This organization had its beginnings back in 1976 under Fr. Bernard B. Buckle and the first President of this group was Mrs. Ethel Woods. However, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Women’s League Council officially became affiliated with the National League of Canada some ten years later on April 13th, 1986. Initial enrolment for the new Charter group consisted of 70 Regular and two Associate members. This affiliation with the National League became possible through the encouragement of Fr. Desmond McGrath.

The Motion to have Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Women’s league affiliated with the National League of Canada was made by Mary Green and seconded by Margaret Flynn.
The Chartered Executive of the day included:

Geraldine Collier – (President)
Marina White – (President – Elect)
Marian White – (Vice President)
Kathleen O’Quinn - (Secretary)
Mary Collier – (Treasurer)

The Provincial President at that time was Mary Ward.

Since being affiliated with the National League, five members of the local Council have offered themselves as Presidents, namely Geraldine Collier, Marian White, Marina White, Marie Meaney, and our present President, Liz Snook. The local League has been visited by both the Provincial & National Councils over the years and there have been numerous workshops. A local member, Marina White, has served two terms on the Provincial Executive and facilitated the Project Grow initiative.

While there have been many pleasant memories throughout the years, the local League has progressed well and its presence can be seen and felt in all aspects of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish through its support of our Church, Parish & Community. Since its inception, the Catholic Women’s League has given personal and financial support to the Parish through Service and fundraising activities. A “short list” of this support is as follows:

- helping to pay for the mortgage on the Parish Church;
- purchase of the Statues for Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto;
- initially computerizing the Parish Office;
- purchasing the paschal candle stand, crucifix, propane candles, hymnal boards;
- albs for Altar servers;
- Baptismal gowns and crib medals to newborns for the Sacrament of Baptism;
- participation in Operation Christmas Child;
- annual financial support towards the Parish insurance premium;
- serving on the Parish Council
- serving as Lay Ministers in all aspects of Church Services;

and the list could go on and on.

At this period in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Women’s League history, we are honoured to have our present Parish Priest, Father Edward Terry, as not only the Spiritual Advisor of our local League but serving a five-year term as the Provincial Spiritual Advisor for the Provincial Council.