The women of Pax have been ministering to the Pax Christi Faith Family since it began in 1973. In the early days they were part of the planning committees, hosted home Masses for neighbors before our church was built, sewed vestments, altar cloths and banners for our liturgical celebrations and contributed in numerous ways to help start the parish.
The first Pax Women’s Group was started in September 1974 and was part of the Winona Council of Catholic Women. There were seven small neighborhood groups; each had a representative on the general board. Small groups met in homes and the genera group met at church once a month. All small groups took turns cleaning the church. They participated in fundraising as individual groups and together as one large group. A Mass and potluck were held each spring for all the women of the parish.
In 1990 Holy Spirit was established. The women of Pax Christi and Holy Spirit met together with each group being represented by a vice president on the general board. When Holy Spirit formed a separate group the treasury was divided giving each group one half of the total funds.
In 1992 the Women’s Group struggled with declining attendance. It was decided to disband the group in June of 1993. The treasury balance of approximately $800.00 was given to our pastor, Fr. Trocinski, to be held in trust for five years for the purpose of starting another Women’s Group. July 1, 1998, this money was released to the general fund just in time to help with the cost of the major renovation to our church being done at that time.
Scheduled meetings started again in the spring of 2005 and the group decided on the name “Women of Pax”. During the intervening years the women continued to serve in many ways just as they do today. Individually they lead and participate in many ministries. Together they host retreats, cater funerals and special events, host sacramental celebrations, milestone anniversary and retirement parties for our priests, have fundraisers to support parish needs, local charities and give Christmas gifts to staff. Attendance declined again and scheduled meetings stopped, but they continued most of their activities and service projects.
In the fall of 2014, monthly meetings of the Women of Pax started again to facilitate unity among the women of our parish, share news and information, pray together, support one another and form deeper friendships. As we continue to work and serve together we strive to grow in grace and to share His Peace with all those we encounter.
by Marcy Witter
Funeral Luncheons
Catering Weddings & Parish Events
Cleaning the Church
Thanksgiving Clothing Drive
Madonna Plan
Habitat Project
Fr. Ruis Boat People
Golden Agers Parties
Graduation Breakfasts
Parent/Child Breakfasts
Children’s Bazaar
Religious Goods Sales for Parishioners at Pax Christi
Christmas Gifts to the Elderly and Citizens with Special Needs
Christmas Gifts to Families in Need
School and Household Items for Refugee Families
Drop In Center for Rochester Visitors
Port Birthday Parties
Migrant Center – Clothes and Household Items
Birthright
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life
Northland House now known as the Ronald McDonald House
Dorothy Day House – Money, Clothing, Groceries and Supplies
Girl Scouts
Aid to Refugees
Rochester State Hospital
Fr. Halloran’s Rural Life Program
Covenant House
Eye Glass Collection
Clothing Collection for Romanian Orphans
Caring and Sharing Hands
Decorated and Furnished Staff Offices
Decorated and Furnished Parish Library
Purchased Furniture for Conference Room
Renovated Parish Kitchen
Marian Grotto and Prayer Garden
Super Bowl Snack Sale – Proceeds to Local Outreach Programs
Seeds of Wisdom in South Sudan
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Women’s Shelter
NAMI
Chari-Tea
Center City Housing Inc. - Empowerment Center