CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

GUIDELINES

OBJECTIVE

We Work for the love of our neighbor, ever loyal to

Our Mother the Church.

HISTORY

MARGARET FLETCHER - our Founder, was born in

Oxford, England in 1862. Her family were practising
Anglicans. Her mother's reverence impressed her. The
Anglican church did not satisfy her spiritual appetite,
but she did not know where to look for a more
substantial spiritual diet. Her mother died in 1884
forcing her to abandon her ambition of earning her
own living and come home to keep house for her
father and the four children. On September 9, 1897 at
the age of thirty-five, Margaret was received into the
Catholic church. She was overjoyed. She was interested
in Catholic secondary education for girls and thought
that women should have equal opportunities with
men. She felt there was a need for a national council of
Catholic women to deal with these problems. She and
some of her friends published a magazine called "The
Crucible" and it was in the pages of this magazine that
the idea of forming a Catholic Women's League was
first published in 1906. She was Chairman of the first
meeting of the Catholic Women's League held in a
house in London. The Catholic Women's League grew
and gave invaluable service to the church and society
in many ways. Margaret Fletcher died in 1943 at the
age of eighty one.

THE LEAGUE CHOSE AS THEIR PATRON ST. MARGARET

CLITHEROE, because in many respects, she was like an
average member of Catholic Women's League in our
day. She was born in York, England, in 1553. She
married a butcher, John Clitheroe at 18 and they had
three children. She was brought up as a Protestant, but
in 1574, three years after her marriage, she became a
Catholic at a time when Catholics were being
persecuted in England. Her spirited personality made
her a prominent figure in the community; she was a
glowing example to other Catholics in the district.
Despite the danger of practising Catholicism, of hearing
mass, and the death penalty imposed on those who
sheltered priests, and allowed their homes to be used
as mass centres, she unhesitatingly broke the law in
her service of the church. She was arrested at the age
of thirty three, on 10th March, 1585 and sentenced to
be pressed to death under heavy weights. That
sentence was carried out on 25th March, 1586, the
Feast of the Annunciation. Her last words before she
died were a prayer "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! have mercy
upon me!" Her feast is kept on 4th May. We can try to
copy her devoted practice of the Faith, the work she
did to protect and promote Catholicism, the love she
showed for Christ and his Church, her fidelity to the
rule of life of the Church, to know, love and serve, and
honour God.

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE ZIMBABWE - 1931

The Catholic Women's League in Zimbabwe was

founded in 1931, at the Harare Cathedral followed by a
second branch at Bulawayo Cathedral. Then branches
were started in the suburbs and in other towns in
Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia). At present there
are seventeen branches operating. Margaret Fletcher
sent a personal telegram of congratulations and good
wishes when the C.W.L. was founded.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

Inaugurated on 15th May, 1960 in Harare (Salisbury) by
Archbishop F. Markall S.J. As the number of C.W.L.
branches increased in cities and towns throughout the
country the National Council of C.W.L. was formed to
promote the objectives of the C.W.L. at National level.
Catholic principles were to be upheld, and unity of
purpose fostered among members. The first National
President elected was Mrs. Linda Strange, and the first
National Secretary elected was Mrs. Maric Forder. The
meeting was held in Gweru (Gwelo) and C.W.L.
representatives attended from I Kwe kwe Gweru
(Gwelo), Harare (Salisbury), Mutare (Umtali), and
Bulawayo.

National Council meets every two years at the venue

where the current National President resides.
The elected officers are National President, National
vice- president, National Treasurer, National Secretary,
International Officer, Liaison Officer and Newsletter
Editor. One voting member from each branch is
represented at National Council, and this constitutes-
the council voting strength. The President has a casting
vote.
A spiritual Director is invited from the host centre and
guides National Council in spiritual matters. Every two
years National Council moves to another- centre.
Council in session discusses and agrees on a national
theme for the branches, projects, levies, annual subs
and any relevant issues arising. The fellowship
engendered by the members at National Council
meetings is a lifelong, joyous experience.

NEW BRANCHES
May be formed subject to approval of the parish priest
and the National Council.

ENROLMENT OF NEW MEMBERS To take place after a

suggested probationary period of six or year months.
The ceremony is to be arranged with the parish priest.

Branches will purchase badges and handbooks

containing the constitution and guidelines from the
National Council. Newly enrolled members will be
given a handbook by the branch. Badges will be
purchased and worn at all meetings.

