NCCW AFFILIATE HAPPENINGS

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.

Our Lady of Fatima Council of Catholic Women in Alcoa, TN  is gearing up for Boxes of Joy.  100 boxes were distribute after the weekend masses and 100 more were ordered to be distributed at our Welcome Back Gathering on 9/16/24. Our goal is to fill 200 Boxes of Joy this  year to be given to children in need. What’s your goal this year?

On August 4, 2024, The Council of Catholic Women of Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa, TN, awarded two $500 scholarships at the graduation mass for 2024 high school seniors. Candidates had to write an essay, have a 3.0+ GPA , have plans to continue their education at a college or university, and be active members of Our Lady of Fatima parish. Selected applicants were chosen by the CCW officers.

The St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women in Lowell MI teamed up in their church kitchen to make 50 two-person freezer meals for the church staff to hand out to those in immediate need. A mother of young children secured the recipes, ingredients, volunteers and donations. The Youth Group helped with cleanup and dishes. Not only did the CCW members experience working together on this project but while the food was in the oven they were able to chat and get to know each other better.  This successful project will be repeated in the fall.