NCCW AFFILIATE HAPPENINGS

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.

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.