Empowering Girls to Build Faith, Virtue, and Friendship Through Creativity and Service

Started in 2017, the St. John Vianney Girl’s Club has become a thriving parish ministry. Led by longtime teacher and parishioner Irene Vasquez, the club welcomes over 30 girls in grades three through seven each month for faith-filled fun, hands-on projects, and service.

The idea for the club stemmed from Irene’s childhood experiences in similar girls’ clubs. She suggested starting a girls’ club at St. John Vianney when asked to create a youth group. The ministry quickly grew from there.

The group meets on the first Saturday of each month from September through May. Each session blends faith formation with practical skill-building. Meetings begin with a virtue talk—a brief lesson on patience, generosity, or another Christian value—that sets the tone for the day's activities. As they bake, craft, or sew, the girls are encouraged to consider how their work can be done with love, patience, and prayer.

The sewing projects have become a particular highlight. Irene’s friend once brought in 20 sewing machines so the girls could learn to make wallets, pincushions, rosary pouches, and pillowcases. “The girls love it,” Irene says. “If they get frustrated, we remind them of the virtue of patience—try again, you can do this. We say prayers for the children who will use the pillowcases at the hospital as we make them.”

Service is another key element of the club’s rhythm. In October, the girls prepare posters with pro-life messages for the parish’s Life Chain and invite parents to join them in praying the rosary. Each year, they visit Casa Scalabrini Village, a nearby nursing home, to decorate Christmas trees, sing carols, and spend time with the residents. “The elderly are so happy to see the girls,” Irene says. “It is such an excellent opportunity to put all the virtue talks into practice by giving themselves to others in need.”

These visits have inspired some families to return later and continue helping, reflecting a lasting impact.

For Irene, her faith and role as a teacher are inseparable from her leadership in the ministry. “I always say I have to have my appointment with God every morning. Spending time in prayer and talking to God about my day and how I am going to help my students is how I start every day,” she explains. “Seeking friendship with Christ makes the whole day go better.”

Her teaching experience has also shaped the way the club pairs older and younger girls. “I love the fact that the older girls are able to help the younger ones,” she says. “Their talents are just shaping, and by working together, they get to practice patience, leadership, and care for others.”

The ministry’s growth has exceeded Irene’s expectations. During a busy year, she prayed for help and soon received support from volunteers, attributing this to prayer.

Now, volunteers keep the monthly gatherings running smoothly, and the parish community has embraced the club as its own. “I’ve seen so much generosity,” Irene says. “People want to give of themselves, whether it’s their time, their talents, or just showing up to encourage the girls.” Irene is deeply grateful for what the ministry has taught her. “I have a lot of love for those young girls,” she reflects. “I’ve found so much joy in seeing them grow in virtue, in their friendships, and in their faith.”

From baking cookies to visiting nursing homes, the St. John Vianney Girl’s Club helps girls live their Catholic faith in daily life—through service, friendship, and giving to others.