Welcome to the Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
Welcome! The Saint Stephen Council of Catholic Women is a vibrant community of faith-filled women dedicated to serving our parish and the greater Milwaukee area. Guided by our mission to advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ, we foster spiritual growth through selfless service, prayer, and supportive fellowship. Whether we are hand-crafting blankets for the newly baptized, hosting mornings of reflection, or providing meals for those in need, our members are the "shining examples of faith in action" within our community. We invite all women of the parish to join us as we grow together in grace and service.
Saint Stephen Council of Catholic Women: 2025 Accomplishments
Service & Community Outreach
- Support for Mothers: Launched a new program to provide weekly meals for single mothers in our parish battling cancer.
- Youth Support: Provided 100 erasers with inspirational messages for students at the Family Life Center and assembled 47 "Birthday Cake Boxes" for families in need.
- Acts of Kindness: Assisted a parish mother with transportation for her teenager during her medical treatments.
- Warmth for Children: Hand-crafted 107 hat and scarf sets and sewed over 40 pairs of fleece mittens for the Knights of Columbus "Coats for Kids" drive.
- Global Mission: Collected 27 "Boxes of Joy" for the Cross Catholic Outreach ministry.
- Support for Life: Donated 3 carloads of baby items to the MACCW Layette lunch and raised $622 for the Women’s Care Center through our Mother’s Day rose sale.
Spiritual Life & Liturgy
- Prayer Ministry: Led the Rosary for deceased CCW and parish members.
- Sacramental Gifts: Provided spiritual gifts to all First Communion and Confirmation recipients.
- Baptismal Welcome: Launched a Knit/Crochet Baptism Blanket ministry, providing four handmade blankets to our newly baptized.
- Parish Liturgy: Led the congregation in music as the choir for the 8:30 am Mass on three separate occasions.
- Elderly Outreach: Began a Birthday Card ministry for parishioners aged 80 and older, mailing 29 cards in late 2025.
- Liturgy Support: Donated a book cart and 61 children’s books to the parish narthex to engage young children during Mass.
Events & Fellowship
- Advent by Candlelight: Partnered with the Knights of Columbus and the parish office to host the inaugural Advent by Candlelight for 100 guests.
- Annual Spring Tea: Hosted the 2nd Annual Spring Tea with 84 attendees and a guest inspirational speaker.
- Morning of Reflection: Hosted the September MACCW Morning of Reflection at Saint Stephen and an October event for 40 women focusing on the theme of "Hope."
- Jubilee Celebrations: Hosted parish Jubilee events at both the Marian Shrine (24 attendees) and the Basilica of St. Josaphat.
- Parish Fun: Managed the cookie decorating booth at the Saint Stephen Christmas party.
Fundraising & Parish Support
- Sendik’s Grill Out: Raised $869 to support CCW initiatives.
- Traditional Sales: Earned a combined profit of $1,316 through our Paczki and Egg Roll sales.
- Clergy Support: Provided weekly meals for Father Stephen for several months.
Leadership & Growth
- Professional Development: Two members attended the NCCW Leadership Development Training in Plover, WI.
- Regional Engagement: Members represented Saint Stephen at the MACCW Tea for Mothers of Priests and the Morning of Reflection at St. Mary’s Visitation.
Join the Council of Catholic Women!
Are you seeking a way to deepen your faith while making a meaningful impact in our community? We invite you to join the Saint Stephen Council of Catholic Women (CCW)! Our members are a "shining example of faith in action," from launching meal programs for mothers battling cancer to hand-crafting baptismal blankets and hats for kids in need.