National Council of Catholic Women
About National Council of Catholic Women
Based in Washington, DC, the National Council of Catholic Women represents a century-long legacy of Catholic women's collective action and advocacy. Established on March 4, 1920, by the U.S. Catholic Bishops, NCCW was created to give Catholic women a common voice and unified instrument for action during a pivotal era when the Church needed greater representation in American civic life. Over more than 100 years, the organization has evolved to serve thousands of Catholic women and affiliated women's organizations throughout parishes and dioceses across the nation.
At its core, NCCW embodies a mission to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service. The organization operates under the spiritual patronage of Our Lady of Good Counsel and remains committed to responding with Gospel values to the evolving needs of the Church and contemporary society. NCCW members form a vibrant community united by shared faith, character, and dedication to service.
What distinguishes NCCW is its dual commitment to personal spiritual growth and systemic advocacy. Members participate in monthly rosary conference calls, access prayer resources, and engage in faith formation opportunities while simultaneously contributing to national conversations on religious and moral issues. The organization's three founding purposes—giving Catholic women a unified voice, ensuring Catholic representation on national committees, and stimulating existing Catholic women's organizations toward greater service—remain central to its work today. Through pilgrimage opportunities, networking events, and collaborative partnerships with major Catholic organizations, NCCW continues to strengthen the bonds among Catholic women while advancing their collective witness in American life.