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Women's Guild History
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St. Joseph Parish was officially recorded int he U.S Catholic Directory in 1873. Brazos County was 33 years old with a recorded population of 9,205 in 1870.
St. Clair Altar Society of St. Joseph Church was organized on February 9, 1915 by ten ladies and Rev. Msgr. John B. Gleissner as Director, for the purpose of caring for the altar linens, flowers and vestments, and spiritual enrichment of its members. St. Clair was chosen for the Society's patroness in tribute to Mother Clair at Villa Maria Convent, (at the time located in Bryan), who reportedly made beautiful altar linens and lovely fancy work provided for the fundraising parish bazaars.
As St. Joseph's Church steadily experienced growth in membership and needs, this organization also "changed with the times." Its affiliation with the National Council of Catholic Women provides a source of knowledge about women's concerns and activities throughout the nation. Information to and from the NCCW is channeled through the Austin Diocesan Council for the Brazos Valley Council to the local affiliates.
On June 24, 1987, the Women's Guild of St. Joseph Catholic Church was established. It was recognized that many women of the parish contribute their time and talents to different areas fo the church and community, and that by unifying all women into one organization, each would benefit by sharing together their individual talents and unity of faith. It was further recognized that from this unity could come spiritual growth, increased fellowship, new friends and more awareness of the roles that women assume within the parish and community.
The following commissions and committees are responsible for the various activities of the Guild: Spirituality (Church and legislation), Leadership (Organization), Service (Family, Community, International), Rural Life, Clerical Endowment Fund, and Social.