Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, Inc.

Transcription

1 Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, Inc. From Myrna Wong Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, President. DEAR MEMBERS OF FRIENDS, February 2019 OFFICERS President Myrna Wong Vice President Bonnie Workman Recording Secretary Josephine Gilbert Corresponding Secretary Patty Sommerhauser Treasurer Joanne Hillebrand BOARD MEMBERS Spiritual Advisor Very Rev. Fr. James Stembler Judy Brose Debra Drager: Newsletter Lucy Johnson: Parliamentarian Joan McGrath Julie Racine Cathy Salata Donna Sanders Maribeth Stewart: NCCW President and WUCWO Liaison Pat Smuck Diane Tugander Carol Updyke Linnea Warda HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. AS WE START THIS NEW YEAR OF HOPE LET US TOGETHER STRIVE TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF OURSELVES THAT WE CAN BE IN THE EYES OF GOD. LET US LOOK FOR THE FACE OF GOD IN EACH AND EVERY PERSON THAT WE ENCOUNTER EVEN KNOWING THAT SOMETIMES THAT IS VERY DIFFICULT. I WAS INDEED PRIVILEGED TO ATTEND THE WUCWO GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN DAKAR, SENEGAL TRAVELLING WITH 7 WOMEN FROM THE UNITED STATES IN OCTOBER, AND WHAT A WONDERFUL, GRATIFYING EXPERIENCE. MY MEETING AND SHARING WITH THE WOMEN FROM THE 5 REGIONS OF THE WUCWO ORGANIZATION WAS OUTSTANDING. WHEN WE GATHERED AND DISCUSSED TOPICS IT WAS INDEED SURPRISING TO KNOW THAT WE SHARED MOST OF THE VERY SAME CONCERNS NO MATTER WHERE WE LIVED. WE HAD SOME GREAT SPEAKERS, ENRICHING MASSES WITH EACH REGION S THEME SO IT WAS COLORFUL AND UPLIFTING WITH SONGS AND PRAISES TO OUR LORD. OUR NCCW PRESIDENT, MARIBETH STEWART WAS CHOSEN TO BE VICE PRESIDENT GENERAL OF WUCWO. WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER WORKS THAT SHE DOES FOR ALL OF US. WE WILL HEAR MORE ABOUT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM MARIBETH IN HER ARTICLE WITHIN THIS NEWSLETTER SO I WON T EXPOUND ANY FURTHER ON THE TRIP. I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP BY PAYING YOUR DUES AND MAKING DONATIONS. IF YOU FORGOT TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP PLEASE DO SO OR IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER, PLEASE CONSIDER JOING US. IT ALL HELPS US TO SUPPORT THE NEEDS OF NCCW FOR WUCWO AND PREPARE FOR THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN IN OUR LAST NEWSLETTER I HOPE THAT YOU NOTICED THAT IT CAME FROM OUR NEW WEB ADDRESS: FRIENDS OF NCCW FOR WUCWO. PLEASE NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGES TO YOUR ADDRESS AND OR ADDRESS USING THIS NEW WEB ADDRESS. I ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE AMONG ALL NATIONS AND TO CONTINUE TO HELP THOSE AROUND YOU THAT NEED HELP. AS I SIGN OFF FOR NOW PLEASE KNOW THAT I KEEP ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS AND ASK EACH OF YOU TO DO THE SAME FOR ME. WITH GOD S BLESSINGS, MYRNA

2 Keep looking up that s the secret of life. -Snoopy Charles Schultz, of Peanuts fame, was a very thought provoking individual. The world he created in the Peanuts comic strip is one to which many of us can relate. We know Charlie Browns, we know Lucys, we know Linuses I suppose with my love of music I m a Schroeder of sorts we can truly relate with these characters and still find great joy in reading about the adventures of these familiar characters. Growing up, we would watch the various television specials throughout the year of Peanuts, the hands down favorite being the Christmas special. Snoopy was the favorite one in our household. We even gave a pet dachshund the name of Snoopy. I recently found the above noted quote which is a very wise statement. We often talk about the secret of life. Thanks to Victor Herbert we even have a song, Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I found thee For different people, the secret, or mystery, of life is this or that. There doesn t seem to be much unity in what that secret is; however, Snoopy here has us recognizing one thing: the secret of life is up. Our relationship to God is the secret of life. Our encounter with God and, due to that encounter, our encounters with others enable us to truly understand what this creation of God is all about. The connection we have with God and with one another gives meaning and purpose to us and keeps us going. The work we do is important, but the hope is that it is not the work that drives us. It is our relationship with God. Therefore, we need to keep looking up. Think of all that has happened with the relationships you have, whether family, friends, NCCW sisters, WUCWO sisters, etc. Those relationships, grounded first and foremost in our relationship with God, have brought us so much. We have had good times, bad times, challenging times, but isn t that what life is all about? Interacting with God and with one another, and in our interactions with one another, keeping our minds and hearts on God to keep us grounded as created beings of that God who truly loves us. So, in the midst of winter, when the snow is on the roses and needs to be shoveled; when the ice is on the highway making driving an interesting adventure; when the power goes out because of the uncertainty of the weather; when its 80 degrees on the thermometer and the perspiration starts coming down on your face (that would be California, Texas, Florida, etc.); take a moment to look up and remind your mind and heart of the secret of life. God loves us, and it is that love that guides us on this life journey. It may not always be fun or pretty, but with a loving God as the center of our life, we can certainly make it. And to quote one of our Peanuts characters, that will be 5 cents please! Very Rev. Fr. James Stembler Friends of NCCW for WUCWO Spiritual Advisor Page 2

