Deanery NCCW ACCW DCCW PCCW

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1 Volume 58 Number 3 Dubuque, Iowa Summer Issue Officers EPISCOPAL CHAIR Most Rev Michael Jackels, STD Archbishop of Dubuque PO Box 479 Dubuque, IA SPIRITUAL ADVISOR Rev. Msgr. Dean Walz PO Box 182 Delhi, Iowa dbqwalz@dbqarch.org PRESIDENT Alma Meyer PO Box W. Hancock Calmar, IA ampmeyer@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT Annette Simonson Eleventh Street Charles City, IA Nannygranny55@hotmail.com PRESIDENT-ELECT Sheila Rassman County Road B 16 Calmar, IA sheilarass4life7@yahoo.com PAST PRESIDENT Mary Rausch PO Box Main Street Fort Atkinson, IA rauschm@acegroup.cc SECRETARY Sue Kuennen Massman Harding Rd Elgin, IA Susan.kuennen@yahoo.com TREASURER Nancy Steffen Hawthorne Ave. Waterloo, IA nsteffen@mchsi.com PARLIAMENTARIAN Lillian McGivern th Street Keystone, IA ejmfarms@netins.net National Archdiocesan Deanery Since the last newsletter my ACCW travels have taken me to Dubuque to distribute the New Evangelization and NCCW/ACCW packets to parish priests at the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral. Packets not picked up that day were delivered by ACCW representatives after the April board meeting at Cedar Falls, personally delivered by me to some parishes during the month of April, and I mailed the last three packets. Everyone was very receptive especially the Cathedral nurse, Ann O Brien who was originally from Protivin and recalled how active her mother was in ACCW. The intent was to get these current informative packets directly in the hands of parish women leaders and affiliates. These parish resources enhance the educational, spiritual, leadership and service activities and connect you directly to your Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW). Every Catholic parish women is a member regardless if she or her parish pays the affiliation dues. Consider these packets and the October 10 convention/women s conference as an invitation or as a NCCW 95th birthday gift from the NCCW to recognize and empower our area women of faith. Mary and I were invited to the New Hampton Deanery meeting. Mass was celebrated by Spiritual Advisor Msgr. Schmitt and the informative meeting presided by President Yvonne Kisch. A soup and salad luncheon was served by the New Hampton ladies including a NCCW 95th birthday cake made by Annette Simonson. The program on Medjugorje was presented by Bernice Toepfer of Charles City. The Decorah Deanery quarterly meeting was presided by President Connie Kepros and hosted by the Waukon ladies. The program was presented by guest speaker Christine Minear of Cresco. Mass was celebrated by Spiritual Advisor Msgr. Cletus Hawes followed by a seafood buffet dinner. I also attended Sunday church services at Central City, twice to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton s in Hiawatha, and twice to St. Joseph s, Marion, dropped off a packet at St. Patrick s Catholic Gift Shop in Cedar Rapids, and met with Sue Martinek to distribute packets and pick-up Haiti backpack pattern kits. I thoroughly enjoyed the priests homilies, (including Parish NCCW ACCW DCCW PCCW Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women summer greetings! Msgr Walz and my pastor, Rev. Donald Hawes) and the various speakers messages. I marvel that these inspirational messages are always just what I needed. Masses, the Holy Eucharist, and meeting faithfilled people are among the many marvelous benefits of being active in church and CCW activities. Alma Meyer PO Box 377 Calmar, IA ampmeyer@gmail.com Des Moines Diocese CCW Convention On April 11, I journeyed to Des Moines Diocese CCW Convention at Stuart, another beautiful new church and a welcoming group of Catholic women. Luncheon consisted of a wonderful potato bar, salad bar and dessert bar with all the fixings; (as women thought you d like to hear of the variety of food served). Keynote speaker was Theresa Nienhaus Romens from Glenwood, (originally from nearby Fort Atkinson and she recalled our 4-H association), involved the audience in relevant activities in Evangelization. It was a great day being with Iowa s NCCW Province Director Joan Gubbels of Council Bluffs, and former Province Director and co-author of the NCCW New Evangelization document, Eileen O Connor of Des Moines, also with sisters from the Des Moines Diocese President Shirley Chamberlain and Vice President Nancy Larson, (met them last fall at the Grand Rapids NCCW Convention). An important part of Evangelization is sharing our faith stories and I ve asked the ACCW women to do that at meetings, in their Link articles, communities and with their families etc. I ve thought about doing my story the last two issues of The Link and have finally included mine elsewhere in this issue. My faith influences have been my Catholic upbringing, CCW, church involvement, ongoing spiritual education, my family, clergy and consecrated religious that have inspired me on my journey. I m so grateful and blessed. The flames of Pentecost made me think of the origin of the ACCW flame that is a unique symbol to the Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. continued on page 2

