The Visitation Council of Catholic Women began its work in our parish in 1952. Over the past 55 years the women of our parish have worked together in religious, social, educational, and charitable endeavors. There has never been a break in the chain of leadership, energy, creativity, or generosity from then until now. In their wisdom, the ladies of the VCCW have adjusted to the changing lifestyles of their membership over the years ensuring the organization’s vitality. From formal monthly meetings run according to Robert’s Rules of Order to an annual calendar of “pick and choose” events, from monthly mimeographed newsletters to our present web-site/email format; from simple fashion shows of hand-sewn garments in a church meeting hall to annual major fund raisers with professional models in elegant banquet halls – transitions like these have kept the spirit fresh. But the underlying foundation has never changed. The CCW gives the women of our parish the opportunity to use their gifts and talents, to serve their parish community, to develop leadership qualities, to develop their spiritual lives, to provide assistance to those less fortunate, and to enjoy it all in the company of other women who share the same values.

But the work of the CCW does not stop at the boundaries of our parish. We are part of a formidable national organization called the National Council of Catholic Women. The Visitation CCW is only part of the bottom rung on the NCCW organizational ladder. A few neighboring sister parishes and we form the Eastern DuPage Deanery. In turn the Eastern DuPage Deanery forms with three other neighboring deaneries to form the next rung, the Joliet Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. The JDCCW is one of the 5000 or so affiliated Catholic women’s organizations uniting hundreds of thousands of women in parishes and dioceses here in this country in the National Council of Catholic Women. And the NCCW is a member of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations! The NCCW has come a long way since its beginning.

The National Council of Catholic Women was founded in March of 1920 at a meeting of Catholic women convened by U.S. bishops who witnessed the important work done by Catholic women’s organizations during WWI. The bishops hoped to strengthen their efforts by uniting them and giving national scope to their influence and their work. Although their programs have changed to meet the shifting needs in society; the NCCW adheres to their original mission – responding with Gospel values to the needs of Church and society. But admittedly, the strength of the NCCW still lies in parish-based women who serve the less fortunate, support each other in all of life’s circumstances, advocate at state and national levels, and join their voices in prayer and worship.

As a woman within Visitation Parish you are a member of this formidable group. Thank you for sharing your time, talent and treasure with your Parish Community. We pray that God will continue to bless the work, commitment, and friendships of the Visitation Council of Catholic Women for at least another 55 years!

Submitted by Carol Shields, Visitation CCW President - 1997