Women’s Guild
The St. James Women’s Guild was founded to promote spiritual growth and fellowship among its members through involvement in spiritual, service, and social ministries.
Members share their time, talent, and treasure to support the mission of St. James Church in building up our faith and helping others.
The Women’s Guild is also focused on strengthening the parish community by promoting friendship and providing a network of support in fulfilling guild objectives.
All women at St. James are invited.
The guild offers the opportunity to meet other parishioners and become more involved in the church in ways that fit the unique gifts of its members. The guild also provides the opportunity to grow spiritually through faith sharing at each general meeting and other activities of the spiritual ministry.
The future goal of the Women’s Guild is to continue to bring the St. James community together in both fellowship and worship.
New members can sign up at The Women’s Guild General Meeting which is held each month. The monthly meeting provides an opportunity to meet other parishioners. The meeting also provides the opportunity to learn about how to become involved in the various ministries. Come and find out how you can use your God-given talents in a meaningful way while growing in faith with many wonderful women of our parish.
The General Meeting is currently held on the second Wednesday of the month in Kavanagh Hall from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We hope to see you soon!
Contact
For more information about the St. James Women’s Guild please contact:
Ely Ronkowski
310.944.3355
Paula Bourke
213.435.3606
Joanne Modic
email
Spiritual Ministry
The Women’s Guild is focused on growth in spiritual maturity. The activities of the Spiritual Ministry empower WG members to become better disciples of Christ.
One-Day Retreat
–A one-day Women’s Guild Spiritual Retreat is held each year.
Fr. Francis led the first One-Day Retreat hosted by the Women’s Guild on March 7, 2015, and 67 women attended. The first topic of the retreat focused on steps leading to spiritual maturity. The second topic focused on how God can heal our emotional wounds. The underlying messages of hope, transformation, and spiritual growth were well received.
One of the highlights of the retreat was small group sharing where many friendships were formed. Those attending liked the Christ-centered structure of the retreat which began with a Mass and ended with a Benediction and included a wonderful breakfast.
Save the Date:
The second annual Women’s Guild One-Day Retreat was held on March 5, 2016 and will be led by Msgr. Marc V. Trudeau, current Rector of St. John’s Seminary.
Ministries – Service Ministry
Shining Stars in Christ
The WG served on the Shining Stars in Christ Committee which was responsible for planning and implementing a gala to honor five women in our parish for their exemplary service. The event utilized a multi-ministry approach requiring the cooperation and dedication of many organizations at St. James including the Women’s Guild, the Parish Office, St. James School, Catholic Daughters, Sunday Hospitality, Feed the Needy, Knights of Columbus, Pastoral Council, Religious Education, and the Education Foundation. The Shining Stars in Christ gala brought these organizations and the parish community together.
Shining Stars in Christ Honorees
(l to , Patty Miller, Barbara Mullen, Sr. Mary Margaret, Jackie Shinkle, Diana Holly)
Sponsoring a Seminarian
Proceeds from Women’s Guild fundraising events are used to help those in need. The Women’s Guild is providing financial support to Miguel Angel Ruiz who is a seminarian at St. John’s Seminary. Academic and related costs of becoming a priest often have to be supplemented by donors. The Women’s Guild is helping Miguel answer his calling to the priesthood. Miguel’s autobiography describes his journey to the priesthood.
Saint Valentine’s Dinner Dance
The WG hosted its first Saint Valentine’s Dance in 2015 with over 200 parishioners in attendance. (movie here.) The dance brought the parish community together in fellowship and fun. Proceeds from this fundraising event are being used to sponsor a seminarian. Further details are provided under the description of the Women’s Guild Service Ministry.
This year’s dance was held on February 6, 2016 at O’Gorman Center. All proceeds will be going to worthy charitable efforts.
Hospitality
The Women’s Guild provides hospitality for some of the events hosted by St. James Church. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for our members to volunteer in both small and big ways.
The Women’s Guild also hosts its own potlucks in order to bring our families and friends together to celebrate Christmas and Easter and to share in the camaraderie of the guild.
Easter Potluck
For more information about the St. James Women’s Guild please contact:
Ely Ronkowski
310.944.3355
Paula Bourke
213.435.3606
Joanne Modic
email
Charter
Key components of the Women’s Guild Charter describe the purpose, core values, and leadership of the guild.
Mission Statement
The Women’s Guild was founded to support the mission of St. James Church.
Parish Mission Statement
The mission of St. James Church is to build up the Body of Christ by evangelizing those weak in faith, healing the hurt and alienated Catholic, nourishing the faith and commitment of its active members.
We encourage those in our Community to be:
- in regular Mass attendance
- Participants in the sacramental life of the Church
- Committed to personal spiritual growth
- Registered and contributing members of the Church
- Supportive of the community through ministry and service
- In right relationship with one another
Team Vision
The team vision captures the hopes and dreams of the guild:
To spiritually empower the Catholic faith within the St. James parish and the community.
Purpose Statement
To help St. James Church enhance a holy, healthy, and vibrant parish and community.
Values
There are five key values that guide the Women’s Guild:
Joy: Stay enthusiastic and have peace and tranquility in the midst of obstacles.
Generosity: Share our time, talent, and treasure.
Trustworthiness: Be dependable and follow through with tasks assigned.
Friendliness: Welcome others with smiles and engage them in conversation.
Prayerfulness: Grow in faith through prayer.
Directors & Core Team
Pastoral Director: Msgr. Mike Meyers
Spiritual Director: Deacon Bob Miller
WG Chair: Ely Ronkowski
WG Co-Chair: Paula Bourke
Membership Chair: Josie McCleary
Public Relations: Marilyn Couvillon & Chris Salfity
Treasurer: Joanne Modic
Secretary: Arlene Lim
Parish Liaison: Robin Crocker
Honorary: Patty Miller & Bobbie Soufl