As early as 1875, ladies of St. Mary’s formed an Altar Society, in 1908 they added the Ladies Benevolent Association and in 1817 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 those 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 current name, “Guild of St. Mary,” was adopted as members wished to better identify their roles within the Parish. 

For many years the Guild met as one group and all women of the parish were invited to be members.  By 1960, the growing size of this group limited the opportunity for more personal relationships among the large group women.  Circles, smaller groups within the Guild were organized, originally, around neighborhood, than later around special interests of their members.  Today, women of the parish are welcomed to join a Circle that best reflects them.  Circles may have unique focus and can meet with vary frequency and times better accommodating their members.  Those ladies who wish to support the work of the Guild at large, but who do not wish to join an individual Circle are welcome to become part of the St. Vincent de Paul group (once considered Sustaining Members).  Over 400 women of the Church of St. Mary are active members.  A reflection of the continued generosity of time and spirit of the women of our parish.    

 A variety of ministries; spiritual, service, and social are organized within the Guild.  Among them:  Guild Rosaries and Meditations, All Saints Day Project, Christmas Sharing Tree, Advent Wreath Making and Blessing, Baby Jesus Birthday Celebration, Christmas Tea, Boutique and Cookie Walk, Senior Citizen Luncheon with School of St. Mary, Easter Sharing Baskets, Spring Mass & Brunch, Memorial Mass, Donut Sundays, Funeral Luncheons, PADS, Wedding Ministry, Most Blessed Trinity Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, Camp Hope.

Circles volunteer to provide the necessary efforts to execute these events and activities. 

The Guild continues to adapt to provide the support to the current needs of our parish community.  In addition to the Guild Activities, Circles may organize personal service projects that align with the Parish and community.