The first meeting of St. Peter’s CWL took place on May 5, 1978 in the parish rectory at 7616 Silver Springs Rd.  In addition to 21 initial members, the meeting was attended by Spiritual Advisor Father Stan Henke, diocesan treasurer Norah Davis, diocesan chaplain Father Frank Verhagen, and representatives from St. Luke’s CWL who presented the new council with a $50 cheque.  After the gavel was presented to the first president Francis Frey, the meeting proceeded to the first item of business – convening a reception following confirmation, and helping with refreshments for the parish picnic.

Two months later the council received its charter from the national office, and within a year had set up a telephone committee, established the first fall “tea/bazaar”, provided a luncheon for diocesan priests, served coffee after mass, entertained several speakers  and enjoyed an active spiritual program.  The following year (1979, under president Florence Bernakovitch) the new council began to assist with funeral luncheons, and provided “ditty bags” for the national convention being held that year in Calgary.  The CWL banner with the League crest was made by member Laura Appleby in 1981.

While the community of St. Peter’s worshiped first at St. Sylvester’s school and then an Atco building (seating capacity 230) set up on the current site, the members of St. Peter’s CWL held meetings  in the parish rectory.  The energetic young council continued to help build the faith community of St. Peter’s and the community at large, spearheading initiatives that remain integral to the parish today.  In addition to the usual hospitality ministries, they took part in World Day of Prayer (and have hosted it twice since), became involved in Discovery House, adopted their first foster child (“Vilma” in 1981, funded by the ongoing and highly successful monthly cake raffle), provided initial financial support to a brownie troupe, began the process of outfitting the hall kitchen, helped to purchase altar linens and vestments, attended retreats, and flexed their political muscle by campaigning for issues such as drunk driving and telephone pornography (referred to delicately as “smut” in the meeting minutes of June 1986).  In 2012, our council prepared and presented a resolution for Equal Employment Insurance Benefits  for Adoptive Parents so all adoptive parents receive the same benefits as biological parents.  This resolution was passed at all three levels of the League – Diocesan, Provincial and National – and is now a law in Canada. 

Each year an Education Bursary is granted to a deserving student entering post-secondary education.

With much joy, the first Mass in the new church building was celebrated on January 28, 1984.  CWL members continued to work and pray diligently.  Bylaws for the council were created in 1988, and a CWL banner was completed in 1989.  In the early nineties a Fall Thanksiving pie sale was enormously successful  and in 1992, the first Italian dinner was held which continued for many years.  Our major events such as the Annual Harvest Supper, Cookie Walk, Growing Smiles plant sales, sale of Advent wreaths (started 1996), and numerous smaller events have allowed the League to support numerous charities and organizations over the years, from St. Peter’s Parish, Vocations, Elizabeth House, to St. Vincent de Paul.

With the motto of the League being “For God & Canada”, members of St. Peter’s have enjoyed meeting and working with women from across the province and the country, helping to host three National Conventions in Calgary, most recently in 2019.  Through the support of their families, their dedicated spiritual advisors, and the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel, the members of St. Peter’s CWL look forward to many more years of faith, service and social justice through fun and fellowship.