St. Monica's Guild was formed in St. Joseph's when the Augustinians arrived in 1995. It began primarily for the women of the parish to have social events and to come up with fundraising ideas.
The guild do so many tasks and are a very sociable and willing group of ladies who usually meet once a month to plan any events for the following weeks. They organise the senior parishioners Christmas party for around 60 people, which is quite a task, as it involves booking a musician, as well as purchasing food and drink. This is all courtesy of the SVDP.
During the year, there are several Masses for the Anointing of the Sick. Once again, the women's guild arranges the catering to provide an array of sandwiches, sausage rolls and home baking.
Also on the guild agenda is the massive fundraiser at Christmas, which involves the sale of raffle sheets. This usually raises between £700 and £1000! We also hold a Burns supper in January, and a St Patrick's Night celebration in March. Again, these events are organised by the women's guild.
The women's guild is also responsible for the provision of teas and coffees on a rota basis after the 11am mass every Sunday.
Any woman in the parish, regardless of age, can come along to the meetings and offer to help. St. Monica's Guild is one of the most important groups in the parish, for its work in building up the parish community.