The Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC) in its ongoing commitment to the mission of the Church, and to the nurturing of our cultural heritage is dedicated to providing the resources that allow its members to realize their own true vocation, and live an authentic Christian life as contributing members to the Church and Society.

The Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada was:

•    established nationally in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 14, 1944 by uniting different regional and local women’s organizations
•    granted Federal Charter on September 9, 1980
•    affiliated and a founding member of Ukrainian Canadian Committee National Women’s Council since 1944
•    affiliated and a founding member of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations since 1952, an international organization with affiliate member organizations in 13 (thirteen) countries and which as a NGO offers the UCWLC input at the United Nations level
•    affiliated in 1957 with the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization (formerly The International Union of Catholic Women’s Leagues), a worldwide federation holding membership in the Conference of International Catholic Organizations and having consultative status with agencies of the United Nations
•    affiliated with the World Congress of Ukrainians (formerly World Congress of Free Ukrainians) since 1975
•    affiliated with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (formerly Ukrainian Canadian Committee) in 1993

History of Holy y Eucharist Cathedral Branch of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada

Based on “The Ukrainian Catholic Church In British Columbia” (documentary chronological survey) Published by the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster, BC 1997.

The Holy Eucharist Cathedral Branch of the UCWLC, from its beginnings to the present time, has been an active, conscientious and enthusiastic organization within the Ukrainian Catholic Church and community. In 1952 the women of the parish formed a Sisterhood, which flourished while Father Basil Martynyk was pastor. Its first president was Anna Hlady, who carried on the work together with Pauline Makara. On April 27, 1954, after Father Markian Bilyk became pastor, a branch of the UCWLC with a membership of twenty was organized. Anna Hlady was the first President. Parania Hrabar served as Treasurer and Irene Kowalchuk as Secretary.

From its inception the organization stood firm in its commitment to carry out the aims and objectives set out in the UCWLC Constitution. Many hardships were encountered, but the members combined their efforts to form a strong organization. The women are proud of their many accomplishments made possible by the diligent work and perseverance of its members. The League has played an integral role in the life of the Holy Eucharist Parish. The women have worked closely with the Parish Council to promote the growth of the church community and the spirituality of its members. To encourage and develop future leaders within the Church, the youth of the parish are sponsored to attend Eparchial Conventions. Other projects undertaken have included providing vestments for the Altar Boys, maintaining the church, embroidering altar cloths and preparing special parish dinners. The League has raised money for several causes by catering and organizi various fund-raising drives. Some of the money is used to support projects for the children of the eparchy such as St. Volodymyr’s Children’s Camp.

A special emphasis is placed on the education o the youth of the parish. The League has helped organize and teach catechism, and “Ridna Shkola” and provided financial support to the Eparchial Catechetical Centre The First Holy Communicants as well as graduates of high school and post-secondary institutions are annually honoured at special function.

Spiritual growth is realized in various ways. Members attend Retreats and encourage all women c participate. They take an active part in the World Day Prayer every year and call on all parishioners to attend the services. The members of the UCWLC organize and help lead the recitation c the Rosary each Sunday prior to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. All League members are invited to attend the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion on the annual UCWLC Day. On this day the Divine Liturgy is dedicated to UCWLC members, present and deceased. Two members read the Epistle in both Ukrainian and English and all members participate by alternating in holding the UCWLC flag and candles during the liturgy.

Monthly and annual meetings commence with prayers, including the Prayer for Vocations and the Prayer for the Beatification of the Servant of God, Metropolitan Andriy Sheptytsky. During the year celebrating the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine, the Prayer of Praise, Thanksgiving and Petition was introduced and has been said ever since. Many members take part in the May Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. During the Lenten season and for the duration of the Gulf War, people were encouraged to participate in special weekly prayers for peace in the Middle East and throughout the world. Special days are observed and celebrated by this Branch. Annually, on Thanksgiving Day, a display is arranged and special prayers of thanks are said for all the blessings received during that year. On the Feast of the Transfiguration an arrangement of fruit is blessed and shared with all the parishioners. The UCWLC remembers the deceased of the two World Wars and of the parish on Remembrance Day by participating in a Banner procession and in the Service for the Dead. As well, the organization participates in the Services at the Armories and laying of a wreath from the Branch at the Cenotaph in New Westminster.

The Branch continues to work at preserving Ukrainian culture. To promote the Ukrainian language, financial support is given to the Ukrainian Heritage School and the Language Foundation. Lessons and demonstrations in the arts of Ukrainian embroidery and pysanky writing are given and the participation of all parishioners is encouraged. Demonstrations in creating pysanky have been held in Malls for the general public who are most intrigued by this intricate work. At the invitation of the New Westminster Public Library, and as part of their commemoration of their twenty-five years of service, the UCWLC displayed Ukrainian artifacts in the Library. The display proved very popular with all the visitors.

Support is also given to various Ukrainian organizations across Canada and throughout the world. Financial assistance is given to the World Congress of Free Ukrainians, World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations, Canadian Friends of Rukh and the Ukrainian Social Welfare Services – Vancouver Branch. At present, the New Westminster branch has two representatives on the local Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

Assistance to help meet the needs of Ukrainian people outside of Canada is given by the Branch. The women have sent parcels of clothing to Brazil and Paraguay, and parcels of religious books to Ukraine. Parcels of clothing have also been prepared for the children affected by the Chornobyl disaster.

New members are constantly encouraged to join the League. Delegates from the New Westminster Branch attend the Conventions and Congresses of Ukrainian Catholics in Canada. In previous years some members have held Executive positions on the Eparchial and National UCWLC. Seven Branch members held positions on the 1992 Eparchial Executive. Mary Beley served as President, Anna Korpan as Treasurer, Millie Kozak as Secretary, Sonia Julmi as Corresponding Secretary (English), Helen Paltzat was on the Spiritual and Social Development Committee, Joyce Vermeullen was on the Cultural/Educational Committee, and Orysia Babec participated in the Membership Committee.

A special Appreciation Tea was held in 1989 to honour the UCWLC pioneers of New Westminster. Certificates recognizing their dedication were presented to women who had served the parish and community for twenty-five years or more. There were seventeen recipients of these certificates. Gratitude and appreciation was extended to all of the members who continue to carry on the work begun by these pioneers to preserve the Ukrainian heritage and the Ukrainian Catholic faith.

The women of this organization continue to visit the sick and elderly in hospitals and homes. Special efforts are made to remember the elderly members on their birthdays by visiting them and presenting a small token of love and affection.

The UCWLC continues to provide financial assistance to the Holy Eucharist Parish and make donations to the eparchy to help pay for its needs. Other donations to worthwhile causes are made as the need arises.

In 1992, the Executive charged with the responsibility of preserving the heritage for future generations consisted of: Father Ivan (Joao) Kochmanski, Spiritual Advisor; Teresa Kozak, Past President; Millie Kozak, President; Helen Paltzat, First Vice President; Mary Beley, Second Vice President; Judy Lackmanec, Secretary; and Orysia Babec, Treasurer.

Over many years the members have proven that positive result can be achieved by working together in faith, harmony and cooperation. Many experiences have been shared throughout the years making them a more understanding Christian family.