BRANCH MEETINGS
Are to be held at least once a month on a day and time
decided on by the branch.

PROCEDURE

Meetings start with the League Prayer followed by the

hymn (which may be said or sung).

LEAGUE PRAYER

Grant, O Lord, that the members of the Catholic

Women's League, may ever work for the glory of your
Church, that guided by the Holy Spirit and under the
Patronage of your Immaculate Mother, in Charity,
Work and Loyalty, the League may unite souls in your
Service on earth, and to you in your Heavenly Kingdom.
Amen.

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator come From Thy bright

heavenly throne, Come, take possession of our souls.
And make them all Thine own.

Thou who art called the Paraclete, Best gift of God

above, The living spring, the living fire, Sweet unction
and true love.

Thou who art sev'nfold in Thy grace, Finger of God's

right hand; His promise, teaching little ones To speak
and understand.

O guide our minds with Thy blest light, With love our
heart inflame; And with Thy strength, which ne'er
decays, Confirm our mortal frame.

Far from us drive our deadly foe; True peace unto us

bring; And through all perils lead us safe Beneath Thy
sacred wing.

Through Thee may we the Father know, Through Thee

th'eternal Son And Thee, the Spirit of them both,
Thrice-blessed Three in One.
All glory to the Father be, With His co-equal Son: The
same to Thee, great Paraclete, While endless ages run.
Amen.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the

Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Mary Mother of God St. Margaret Clitheroe pray for us.

At pray Gorus.

St.Anne

pray for us.

Other Spiritual input will be at the discretion of the

individual branches. The meetings will close with a
prayer.

MINUTES of each meeting must be kept. These include

the name of branch, place Date and Time of meeting,
attendance and apologies. Minutes of the previous
meeting must be Tady approved and seconded and
signed by the Chairman. Matters arising from these
minutes, correspondence, a record of financial
transactions and any other business will be discussed.
The time the meeting ends will be recorded. A copy will
be kept on file and copies to be sent to the Secretary,
Newsletter Editor and Archivist of the National Council.
Report byo.

Reports:

C.W.L. MASS

Branches should try to have at least one Mass a month

for the intentions of the Branch (e.g. the Holy Souls,
families, youth, priests, vocations, members intentions
etc.)

ANNUAL DAY OF RECOLLECTION To be arranged by

branches. Branches in the same town/ city may
arrange to have a joint one.

BANNER

Each branch will make a banner which includes the

branch name.

FUND RAISING Is not the main function of the C.W.L.

and may only be carried out with the approval of the
parish priest. The needs of the parish should be
considered along with other
charitable and branch needs and projects when fund
raising is carried out.
LONG SERVICE BADGES May be awarded to deserving
members by the branch after 10, 15, 20 or more years.
Go shall give the record. We should not judge.

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP Is given to members by

National Council for exemplary service rendered to
C.W.L. for many years (See Constitution).

ARCHIVIST An Archivist will be appointed to keep

records of the CWL which will in due course be lodged
with the National Archives.

HYMNS

"Bind Us Together". Others of branch choice.

ANNUAL RENEWAL OF COMMITMENT TO CATHOLIC

WOMEN'S LEAGUE

OPENING PRAYER Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts

of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your
love. V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be
created. R. And you shall renew the face of the Earth.

O God, who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the

light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the gift of the
same Spirit we may always be truly wise, and ever
rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

LEADER PRIEST Let us remind ourselves of the objects

of the C.W.L: to unite Catholic women in a bond of
common fellowship, to serve the Church, promote a
just society, and to safeguard the family unit. We
encourage members to use their talents and skills in
the service of the church and community on local,
national and international levels; to initiate and
maintain charitable works, whether religious,
educational or in the interests of moral and social
welfare and to ensure Catholic representation of these
interests on major public bodies where possible.

PRAYER

Grant O Lord, that the members of the Catholic

Women's League, may ever work for the Glory of your
Church, that guided by the patronage of your
Immaculate Mother, in charity, work and loyalty, the
League may unite souls in your service on earth, and to
you in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

PRAYER

O God, who raised up the glorious martyr, Saint

Margaret Clitheroe, to be a pattern of Womanhood,
mercifully grant us the grace to walk in her ways and so
win the Crown of

the Blessed. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

LEADER/PRIEST We ask the Blessing of Almighty God

on all members of the C.W.L ..................... In the name
of the Father, and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.
AMEN.

