the donation on behalf of the non-profit. She also introduced Brenda Havanka as the charity’s new president.
“We’re very grateful to the CWL ladies. They give us a donation every year and they’re just one of our regular supporters. And it’s just very, very good,” Landry said after the event.
Moose Jaw Right to Life will use the donation to continue supporting mothers and babies, especially if they have specific needs that may require the charity to purchase supplies like diapers or formula, she continued. Furthermore, it will keep some money in a “rainy day fund” to address unexpected expenses or extra banquet costs.
Landry pointed out that the non-profit has helped mothers and families in the past who required support until they could settle into the community or acquire the necessary funding to survive.
For example, MJRTL supported a single mother who came to Moose Jaw to have her baby and stayed at a hotel for the short term. She contacted the organization, which brought her groceries and then supplied her with diapers and formula after the baby was born.
“So we helped her out for a couple of months, and then she moved back to her own location, but does keep in touch with us occasionally and send a picture of her baby,” said Landry. “So those are the kinds of things we really want to do and like to do … .”
MJRTL also looks for educational materials that it can distribute throughout the community, she added. Last year it disseminated a comic book called “The Choice” that focused on how a teenage couple handled an unplanned pregnancy, while this year it’s looking for materials that focus on discussing alternatives to assisted suicide/medical assistance in dying (MAID).
Meanwhile, Paul Wilder, the treasurer of Square One, and board member Crystal Lockyer accepted the cheque for their organization, with Wilder thanking the CWL and CGL for their help.
“Your support plays a vital role in helping us continue our mission and make a meaningful impact on the community here in Moose Jaw. This contribution will … (help Square One) provide safe, stable and supportive housing for those in need,” Wilder said.
“With your help, we are able to offer hope, dignity and a path forward for individuals facing housing insecurity,” he added. “We are deeply grateful for your kindness and partnership, with sincere appreciation.”
Afterward, CWL member Catherine Dyck spoke about studying canon law at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa via distance learning, where she is in her second year of a four-year program. This degree will enable her to work with parish or diocesan tribunals and provide advice using the canons, which are laws that guide the church.