2 President s Message, continued from page 1 Do any of the readers know the history of our ACCW flame, its meaning, who designed it and what year? On memorial weekend, we recently paused to remember our loved ones and all the veteran souls sacrificed for our freedoms in this country. We especially remember with appreciation the military chaplains who were in harm s way and especially those who have given their lives in combat. Sometimes we get complacent with our freedom - to practice our religion and share our beliefs without pain and punishment. This is not so for Christians around the world as we hear of present day martyrdom is a regular occurrence in Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, Kenya and other countries. To practice their faith has dire consequences. It is difficult for many of us in the West to comprehend such horrors in present day. It is disturbing to believe the potential infiltration of ISIS in communities in this country. We need to be vigilant and pray for the persecuted on a daily basis and we need to be always so grateful to the defenders of our freedoms. This past year I m reminded daily that another day is a gift from God. We need to make those minutes count for eternity. I m asking Our Lady of Good Counsel to provide us with a safe and relaxing summer with loved ones. It is always refreshing to explore shrines, attend other parish Masses and include prayer time in your vacation schedule. Alma Meyer, Dubuque ACCW President ALMA S REFLECTIONS ON FAITH INFLUENCES The Beautiful Hands of a Priest By Anonymous Author We need them in life s early morning, We need them again at its close, We feel their warm clasp of true friendship, We seek them when tasting life s woes At the altar each day we behold them, And the hands of a king on his throne Are not equal to them in their greatness; Their dignity stands all alone, And when we are tempted and wander, To pathways of shame and of sin, It s the hand of a priest that will absolve us Not once, but again and again. And when we are taking life s partner, Other hands may prepare us a feast, But the hand that will bless and unite us- Is the beautiful hand of a priest. When the hour of death comes upon us May out courage and strength be increased By seeing raised over us in blessing- The beautiful hands of a priest. Clergy, Religious, & Family - Faith Influences Each July, this scenario is repeated, as some parish priests experience new assignments. This being the case for my community. I ve been thinking of the transition it will be for our St. Aloysius parish when Father Donald Hawes retires from pastor to sacramental priest. Father Don has been St. Aloysius, Calmar, and St. Wenceslaus, Spillville, pastors and CFS school administrator for the past 18 years. He and his biological brother are moving back home to Allamakee County. Msgr. Cletus Hawes, pastor of St. Francis De Sales, Ossian, and Our Lady of Seven Dolors, Festina, is also retiring as pastor and DeSales school administrator, to being a sacramental priest. Msgr Hawes has been serving as the ACCW Decorah Deanery Spiritual Advisor. Both priests have been super supportive of the work of the Council of Catholic Women, often attending meetings, and always could be counted on to hear confessions at the ACCW Deanery Summer Retreats. Many have remarked wondering if we will be so blessed and able to function with very little assistance as they have so capably done in their 80 s. For over 60 plus years of priesthood they were an important part of the sacraments, family celebrations, being there for us during those profound times of life, offering Masses at the nursing homes, visiting the sick, supporters of school and community functions. God bless them for enriching our spiritual lives. They will be missed. Their mother was quite active and a devoted ACCW member when raising her young family many years ago. These parishes are grateful to Archbishop Jackels to assign a pastor to serve the four parishes ~ Welcome to Rev. G. Robert Gross from his previous assignment as Loras College Chaplain. Value of Priesthood A good shepherd, a pastor after God s heart, is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy St. John Vianney During these two years, at our ACCW quarterly at AMRH Mass petitions, the ACCW Board will remember in appreciation our archdiocesan priests, and their living and deceased parents. We encourage others to remember those priests celebrating anniversary milestones with a visit and notes of appreciation. Welcome the new Deacons completing their years of preparation. On behalf of the ACCW, the officers will once again host an appreciation reception with summer treats at the Dubuque Priest Convocation at Divine Word College on June 15. Support your priests with your love and prayers, that they may always be Shepherds after Christ s heart. ~ Pope Francis The ACCW acknowledges Colleen Pasnik, Dubuque, for allowing us to print their annual updated priest prayer calendar. Specific archdiocesan priests are remembered on weekdays, and Sundays with prayer reminders are for the Pope, Archbishops, Bishops, Retired Priests, Deaconate, Seminarians, Deacons, Brothers, Religious and Vocations. continued on page 3 2

3 RESPECT LIFE The Modern Culture War (Note: the information here is adapted from the April 2015 issue of Imprimis Volume 44, Number 4; a publication of Hillsdale College: The Battle of Indiana and the Promise of Battles to Come by David French. You may read the entire article by going to Hillsdale.edu and clicking on Imprimis.) In our battle with the forces fighting against our unalienable right to life, many of us in the thick of things have long known or are now realizing that the conflict is not simply abortion vs. women s rights or NFP vs. contraception or traditional marriage vs. gay rights. It is a conflict between the sexual revolution and Christianity. The root of the problem is contraception and the fruit is abortion, gay rights, and transgender issues. The sexual revolution demands changes in every aspect of traditional morality and thus, demands changes in orthodox Christian theology. The sexual revolution