Why belong to the Council of Catholic Women?

Transcription

1 Volume 55 Number 4 Dubuque, Iowa Fall Issue 2012 National Archdiocesan Deanery Parish Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Why belong to the Council of Catholic Women? This is the question we must answer if we expect others to join us. Let s face it, in the eyes of many, ACCW is simply an outdated organization that refuses to die. They will concede that it served a purpose in the past when women were excluded from most church ministries, and needed to band together so that their voice might be heard. But all that has changed, and women can now serve in almost any way they choose. So, what purpose does our organization serve in the church today? As I reflect on this question, I remember a directed retreat I made many years ago. My director, a wise and holy Jesuit priest, asked me one day to think about God as a builder. In particular, he wanted me to reflect on the life experiences that God had used to build His kingdom in my heart, because, he said, this would probably be the pattern He would follow in the future. I came to realize that day that almost all of these life-changing experiences had come through membership in small faith communities, including the Christian Family Movement, Cursillo, Christian Experience Weekends and a dozen other ventures that brought me together with others who shared their faith with me. I began to see that each of these groups was a building block in God s plan for drawing me into closer union with Him. ACCW provides this same experience for women today. Their meetings and shared activities bring them together in an atmosphere of prayer and faith-sharing. The programs their organization sponsors are important, but not nearly as important as the opportunity for spiritual growth it provides. ACCW brings women together not only for the purpose of united action to address women s concerns, but also that they may grow spiritually by the sharing of wisdom and spiritual gifts. I have yet to see a woman who has not been enriched greatly by the prayer and faithsharing that takes place in ACCW meetings and programs.. In short, far from being outdated, ACCW is still needed as one of the building blocks used by God in our time to create His kingdom of justice, love and peace in the hearts of His people. As such, it needs and deserves our support. Msgr. Dean Walz ~ Msgr. W. Dean Walz ACCW Spiritual Advisor The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its affiliated organizations to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.

2 President s Message Greetings! The National Council of Catholic Women theme this year is Be the Voice of Catholic Women. What a calling that is for each one of us. There are so many opportunities every day to be that voice. Since at the July Board of Directors meeting your representative adopted that theme for our convention, I have been thinking and praying about what it means to me. What does it mean to be a voice? Often my voice is just empty words. Words with little thought behind them. If I want to have a voice of value, I decided that I must pray daily for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I must study scripture, read Catholic literature and be open to others ideas. Only after study and forming a conscience can I speak for Catholic Women. And how do I speak? I speak when I let someone in front of me in the check out line, when I take time to speak to a child, when I say yes to being on a committee for Council work, when I visit the nursing home, when I speak out for life from conception till natural death, when I take dinner to a family with a new baby, when I help serve a funeral dinner, when I put the morning newspaper by my husband s coffee cup, when I work at the local food pantry, volunteer at school, take communion to the Veterans home, and listen to a family member or friend share their burdens and concerns. I am sure that those choosing the theme Be the Voice of Catholic Women have much loftier ideas. I invite each of you to think and pray about the theme. Each of us will come up with a different interpretation. Take time to think and pray about it. You may be a voice with words or maybe with your actions. I want to personally invite you to attend the ACCW Convention in Dubuque. I want you to invite a friend or two. A personal invitation is the best. Check The Link and the web page for details and the registration form. I know that Dubuque is a long ride for many of you. Dubuque is the location of the birth of our Archdiocese. One hundred and seventy five years is a short time in the history of the Church. It is our history. Come and celebrate the Archdiocese and ACCW. It is hard to believe that this is my last president s column. I want to start by thanking everyone for their support. Two years ago when you elected me to be your president, I started feeling so small compared to the enormous task at hand. I knew that Rose Ann Jero 1909 Edgebrook Drive Marshalltown, IA lljero@marshallnet.com my talents were too few but this experience has helped me to improve my prayer life and to Trust in the Lord. During these two years I have found so many passages in scripture which refer to trust. All of salvation history is about trusting in God. You have all been an answer to my prayer. Some of you took positions of responsibility on the parish, deanery and archdiocesan level. The majority of you helped by being the foundation; you subscribed to The Link, you attended your parish and deanery meetings and supported your sisters in Christ. Give yourself a pat on the back. We were created to give Glory to God. I want to thank all of you who by your work gave Glory to God. Updates In a recent news article, an international porn ring was stopped. One hundred and forty-three people were arrested. They used children as young as eighteen months. A stuffed bunny in one of the films exposed the violators. Law people traced the bunny back to a small child. The parents were not aware that the child was exposed. It may have happened while the child was in someone else s care. In my past message, porn literature is being sold seven tenths of a mile from Luther College. Devotion to our faith is more important than ever with the coming elections. Do not be swayed by false propaganda. Lois Ruff 703 Franklin Street Decorah, Iowa ARCHDIOCESAN MISSION STATEMENT: We, the Church of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, are God s people, gathering together as a Eucharistic community to worship, sharing the Word of God, affirming traditional and emerging leadership roles and supporting families to model Catholic faith and morality for the next generation. We commit ourselves to a lifelong faith formation and to the service of humanity because we believe in the Risen Christ, in the wisdom and kindness of God, the Author of life, and in the love the Holy Spirit bestows. 2

