Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Rita Billingsley, a long-time member of Ascension Parish in Melbourne, was honored for her decades of service at the National Council of Catholic Women’s convention on August 22, 2025, held at the Hilton-Orlando. Billingsley has spent 64 years working with and supporting women, priests, and bishops through the Council of Catholic Women and within the Church.

Billingsley moved to Melbourne with her husband in 1961 as part of a wave of families involved in the growth of local industries. The couple joined Ascension Parish and Billingsley became active in its Women’s Guild, which later affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women. She continues to support Brevard County affiliations today.

At that time, Ascension Parish was part of the Diocese of St. Augustine until the creation of the Diocese of Orlando in 1968. Billingsley described this transition as smooth due to established relationships between council leaders in both dioceses. The Diocese of Orlando now includes 79 parishes, 11 missions, two basilicas, and 43 Catholic schools across several counties and is led by Bishop James Noonan.

Billingsley raised three children and takes pride in her grandson. After her husband died 27 years ago, she said her “council sisters were a tremendous comfort for me.”

She took on leadership roles early on: recording secretary, treasurer, executive officer, president at various levels—including affiliation and deanery—and also served as diocesan treasurer and president from 1994 to 1996. She regularly participated in Diocesan Leadership Training at Lake Yale and has acted as parliamentarian multiple times.

Although not an officer at every level, Billingsley remained active within the Florida/Miami Province Council of Catholic Women and frequently attended national conventions.

“I have had lots of mentors who encouraged and always supported me, especially Winkie LeFils (president of the national council from 1979-1981), and so many others who have gone home. They would say, ‘You can do the job,’ but then walked right alongside me.”

Winkie LeFils said about Billingsley: “She is one who listens and who listens and hears and extends her hand in friendship with understanding. She is a true friend.”

Billingsley has mentored women throughout her involvement by encouraging participation through example. One significant memory for her was helping organize a diocesan initiative highlighting children’s needs; members created cardboard dolls representing children receiving social services support—each doll accompanied by personal stories—which were displayed during Catholic Days at the Capital to raise awareness among legislators.

“CCW has been the greatest gift. I have known the support of every member. We are always having a good time – laughing and sharing,” she said. “We work hard, do business but then, my Council sisters have cried with me, shared all my joys, sorrows, everything. There’s a real dedication to one another. Council strengthened my faith.”