Pictured are past presidents of the St. Margaret Mary Women's Guild gathered with Father Ralph O'Donnell in 2022. In 2024, the Guild celebrates 100 years of service as a guiding rudder to the Saint Margaret Mary community. Through the turmoil of wars and the drafting of husbands and sons, the polio epidemic of the 1950's, the flu pandemic of 1957, and more recent global pandemic, the Guild has offered sustaining, motherly care and outreach.
When the first church bulletin was published in 1929, Mrs. W.J. Rusch, then Guild President, wrote in it, "The chief purposes of the Guild are: 1) To lend aid to all parish activities, both religious and social. 2) To bring within closer contact the women members of the parish."
Membership
The professional portfolio of Guild membership has seen dramatic change over the history of the Guild. In addition to homemaking and philanthropic work, many members work outside the home in fields such as healthcare, government, finance, law, church ministry, education, real-estate, etc.
Guild Cookbooks
In celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Saint Margaret Mary’s Women’s Guild in 2024, a fourth cookbook was published by the Guild. The project was spearheaded by past president Ann Marie Bausch. The Guild also published cookbooks in 1937, 1962, and 1992.
For historical preservation, the Guild began digitizing past cookbooks in 2025. The cookbooks help us remember and give thanks for the countless women who have come before us bringing the love of Christ to all those fed.
Women's Guild Rosary
The Women's Guild historically hosts an Annual Rosary which shines a light on the parish groups offering a strong Marian devotion throughout the calendar year.
Fashion Show for the Ages
The Centennial Fashion Show in 2019 celebrated 100 years of history at St. Margaret Mary Parish. The event honored many of the families who were an integral part of building the SMM community over 10 decades. It was a true celebration of the community. — at Omaha Design Center.
Circle Leader Mass & Brunch
In gratitude to the Circle leaders who sustain the membership of the Guild, Executive Board Officers traditionally host a Christmas brunch.
May Mass & Dinner
The tradition of gathering the entire Guild membership once a year has taken different forms over the years. Once a luncheon, the gathering is now a dinner thus accommodating more working women. Every year the Women's Guild honors a Saint Margaret Mary Women of the Year and St. Joseph Man of the Year at the Women's Guild May Mass & Dinner. All women of the parish are welcome to join.