3 Historian Do you remember these recent general assemblies and conventions? How many have you attended? Mary Tritz 457 Burch Street Dubuque, Iowa DATE Place Location Theme *October 16-17, 1992 St. Mary Waterloo 60 Years Growth & Grace *October 22, 1998 St. Ed Waterloo Women of Hope *October 26, 2000 St. Patrick Parkersburg Honoring our Past and Shaping Our Future October 25, 2001 St. Henry Marshalltown Making A Difference *October 5, 2002 St. Ludmila Cedar Rapids Stewardship In Action October 18, 2003 Nativity Dubuque Come Live In the Light *October 23, 2004 Immaculate Conception Charles City Praying, Sharing, Working Together September 29, 2005 St. John Baptist Independence Women United Making a Difference *October 20, 2006 St, Luke St. Lucas Celebrating the Past Embracing the Future October 27, 2007 Basilica of St. Xavier Dyersville Mary Our Model Faith & Charity Francis Xavier *October 23, 2008 St. Patrick Tama We Are Women of Faith ~ Women of Action October 22, 2009 St. Gabriel Reinbeck Moving Forward with Faith and Joy *October 22, 2010 St. Patrick Dougherty Renew and Rejoice October 27, 2011 KC Hall Charles City Love In Action * Conventions Pro-Life Report: Ellen Markham graciously gave me her space in The Link to report on an exciting addition to the pro-life movement in the Archdiocese. The good news is Informed Choice of Iowa Working to eliminate the need for abortion in Iowa is opening a satellite clinic in Ames, hopefully in October Informed Choice of Iowa operates a clinic in Iowa City. I was invited to be a member of a group that went to tour the Ames facility August 25. Informed Choice is a medical clinic. The Ames facility will have a nurse counselor on staff and a pro-life doctor for referrals. All services provided are free of charge to the clients. The clients are told that the services are free to them because someone else cares enough to pay for the services. The services include: pregnancy testing, ultrasound, information about abortion procedures, risks, and side effects, STD risk assessments, STD testing, diagnosis and treatment, early prenatal care, cervical cancer screening, referrals for pro-life OB/GYN, referrals for pro-life counseling, referrals for social services and compassionate Christ-centered care. They also have adoption referral services, natural family planning education, and post abortion recovery groups. The ultra sound machine which shows the image of the baby to the mother and hopefully to the father and the parents is a vital part of the process of helping the women to choose life. After the women see the ultrasound, 90% choose life. The clinic plans to reach the students using the cable outlet in every room on the Iowa State campus. They are an alternative to Planed Parenthood. The Ames facility is located at 1606 Golden Aspen Suite 105. The Dubuque ACCW Board of Directors voted at their July meeting to give the offertory collection at the Convention to the Informed Choice Clinic of Iowa. Please pray for the success of the clinic and if possible make a generous donation to the offertory collection. For more information or to make a donation go to or 3

