Involvement Opportunities for Women

Apostolate of Women

Contacts: Kay Schenfeld  and  Therese Cuitino

The Apostolate of Women is Catholic laywomen working together with their pastor to make the Kingdom of God come alive in their community. The Apostolate is an organization of over 325 women comprised of 14 guilds in our parish that work to grow spiritually, to plan fundraising events for the AOW and parishioners as well as donate time, food, clothing, and funds for great causes and community needs.

About the AOW

The women’s club at St. Paul of the Cross is called the Apostolate of Women (AOW). The AOW has been bringing women of the parish together since 1914. The membership is 400 strong and divided into small communities called guilds. The guilds operate independently but come together under the umbrella of the AOW. Women can also choose to participate in the AOW as a member-at-large without a guild affiliation. The AOW members are committed to service to the parish and the surrounding community and growing their faith. Through this, life long friendships are created. If you are interested in joining, please contact Nina Greiber, Membership Chair. 

About the Guilds

Guilds, small communities of women, range in size and may have up to 30 members. The guild meetings take place at members’ homes, church or restaurants throughout the year. Guild members work together to participate in and promote various activities that involve faith, service, social and fundraising opportunities.

Guilds

• Faith, Hope & Charity
• Guardian Angel
• Holy Family
• Mother Teresa
• Mystical Rose
• Queen of Peace
• Spirit of St. Ignatius
• St. Anne
• St. Catherine of Siena
• St. Mary
• St. Monica
• St. Therese, the Little Flower
• St. Thomas Aquinas
• St. Valentine

AOW & Guild Activities

Faith Opportunities

• AOW Opening Mass
• Evenings/Mornings of Reflection
•  Honor Guard at funeral Masses for deceased members -  St. Thomas Aquinas
• Adoration Chapel
• Women’s Retreat – Spirit of St. Ignatius

Service to Our Community and Neighbors in Need

• The Food Pantry – Mother Teresa & St. Anne
• “Labors of Love” Fundraisers to Benefit St. Paul of the Cross Social Services
• Blood Drives – Holy Family
• Sunday Suppers
• Shoebox Project – St. Catherine of Siena
• Christmas Hams for sister parish, St. Benedict the African
• Christmas Stockings – Queen of Peace
• Our Lady of Lourdes Soup Kitchen – Faith, Hope & Charity
• Well of Mercy – Guardian Angels
• Maintenance of the Sanctuary
• Decorate the Sanctuary each Season

Social & Fundraising Opportunities

• Architectural Tours - St. Valentine
• Taffy Apple Sale – Holy Family
• AOW Fair Trade Market
• Jewelry Sale – St. Monica
• Fish Fry – St. Mary
• Labor of Love for SPC Social Services Christmas Dinners – St. Therese, the Little Flower
• AOW St. Nick’s Party – gifts for Marillac House
• Bake Sale – Mystical Rose
• AOW God’s Great Green Earth Garden Sale
• AOW Annual Scholarships