NCCW AFFILIATE HAPPENINGS

Margaret (Peggy) Hamill received the St. Paul VI Award for Leadership in Peace and Justice at the 2024 Vatican II Awards Ceremony in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 24, 2024.  Peggy has worked with Pro Life Wisconsin for over 30 years, serving in a variety of capacities, from sidewalk counselor to Director of the organization. She also serves on the Milwaukee Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women as the Pro-Life Commission Chair. Members of MACCW, Diane Oakland, Jean Kelly, Peggy Hamill, Fr. Brad Krawczyk, Spiritual Director and Sandy Huhn  (L-R) joined the award celebration along with Barb Ludka (missing from photo).

On October 14, 2024, the Nurse Manager, Sarah Grimes, from the St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic was the guest speaker at Our Lady of Fatima’s General Meeting in Alcoa, TN.  The Clinic gives medical assistance to those who have no insurance. One of their recent trips consisted of giving aid to the victims from hurricane Helene in East TN. Since October was Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, Sarah also shared some of the types of situations they encounter with domestic abuse.

The Southwest Area Council of Catholic Women, in the Minnesota Diocese of Winona-Rochester, again participated in the Box of Joy collection by filling 200 boxes!  Box of Joy, sponsored by Cross Catholic Outreach, are Christmas gifts sent to children in developing countries like Haiti, Malawi and the Dominican Republic. The boxes are filled with toys, clothing, school supplies, a rosary and The Story of Jesus.  These gifts represent Christ’s love and compassion to a child who may have never before received a Christmas gift.

Members of the Florida Council of Catholic Women can be found all around the State of Florida, making a tremendous impact through faithful service in their parishes and communities. Catholic Days at the Capitol has benefited from the attendance of FCCW members for many years. “One would be hard-pressed to name a better partner group to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops when it comes to lobbying the Florida legislature in person and electronically, and spreading awareness of the key public policy concerns of the day – on legislation, proposed constitutional amendments, and building up members of the Church as faithful citizens,” noted FCCB executive director, Michael Sheedy. In appreciation for this ongoing support, the bishops were pleased to present the Thomas A. Horkan Jr., Distinguished Catholic Leader Award to the Florida Council of Catholic Women. Brenda Dolan, FCCW president/province director, accepted the award on behalf of the Council members.

In accordance with the resolution passed at the NCCW convention, Holy Spirit Council of Catholic Women Macon, GA prayed the Rosary for a peaceful election. We distributed sample ballots to our members. We published voting information including early voting and absentee ballots in the church bulletin.

St. Andrews parish hosted the AACCW annual convention.  Located on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell Georgia, the beautiful grounds provided both beauty and spirituality. The AACCW officers provided an agenda packed with meetings, workshops, and excellent guest speakers. And of course, lots of food, fellowship and fun.  Sunday’s Mass was celebrated by the Archbishop of Atlanta.  The theme this year was Loving in the Goodness of God.  Under the AACCW leadership of President Pamela Tennell and President Elect Louise Coniglio, as well as St. Andrew’s leadership of Tammy Thomas and Wanda Newell, the convention reflected the theme all weekend.

The Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women recently participated in the National Rosary Rally day on October 12th at 12 noon in the St Stan’s Chapel of St Faustina Parish.  We prayed for our nation and for the world.  We also prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

On September 21,  from 8 a.m. – noon, OLOF CCW held a Rummage Sale to raise money for its annual scholarships. This once-a-year event has proven to be successful in raising needed funds. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a great turn out. Volunteers pulled up in a parking space and sold right from their vehicles. At noon, The  Angelus Prayer was recited.

A contingent of The Greater Meriden Council of Catholic Women attended the Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Presentation “A Day of Reflection” on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church in Groton, CT.   Susan Conroy (center) was the speaker.  Susan made her first trip to Calcutta to work with Mother Teresa in 1986.  In the late 90’s, Mother Teresa gave Susan permission to write a book about her experiences.  “Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity followed by Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Mother Teresa.”   Pictured are: Geri Kogut, NCCW Service Commission Chair,  Cyndy Miller, Olga Brandl,  Susan Conroy,  Sheila Maietta, Susanne Sagaties,  and Elena Jones.