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Phone: (651) 450-2217 FAX: (651) 450-2221

Reflections on the Work of the Guild of Catholic Women

"The Guild of Catholic Women and its service to those struggling with mental illness is a landmark of Catholic lay ministry.  This remarkable group takes its apostolate quite seriously, accomplishes its goals very effectively, and always seems to have a delightfully good time together along the way.  God bless the Guild for a hundred years more!"  Father Bill Baer - Chaplain Guild of Catholic Women

"You. . . continue to do wonderful things in the face of a largely indifferent world.  Guild Incorporated Client

"I want my girls (ages 12 and 16) to know about this wonderful organization."  GCW Member

"Your constant care, patience and genuine interest helped me to get strong again and back on my feet.  Thank God for agencies like this one."  Guild Incorporated Client

"After all these years, I am finally on my own.  The Guild has helped me change my life."  Guild Incorporated Client

Reflections on the Age of the Guild of Catholic Women by Helen Murphy (Member for 32 years)

I feel if a group of women got together today to help their communities less fortunate, it would not be as simple as it was 100 years ago.  When the Guild of Catholic Women formed there was no tax on giving, no insurance worries, as people just never sued each other instead of saying, "I'm sorry it did not work out."

Women had more time and could volunteer, as there was not that much employment out of the homes of women.  I doubt if they were bored, as they had no electrical labor saving machines such as washing machines, mixers, air conditioning, radios, televisions, computers, ovens and microwaves, not even scotch tape or plastic Baggies!

Yet, they still had time to think of and take care of those in need.  Some had servants so they could manage to get out of the house.  Many did not and still arranged to help.  None had their own cars to jump into at a moment's notice.

We have a tough act to follow.  I do feel however, women are still the same today with their inborn compassions.  We have many distractions today, but we still take the time to volunteer to newer and newer causes.  It always amazes me how for 100 years, Catholic women remain the same and even, better.  There I said it!  BETTER!  We have raised millions, spent millions, and hired experts to help us improve the lives of thousands.  We help our Archdiocese, cities, counties, and state these days by taking on the care and improvement of those suffering from mental illness. 

While this is not a a popular cause, yet we helped the cancer patients for 50 years when that was NOT a popular cause.  Now they have cancer benefits all year long.  Through our educational events, we hope soon to make everyone aware of the needs of this growing illness that attacks the brain.  If we can say in conversation, "My daughter has mental illness", with as much ease as, "My daughter has cancer", we have come a long way to destroy stigma.

Yes, the Guild of Catholic Women has a good reason to not lie about their age.  HAPPY 100 YEARS to US!