Ladies Council

“The Altar Society was formed in June of 1951 when Mass was being held in the Rotary Room at the Mimslyn Hotel. Their initial duties included helping with catechism and decorating the altar. They met in the members’ homes. When the Church was completed, the Ladies’ Club met there and began to raise money by selling aprons and religious articles.

In addition, money was raised by a Mrs. Hosey of New York City by hosting card parties at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, benefiting Our Lady of the Valley. Following our incorporation into the new Diocese of Arlington in 1977, the club became part of the National Council of Catholic Women.

Today the ladies continue to be the backbone of our Parish. They support their many good works for Our Lady of the Valley.

Now called the ‘Ladies Council’; provides the funds and labor for many of the parish activities. Though their quiet and efficient work is rarely recognized, the fruits of their labor have been enjoyed by all parishioners for 70 years

Every woman in the parish is a member of the Ladies Council. Some of the many activities the Ladies Council has participated in throughout the years include:

Service as an Altar Guild: Maintaining, purchasing, and cleaning the liturgical vestments, albs, server’s robes and altar linens. Cleansing of sacred vessels.
Care of the Church: Cleaning the main church, annex, sanctuary, sacristy, meeting rooms and facilities, as well as purchasing and stocking the supplies for doing so.
Preparation of the Church for the various Liturgical Seasons: Decorating and providing flowers for Easter, Christmas and Pentecost.
Organization for First Communion and Confirmation: Providing flowers and serving refreshments.
Coordination of Church Events: Working with the Knights of Columbus on the annual Christmas Party and Church Picnic.
Luncheons for Bereaved Families: Preparing meals following Funeral Masses.
Masses: Having Masses said for deceased parish members and for All Souls Day.
Care for those in Need: Providing meals for needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Organizing and donating food to Page One with Manna Sunday.
Church Needs: Providing paper products for church functions.

Even if you are unable to attend our meetings, please consider becoming a member of this group.

Perhaps you would like to assist us in a specific area of our ministry? We are forming some Parish Committees you may be interested in.

Hospitality Committee (social events)
Mercy Ministry (funeral reception)
Martha’s Ministry (church cleaning)
St Joseph’s Committee (maintenance , etc)
Our Lady’s Gardeners (seasonal tidying)

Ladies Council holds their meetings quarterly at 10:00 A.M. in the parish meeting room. The meetings are held in the parish meeting room.