Council of Catholic Women

WHAT IS THE HOLY FAMILY COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN??

The Holy Family Council of Catholic Women (CCW) is a group formed many years ago to support the spiritual needs of the women of our parish, while supporting the physical needs of the parish. Our mission is accomplished through Fellowship, Spirituality, Leadership and Service. When people hear CCW, they generally think of “a bunch of old ladies baking cookies for the church”. Well, that is partially correct – some of our members are “seasoned”, and we have been known to hold bake sales – but we are so much more. We are mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters. We are married, single and widowed. We are old, young, and in between. Most of all, we are friends with a common goal: Supporting our parish and community.

Here at Holy Family, we are a family too. As children of God, there are responsibilities associated with being part of this family. The Holy Family Council of Catholic Women is like the “mom” of the family. We perform some of the traditional roles you might think of a mom doing. If there is food involved, you can probably bet that the CCW is part of it. We organize the First Communion and Confirmation receptions. We coordinated the funeral reception for Father Fred. We participate in the Annual International Food Festival. We assist with “Coffee and Donuts”. We work with the Knights of Columbus, helping with their wonderful Spaghetti Dinners.

But cooking isn’t the only way we support our parish. We provide scholarships to students attending Catholic high schools, we donate pies and non-perishable items at Thanksgiving, we make cookies for the Diocesan vocations program, and we donate money to groups like Pennies for Priests, Hand in Hand with Haiti, FAST, Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts – as well as to our own school and church. And yes, in order to fund these projects we do have the occasional bake sale. But we also have used book sales, our very popular annual fashion show, and our newest Christmas fundraiser (they make WONDERFUL gifts)! We generally meet once a month, September – May, on the 2nd Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in Diffley Hall. This year we have planned for informative speakers, spiritual retreats, service projects, fun and friendship. You are not required to attend all meetings and annual dues are only $20.

The best place to be at any family event is in the kitchen. There is a lot of laughing going on when ladies gather. You share recipes, advice, lend an ear, share a hug and a prayer, and learn about God and your parish family. The problems of the world are solved. And you have FUN doing it! Yes, we accomplish a lot for our parish, and there is some work involved. The ladies of the CCW are wise, and kind, and giving, and smart, and funny. And it makes the good work that we do here a labor of love. We all do our share to keep this family healthy and happy.

MONTHLY CCW MEETING:
10 AM in Diffley Hall, September through May unless otherwise noted.
Please see Church Bulletin for details.

Interested in becoming a member?  Contact Pat Gehant at 727.742.5144

Barbara Schineller                 Corresponding Secretary
Judy Smedile                           Treasurer
Sally Prescott                        Recording Secretary
Cheryl Lopane                         Co-Vice President
Jennifer Connell-Wandstrat    Co-Vice President
Pat Gehant                              President
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Father Frank Lubowa               Pastor