St. Patrick Women's Club
The mission of St. Patrick Women's Club is to support and promote the goals, activities, interests and services of St Patrick Parish -- St. Patrick Church and St. Michael Mission.
Women have been actively supporting the church and its activities for a century! Early news clippings document activities of local women's groups, holding bake sales, carnivals, and other fundraisers to help raise funds needed to build the current St. Patrick Church in 1915 - 1917. The inscription on one of the church's stained glass windows indicates that it was sponsored by Ladies of the Altar Society. And when the church was completed, ladies of the church continued to raise funds to help pay off the construction debt and fund other necessary work.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
--Colossians 3:23-24
Who Are We?
Members of St. Patrick Women's Club are members of St. Patrick Parish, both St. Patrick Church and St. Michael Mission.
Club members range in age from young women to those in their "elegant eighties."
Some members are Bisbee natives, others have moved here over the years or are real newcomers to Bisbee and the parish.
Club membmers have varied occupational backgrounds. Some members are career homemakers, others work in a wide variety of fields. Many club members are retired, finding that volunteering and giving back to the community is a rewarding occupation.
How Do We Raise Funds?
The primary fundraisers for the club are the annual Christmas bazaar the first weekend in December and a Christmas in July Bazaar in mid-July.
Depending on the needs of the parish, the Club also holds special fundraisers to help cover expenses for special events or special projects at either St. Patrick Church or St. Michael Mission.
The club gratefully accepts donations to assist with parish support.
What Do We Do?
The main activities of the Women's Club include
- Assisting with funeral luncheons as requested
- Preparing & serving a meal for the priest, deacons, and visiting clergy as requested for special occasions.
- Assisting with cleaning projects or other tasks as needed.
- Providing financial support to the parish however possible. This is often done in partnership with the Knights of Columbus or other parish groups.
Funding an annual scholarship for a graduating Bisbee High School student.
The Club sponsors an annual Women's Retreat in May, open to all women in the area.
