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
Catholic Woman Magazine
Catholic Woman is the exclusive, quarterly publication for NCCW members, featuring Commission and Committee updates, spiritual reflections, and advocacy news that matters to Catholic women. Available online and in print. Join today to start receiving every issue and get access to our digital archive.
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
Mary's Garden
Rededication Ceremony
Saturday, June 7, 2025
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
Legacy Giving
Together, we are partners in living our mission statement: acting through our members to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service. The opportunity to build on our rich history rests with each and every member. Our ability to reach new frontiers, to engage more Catholic women, and to better our society depends on a sound financial future.
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)
Watch: NCCW President Amy Kennedy invites you to see The Passion of the Christ, back in theaters for a limited time.
(Click the button below to watch the video)
NCCW Prayer Requests
Have your prayer request displayed on the NCCW website for other members to pray for!
Submit your prayer request
to nccw01@nccw.org (request must be no longer than 10 words to be included on the site). Your prayer request will remain online for 30 days.