Catholic Women

New Hampshire Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

“Through baptism and confirmation the laity are commissioned to be apostles by the Lord Himself,…The laity can engage in their apostolic activity either as individuals or as members of various groups or associations.” Chapter V, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity , Second Vatican Council

Mission

The New Hampshire Council of Catholic Women was formed in 1951 at the request of the US Bishops to unite all Catholic Women's groups in the Diocese of Manchester. Today the goal is to encourage all Catholic women to join through individual membership. The NH Council is part of the National Council of Catholic Women.

The Council's role is to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Its programs respond with gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.

Our NH Council supports many organizations in New Hampshire and worldwide, some of them being: New Hampshire Catholic Charities, New Hampshire Seminarians, Victims of Domestic Violence and other Women’s Outreach programs.

Donations to the National Council of Catholic Women are also made to support Mary’s Garden at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. DC., Catholic Relief Services, Cross Catholic Outreach, and the Vocation Purse.

Mass Cards

To fund our donations, we offer Mass Cards to honor living or deceased members of your family and friends. They will be remembered in a monthly Mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester for a period of one year. These Mass cards are available by contacting Elise Coleman at ecoleman@rcbm.org; 603-663-0108.

Membership

How can I join the New Hampshire Diocesan Council of Catholic Women as an individual member? The new drive is not for parish groups but individual membership.

To become a member, please complete the registration form.

The $50.00 registration fee for an individual 12- month NHDCCW membership also makes you a member of the National Council of Catholic Women and an affiliate of World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization (WUCWO):

Membership helps you:

Grow spiritually

Understand Catholic Social Teaching

Advocate for a culture of life

Promote moral solutions to societal ills

Nurture family, faith and values

Receive a copy of the bi/monthly magazine Catholic Woman

When you join the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW), you are part of a national organization that speaks for your Catholic values and supports, empowers and educates all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

NCCW Individual members also:

• Are represented at the biannual meetings of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Have access to NCCW Spirituality, Leadership and Service Commissions’ programs and resources
• Are invited to serve on NCCW Commission teams and Committees
• Share friendships with other Catholic women from all over the country
• Are represented at the United Nations, The World Union of Catholic Women Organisations (WUCWO), Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Religious Alliance Against Pornography
• Share in Partnerships and Collaborations with Catholic Relief Services, Cross Catholic Outreach, Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Catholic Climate Covenant
• Can participate in Monthly Advocacy and Leadership Calls
• Access to NCCW website members’ only site (under development)

Monthly Masses

Mass is offered each month at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, NH for the intentions of the New Hampshire Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. All intentions are remembered for one year. If you have someone you would like to enroll to be among those who will be remembered in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered each month at St. Joseph Cathedral, please fill out the Prayer Request Form on-line and mail it to the address indicated on the form. A card stating your intention will be sent to you.

Catholic Social Teaching

On the Dignity and Vocation of Women (Mulieris Dignitatem), Pope John Paul II 1988

Letter to Women, Pope John Paul II 1997