3 NCCW President and WUCWO Liaison Maribeth Stewart Blogoslawski A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE 2018 GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE WORLD UNION OF CATHOLIC WOMEN S ORGANISATIONS DAKAR, SENEGAL OCTOBER 2018 WUCWO Women-Carriers of Living Water to a world that thirsts for Peace Arriving in Senegal, the first impression was of the heat and humidity but that was coupled with the excitement felt over the anticipation of the Assembly finally happening after so much planning and discussion and work. We looked forward to seeing old friends from around the world and delighted to meet new ones, especially from our own country. On the first day, we were bused from our hotel, a property that was situated right on the ocean and had lovely accommodations, about an hour away to Dakar. On the way, I could not fail to note the number of idle men who had no work, and the women and children along the dusty red roads selling mangoes or brightly colored and patterned lengths of cloth. I could not help but look at those beautiful children and wonder what the world was missing as it is likely that they would never have the opportunity to contribute their particular gifts to the world. Many prayers remain in my heart for these people. The opening Mass was lovely after which we were taken to the Grand Theater in Dakar to a huge tented area where we had a formal opening ceremony attended by the Cardinal, Papal Nuncio, several cabinet ministers and the President of Senegal. We then began the first of two Study Days in which we explored different aspects of the theme of the Assembly. We heard of socio-political dynamics at work in our world, the different types and causes for migration and the dangers and difficulties encountered by migrants around the world with emphasis on the proper Catholic social response to this issue, and learned what is happening to our common home in terms of how women can impact the environment in both negative and positive ways. A special effort had been made to include young women in this Assembly and it was wonderful to have these young people with us and to learn their perspective on things. On the second day we heard from experts on Evangelii Gaudium, Amoris Laetitia, Laudato Si, and Gaudete et Exsulatate who noted the relevance of these documents to our life as WUCWO. During the Statutory Days that followed, we heard reports, selected a theme, approved new resolutions, and elected new officers and board members. The final resolution titles are: A Healthy Planet Depends on All of Us Care for the Family in Difficult Situations; Especially for the most vulnerable members Elimination of Discrimination and Violence against women Educate to respond to the call for holiness The priority (theme) for the next four years will be: WUCWO Women called to Holiness to sanctify the World for a Holistic Development On the last day, buses transported attendees to the Shrine of Popenguine where we joined WUCWO women from all of Senegal and other countries in Africa for the Closing Mass. The joy, colors, dancing, and music made this a truly unique experience for WUCWO General Assemblies and I am sure that those attending will long remember their time together in Senegal. The NCCW delegation included Olga Baeza, Theresa Boscia, Jackie Brandon, Lucy Johnson, Rose Martinet, Carole Updyke, Myrna Wong, and the author of this report, Maribeth Stewart. A more complete report can be found at on the scroller on the homepage. Page 3

4 WUCWO Newsletter Spring 2019 Voting and the Parliamentarian Lucy Johnson, Friends Parliamentarian Last year, with the revision of the Bylaws for Friends, the role of the parliamentarian, specifically relating to voting, was clarified. While it is the duty of the parliamentarian to remain neutral, like the presiding officer, a parliamentarian can vote if the vote is taken by ballot. Unlike the presiding officer, the parliamentarian does not cast a deciding vote nor can she relinquish her position in order to make motions or participate in debate. The parliamentarian maintains a position of impartiality but can vote only in the case of a ballot vote. RONR (11 th ed.), p.467, ll On another note, I attended the WUCWO General Assembly in Senegal last fall. As a parliamentarian, I learned two things. The WUCWO Bylaws do not list a parliamentary authority. When procedural questions arise, the Board decides the answers until the next General Assembly. Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), although familiar to us, is an American authority and not used for this international organization. Secondly, the question arose regarding the rights of a paid staff member who serves as an ex-officio member of the Executive Board. Per the Bylaws, the WUCWO Board clarified the question. However, I was curious as to what RONR would say. According to RONR, In an executive board of a society, if the ex-officio member of the board is under the authority of the society (that is, if he is a member, an employee, or an elected or appointed officer of the society), there is no distinction between him and other board members. RONR (11 th ed.), p. 483, ll The Friends of NCCW for WUCWO Nominating Committee for was appointed at the Friends business meeting held at the NCCW Convention in Pittsburgh. They are: Joann Hillebrand, Liz Hocutt, Diane Tugander, Kathy Willems and Joan McGrath, Chair. Please contact any Committee member to nominate yourself or someone you know who would be an asset to the Friends Board. It is our hope that many qualified and concerned women will want to be considered for this great volunteer opportunity. All names suggested will be carefully and prayerfully discerned. Joan McGrath Page 4

