About Us
The St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) established May 11, 1933 by Archbishop John G. Murray, and is a volunteer organization inviting members to respond to Christ’s call to serve others through affiliated parish CCW organizations. ACCW is guided by six commissions through which it carries out its ministries and a Board of Directors composed of:
ACCW President
Spiritual Advisor
Elected Officers
Commission Chair and Vice-Chairs
Deanery CCW Presidents
ACCW has seven Deanery Councils of Catholic Women representing the fifteen geographical deaneries of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Minneapolis
Susan Jones
susane.jones@comcast.net
Northeast
Mary Lou Wilharber mlouwilharb@gmail.com
Northwest
Betty Thomes
thomesbetty@gmail.com
St. Paul
Annemarie Chlebeck
annemariec1223@gmail.com
Southeast
Patricia Reinardy/Laurie Otte
ron.reinardy@gmail.com ottelaurie@gmail.com
Southwest
Andrea Jewison
andreajewison@midco.net
West
Mission
As a member of National Catholic Council of Women, ACCW acts through its affiliated organizations to support, empower and educate women in spirituality, leadership and service. Our programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.
ACCW provides:
Programs of spiritual enrichment
Support to the Deanery Boards and their affiliated parish women’s organizations
Leadership and mentorship training
Educational workshops and events Offers individual membership
“The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women has impressed me as a gem in this Archdiocese.”
Staff
Our office is located within the Archdiocesan Catholic Center
Office hours: 8:30 am – 2 pm | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Doreen Hogan
ACCW President, 2023-2025
Doreen Hogan has held previous ACCW offices including Second Vice President and as Southwest Deanery President. Archbishop Hebda appointed Doreen as ACCW President for a 2-year volunteer term.
CHRISTINE ALLIE
ACCW Office Manager 2006-present
REV. Kyle etzel
ACCW Spiritual Advisor july 2024
Father Kyle Etzel is appointed by Archbishop Hebda as the ACCW Spiritual Advisor for a renewable 3 year term.
History
Early 1933
Archbishop John Gregory Murray called the first organization meeting of the ACCW.
May 1933
The First ACCW Convention was held under Archbishop Murray’s direction.
FIRST PROGRAMS included topics such as Parish development, Education, Lay retreat, Catholic literature & press, Watchful radio programs, Legion of decency, attending to the sick, infirm, aged, and underprivileged.
1940’s
Women became involved with the local Red Cross, support newly opened Our Lady of Good Counsel Cancer Home, and Foreign Mission programs
1950’s
A scholarship program for teachers in parochial schools set up, the first rural life Mass was held at the Cathedral and ACCW hosted a luncheon for foreign wives.
1960’s
Representatives traveled to Washington DC to attend a conference on needs of the aged. Women assist with Girl and Boy Scout programs.
1970’s
The Appalachian Christmas program began at the request of Fr. Terrance Hoppenjans. The Lay Woman Volunteer Award program was initiated. The Life Links Program began to provide alternatives to abortion.
1987
The Life Links Program began to provide direct aid to women and children in need.
1995
Joan McGrath from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis becomes President of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW).
1997
The Walk with Me program began as a way to support seminarians by prayer, cards, and letters.
2003
Hosted the National Council of Catholic Women Convention in Minneapolis with over 1,500 attendees.
2017
Moved the ACCW office to the historical 3M building at 777 Forest Street in St. Paul, which is shared with other archdiocesan employees.
2019
Many of these programs continue today, such as, Pro-life previously Life Links, The Appalachia Christmas Drive, Our Lady of Peace Home, Foreign Missions – Madonna Plan, Religious Awards for youth, Educational programs & workshops, The Lay Women Award, Rural Life Mass, Meals on Wheels, and Sharing and Caring hands.