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The National Board of Catholic Women met for a day of prayer, reflection and discussion, bringing together Diocesan Links, committee convenors and representatives of member organisations from across England and Wales.
The day began with a welcome from President Jacintha Bowe, who invited participants to leave behind the concerns of their journeys and focus on giving glory to God as we gathered in fellowship.
Let’s Talk About Women in the Church
The principal presentation of the day was given by Vice-President Helen Burgess, who spoke on “Let’s Talk About Women in the Church: Some Contemporary Thoughts.”
Beginning with the scriptural call to listen to the Holy Spirit, Helen reflected on the vocation of women in the Church and the importance of discernment, prayer and perseverance. She reminded participants that the work women undertake in the Church is rooted in calling and that, even when progress appears slow, faithfulness to that calling remains essential.
Helen described the Synod on Synodality as one of Pope Francis’ great gifts to the Church, offering a new way of being Church through communion, participation and mission. While acknowledging differing experiences of the synodal process, she highlighted the significance of the final Synod document, which recognises both the equal dignity of women and men through baptism and the continuing obstacles women face in achieving fuller recognition of their gifts and vocation.
Attention was drawn to several important recent reports, including the Synod Final Document, the Petrocchi Commission Report and the Final Report of Study Group Five on Women’s Participation in the Life and Leadership of the Church. While noting that debate continues regarding women and the diaconate, Helen highlighted signs of hope, including growing recognition of women’s leadership, expanded ministries and opportunities for greater participation in the Church’s mission.
Participants were encouraged to engage with the Study Group Five report and to continue reflecting on the experiences and contributions of women throughout the life of the Church. Helen stressed that genuine listening requires openness to change and reminded the gathering that the baptismal dignity of women and men is the same.
Business of the Board
After Mass, Jacintha provided an update on the work of the Board and future plans.
Jacintha drew attention to our November event with Professor Karen Kilby of Durham University who will speak on the theme “What it Means to Be Woman.” A retreat is also planned for February.
Jacintha read out four questions which were submitted to the floor by Sophie on behalf of Sue Petritz.
The four questions were:
- When is a bishop appointed Diocesan Link not a member of the NBCW?
- How is a DL to know the date Her diocesan sub was due, when and to whom a payment request was sent, if the DL is not copied into emails with her Diocese?
- What is the renewal date for Diocesan annual descriptions?
- What is the grace period for receipt of subscription payments from a diocese?
The answers are:
- A bishop appointed Diocesan Link is not a member of the NBCW if
a) the Diocese has not made a contribution
and
b) the women is not an individual member.
However, a diocese appointing a Diocesan Link implies that they mean to make a financial contribution at a later date. Therefore the DL remains a member until the diocese confirms that they withdraw support. - The DL is not expected to know when payment was due or to whom the payment request is sent. As a precedent has been set before whereby the DL was included in asking for a donation, this could be resurrected.
- The ask for donations happens in January, however this has been difficult to adhere to as some only donated the previous October. As it has been a moveable feast, generosity and flexibility has been required.
- There is no official grace period, as long as the Diocese is happy to support the DL in her role.
There was further discussion on whose responsibility it is to monitor donations and it was agreed that this rests with the Board rather than individual Diocesan Links. It was also clarified that bishops appoint Diocesan Links but the Board do sometimes recommend someone. Members present generally agreed that it is easier if all DLs are board members. Some DLs are provided with a budget for activities from their Diocese which they use for individual membership.
Governance and Membership
Vice-President Abigail McMillan reported on governance matters. She explained that the move towards individual membership was driven by a desire to represent Catholic women more broadly at a time when many organisations are experiencing declining membership.
Members were reminded of the forthcoming Women Walking with Women event on 30th June. Abigail also outlined efforts to increase the visibility of the NBCW through social media and highlighted the importance of members promoting the work of the Board through personal networks and conversations.
The Executive has also introduced a process of “horizon scanning” to identify opportunities for the NBCW to contribute to public discussions and Church life in a timely and proactive way.
Financial Report
Treasurer Barbara Cookson presented the financial report and accounts. Members were invited to submit proposals for future committee activities as part of the budgeting process.
Discussion also covered the NBCW’s involvement with international organisations including ANDANTE and WUCWO, and the challenges of funding attendance at international events.
It was noted that restrictions on the Bishops’ Conference grant prevent its use for overseas travel, making alternative funding arrangements necessary.
The 2025 accounts were approved with fourteen votes in favour.
The NBCW Charitable Trust
Members heard an update on the legacy of Jacqui Stuyt, whose vision and generosity continue to support the work of women in the Church.
Following legal complications surrounding a substantial bequest left to the NBCW, an independent trust was established to receive and administer the funds. Over the years the trust has supported projects including Receiving the Gift, research, training initiatives, conferences and communications work. It has also enabled support for women undertaking theological study and leadership development.
The remaining funds will help support future initiatives, including international engagement, while preserving existing grant arrangements.
Discussion also considered the NBCW’s governance structure and the implications of its status as an unincorporated association.
Committee and Organisational Updates
Representatives from committees and member organisations shared updates on their work.
Sophie Rudge, Convenor of the International Committee and Co-President of ANDANTE, reflected on the importance of maintaining a European perspective and highlighted forthcoming events including the Walsingham Study Day.
Janet Ward spoke of the value of listening, dialogue and ecumenical engagement. She emphasised that sharing faith with others deepens our own faith and suggested that churches often focus too heavily on maintenance rather than mission.
Patricia Stoat reflected on ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems. She stressed the importance of Catholic Social Doctrine in promoting human dignity and the common good, and encouraged engagement with technology in ways that serve humanity rather than diminish it.
Margaret Clark spoke about the importance of wisdom, communication, networking and creating nurturing environments in which women can flourish.
Evelynne Brooks described being inspired by the breadth of women involved in the NBCW, from parish-level ministry to engagement with bishops and international bodies.
The panel concluded with a reflection on the question: “What gives you hope for Catholic women today?”
Participants pointed to the Synod process, Study Group Five and the increasing presence of women in leadership roles throughout the Church. They spoke of perseverance, courage, prayer and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit.
There was a strong sense that progress, while sometimes slow, is real. As one participant observed, compared with previous generations, women are now present at many of the tables where decisions are made.
Drawing on the Jubilee theme of hope, speakers encouraged women to remain steadfast, to continue sharing the truth of the Gospel with confidence and to trust that the Spirit is at work in the Church.
Updates were also received from organisations including Marriage Care, the Newman Association, ANDANTE, Fiat and the World Day of Prayer movement.
Goodbyes
The gathering ended with prayer led by Patricia Stoat and a renewed commitment to the mission of accompanying, forming and equipping women for service in the Church and the world.