From the desk of the President
“What will the year 2009 bring?”
……is a question many of us ask at this time. This is also the time of year we make resolutions for “change” in our lives. As I ponder about the Council of Catholic Women organizations, I ask myself, “What could we change” to make our parish CCW’s more inviting and viable? The structure of the Council of Catholic Women organization has tools available for our use in discerning growth of the organization at the local levels. These tools are the six Commissions and two Committees whose goals are:
Church Commission: to encourage our spiritual development. Family Concerns: promote programs to help families live as Christian families Community Concerns: addresses the needs and concerns of individual communities International Concerns: reaches out to help less fortunate people internationally Legislation Commission: helps educate women about public issues so they can speak out on issues involving human rights, social justice and the life of the church in society. Organization Commission: Works to help women understand the organization; Publicizes CCW activities and helps create a positive attitude throughout the organization. Reverence Life Committee: works to protect all life from conception until natural death. Scholarship Committee: works to provide financial assistance for persons who work in parish ministriesto enable them to attend workshops, classes, and programs.Are we making good use of these instruments? Do our gatherings provide the women with more spiritual growth than business meeting? How can we be of assistance to struggling families? Do we participate in community activities, and donate to international projects? Do we portray Council of Catholic Women organization as a welcoming group-friendly and open to new ideas and methods of accomplishing activities?
I was recently told “I wish our local CCW would have speakers and more activities to learn about the Catholic faith.” Inquire and listen to the wants and needs of your parish women. Those of you who have unmet desires, please make your requests known so that we might better fulfill our mission statement: “CCW: Catholic The New Ulm Diocese Council of Catholic Women offers you a special day to refuel your spiritual tank, by listening to a great speaker, participation in the Holy Mass, time to socialize with your Christian sisters, enjoy a plentiful meal, and bring home a treasure from the Silent Auction.
“Be Steadfast in Faith”
is the theme for the 50th Annual NUDCCW Convention, to be held at St. RaphaelChurch, Springfield, MN, Saturday, April 25, 2009. Employees often attend motivational seminars-This isas a member of the Council of Catholic Women. Attendance at this special day is “your motivational seminar” one of your rewards for all of the “good works” you have done through the Council of Catholic Women organization. As Parish CCW President, you will soon be receiving more detailed information to share with the CCW members in your parish. I look forward to sharing this special day, April 25th, with you.
Mary, with your Loving Son, bless us each and everyone!
Jeane Appel
NUDCCW President
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
Galatians 2:20