Offices and Ministries

Archdiocesan Women's Committee

Please join us for Hot Topics!

See Flyer for more information or register using the links below.

Saturday, February 24  |  9 – 10:30 a.m. 
Wednesday, March 6  |  7 – 8:30 p.m.
Monday, March 11  |  7 – 8:30 p.m.

Bringing the Voices of Women Forward

The Archdiocesan Women’s Committee is an adjunct committee of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Chicago (APC). Founded in 1992, the AWC’s mission is to bring the needs and concerns of women into the Archdiocesan dialogue. The AWC is an advisory committee that works directly with the Cardinal of Chicago. It is composed of women from a range of ages, talents, locations and cultures from throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. Each of the six vicariates has three representatives on the committee. To ensure that the AWC comprises a broad range of voices, the committee also includes women that represent the Archdiocesan Pastoral Youth Council, the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, Black Catholics, Asian Catholics, Polish Catholics, Hispanic Catholics, Religious sisters, young adults and AGLO. The AWC collaborates closely with the APC to represent all people of the archdiocese, as well as to network and grow together in building greater communities, inspiring witness, and making disciples.

The AWC, in consultation with the Cardinal, focuses on specific themes to research each year. Some topics that have been researched are The Synod on the Family, Human Trafficking, Clericalism and Why Catholic Women Leave the Church. Beginning in 2020, the AWC initiated a series of “Hot Topics” where women join for conversation around such topics as how the church can support Catholic women who are divorced, Catholic Social Teachings through the lens of women, young women finding their place in the church and Renew My Church.

Another important work of the AWC is its annual meeting with the seminarians at Mundelein Seminary. This gathering allows seminarians to benefit from the perspectives, experiences and wisdom of women, and for women to hear from the future leadership of our church.

The AWC has four standing committees: Education, By-laws, Communications and Membership. Each member is required to join at least one of these committees.

Time Commitment

  • Five meetings per year with the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Cardinal (usually on a Saturday for approximately three hours)
  • Meeting with the seminarians at Mundelein once per year in the Fall (approximately 4 hours)
  • Monthly check-in meetings on Zoom (one hour, optional but highly recommended). Currently on the first Monday of the month at 7 P.M.
  • Committee meetings on an as-needed basis.

Interested in joining the AWC? Please fill out the Candidate Interest Form.

For more information please contact Danielle Bodette at [email protected].