Catholic Charities can trace its beginning to a meeting of the New London branch of the Connecticut Council of Catholic Women in May of 1921. Mrs. Frank L. McGuire, president of the Council's New London branch presided over the meeting in which Rev. Matthew Judge, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities discussed the need for a Diocesan Bureau of Social Services in eastern Connecticut. Catholic Charities was created in that year and we are very happy to be celebrating a long partnership with the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women!
One of the programs of the NDCCW’s charitable work is the Layette program. For over 40 years, the NDCCW has planned the Layette program for the collection of baby items such as clothes for babies from birth through toddler three, diapers and wipes, as well as other much needed baby items. Women from all parish guilds in the Diocese bring car loads of new clothes, handmade blankets, diapers, etc., which are donated to Catholic Charities pregnancy program to provide assistance to low income families. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the layette in April was cancelled, so the Council decided to hold the layette in a different way, as to not put anyone at risk. They decided to plan a layette drop off on October 17th at St. Sebastian Church in Middletown from 12-4pm. The NDCCW also offers support by providing much needed funds to help the Agency continue its mission of Providing Help & Creating Hope.
As Catholic Charities celebrates our 99th anniversary, the need in Connecticut continues to be apparent, especially during this critical time of quarantine, business closures and social distancing. The Agency relies heavily on our supporters and are blessed to have such a committed partner in the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and certainly could not do the work that we do throughout New London, Middlesex, Tolland and Windham counties if it wasn’t for the Council.
Catholic Charites is proud to expresses our gratitude and appreciation to all the women of the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for their support and involvement over the years!
View more photos of the NDCCW Layetter here