This Renewal to be make by Branches each year at a

meeting or Mass as close as possible to the Feast Day
of our Patron St. Margaret Clitheroe on May 4th.

ENROLMENT OF NEW MEMBERS

(at branch level)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, Amen

God, you are loving and especially kind to those who

spend themselves in your service. We ask you to look
kindly on this new member of the Catholic Women's
League. Help her to be faithful to the Catholic Church
and fulfill her duties in a spirit that will be pleasing to
you. We ask you to be constantly at her side in
everything she does. Through Christ our Lord, Amen
(Holding a Lighted candle the member makes her
promise)

MEMBER 1: ............................... promise to be a loyal

member of the Catholic Women's League.

I promise to seek God by serving His

Church, living my Catholic faith to the full and by
performing the tasks assigned to me cheerfully,
willingly and generously-

* Add shattered version of litany of the saints

(The priest then blesses the Badge)

PRIEST: Our help is in the name of the Lord

MEMBER: Who has made Heaven and earth

PRIEST: Let us pray

God bless this badge. Grant that..

by wearing it may be blessed in all her

endeavors for the glory of your name, Amen

(The priest sprinkles the badge with Holy water and
hands it to the new member)

PRIEST: Receive this badge which has been

blessed and is to be worn in the service of the Catholic
Women's League. It bears the motto of the CWL:
Charity, Work, Loyalty towards which you should
always strive.

The objects of the CWL are to unite Catholic women in

their service to the Church, to promote a just society,
and to safe guard the family unit. As a member of the
CWL you must be a constant example to all, seeking to
enrich your spiritual life in the service of your
neighbour.

May Mary the Mother of God guide you and

Our Father in Heaven bless you. Amen.

INDUCTION CEREMONY FOR MEMBERS OF NATIONAL

COUNCIL

The Office bearers of the present and the incoming

Executive Committees line up opposite each other with
the past and incoming Presidents nearest to the
congregation. The present Committee hold lighted
candles. The President approaches the incoming
President, hands her the lighted candle and pins the
badge of office on her saying:

PRESIDENT: I relinquish this badge of honour

and responsibility and commit it to your care for the
next two years on behalf of the Catholic Women's
League. We offer you our sincere congratulations and
most earnest assurance of our loyalty and cooperation.
May God bless you and be with you in the task you
have undertaken.

NEW PRESIDENT: I accept this token of

stewardship and pledge to do everything in my
powerto uphold the high ideals of the Catholic
Women's League.

VICE PRESIDENT: I relinquish the office of Vice-

President and commit it to your care. May you find
fulfillment in serving others as I have..

NEW VICE PRESIDENT: I accept the office of Vice

President and pray that our Blessed Lady will bless my
efforts in the service of the Catholic Women's League.
SECRETARY: I relinquish the office of
Secretary and commit it to your care. This lighted
candle. which I give you is a symbol of your office
which is to enlighten the members of the Catholic
Women's League through the information which you
pass on to them.

NEW SECRETARY: I accept the office of Secretary.

May I be inspired by the Holy Spirit to enlighten and
inform.

TREASURER: I relinquish the office of

Treasurer and commit it to your care.

NEW TREASURER: I accept the office of Treasurer.

May I fulfill all the requirements of this office to the
best of my ability.

NEWS LETTER EDITOR: I relinquish the office of

Newsletter Editor and commit it to your care, may the
news that you disseminate bring unity to the League.

NEW NEWS LETTER

EDITOR: I accept the office of
Newsletter Editor. May the Holy Spirit inspire me in my
work and bring Unity to the League as he does to the
Church.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICER: I relinquish the office of
International Officer and commit it to your care. May
the Catholic Women's League in Zimbabwe through
your diligence, take its place among other Catholic
Women's Organ-izations throughout the World.

NEW INTERNATIONAL OFFICER: I accept the office of

International Officer. May I be inspired by the Holy
Spirit to further our world wide contacts.

LIASON OFFICER: I relinquish the office of

Liason Officer and commit it to your care, May your
efforts in contact with Women's Organ- izations, unite
all women in their common ideals, to the greater glory
of God.

NEW LIASON OFFICER : I accept the Office of

Liason Officer. May the Holy Spirit guide me in my
work.

