Archdiocesan Women's Committee
Bringing the Voices of Women Forward
The Archdiocesan Women’s Committee (AWC) 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 discussions where women converse about topics such 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. These "Voices of Women" discussions, formerly called "Hot Topics" are open to all women, whether or not they actively practice their faith. For information and to register for our upcoming Voices of Women topic, The Relevance of the Church, please see the information at the bottom of this page.
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)
- Committee meetings on an as-needed basis.
Interested in joining the AWC? Please fill out the AWC Candidate Interest Form.
For more information, please contact Sarah Rosland at [email protected].