OUR MISSION
The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its members to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.
Founded in 1920 by the U.S. Catholic bishops to provide all Catholic women a common voice and an instrument of unified action
Legacy Giving
In Loving Memory
Mary "Winkie" LeFils
NCCW President, 1979–1981
The National Council of Catholic Women mourns the passing of Mary "Winkie" LeFils (1934–2026), a visionary leader who dedicated nearly 70 years of service to the Council. Winkie passed into eternal rest on March 18, 2026, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith in action.
A Trailblazing Leader
Elected as the youngest National President in NCCW history, Winkie’s 1979–1981 term was defined by her vibrant energy and global perspective. Key highlights of her service include:
- Global Advocacy: Representing the NCCW at the United Nations and serving as Vice President General for the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO).
- Spirit of Mentorship: A tireless advocate for the "vocation of the laity," Winkie was renowned for identifying and nurturing new leaders across the country.
- Highest Honors: In 2021, she was distinguished with the Our Lady of Good Counsel Award, the Council’s highest honor, for her lifelong commitment to spirituality and leadership.
A Life of Faith and Family
A resident of Osteen, Florida, and a pillar of All Souls Parish, Winkie’s journey with the Council began in 1958. She often described her service as a "journey of love, listening, learning, leading, and laughter." She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Donald, and the matriarch of a large family spanning five generations.
The NCCW invites all members to join in prayer for Winkie and her family, honoring a woman who truly embodied what it means to be the "hands and feet of Christ" in the world.
"I have learned over the years as a Council of Catholic Women member what love in action really means." — Winkie LeFils
We rejoiced to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Mary’s Garden as well as the Rededication of the Mary Statue.
NCCW Current Events and Happenings
Join the Lucky Clover Challenge
Grow NCCW. Grow in Faith. Win Big.
Be part of NCCW’s nationwide Membership Challenge inspired by the faith, hope, love, and success symbolized in the four-leaf clover .
Complete activities in Spirituality, Leadership, and Service — including recruiting new members — and submit your Lucky Clover sheet for a chance to win:
- Free 2027 NCCW Convention Registration
- $125 One-Day Registration
- $100 NCCW Store Certificate
- Special First-Timer Drawing
Deadline to mail entries: July 31, 2026
Or submit at Convention by August 28, 2026
This is more than a contest — it’s a movement to strengthen NCCW membership nationwide.
Join the Lucky Clover Challenge Today
Click the button below for the contest flyer
Pilgrimage to Ireland
A Journey through Ireland:
NCCW is offering a pilgrimage to Ireland October 4th -15th, 2026.
Within these 12 days we will visit Knock- Galway-Belfast-Derry-Donegal and Dublin.
As we travel through the various shades of green, we will enjoy the beauty of the land, the churches and, of course, the pubs.
We will visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Downpatrick, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh National Park, woolen mills, W. B. Yeats Tomb, Our Lady of Knock Shrine, Clonmacnoise Settlement, Jameson Distillery and Glendalough Monastery.
All while we will taste the finest Irish food and drink. We will have time for prayer, shopping and enjoying the Irish culture of each county.
Our National Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Tom Washburn, will be our Spiritual Director and our Immediate National Past President, Beth Mahoney, will be our Group Leader.
For more details please email Beth Mahoney at nccw2023@gmail or visit www.marianusa.com
We hope to see many of you on this pilgrimage. Husbands and friends are invited to join you on this pilgrimage
Monthly Rosary Conference Call
Conference Call Number
(202) 926-1107
Access Code: 703993
The Rosary Call occurs on the 13th of each month.
4:30 PM (PT), 5:30 PM (MT), 6:30 PM (CT), 7:30 PM (ET), and 8 :30 PM (USVI)
Election for Treasurer
The Nominating Committee worked diligently to secure a nominee for Treasurer. We are so blessed to have our candidate who is willing, able, and well qualified to serve. Our candidate has been a devoted and active member of Council since 2000. We would like to present our candidate, Venessa Lopatka.
Winfield, Illinois | Diocese of Joliet | Province of Chicago
Voting will take place the first Monday of April (April 6, 2026) – the first Monday of May (May 4, 2026) 4:00 PM EST
(Click the button below for more information.)
Mother's Day Remembrance
The National Council of Catholic Women is excited to participate again in the Masses for Mothers at the Basilica. Would you like to honor your mother, daughter, godmother, grandmother, aunt, and important women in your life by having them remembered in Masses said at this National Shrine of Mary on Mother’s Day 2026?
A minimum donation of $30 per name is requested. Donations will be split between our NCCW and the Basilica. Please send completed forms directly to the NCCW office by April 29, 2026.
(Click the button below for Mother's Day Form)