5 Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, Vice President: Bonnie Workman Thank you to all who worked the exhibit booth for our NCCW convention in Pittsburgh. You proved to be great salesman as we sold $ in pins and took in $ in dues ($ were new members). WHAT A TEAM The history committee consists of: Deb Drager, Marilyn Ericksen, Carole Updyke, Myrna Wong and Chair Bonnie Workman. The committee was sent a suggested plan to start in executing the continuation of Friends of NCCW for WUCWO s history. It is YOU who make history, so please, if you have attended the North American Conferences or WUCWO General Assemblies, give us your story. Contact Bonnie Workman bbw@sssnet.com Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, Treasurer: Joann Hillebrand Message from the Treasurer : Joann Hillebrand Just a friendly reminder that if you haven't sent in your 2019 dues yet, keep in mind they are delinquent March 1st, according to our bylaws, Article III, Section 3. We have received over 30 membership payments for 2019 that were received before December 31, These names will be entered in our special drawing as stated in our Fall Newsletter. Friends' of NCCW for WUCWO pins will again be sold at the NCCW Convention. If you are interested in selling pins at your local meetings, please contact me. We have sold about 100 pins but still have many available. Postage for mailing individual pins is $2.50. I am happy to mail one or more to those interested in purchasing pins, they are very good quality and make good gifts to your friends who believe in our mission. Included in this Newsletter is our membership form, I hope my mailbox is full of new and renewal memberships by March 1,2019. Thank You, Joann Page 5

6 Membership dues and donations allow Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc. to support the programs and projects of the World Union of Catholic Women s Organizations (WUCWO) the WUCWO North American Region and the NCCW Representative to WUCWO, as we stand in solidarity with Catholic Women around the world! Annual membership dues for Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc. are $25.00 per year. Paid members receive a periodic newsletters and informative updates (via ) as well as an invitation to and voting privileges at our annual meeting held during the annual NCCW Convention. Membership Dues are due January 1st and will become delinquent on March 1st of each calendar year. If you have questions regarding Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, please contact Myrna Wong, President albmyr@aol.com Phone: or Joann Hillebrand, Treasurer denouncer.5@comcast.net Phone: Please include the form below with your payment Make checks payable to: Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc. Mail this form and your check to: Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc. Joann Hillebrand, Treasurer 54 Derby Court Oak Brook, IL Membership Form: Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc. PLEASE PRINT VERY CLEARLY NAME ADDRESS APT CITY STATE ZIP PHONE Please print your address very carefully Enclosed please find my check payable to: Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc Annual Membership in Friends Of NCCW For WUCWO, Inc. $ Additional donation/gift in any amount $ Your check number Total check amount $ Page 6

7 NCCW 2019 Convention August NCCW Convention Registration closes July 29 Go to: nccw.org for complete information Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA Early-Bird registration March 1 - June 1 for our NCCW Convention! All Fees are Nonrefundable Our next Friends Of NCCW for WUCWO meeting will be held at this convention, more information to follow! For every new member that you refer, for a NCCW membership, your name and the new member s name will be entered to win 2019 convention registration and 5 nights (Tuesday Saturday) at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta. (Meals, Tours and Fundraiser NOT included) There will be two (2) second chance drawings of $100 each towards NCCW store merchandise (membership renewals excluded). Please go to: nccw.org for complete information. If you have any questions or if you would like more information about Friends of NCCW for WUCWO, Inc. please contact: Myrna Wong, President albmyr@aol.com Phone: The web address used when we send the newsletters to our Friends Members is: friendsofnccwforwucwo@gmail.com. Please let us know if you have any changes in your personal contact information. Page7

8 Friday, March 1, 2019 Friend s of NCCW for WUCWO Membership Dues are delinquent, see pgs Please send in your Membership Dues! Make copies of our Membership form and invite others to join too! NCCW 2019 Convention Early Registration Begins Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Ash Wednesday Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 2:00 A.M. Remember to spring forward in the spring and set your clocks forward one hour (i.e., losing one hour). Page 8