Catholic Girls League
Highlights of CGL Meeting – Thursday, May 29, 2025
“Hearts in Action" - “Grow in Faith and Friendship”
A CGL Evening of Song, Service, Learning, and Community
On the evening of May 29th the Catholic Girls’ League (CGL) over 20 members and dedicated volunteers gathered for a heartfelt evening of service, spiritual learning, and joyful community.
Opening Prayer
Memorare
Remember, O most Gracious Virgin Mary,
That never was it known
That anyone who fled to thy protection,
Implored thy help,
Or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my mother;
To thee do I come, before thee I stand
Sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
Despise not my petitions but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen
Welcome & Service Project
The evening began with a meaningful act of service: bracelet-making project for students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. With care and creativity, the girls crafted a number of bracelets. These will be gifted to the Confirmation candidates as a symbol of prayer and encouragement on their special day.
“It felt really good to know we were doing something to support someone else’s faith journey.” — CGL Girl
Celebrating Mary with Francesco, Seminarian, at St. Edward the Confessor
The members of the CGL welcomed Francesco who spent time with the group, talking about Our Mother Mary. Francesco shared his knowledge and love for Our Blessed Mother. The girls learned about the importances of Mary in the Catholic Church, her devotion to faith as our Spiritual Mother she is an inspiration to all of us. Her devotion to God, and how she continues to be a model of courage, compassion, and faith for us all.
A big thank you to Francesco for taking the time to be with us and engaging us in this beautiful learning experience!
An Evening of Song with Fr. Andrew Taylor – St. Edward the Confessor Church
A big thank you to Fr. Andrew for ending the evening with us through song. Father Andrew introduced the girls to the “Regina Caeli” which in Latin means “Queen of Heaven” referring to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father guided the girls in singing the prayer and explained the difference between a hymn and a Gregorian chant which the Regina Caeli is an example of. Thank you, Fr. Andrew, for allowing us to come together and share our voices in community.
Fr. Andrew Blessed the CGL statue of Mother Mary and gave everyone a special Blessing.
“Singing the Regina Caeli was so peaceful. I had never heard of it before!” — CGL Girl
https://www.archtoronto.org/
Thanks & Gratitude & Final Thoughts
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped plan and support this meaningful evening.
Your efforts allowed the girls to deepen their faith, honor inspiring Catholic role models,
and grow closer as a community.
Closing Prayer
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this exile
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Next CGL Meeting :
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
New members are always welcome! Come be part of a faith-filled sisterhood that celebrates service, learning, and friendship.
Stay Strong in Prayer
CGL Evening of Prayer, Reflection, and Friendship – Thursday, April 24, 2025
On April 24th , the members of the Catholic Girls’ League (CGL) gathered for an evening filled with prayer, service, learning, and community.
Welcome & Service Project
As the girls arrived, they began a thoughtful service project: making bracelets for children preparing to receive their First Communion. Working together, they took joy in creating something meaningful for younger members of the Faith Community.
Rosary & Tribute to Pope Francis
The evening began with the praying of the Rosary, offered in memory of Pope Francis, who passed away April 21. 2025. A serene altar was prepared in the memory of Pope Francis, and each girl placed a white rose in tribute to his life and legacy.
https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/pope-francis-urges-catholics-to-unite-through-praying-
May is the month of the Rosary
Together, the girls reflected on Pope Francis’ humility, compassion, and profound love for the Church. As we celebrated his life, we also prayed the rosary for Pope Francis' eternal journey with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Each girl received a Rosary guide to encourage them to continue praying the rosary at home with their family.
“The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need.” – Pope Francis
"Young people are the window through which the future enters the world."
– Welcome address by Pope Francis at the 28th World Youth Day, July 22, 2013
Movie & Reflection: The Life of Sister Clare Crockett
After prayer, the girls gathered to watch a documentary "All or Nothing" on Sister Clare Crockett, a joyful and faith-filled young woman from Ireland who dedicated her life to serving God. Sister Clare tragically died during the 2016 earthquake in Ecuador while on a missionary outreach.
Her story inspired deep reflection on faith, sacrifice, and courage. In 2024, the Catholic Church declared Sister Clare Crockett a Servant of God, marking the first step toward sainthood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL565Cwmg9o&authuser=2
Gratitude & Final Thoughts
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped plan and support this meaningful evening. Your efforts allowed the girls to deepen their faith, honor inspiring Catholic role models, and grow closer as a community.