demands radical sexual autonomy, freedom from judgment, and government support. These demands are present in the fights over abortion, gay rights, and now transgender issues. Neither the Catholic Church, nor any single major Evangelical or orthodox Christian denomination is reconsidering its stance on sexual morality. While the media is quick to report progress in some liberal institutions, the movement will likely stagnate due to lack of success against the Bible-believing Americans. Support for religious liberty is increasing. Consider the reaction of cultural conservatives to the attempted Chickfil-A boycott, the support given Hobby Lobby during its Supreme Court Battle, the efforts to drive Phil Robertson (Duck Dynasty) off the air and more. When the proponents of the sexual revolution overstep their bounds and try to force Christian compliance, there is often an opposite and greater reaction. ellen markham 1724 Geraldine Dr. Dubuque, IA elmarkham@mchsi.com Conservatives are holding firm in the defense of life and religious freedom. There must be room for cultural dissenters and the desire to shame and blacklist individuals and destroy businesses has to be opposed, and opposed vigorously. The battles will stop only if Christians abandon their faith on a truly national scale or their opponents decide to live and let live. To be sure, this is not the future that anyone desires, but for Christians, it is a far better future than one of isolation, censorship, and marginalization. In fact, for Christianity, this is nothing new. Cultural rejection is a scriptural promise and a longtime historical fact. As Christians in the Middle East and Africa face hideous violence, American Christians shouldn t feel overwhelmed in the face of relatively minimal persecution. Christianity has survived lions. It is surviving beheadings. It can certainly withstand (this).-- David French Alma s Faith Reflections, continued from page 2 Hourly prayers for priests are being offered by the Seven Sisters Apostolate, ( You can also Google on the Internet (100) Prayers for Priests, a collection gleaned from many sources Prayers #86, #97, #98 and #99 involve rosary intercessions for Priests using the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries. I recall memorizing the poem (on the previous page) The Beautiful Hands of A Priest with my second grade classmates that we recited as a tribute for our parish pastor, Rev. Msgr Gerald V. Steiert for one of his anniversary milestone events. This favorite poem was written long ago but still defines the profound times we are ministered to by God through the hands of a priest. This beloved priest was my pastor through my formative school years, provided RCIA instructions for my husband to-be, and was the celebrant for our wedding 45 years ago. As a young mom in 1981, he called on me to become an Eucharistic Minister. I was the first woman of the parish to do this ministry in those days. This year as we Celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life I fondly remember the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA)from the motherhouse in LaCrosse, WI, the religious order that taught in our parish school. Two especially notable nuns were: Sister Martinella, who was assigned many years to Calmar. There was no kindergarten available so she was my first teacher. Later years she asked me to help take care of the vigil lights, the altars and the flowers in the summertime during her absence. This was a privilege for only limited persons were allowed to go beyond the communion railing, into the sacristy or sanctuary. Girls were not allowed to be mass servers. When there was an opening to take care of the church flowers several years ago, I immediately volunteered and felt honored to do so.. The other nun, Sister Lousita, grade 6 teacher, who shared her love of the arts, teaching me perspective drawing and calligraphy. My family made many Sunday trips to St. Rose Convent or the Villa at LaCrosse, to visit my aunt, Sister Ludovica, who in later years was known as Sister Frances Kuennen. She prayed for our family during the wee hours of the morning for that was her shift at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. (to be continued in the next issue of The Link) LAYETTE LANDSLIDE Please submit by September 1 Your biennial layette report to Helen Pinter Service Commission Co-chair th St Fort Atkinson, IA dhpinter@acegroup.com SERVICE COMMISSION PROJECTS Donate and bring to the July board meeting shoes in good condition, eye glasses & suitcases 3

4 SERVICE Last year I presented to the ACCW about Haiti School Uniform Project. Many uniform kits were sewn by ACCW members. Thank you to al who were a part of that. We now have joined in with the All Saints parish in Cedar Rapids to help with their goal of making 4000 backpacks for the same Haiti schools. The parish focuses mostly on helping in the area of Haiti education. Initially some churches were helping furnish school supplies. From that, it was suggested that we also provide a bag for them to use to carry the items. Since many of our students travel many miles on foot to school it was believed that the backpack would make it easier for them to get items to school, clean and in good shape. One of the Haiti committee members also is a member of the quilt group. It didn t take long to come up with the idea of sewing the backpacks. The pattern we are using is very simple, and takes only ½ yard of medium weight cotton fabric. Pockets of any size can be added. Contrasting pocket fabric, and thread can make it fun creating an attractive backpack. Saint Ludmila s parish in Cedar Rapids will host a