The purpose of St. Philip Council of Catholic Women is to unite women of the parish through spiritual, service, and social activities and to assist the pastor in meeting the material needs of the parish through our gifts of time and money. It is also our intent to respond with Gospel values to the needs of our youth in the Catholic schools and religious education programs, as well as to various outreach programs in our local community and the world through works of charity or financial assistance. 

Any woman interested in fulfilling the purpose of the Council of Catholic Women (CCW) is eligible for membership. Currently, our organization has close to 200 members. Some ladies belong to Circles which meet monthly. Some are general members only, some are supporting members, and some are honorary members. Active members endeavor to further the purpose of the CCW at all times and take part in at least two projects during the year, including at least one fundraiser. Supporting members may not be able to be actively involved but support the organization with their prayers and financial contributions. Honorary membership is extended to those women who support the purpose of the CCW but are unable to be either active or supporting members.

St. Philip CCW members actively support our parish by helping with parish sponsored activities such as Superfest, by hosting receptions for First Communion and Confirmation, by cleaning the church and altar linens, and by praying for the intentions of our parishioners through a prayer chain. We also assist with the purchase of new vestments and/or other new liturgical attire when needed. 

St. Philip CCW members support the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools by contributing funds for subscriptions to the Scholastic Newsletter, the purchase of Bibles for students, the National Honor Society Thanksgiving Breakfast, by hosting a breakfast and reception for graduating high school seniors and other projects upon request. 

St. Philip CCW members support our local and world community by making financial donations to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, by collecting food and clothing for area agencies, by participating in the operation of a local Food Pantry, by hosting a Valentine Day party at a local senior citizen residence, and by making a financial donation to a designated cause or project in other areas of our nation or world.

The St. Philip CCW sponsors several fundraisers throughout the year to earn money to subsidize these services. Our major fundraisers include: Saturday Thrift Shop sales, a Phantom Ball, a Spring Card Party, a Spring Plant Sale, a Fall Fashion Show, a Fall Bake Sale, and a Christmas Wreath & Swag Sale.

All CCW members and all women of our parish are invited and encouraged to attend a "Day of Spiritual Renewal", hosted by the Kalamazoo Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, which is held three times a year at various locations within our Diocese. 

The St. Philip CCW strives to be a vital presence in our church, family, and community by developing and sharing an enthusiastic Christian attitude, thereby bringing a true spirit of joy into the lives of its members and the lives of others.



 

St. Monica's Circle

St. Monica's Circle began in the Fall of 2015.  It is named after the mother of St. Augustine who prayed and kept praying for many years that her son (and husband) would find God.  God finally answered her prayers and her son, St. Augustine, became a great saint.  This Circle is devoted to praying for our children and grandchildren who might be having spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, or financial problems.  The Circle also prays for other family members and friends, as well as our church and nation which both need our prayers in this time of crisis.  Mothers/grandmothers of all ages are invited to join St. Monica's Circle.  Single women are also invited to come and pray for their godchildren, nieces, nephews, or other family members.  We meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the Adoration Chapel at 6:30 pm.  Our group has developed a prayer booklet of about 50 pages.  At each meeting, we pray the Chaplet of St. Monica and the Litany of St. Monica and then choose other prayers from the booklet to recite together.  Our prayer time lasts about 45 minutes and then we meet for fellowship and food afterwards.  For more information, please contact Cathy Hirzel at 269-968-4639 or chirzel@aol.com.  New members are always welcome to join us in prayer!