4 Amy Kennedy, Leadership Commission Chair in the May/June issue of Catholic Woman suggested that the following prayer and intercessions be published in council newsletters. She suggested that the prayer be used in prayer services. Invite members to share their reflections on each intercession Daily Prayer for the Success of Building a Campaign for Human Dignity Written by NCCW Spirituality Commission Members Almighty Father, please help the National Council of Catholic Women to educate and inspire its members to embrace the Campaign for Human Dignity. Help the members show leadership by writing or calling their legislators or by informing others on the importance of human dignity from conception to natural death. Let us be open to a deeper understanding of the truth God is proclaiming in our own bodies, that we are created to give. Let us learn to be a gift to all as we reach out to help others. May a study of John Paul II s Theology of the Body inspire and educate us in the meaning of life. We ask this through the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Amen. Suggested Intercessions for the Campaign 1. For the success of the NCCW Campaign for Human Dignity, that through this campaign, we may uphold the dignity of all. We pray to the Lord. 2. That we may continue our work to build up a culture of life and a civilization of love in our world. We pray to the Lord. 3. For those trying to overcome addictions that harm the body and their relationship with the Lord. We pray to the Lord. 4. For the wisdom to educate teens on the importance of Chastity. We pray to the Lord. 5. That we may be guided to make choices that lead us to be more respectful to those around us, being aware of all people and their needs. We pray to the Lord. 6. That government officials will protect human life from conception to natural death. We pray to the Lord. 7. That we may be good examples of God s presence in the world as the helping hands and eyes for others. We pray to the Lord. 8. That we may be aid those who need help, care for the unfortunate, and give comfort to those in sorrow. We pray to the Lord. 9. That we may help others grow closer to God through devotion to the Eucharist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. We pray to the Lord. Legislative Report I concur with Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life who said, On Nov.6 we will elect a president and a congress and many other public officials. It is our task now to expand the base of people we can influence and to make it clear once again that no issue matters more than life itself. The power is in our hands to effect legitimate peaceful Edna Brunkhorst 104 Willow Circle Waverly, Iowa edna@brunkhorst.org change at all levels of government and reclaim a government that secures the right to life which comes from God, not the government. ATTENTION: It is extremely vital that you keep the office informed of any changes in your parish, e.g., officers/address/phone numbers, etcetera, so that rosters can be kept current for more effective communication with The Link, Catholic Woman, and Bulletin Board subscriptions. The better you keep us informed the more effective we can be in conveying information to you and your parishes. NOTICE: We have updated the LINK mailing list. Please check the date next to your name on the label to determine the status of your subscription. Contact us, if you have any questions. 4

5 Spirituality Commission Happiness is an inside job! Phyllis Einwalter th Avenue Fort Atkinson, IA Many best selling books are written on this topic. Spirituality is the key! Having Jesus in your life with love and peace in your hearts and following the teaching of Christ is essential to a happy life! The prophet Isaiah writes those who trust God are the ones who have peace (Isaiah 26:3) Talk to Jesus daily like you do to your friends and offer daily work, joy and sufferings for His Glory! He taught us how to live by His Ten Commandments, Beatitudes and all His teachings in the Gospels. Seek nourishment in the sacraments, as He gives us the grace to overcome our temptations of sin. Reading the Bible at least 10 minutes a day uplifts us, as we pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Look to Him at the altar in liturgies of weekly Mass, with praise and glory to Him, He is there for us! Receive and Thank Jesus for our blessings and give yourself to Him as He gives Himself to us in the Eucharist. We will find His Divine Presence transforms us, as He is transformed from bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Christ. Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household we will serve the Lord.(Joshua 24:15) To Subscribe to the LINK newsletter of the Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Please enter my subscription to the LINK $5.00 per year 4 issues per year Amount Paid Date Paid Check No. New Renewal Expiration Date NAME PHONE ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP ADDRESS National Archdiocesan Please make checks payable to: Dubuque ACCW Deanery Parish Send completed form and payment to: Marlene Mangrich 764 Stevens Street Jessup, Iowa

