NCCW AFFILIATE HAPPENINGS

Every Wednesday during Lent, at noon, in St. Faustina’s St. Stanislaus Chapel in Meriden CT, the Stations of the Cross were sponsored by the Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women.  We began on March 12, and concluded April 16th.  We had parishioners from all 3 Meriden parishes, with many hoping we could do this again next year.   Many thanks to the members of GMCCW who made this possible and to Fr Ziemnicki for the use of the chapel. Also, thanks to the office staff in the 3 parishes for putting notices in the bulletins so that everyone had an opportunity to see it.

On March 21, 2025, the ladies of OLOF CCW provided homemade soups and bread for over 60 people, following a musical prelude and The  Stations of the Cross.  Parishioners gathered together for fellowship and prayer. Even Deacon Leon helped wash dishes afterwards!

The Savannah Deanery CCW spring luncheon was held on Saturday, March 15, at the Effingham College & Career Academy located approximately 30 miles north of Savannah.  The 2025-2026 Savannah Deanery CCW Officer Installation was held at this event.   Denise Burdick from St. Boniface Catholic Church  spoke about the church’s community outreach program and Melissa Smith spoke about the Pregnancy Care Center in Rincon.   Lynda Rozell (author, poet and former attorney ) spoke about her spiritual journey as a full time camper.  She is the author of  “Journeys with a Tin Can Pilgrim” and In “Plain Sight Hidden” – a collection of poems.  The spirit of joy and peace in Lynda’s poems may inspire readers to find the same in their own lives. Attached is a picture of Lynda speaking about her spiritual journey.

Several times a year, the Women’s Guild of Saint Paul the Apostle joyfully prepares and serves homemade meals and desserts to about 90 students at the University Catholic Center at UT Dallas after their Sunday afternoon Mass. UCC, a Diocese of Dallas program, is the spiritual hub for Catholic students, faculty, staff, and families. UCC provides liturgies, confession, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and fellowship through Newman Catholic Ministry and FOCUS.

Embracing the Call to Holiness retreat was held March 8, at St. James the Greater Parish in Eau Claire, WI.  Many women from the diocese were present.  NCCW president, Beth Mahoney, emceed our day.  The main speaker was Marge Steinhage Fenelon; our final speaker was Christine Warloski, her conversation related to Everyday Women Disciples.  It was a joy to spend the day with other women who share the love of God. This event is made possible through donations from the LDCCW, local PCCWs and businesses.  After paying expenses half of the monies are given to parish youth programs through grants.

Members of the Holy Rosary Parish Council of Catholic Women gathered March 4th,  for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. After the business portion of the meeting and a presentation by Lynn Balciar, a member of the Four-Parish Social Justice Committee, the birthday party started. March 4th, was not only the night for our meeting, but the ladies celebrated NCCW’s 105th birthday!  It was the perfect ending to the evening! “Wishing NCCW another successful year of uniting women in prayer, action, and service”

On March 10,  Our Lady of Fatima’s Council of Catholic Women in Alcoa, TN  held A Women’s Night of Reflection, Prayers, and Confession to prepare for Lent. The evening began with a Lenten talk by Fr. Adam Royal on prayer, work, and penance, following with confession and prayers. Our harpist, Kim Adamson, played beautiful liturgical music to set the tone for a spiritual evening.

All Catholic women living in the Cumberland Mountain Deanery, Diocese of Knoxville, TN were invited to an afternoon of Faith and Fun with Friends on January 26, 2025.  . The goal of Faith and Fun with Friends was to reach out to ALL Catholic women in the Deanery who have fallen away from the church, do not attend Mass, or are just not involved, whatever their reasons. Our focus was on creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive community for women: a safe space where women from diverse backgrounds came together to share their faith and meet new friends. Approximately 100 women enjoyed a prayer service, an inspiring talk on “A Sisterhood of Saints,” door prizes, refreshments including a hot chocolate bar, and the San Miguel Dancers with fun sprinkled throughout. This event was sponsored in cooperation with the Father Joe Brando Committee.

The Grand Rapids DCCW held its inaugural Golden Rose Award ceremony on Sunday, February 16th. We were hoping for 8 applicants but we actually received 16! We were very delighted that 12 young ladies were able to attend the event.  With a monetary donation from a local foundation, we were able to give the girls each a $125 voucher to use to attend our 2025 Province Convention, which will take place in Grand Rapids this April: REJOICING IN GLORIOUS HOPE. Participants also received a Golden Rose, Our Lady of Good Counsel Pin, a certificate, and a check for $100 from their home parish. We were thrilled with event and are hoping much fruit will come of it.