DEDICATION

AL.: O Lord we dedicate the new National Council of

the Catholic Women's League to you and your work.
We thank you for your help to the outgoing Council
and for your assistance in the work they have done
during their term of office. Lord, we ask you to
continue your assistance during the term of office of
the new committee.
May they exemplify in their lives the ideals and motto
of the League:

to show Charity and love to ALL

to work for Your greater Honour and Glory,
to be loyal to the League and to each other.

CONSTITUTION OF THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

OF ZIMBABWE

[EST. 1931] This is the Constitution of the organization

known as the CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE of
Zimbabwe (referred to in this Constitution as the CWL).
Its MOTTO shall be

CHARITY, WORK, LOYALTY

1. Objects

The CWL is an international organization of Catholic

women established to serve the Church, promote a
just society, and to safeguard the family unit. In all of
its actions the CWL will be guided by Catholic principles
and by the Bishops Conference of the Catholic Church
The CWL will be strictly a non-party-political
organization.
The CWL functions principally at branch level: a
community of friends in the Lord seeking to enrich
their spiritual lives in the service of their neighbour. To
this end each branch shall, in accordance with national
recommendations, develop its own spiritual practices,
and seek some common apostolic work within the local
Christian Community with the guidance of a spiritual
director.

Each branch will organize an annual retreat or day of

reflection for its members and will also be asked to
offer one Mass a month for the intention of the CWL.

2. Membership

Membership of the CWL is open to all Catholic women.

Non-Catholic-wives of Catholic husbands may be
admitted as associate members. Honorary Life
membership may be conferred on a member of any
branch of the CWL who has served en years or more
and has given outstanding and faithful service to the
CWL. This branch will forward the recommendation
and citation to the National Council for approval and
action.

3. Organisational Structure
The CWL will operate at national, regional and branch
levels.

All new branches must be duly registered with the

National Council. Branches will be free to pursue the
objects of the League in a way that takes into account
the special needs of the region covered by that branch.

Composition of National Council

The National Council will consist of the following office

bearers: the President, the Vice President, the
Secretary, the Treasurer, the Newsletter Editor, the
International Officer and the Liaison Officer.

These office bearers, nominated by voting members of

the incoming region will be elected by the voting
members who will be in good standing at a national
Conference and they will hold office for a standing
period of two years.

The National Council is responsible for promoting the

objects of the CWL at National level and is at the
service of branches in carrying out their activities.

5. Composition of Diocese Committees

Where there are two or more branches in a particular
region a Regional Committee shall be established by
the branches in that region.

This committee is responsible for the organisation of

the Regional Conferences and promoting interaction
between branches.

6. Composition of Branch Committees

A branch committee will consist of the following office

bearers: the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, the
Treasurer and the Secretary and up to five Juice Secti
committee members subject to the needs of the
branch. These office bearers will be elected by the
members of the branch at the annual general meeting
of the branch and will hold office for a period of one
year.

Branch committees are responsible for carrying out the

objects of the CWL at branch level.

Each branch must have a Spiritual Director who will be

the Parish Priest or Religious approved by him. The
Spiritual Director will be entitled to attend all meetings
of the branch concerned but not to vote at such
meetings.
If the Spiritual Director considers that the branch
intends to engage in actions that are contrary to the
interests of parishioners in the region he should first
seek to persuade the branch not to proceed. if the
branch decides to take such action contrary to his
advice, he may report this matter to the President of
the National Council or the Secretary-General of the
Bisops Conference and request that the President or
Secretary-General mediate in this matter.

Finance
7.1 National Council Funds
Each branch of the CWL must pay an annual levy to
the National Council. The amount of this levy will be
fixed at the National Conference convened every two
years by the National Council. The money raised from
this levy will be used by the National Council to carry
out the objects of the CWL at national level.

Each branch will contribute an amount agreed at the

National Conference to the National Travel Fund for
expenses incurred by National Council officers
travelling on Council business.

7.2 Branch Funds

Members of each branch of the CWL will pay an
annual subscription to be fixed by the branch at its
annual general meeting. A branch of the CWL may also
engage in fund raising activities to raise additional
funds to carry out to objects of the CWL. Each branch
will have control over the use of the money raised by
membership subscriptions from branch members and
by fund raising activities conducted by that branch.

7.3 Debts
Each branch will be liable for the debts it incurs and the
National Council will not be liable for such debts.

The liability for debts incurred by a branch of the CWL

will be limited to the amount of money held by the
branch from subscriptions and fund raising activities
and neither branch members nor branch committee
members will be personally liable for such debts.

