Guild of St. Mary, Lake Forest

A women's ministry rooted in faith, service, and friendship.

The Guild of St. Mary is an organization of dedicated women serving the needs of the Church of St. Mary and its wider community. Comprised of over 400 members, the Guild offers a rich and unique environment for women of all ages to meet new people, foster friendships, and serve others while growing in faith.

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Upcoming Events

The Guild is made up of smaller groups called Circles — each offering a space for friendship, faith, and service. Some Circles meet by interest or life stage, while others gather by time of day or availability. With over 400 active members, there is a place for everyone.

Explore Our Circles

The Guild hosts events throughout the year that nurture faith, service, and fellowship—from Donut Sundays and Advent Wreath Making to our beloved Christmas Brunch & Boutique and Spring Mass & Brunch. Circles help bring these gatherings to life and often organize their own parish-centered service projects.

Explore Our Events | View Calendar

Annual Memberships run from July 1 - June 30.

New Members: Join the Guild

Existing Members: Renew Membership

***If you mail in a check, please give us a few weeks to process it.***

Questions?

Please contact Aileen Ellis, Vice President of Membership, at guildofstmary@churchofstmary.org.

Please join us in celebrating Kitty Picchietti, 2025 Guild Woman of the Year!

Louise Hayes - President

Elizabeth Bannister - Vice President Activities

Aileen Ellis - Vice President Membership

Catherine Herrmann - Secretary

Rachelle Reardon - Treasurer

Erin Helms - Publicity

Lore Nugent - Pastoral Associate

As early as 1875, ladies of St. Mary’s formed an Altar Society; in 1908, they added the Ladies Benevolent Association, and in 1917, the Miriam Club. Other groups followed, including the St. Vincent’s Sewing Group, Altar Sewing Sacristans, Our Lady’s Volunteers, and Rectory Volunteers. Each group enrolled ladies whose skills could help manage a particular parish need - everything from sewing Altar linens to upkeep at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In 1934, the various groups and responsibilities were aligned and coordinated under one organization, with Mrs. Winifred Hubley serving as the first president. In 1942, at the suggestion of then-Pastor Monsignor Thomas Shannon, the group was named the “Guild of St. Pascal.” In 1979, the name “Guild of St. Mary” was adopted as members wished to better identify their roles within the Parish.

VISION: NOURISHED THROUGH CHRIST - GROWING THROUGH FAITH

MISSION: THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY IS A WELCOMING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ENRICHED THROUGH OUR SHARED STEWARDSHIP OF THE GOSPEL, ENGAGING FELLOWSHIP, COMMITMENT TO SERVICE, AND ENDURING PURSUIT OF GROWING IN FAITH, TOGETHER IN CHRIST JESUS.

201 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

The Guild of St. Mary is an Auxiliary Ministry of the Church of St. Mary - a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.