6 Women attending the July Dubuque ACCW Board Meeting LEFT: The DACCW women help Msgr. Walz celebrate his birthday while meeting at the AMRH REMEMBER 40 DAYS FOR LIFE September 26-November 4 ~ Pray at home or a Planned Parenthood Facility 6

7 DUBUQUE ARCHDIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN 52ND BIENNIAL CONVENTION Be the Voice of Catholic Women OCTOBER 18, 2012 CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY 1225 Alta Vista Street Dubuque, Iowa REGISTRATION: 8:00 AM (Time for breakfast, visiting displays, putting bids on silent auction items, renewing old friendship and making new friends.) Attendees are invited to bring items for the silent auction Check flier or web site for more details CALL TO ORDER 9:00 AM Approve resolution Election of officers By-laws changes Accepting officers and commission reports RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING WOMEN For information contact Rose Ann at or Nancy at REVIEWING 80 YEARS OF DUBUQUE ACCW Skit and power point MASS CELEBRATED BY ARCHBISHOP HANUS 11:00 AM LUNCH KEYNOTE SPEAKER Carol Kaalberg (Women in the church a Personal Story) Carol will share her experiences as a Parish Life coordinator for the Diocese of Davenport, DCCW Spiritual Advisor, and how those responsibilities led her to a trip to Africa. In 1989 commissioned by Bishop O Keefe as the first Parish Life Coordinator for the Diocese of Davenport. Carol is DCCW Spiritual Advisor. She is also the DCCW Woman of the Year SILENT AUCTION CLOSING PRAYER 3:00 PM ~ PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ~ Voting delegates of the Dubuque ACCW Convention shall be: the members of the Dubuque ACCW Board of Directors, Presidents of the parish organizations, presidents elect of the parish organizations, or representatives of the preceding and one (1) representative from each affiliated organization. Voting cards will be issued to all voting delegates when they receive their name tags at the registration table. PROPOSED BY-LAW CHANGES Special meetings may be conducted electronically Each reference to moderator will be changed to spiritual advisor The due date for reports of officers and commission chairs changed from August 1 to September 1. Each reference to the Archbishop will say the Archbishop of Dubuque Registration: $20 Registration required by October 11. Registration fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, and convention materials Name: Address: City State: Zip: Telephone: Parish: Deanery: For more information, call Rose Ann at ( ) or lljero@marshallnet.com Attach check payable to: Dubuque ACCW Mail to: Rose Ann Jero 1909 Edgebrook Drive Marshalltown, Iowa

8 National Archdiocesan Parish Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 184 Dubuque, Iowa Published four times a year by Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women since 1958 $5.00 per year Please submit all items for the next issue by December 1st to: Rose Ann Jero, Editor 1909 Edgebrook Drive Marshalltown, IA home phone lljero@marshallnet.com The ACCW would like to thank Scott Printing & Design for their assistance in putting this newsletter together. Calendar of Events October 18...ACCW Convention Nativity, Dubuque November Executive Committee held at AMRH November 28...Board of Directors held at AMRH The editor prays that The Link may inform, touch hearts and call to action. Invite a friend to order a subscription, purchase one for a friend as a gift, encourage your affiliation to order several copies to share with members, or check us out on the ACCW web page. An order form is on an inside page. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Mass at 3:00; Meeting begins 4:00 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS: Registration begins at 9:00; Meeting begins 9:30 Please contact to make meal reservations AMRH Phone: (319) DBQAMRHsec@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us ~ OFFICE HOURS ~ Dubuque ACCW 1229 Mt. Loretta Dubuque, IA (563) Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Answering machine available other days.