Special thanks to the volunteers who guided the Rosary and helped make the evening so memorable.
Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the lives of Pope Francis and Sister Clare. May their Faith, Love, Kindness and service guide us in our own journey. Help us to grow in Prayer, Kindness, and Courage each day. Amen.
Next CGL Meeting:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. New Members are welcome. Please visit the CGL Website at St. Edward the Confessor and Register online.
Stay Strong in Prayer.
“I loved making bracelets for the younger kids—it felt like I was doing something that really mattered!” – CGL Participant
CGL Meeting Highlights – March 27, 2025
The CGL girls met on March 27, 2025, for an evening filled with reflection, creativity, and community-building. Below are the highlights from the meeting:
- Attendance:
- The meeting was extremely well attended by 19 girls
- Members were reminded to arrive on time and bring their CGL items to each meeting.
- Emphasis was placed on showing respect for the executive team, adults, and fellow members to maintain a supportive and respectful environment.
- Land Acknowledgement:
- The group took a moment to express gratitude for the Indigenous peoples' stewardship of the land, fostering a sense of respect and awareness for the land we gather.
- St. Francis Presentation:
- A presentation by a GGL girl and her mentor about St. Francis, the Patron Saint of the Environment, inspired reflection on the importance of caring for creation.
- The group recited the Prayer of St. Francis, and each member received a bookmark featuring St. Francis to serve as a reminder of his teachings.
- Earth Day Presentation:
- A CGL girl and her mentor shared the history and significance of Earth Day. Members were encouraged to reflect on their environmental impact and consider small actions to contribute to sustainability in their daily lives.
- the discussion sparked thoughtful conversation among the group, with many sharing personal ways they aim to reduce their environmental footprint.
- Workshops:
- Cursive Writing: Members practiced cursive writing as they created personalized name tags, adding a personal touch to the meeting.
- Communion Bracelets: Members worked together to assemble beautiful bracelets for children preparing for their First Communion. The sense of accomplishment was evident as they proudly completed 29 bracelets for the children.
- Planting Activity: Members planted vegetables and herbs in small pots, learning about the importance of sustainability and connecting with nature in a hand-on way. It was a joyful experience, as each member left with a plant to care for.
- Snack Time:
- The group enjoyed a variety of snacks and socialized, creating an opportunity for members to bond and reflect on the activities
- Evening Debrief:
- Members shared their thoughts and discussed ideas for the next meeting:
- Theme: Easter
- Colours: Pastels and floral patterns
- Activities: Bingo, bracelet-making, and egg decorating.
- Closing Prayer:
- The meeting concluded with the recitation of the Hail Mary prayer, sending off with a sense of peace and purpose
Looking forward to seeing the girls at the next CGL meeting: Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
For new members, registration is available online on the CGL website.
Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Successful Attendance
The first CGL meeting of the year was a great success, with 14 enthusiastic CGL girls and volunteers attending, marking a strong start to the program
- Special Blessings
The meeting opened with a special blessing, setting a positive and reflective tone for the day. Monsignor Patrick gave a special blessing to the girls and shared the story of the pilgrimage Jubilee Mass held on February 25, 2025. He also blessed the red rosaries, giving each girl one as a special gift. It was a meaningful moment that reminded everyone of the program’s core values of Faith, Friendship, Fun and Formation
- Creative Activities
Members participated in a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to promote creativity and teamwork. Activities included:
- Handwriting Practice: Members engaged in an activity focused on improving their handwriting, fostering patience and attention to detail
- Origami: Members enjoyed learning the art of paper folding, creating beautiful origami pieces while practicing focus and precision.
- Friendship Bracelet Making: Members worked together to create personalized friendship bracelets, symbolizing the bonds formed within the group
- Building Connections
Through these activities, girls were able to strengthen their friendships and connect with both peers and mentors, setting the foundation for a supportive and collaborative community.
- Looking forward to Future Meetings
The meeting concluded with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming CGL events and activities, encouraging everyone to stay involved and continue building on the friendships and skills developed during this session.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
- As part of the Jubilee Milestone at St. Edwards, CGL Executive Girls proudly participated in the Jubilee celebration at St. Edward the Confessor.
