What is an Apostolate?

All people baptised in the Church are called to vocations in following Jesus Christ which are particular to their own abilities and to the times in which they live. As an expression of their faith they are drawn to live and work in an “apostolate” – ideally growing in virtue and the beatitudes as well as attracting others to Christ through their witness and relationships.

This way of living and working is called “apostolate” because it models the way the first apostles were missionary. While being rooted in prayer the person in the apostolate works in solidarity with others and is “sent out” into the workplace, professions, institutions of society to bring the love of Christ and his mercy to others- both baptised and unbaptised.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

864 the apostolate of the “… lay people clearly depends on their vital union with Christ. In keeping with their vocations, the demands of the times and the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, the apostolate assumes the most varied forms. But charity, drawn from the Eucharist above all, is always “as it were, the soul of the whole apostolate.”

Special works of the Catholic Women’s League correspond to the apostolate.

Social Questions Committee

The Social Questions Committee keeps abreast of the many pressing ethical and social challenges to the dignity and whole wellbeing of each human person and to the “culture of life.”

This Committee investigates and responds with dedicated work ranging from the preparation of submissions to parliament to team work with other Christians and people of good will in promoting and defending the preciousness and dignity of each human person of any age or stage of development. The Committee also promotes the importance of the healthy relationships of the family, of the professions and of institutions which uphold the goodness of human life- healthcare bodies, educational communities, the law and politics. The Committee speaks calmly, clearly and with compassion. Its members have participated and prepared submissions, petitions, resources and information for the wider Catholic Women’s League Victoria and Wagga Wagga community. The Apostolate has carefully studied and given timely response to an array of issues – inspired by Catholic teaching and sound social thought in the areas of elder abuse, school curriculum, the dignity of women, abortion, gender ideology, safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons, and end of life issues.

The Horizon magazine

The Apostolate of communication spearheaded by the Catholic Women’s League Victoria and Wagga Wagga The Horizon, which is a magazine published 10 times a year. The Committee produces the magazine. It aims to form, inform, inspire and honour the members of the different Dioceses and Apostolates. All articles submitted are published at the discretion of the Editor. Funds are derived from subscriptions, advertising and donations from Branches/members.

Anima Women’s Apostolate

The newest apostolate, formerly known as the Anima Women’s Network, it is currently developing and adapting its earlier mission from 2003 and experience with the aim of “animating” the Catholic Women’s League Victoria and Wagga Wagga membership from within – by exploring new approaches to formation, spiritual enrichment and solidarity.

It encourages women with concrete examples of sanctity and women’s “genius”. Anima pays close attention to the building up of formation in faith, the nurture of the soul and to promotion of a healthy personal integration of life, health and strength in women and their families.

Its purpose is to form and promote through its resources and events – the four pillars of its animating apostolate:

Anima aims to:

1) nurture the HEART and soul in LOVE – with spiritual and liturgical events for women
2) form the MIND and imagination in TRUTH – in the design and offering of accessible and attractive adult education and formation (Anima Education programs and classes which are open to men and women and people of all ages)
3) encourage a truly INTEGRATED and humane way of BEING – by building upon beauty and activities which bring together the hand, mind and heart (as in our Advent retreat days)
4) build and promote the GOOD and WHOLENESS – through sound notions of the human person, of virtue and the promotion of a “Culture of Life” in society.

Anima Education

During the difficult lockdown years of 2020 and 2021 in Victoria, one distinct arm of the Apostolate, Anima Education, has responded to the real hunger for truth and understanding. In working with our two expert and experienced educators, David Schütz and Natasha Petrakos (née Marsh), Anima has assembled core and introductory courses in philosophy, Church history, scripture and theology.

Mary Glowrey Prayer Group

The Apostolate of the Mary Glowrey Prayer Group is a prayer circle that keeps women and their families closely connected in the solidarity of prayer and spiritual inspiration whether these ladies are active or home bound, in urban or regional areas. It was originally set up so that older members who were unable to actively assist the League could still join in its mission. Now it is open to all members and is under the patronage of our first President and Servant of God – the doctor missionary Dr Sister Mary Glowrey. We cannot gauge how much our existence relies on these prayers!

Missions and Welfare

(While the CWLVWW is relocating this Apostolate is in recess).

The Missions and Welfare Committee assists missions in the near North – both in Australia and overseas with donations of goods and finance. Each year, scholarships are given to support underprivileged children continue their education. The Committee derives its funds solely from Branch/member donations.