7.4 Allegations of Financial Irregularities

The proper processes for dealing will allegations of
financial irregularities in the running of the affairs of
the CWL will be set out below:

Any member of a branch or the Spiritual Director may

question the regularity of financial transactions of a
branch or the National Council. In the event of the
matter not being able to be settled satisfactorily
between the complainant and the branch or National
Council, the complainant will be entitled to report the
matter to either the National Council in the case of a
branch irregularity, or to the Secretary-General of the
Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference in the case of
the National Council. Where there appear to be good
grounds for the complaint at branch level the National
Council in liaison with the Secretary-General of the
Bishops Conferencewill appoint a suitable person to
carry out investigations into the matter and make a
report. If this investigation finds that there have been
financial irregularities, the National Council in liaison
with the Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Catholic
Bishops Conference must take appropriate action to
deal with the matter. In the case of the National
Council the Secretary- General of the Bishops
Conference will appoint a suitable person to carry out
investigations and the Secretary-General of the Bishops
Conference will take appropriate action if it is deemed
necessary.

7.5 Dissolution of Branch

Where a branch of the CWL is dissolved any remaining
assets will be handed over to the National Council.

8. Meetings

8.1 The Prayer

All meetings of the CWL will start and end with prayers
and will contain some spiritual imput.
8.2 National Council Meetings
The National Council must meet as often as is required
but not less than four times a year.

8.3 National Conference

At least three months before the end of the two year
period for which office bearers of the National Council
have been elected, the National Council shall convene
a National Conference of the CWI.

Each branch must elect one voting and one non- voting
observer member of the branch to attend this National
Conference as its branch delegates. A branch which has
been registered for less than six months will only be
entitled to elect a non- voting observer member to
attend. Each branch will pay for the travelling expenses
of its delegates. Accommodation and meals will be
arranged by National Council. There will be a
registration fee for delegates attending the National
Conference. The amount of this registration fee will be
determined by the National Council. This fee must be
paid in advance by the branch from which the
delegates come. National Conference will be held in a
different region each time.

At the National Conference, the President and the

Treasurer and other office bearers of the National
Council will present their reports on their activities
since the last National Conference. Each branch of the
CWI will then present a SHORT report on its activities,
copies of which will be forwarded to the Secretary of
the Bishop's Conference.

The voting delegates will then elect the office bearers

of the National Council (See 4), who will serve for the
next two years. Where there is more than one
nomination for a particular office, the person who
receives the greatest number of votes will be elected
to this post.

8.4 Special National Meeting

The National Council may convene a special national
meeting of the CWI, if it is deemed necessary.

8.5 Meeting of Branches

Each branch committee is responsible for arranging
montly branch meetings.

Each branch must hold every year an annual general

meeting to which all branch members must be invited.
At this meeting the outgoing branch Chairperson will
read out the annual report of the branch and the
annual financial statement will then be presented.
Following this the office bearers for the new branch
committee will be elected. Where there is more than
one nomination for a particular office, the person who
receives the greatest number of votes will be elected
to this post.

A special general meeting may be called by a branch

committee at any time. Any three members may
request a special meeting. This meeting may be called
by giving adequate notice of such meeting to all branch
members in a circular sent to all such members.

8.6 Quorum
A quorum shall consist of not less than one third of the
committee.

8.7 Minutes
Minutes shall be kept of all branch meetings, three
copies of which must be sent to the secretary of the
National Council.

Minutes must be kept of all meetings of the National

Council. Minutes of the National Conference and
Special General Meetings must be kept and copies sent
to the Chairperson of all the branches and to the
Secretary General of the Bishops Conference.

9. Constitutional Amendments
This Constitution may only be ammended if the
proposed amendment is supported by two thirds of
the voting delegates at the National Conference held
every two years.

Before any proposed amendment is submitted to the

National Conference for approval, it must have
received the support of at least two-thirds of the
branch from which the proposal comes and must be
submitted to the National Secretary three months
before the National Conference. Copies of the
proposed ammendment must also be sent to the
Spiritual Advisor of the branch concerned and to the
Secretary-General of the Bishops Conference.

CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE

OUR MOTTO

• CHARITY WORK. LOYALTY . RUDO. MABASA

KUVIMBIKA UKULUNGA UMSEBENZI UKWETHEMBEKA