The Chicago Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women, Vicariate I, celebrated the 11th Anniversary of the Golden Rose Awards on February 7, 2026. Bishop Timothy O'Malley of Vicariate I congratulated the girls representing 31 parishes and three high schools—St. Viator, Carmel, and Woodlands Academy. Each girl received a certificate, a silk rose, and a blessed rosary bracelet. Cadets from the District #214 Wheeling High School ROTC program proudly escorted the girls as they received their certificates. Vicariate I appreciates the parishes’ recognition of the Golden Rose concept, which encourages young girls to put their faith into action through service to their parishes. Frank Starshak photographed these special memories, capturing the joy and spirit of this meaningful celebration.
On September 5–6, 2026, OLOF CCW distributed Boxes of Joy after all four Masses that weekend. Parishioners were thrilled to pick up a box and fill it with items for children in need. The response was so wonderful that we ran out of boxes and are ordering more! Thank you to Cross Catholic Outreach for helping us bring joy and hope to children in need.
Members of the Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women, along with members of the Legions of Mary, recently gathered to make rosaries in preparation for the Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, taking place Thursday, September 24, in St. Louis, Missouri. The Archbishop Fulton Sheen Foundation has invited Catholics to join the effort to create 75,000 World Mission Rosaries in honor of this special occasion. Under the direction of organizer and instructor Jackie LaRochell, the group has already made and sent 250 rosaries to Missouri—and they are continuing their beautiful work of prayer and service. Through their hands, hearts, and prayers, these women are helping share the power of the Rosary with people around the world. “We must pray, and not for ourselves, but for the world.” — Archbishop Fulton Sheen