Charitable giving and support for children in need remain at the forefront of the club’s mission
By Jeff Kurowski | On Mission
GREEN BAY — A mission started by a group of Catholic women 125 years ago continues today. The Catholic Women’s Club (CWC) of Green Bay traces back its history to the year 1900 when six women gathered to form what they called “The Social Workers.”
“In the beginning, they wanted social, they wanted cultural, like art and music,” said Sylvia McElroy, a longtime CWC member who chronicled the club’s history for the 125-year anniversary. “We still have programs. We bring in speakers for all kinds of important issues. We have entertainment.”
The initial goals also included study, charitable giving and supporting the wellbeing of children, which continue today.
“During Lent, their studies were of our Catholic faith and saints, lectures, readings and history of various religious orders,” said McElroy about the original group. “Although at one point, in the very early years, it was decided that non-Catholic women could become members. But the CWC always kept its Catholic faith in the forefront.”
Early outreach efforts included the “Shoes Fund,” started in 1910. For 10 years, money raised provided shoes for needy families in Green Bay. The fund was then turned over to the Green Bay Apostolate, a predecessor of Catholic Charities.
In 1919, the club, by then called the Catholic Women’s Club, started the Day Nursery. The club rented rooms from St. Francis Xavier Cathedral to take care of the children of widowed mothers or working women whose husbands were at war. They also assisted unwed mothers.
The Day Nursery operated for 25 years before becoming part of the Community Chest through the Service League of Green Bay.
“It is now known as Encompass Child Care, which provides child care for needy families,” said McElroy. “They consider us their founders.”
Money to support causes was raised through bazaars and other events and, in 1921, the CWC had enough resources to purchase a house at 423 Walnut St., which served as the Club House. It housed the Day Nursery and an auditorium for community use. Dances were held for teenagers at the Club House to “keep them off the streets,” according to a written history of the CWC.
A dispute arose over the house with the City of Green Bay. The city wanted to charge the CWC a yearly real estate tax on the property. The club took the city to the State Supreme Court and won. The CWC received a forever nonprofit organization dispensation.
“They were some feisty little women,” said Mary Dollar, current CWC president about the Supreme Court case.
The club grew to 600 members at some point in its history, said McElroy. She added that the list of community charity organizations the CWC supported over the years was so long that she stopped counting at 50. Among those receiving support were the Green Bay Symphony and Civic Association, Wisconsin Public Radio and Television, the Boys and Girls Club, United Way and food pantries.
In addition to monetary donations, the CWC did sewing and ran parties and picnics for orphanages.
In the 1980s, the CWC, having researched the history of Catholics settling in Northeast Wisconsin, joined area clergy to convince Heritage Hill State Park in Green Bay to add the Bark Chapel. The club paid for the building expenses and continues to send yearly funds for maintenance.
“What they did, we’re doing now,” said McElroy in reference to providing support. “We give to 15 charities from our fund through the diocese (Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Green Bay). We give to 15 local Catholic and public, and missionaries.”
The CWC, which currently has about 80 members, meets monthly at St. John the Evangelist Church in Green Bay. Each meeting features a “project of support.”
For example, in November, the club held a clothing drive for the homeless and donated toys for child cancer patients at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. One month of each year, the CWC donates to Love Life, an ecumenical local outreach ministry which provides basic infant needs to low-income families.
Anniversary events kicked off with the September 2024 meeting, which featured displays of memorabilia and photos from the club’s history.
On Oct. 15, 2024, an anniversary Mass was celebrated by Bishop David Ricken at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. A luncheon followed in Mother of Mercy Hall.
Presentations have traditionally been a part of the monthly meetings. A staff member from HSHS St. Vincent Hospital’s Children Specialty Floor presented this month in recognition of the CWC’s continued mission to help children.
The club has had some very noteworthy presenters over the years, including Dorothy Day, now a Servant of God, the first step on the path to sainthood.
Opera star Lucille Meusel, a Green Bay native, also presented. Local choral and music theater legend Dudley Birder was a favorite guest, said McElroy.
Upcoming CWC events during the anniversary year include the annual “Day of Reflection” on Tuesday, March 18, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. The day will feature Mass and reflections by Fr. John Girotti, vicar general and moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Green Bay.
CWC will conclude its 125th anniversary events on Tuesday, April 15, with its spring luncheon at the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay.
Dollar offered gratitude to Msgr. John Schuh, who has served as the club’s chaplain for 30 years.
She added that the Blessed Mother will continue to serve as the role model for the club.
As a sign of commitment to Mary, McElroy said that each member receives an application to join the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary through the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion.
The confraternity is an international association of the Catholic faithful established to praise and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each member of the confraternity strives to pray three rosaries (15 decades) each week (Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries).
“Our present goal is to make our Blessed Mother more and more our model of womanhood and to seek greater love and devotion to her,” she said.
“We’re just so blessed. They’ve done so much for the community,” said Dollar, reflecting on the women who laid the foundation for the Catholic Women’s Club. “It just makes you feel good. Thank you, Jesus. Without him, we’re nothing.”
For membership or more information about the Catholic Women’s Club of Green Bay, contact Sylvia McElroy at tmcelroy@new.rr.com.
