NCCW AFFILIATE HAPPENINGS

Members of the Connecticut Council of Catholic Women: Archdiocese of Hartford recently gathered for Mass, lunch, and a sharing meeting at the shrine of Lourdes of Litchfield.

St Luke Catholic Church, Smyrna, TN Altar Society held their Annual Bake sale at their International Fall Festival. They had homemade Cookies, Cakes, Loaves and Pies to take home and enjoy. The primary purpose of the Altar Society is the care and set up of the sanctuary environment, which includes changing the Alter linens, banners, washing and ironing the purificators, replacing burned out candles, and placing seasonal flowers on the Altar.

On September 28, 2022 the Springfield in Illinois Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) held their 93rd Annual Convention in Mattoon, Illinois. The Mattoon Deanery hosted 208 attendees from around the diocese in celebrating “Women of the Bible”, the theme of the convention. Part of the day’s activities included the 39 Silent Auction items donated by parishes from across the diocese, along with other raffle items. As of result of the Silent Auction proceeds and robust fund-raising efforts throughout the year from the five deaneries in the diocese, the SDCCW was able to present the Most Reverend Bishop Thomas John Paprocki a check for $6,000 for the diocese Seminary fund. Kudos to the women of the diocese!!

The MDCCW Mission Project was The St. Mary’s House in Mattoon, IL.  This is a transitional place for women and children.  The house will host three families at a time while they work on regaining their independence. We presented a ceremonial check to Father John Titus at our August 4, 2022 deanery meeting at St. Mary’s Annunciation in Shumway, IL.  We raised $3,635.00 in four months to purchase the kitchen appliance package consisting of a refrigerator, stove and microwave! Our offertory at Holy Mass collected $526.00 for a grand total of $4,151.00.  We concluded the meeting with a “White Elephant” auction which raised $1,257.00 for the Seminary Fund. Submitted by MDCCW President Jody Secondino-Crandell, 8/8/22

The province of Omaha celebrated their 50th anniversary July 18, 2022, in Grand Island, NE. Speaker Angela Copenhaver endeavored to move middle-minded pro-abortion individuals to the mindset of protecting ALL humans. Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt encouraged praising God for 50 years, looking for ways of renewal, going forward with hope as there is more to be done, and trusting the Lord’s providence. Province Director Theresa Pavlik and past Province Directors Marylin Ericksen, Agnes Anderson, Deanna Reardon, Darleen Schulte, Jo Ann Messing and Susan Johnson shared stories about their two-years as PD. The day concluded on a sweet note—a 50th anniversary cake. Submitted 8/4/22 by Theresa Pavlik

School supplies collected for the clients of Catholic Charities by St. James the Greater Altar Society, affiliates of the OKC Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. A great idea to share! Submitted 8/3/22 by Mary Ann Schnitt, Service Chair

Stella Maris Catholic Parish in Door County, Wisconsin held a Women’s Tea to support Faith Formation Students’ trip to World Youth Day in Portugal.  Twenty-five ladies attended to listen to Lynn Church of Tea Thyme speak on the many varieties and benefits of drinking tea.  All had a good time and we plan to make this an annual event. Submitted 6/2/22 by Pat Gureski

Holy Spirit CCW hosted a baby shower to benefit The Kolbe Center.  The Kolbe Center serves to both assist women in crisis with an unplanned pregnancy in adherence to Catholic teachings, as well as, provide education and expertise on Catholic Pro-Life Activities. Their services are based on Catholic teaching and belief in the sanctity of the human person and the dignity of human life. Submitted by Melissa Wacter 5/18/22

At the Savannah Diocesan CCW Convention held in Brunswick, GA, Ms. Yoshi Jones (top left), Director of Operations at the House of Hope Refuge of Love, spoke about the young women who are referred by Department of Family and Children Services and Georgia Cares. The goal is to graduate the young women by age 18. They are taught time management and other skills to help the graduates avoid being homeless. The Hope House is not an institution – it is a home for young women. For more information go to www.HouseofHopeRefugeofLove.com. Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes (bottom right), Bishop of Savannah, also accepted a check in the amount of $1,000 for the Msgr. Bourke Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund supports seminarians studying for the priesthood. Pictured next to the bishop is Alizon McLaughlin, President of the Savannah Deanery CCW (and President-Elect of SDCCW) and GiGi Lacanilao, SDCCW Treasurer. Submitted 5/9/22 by Yvette Carr