Submission for the Affiliate Happenings page can include a maximum of one photograph (not required) and a paragraph not to exceed 100 words. Please email to the NCCW office at nccw01@nccw.org. All submissions are subject to approval.
Note: This is not an area to submit an announcement of an upcoming program, rather, it is an area for affiliates to show the fabulous things our women have already done around the country.
Greater Meriden CCW (Meriden, CT)
The Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women is busy again making Christmas bags for Catholic residents in nursing homes. Year after year, these bags have brought joy and happiness to many who often feel alone and sad at this time of year. Above a group of the Council is standing in front of a sampling of the bags ready for delivery! The bags are filled with small items, such as soaps, socks, scarves, puzzle books, rosaries and small religious books. Last year they provided over 400 bags to multiple nursing homes. This is a labor of love as they fill not only the Christmas bags but also the hearts of those who will not feel so alone during this beautiful season.
St. Mary CCW (Lowell, MI)
The St. Mary CCW in Lowell, Michigan celebrated America Needs Fatima on Saturday, October 11 by sponsoring a public rosary in the city’s park adjacent to a main thoroughfare. Fifty parishioners prayed the Rosary, Angelus, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Divine Praises, and sang Ave Maria to Our Lady. Their pastor, Father Michael Goodwin (seen on the left), led the group in the Prayer of Total Consecration by Saint Maximilian Kolbe and the event ended with the solemn singing of O Sanctissima. The CCW provided lunch after this beautiful tribute to Our Blessed Mother.
The Greater Meriden CCW (Meriden, CT)
The Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women recently celebrated their 85th Creche Dedication on November 30th in Meriden CT. This was a very special dedication because not only was it the 85th, but this year featured a brand new and beautiful nativity set. The old, worn figures were removed to be refurbished and the manger was thoroughly cleaned and new straw was placed inside. Even the Angel on the outside got a new coat of paint. This new Creche is a labor of love and we were proud and happy to present it to the citizens of Meriden.
Our Lady of Fatima CCW (Alcoa, TN)
Our Lady of Fatima CCW in Alcoa, TN hosted the Smoky Mt. Deanery Council of Catholic Women’s Fall General Meeting. We began the day with praying the rosary, a meeting, luncheon then ending with guest speaker Mother Gabrielle Marie Breaux of the Benedictine Daughters of Divine Will. She shared with us how they got started and how to live in the Divine Will. It was a beautiful day of fellowship and sharing our faith.
Green Lake CCW Vicariate (Montello, WI)
Green Lake CCW Vicariate (Madison DCCW) met on October 23 in Montello, WI at St. John the Baptist Church. “Life’s Journey, God’s Will” was the theme for the fall meeting. Ninety-one women attended from seventeen churches. Included were the five levels of membership of NCCW. L-R Ellen Martin – Co President Vicariate; Carol Rogers – MDCCW President; Janel Nickel – Co-President Elect Vicariate; Jane Schiszik – NCCW President Elect; Sue Koch – Co President Vicariate; Carolyn Zentner – Vicariate Secretary; Barb Mehling – Vicariate Treasurer; Mary Ann Bush – Co President Elect Vicariate.
Our Lady of Fatima CCW (Alcoa, TN)
On 10/13/25, OLOF CCW held its General Meeting with Deb Maupin from OLOF Respect Life Ministry, as their speaker. One of the topics she mentioned, was the billboard they promote sponsors to fund annually, as seen in the photo. This billboard is posted during the month of May on Highway 129 in Alcoa, TN. Additionally, she recruited some CCW volunteers to pray the Rosary outside of Planned Parenthood weekly with The Respect Life Ministry.
Winona/Rochester DCCW (Mapleton, MN)
The Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held their convention “This Is My Body-Believe in the Eucharist” at St. Adrian in Adrian, MN on Saturday, October 12. The day included mission collections for Rochester Medical Missions and Cross Catholic Box of Joy, and Keynote speakers such as Melissa Neumann, who spoke on “Healing Hidden Wounds” and Dawn Ritter, FNP, who spoke on “Hold Your Feminine Genius.” A $2,000 scholarship was presented to 3rd-year seminarian Stephen Ferrazzano, a convert to Catholicism. We planted a “Mary Garden”, shopped with Catholic vendors, had purse and cupcake drawings, celebrated Mass, installed Vice President Joanie Betsinger and renewed or made wonderful friendships. We were blessed!
St. Mary’s CCW (Greenville, SC)
In 2025, we celebrated our 100th Anniversary as an affiliate of the National Council of Catholic Women with a special dinner and proclamations from our mayor, bishop, and governor recognizing a century of faith-filled service. Our keynote speaker was Pearlie Harris, a former SMCCW president, educator and servant-leader whose life of perseverance and compassion inspires our mission. In addition to our anniversary dinner, we created 100th Anniversary T-shirts and a special Christmas ornament, celebrating both our rich legacy and the enduring example of faith-filled women as we look forward to continuing our mission of serving God by serving others.
Lady of Fatima CCW (Alcoa, TN)
On September 27, 2025, OLOF CCW held a rummage sale to raise money to award 2 scholarships to 2026 graduating high school seniors of OLOF, who are continuing their education at a college or university. We were blessed with great weather, considering that rain was in the forecast all week.