By Haylee Winger
Women gathered at St. Joseph’s Church on September 25 for the Catholic Women’s League’s ninth annual Women, Wine & the Word evening.
This year’s theme was “Belonging,” with the evening centred on connection, reflection and faith. The Catholic Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan listed the event as running from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Grande Prairie.
Guests had an opportunity to spend time together over food and conversation, with catered charcuterie, door prizes and a silent auction included as part of the evening. Ruby’s Charcuterie provided the food, according to event information supplied to the Press.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren was selected as this year’s nonprofit beneficiary. The cause has a local connection to the Catholic Women’s League. Joanne Guthrie, who has personal experience raising her grandchildren, established a support group in Grande Prairie for grandparents in similar situations. The Calgary Catholic Women’s League says a related resolution on support for grandparents raising grandchildren began through the St. Mary’s Parish CWL in Beaverlodge.
The issue has been part of CWL work in the region for several years. A 2024 report from the Grouard-McLennan Diocesan Council noted that Guthrie spoke to members about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and that a collection from the convention was donated to the local support group.
Women, Wine & the Word has been held at St. Joseph’s Church in previous years as well. Archdiocese records show gatherings took place in both 2024 and 2025, with previous evenings including prayer, music, fellowship and catered food
This year’s “Belonging” gathering continued the annual event’s focus on bringing women together through faith, fellowship and support for causes in the community.
