CATHOLIC WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PRETORIA: A YEAR OF FAITH AND SERVICE
By Father Mathibela Sebothoma
Pretoria, October 2024 – The Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) of the Archdiocese of Pretoria has released its Annual Report for 2023-2024, detailing a year of spiritual renewal, community outreach, and empowerment initiatives. Under the theme “Evangelization” and the motto “Faith and Action,” the association has continued to strengthen the Catholic faith while uplifting communities through charity and social engagement.
Strengthening Leadership and Growing Membership
The CWA has made significant strides in expanding its presence across the six deaneries of the Archdiocese. Currently, the association boasts 1,171 members, including 1,059 full members, 112 auxiliary members, and 53 new recruits. The leadership, under the guidance of President Mme Makola Sema and Spiritual Advisor Fr. Gabriel Kwedo, has played a crucial role in ensuring stability and growth.
Spiritual Growth and Formation
The past year has seen an increased focus on personal sanctification and faith formation. Major spiritual activities included:
- Annual Retreats: Conducted across different deaneries to spiritually prepare members for the liturgical seasons.
- Novena to the Holy Spirit: Held in the lead-up to Pentecost, fostering a spirit of prayer and commitment.
- Annual Conference (August 30 – September 1, 2024): A three-day event featuring spiritual talks, adoration, and donations for church projects. Fr. Thabiso Ledwaba led a session encouraging members to live a holy life and commit to deeper prayer practices.
Charity and Community Engagement
The CWA has remained committed to acts of charity and social responsibility through various initiatives:
- Financial Support for Clergy: R100,000 was contributed to assist seminarians, along with additional funding for priests and deacons.
- Charitable Donations: Over R120,000 was given to Sizanani Projects, R15,000 to Radio Veritas, and R10,000 to Caritas.
- Feeding the Hungry: Monthly grocery donations were made to St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) to support disadvantaged families.
- Hospital and Home Visits: Members visited the sick, elderly, and bereaved families, providing emotional and spiritual support.
- Youth and Women’s Empowerment: Career guidance workshops, mental health awareness sessions, and financial literacy training were held to uplift women and young people.
Promoting Family and Christian Values
Recognizing the importance of the family as the foundation of faith, the CWA has promoted:
- Marriage enrichment programs
- Counseling services for families in distress
- Celebration of sacraments within family units
- Support for widows, single parents, and elderly members
On World Day of the Sick (February 11, 2024), members dedicated time to caring for the elderly, offering prayers, meals, and companionship.
Expanding the CWA Network
The association is actively working to establish branches in new parishes, with recruitment efforts ongoing at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Cross-border connections were strengthened with a spiritual revival visit to Lesotho in September 2024.
Self-Reliance and Fundraising Efforts
To sustain its projects, the CWA has implemented various fundraising initiatives:
- After-Mass Sales & Jumble Sales: Proceeds assist with church development and outreach programs.
- R60,000 Contribution: Funds allocated for the renovation of the Auxiliary Bishop’s house.
- Parish Projects: Tile projects, community donations, and thanksgiving celebrations contributed to financial stability.
Looking Ahead: Plans for 2025
With an eye on the future, the CWA has outlined its plans for 2025, focusing on evangelization, charity, and empowerment.
- Recollection Day (March 15, 2025): Venue to be confirmed.
- Year of Hope Launch: Holy Mass officially introduced the theme, reinforcing faith and resilience.
- Expansion Efforts: The 54th branch will be inaugurated in North West Tsunami, and the North Western Deanery will celebrate its 25th branch at St. Paul, Tsunami, marking a Silver Jubilee for the Year of Hope.
Testimonies of Faith and Service
A Spiritual Transformation
By Naomi Seabi (Christ the New Man Parish)
During the Spiritual Upliftment event at Sizanani, Fr. Thabiso Ledwaba led a powerful retreat that encouraged deep reflection and prayer. The Jericho Walk, a symbolic prayer journey, was especially transformative as it allowed members to bring forth their struggles in faith. The Friday night memorial service, conducted by Fr. Gabriel Kwedo, created a space for healing and hope as members honored their departed loved ones.
Growing in Faith
By Pinky Mokgokolo
Reflecting on 2024, I recognize this year as a period of spiritual renewal. My role in the deanery and diocesan levels deepened my reliance on prayer and my Catholic faith. Through my involvement in CWA, I have embraced self-sacrifice and service, strengthening both my faith and my resolve to support others.
A Journey of Hope
By Kate Khumalo
Serving as the coordinator of the 60th Thanksgiving celebration was a profound experience. Seeing the event come together reaffirmed the unity and dedication of CWA members. As we enter 2025, I embrace the theme of hope, believing that:
- H.O.P.E. – Hold On, Pain Ends
- H.O.P.E. – Have Only Positive Expectations
The Catholic Women’s Association of the Archdiocese of Pretoria has demonstrated unwavering commitment to faith, service, and empowerment. As they move forward into 2025, their dedication to spiritual growth, charity, and evangelization will continue to impact lives across the archdiocese and bey
