NCCW AFFILIATE HAPPENINGS

Lucille Brandner, Evelyn Lompa, and Jane Schiszik gathered recently to celebrate Evelyn Lompa’s 90th birthday! These ladies have a connection with one another through the Council of Catholic Women. Collectively they have been active with CCW for a total of 127 years having all served in their local parishes as well as at the Deanery, Diocesan and the Province level. Evelyn’s leadership with the Council of Catholic Women is what brought them together and they are still active in Council today. It is the women we meet and the relationships that are made that make the Council of Catholic Women so worthwhile!

At the December meeting of the Sacred Heart Council of Catholic Women, President Kris Brandner decided to change things up a bit. Ladies from the 4-Parish Community were invited for a lasagna potluck before the meeting. For a touch of some holiday fun after the business meeting, Amber Epperly, baker extraordinaire, provided an instructional program on cookie decorating. Each person received a box of 5 cut-out sugar cookies and 4 tubes of frosting. Amber’s decorating instructions and techniques produced some beautiful and tasty results!

GREEN BAY DIOCESAN COUNCIL CELBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY November 17th, 2024, marked the 100th Anniversary of the formation of the Green Bay Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. The Most Rev. Bishop Ricken celebrated Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, the same cathedral where 228 delegates assembled for Mass and an organizational meeting, Nov. 17, 1924! Bishop Ricken provided highlights of the GBDCCW’s accomplishments over the past 100 years. Also included for the first time was the Golden Rose Program honoring 5 young ladies for their exemplary leadership to their church and community. Attending the celebration: Past Province Directors: Rosalyn Bourgeois, Carol Brennan, Paula Freimuth, Current P.D. Jane Schiszik and P.D.- elect Diane Oakland.

Our Lady of Fatima CCW in Alcoa, TN held a diapers and wipes drive over the course of two weekends to help support their local Pregnancy Resource center. On December 10, a “Baby Shower for Mary” luncheon was held at The Olive Garden and the diapers and wipes were then delivered by CCW members to the Center.

For the fourth consecutive year, The Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women has prepared and distributed over three hundred bags for distribution to Catholic residents in nursing homes. These bags containing small items like socks, scarves, rosaries and toiletries, bring joy and happiness to many who often feel alone and sad at this time of year. We want this tradition that we have started, to continue for years to come so that we can carry on with this mission of love.

St. Edward CCW of Minneota, MN recently shared a Sunday afternoon with the residents of our local assisted living and the apartments at the same location.  We began by decorating their rooms for Christmas if they were interested.  We provided the decorations with donations from our parishioners.  We followed decorating with homemade cookies and coffee.  To end our afternoon we played BINGO with the residents complete with prizes.  The smiles of both the residents served and those who did the serving certainly proved that this was a wonderful afternoon for all involved and helped everyone enjoy some Christmas spirit!

The Savannah Deanery enjoyed a luncheon hosted by Blessed Sacrament CCW on Saturday, December 7.  The featured speaker was Silvana who spoke about her calling to be a Sisters of Mercy Candidate.  It was a very touching story and we pray that she continues on her journey.  After Silvana spoke, everyone enjoyed Karaoke – including Pastor David Koetter who led the group in one of the songs. Parishioner Tricia Starling is pictured next to Fr. Koetter. 

The Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women sponsored our 84th Creche Dedication on December 1, 2024.  Deacon George Frederick blessed the Creche with The Knights of Columbus in attendance.  Following a short service with singing and prayer and the blessing of the Creche, refreshments made by GMCCW members, were enjoyed by all.

The Council of Catholic Women of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, TN held their Advent by Candlelight on December 2, 2024 at 6:30pm. The evening began with 30 minutes of meditative music by OLOF’s musicians, the four Sunday Gospels of Advent read by CCW’s members, reflection by Rev. Pete Iorio, assisted by OLOF CCW’s candidate for the Golden Rose Award and ending with the Benediction. It was a beautiful evening to unite all parishioners together to prepare for Advent.