ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- More than a dozen women are honored for their hard work in our community.

Today was the 20th Annual Catholic Women of the Year banquet at Cliffbreakers in Rockford. 18 women were honored for their outstanding long-term service in local parishes. The recipients received a special award and dinner to celebrate their service.

Patti Bishop, Honoree, says, "When you do your regular routine of attending meetings and trying to work on things and extra hours at home...You do it because you want to serve, but it does take a lot of time. So, to step back and have a day where they recognize you and treat you as someone that is appreciated is really a great feeling."

The Rockford Deanery Council has honored over 200 women over the past 20 years.