sew-in on Saturday, August 1 from 8 a.m. until 12:00 noon. All are welcome to join in the fun making these needed items. Sewing the backpack at home (or with friends) can easily be done since the pattern can be ed. Volunteers are stringing the cord into the backpacks so that doesn t need to be done. Contact Sue Martinek with questions, or with a request for the pattern at or susjmar@aol.com ADDED INFORMATION: Alma will be bringing backpack kits to the June Trinity Heights bus trip and the July ACCW Board Meeting in Cedar Falls. PRESIDENT ELECT /SPIRITUALITY Greetings ladies of the Council of Catholic Women, May is the month we celebrate Mary and motherhood. A month in which we are especially devoted to Our Blessed Lady! The past several years I have had the honor to celebrate May Crowning with a prayer service at a local Adult Care Center where my mother is a resident. The residents love to reminisce and share their memories of Mary and May Crowning. The Church dedicated the month of May to Mary since at least the 13th Century! The devout practice of honoring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by Pope Pius XII, Paul VI, and St. John Paul II. We have the traditional May crowning of Mary, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary all as Marian Feasts this month. Additionally, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost on May 24th and we remember the unique connection between Mary and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit -- these are the two ingredients which give us Jesus! We also celebrate the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven which also has a Marian flavor as our Lord takes with Him Mary s parents and her spouse (faithful St. Joseph) as He triumphantly enters Heaven! O Mary, Queen of Heaven, Rejoice and be Glad! For the Lord has truly risen! Pray for us Holy Mother that we may obtain the joys of everlasting life! May is also the season of graduations and new beginnings, we are grateful for all who are Educators. Thank you parents, teachers, catechists, professors, ministers and religious who spread God s message of love and mercy. Solemnity of Our Lord. Education is the most powerful [tool] we have to change the world. -Nelson Mandela This year we celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life...Its purpose, as stated by the Vatican, is to make a grateful remembrance of the recent past while embracing the future with hope. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Perfectae Caritatis (Of Perfect Charity), a decree on the adaptation and renewal of religious life. Pope Francis recently designated the new global jubilee, Holy Year of Mercy. The Holy Year will begin December 8, 2015 on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will conclude on Sunday, 20 November 2016, the Pope Francis stated, I am confident that the whole Church, which is in such need of mercy for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of rediscovering and rendering fruitful God s mercy, with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and every woman of our time. Do not forget that God forgives all, and God forgives always. Let us never tire of asking forgiveness. Let us henceforth entrust this Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey: our penitential journey, our year-long journey with an open heart, to receive the indulgence of God, to receive the mercy of God. Francis said, The call of Jesus pushes each of us to never stop at the surface of things, especially when we are dealing with a person, We are called to look beyond, to focus on the heart to see of how much generosity everyone is capable. No one can be excluded from the mercy of God, Francis continued, repeating: No one can be excluded from the mercy of God! The church is the house that welcomes all and refuses no one, the pope said. Its doors remain wide open, so that those touched by grace can find the certainty of forgiveness. Pope Francis has made mercy a central theme of his papacy, speaking of it often in homilies and in his texts. His apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium ( The Joy of the Gospel ), uses the word 32 times. As you plan for the Jubilee Year of Mercy the CMN (Catholic Mobilizing Network) has many great resources for all ages available for download. Follow this link for more information: catholicsmobilizing.org/?s=jubilee+year+of+mercy&submit=+. May Our Lady of Good Counsel, patroness of the National CCW, bless us all! In Christ, Sheila Rassman 4 SHEILA RASSMAN PRESIDENT ELECT 3298 County Rd B 16 Calmar, IA sheillarass4life7@yahoo.com

5 AN INVITATION TO ALL WOMEN OF THE DUBUQUE ARCHDIOCESE Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) Annual Catholic Women s Conference/ 55th Convention to be held at Divine Word College 102 Jacoby Drive S.W. Epworth, Iowa Approximately 15 miles west of Dubuque U.S. Highway 20 Saturday - October 10, 2015 BE THE INFORMED VOICE OF CATHOLIC WOMEN in spirituality, leadership and service CELEBRATE with Archbishop Jackels, S.T.D. at the 11 am Mass. Spending time in prayer with our shepherd is often the highlight of the day for many convention attendees. Take this opportunity to join Archbishop Jackels as the ACCW recognizes the Outstanding Parish Women of the archdiocese and their accomplishments. HEAR from the keynote speaker Marge Fenelon from Cudahy, WI near Milwaukee. Marge speaks on family, motherhood and women s issues. Marge has authored several books related to Marian devotion and Catholic Family Life. She has been guest speaker on Relevant Radio Morning Air, EWTN s Son Rise Morning Show, Catholic Mom Café, and did a broadcast on the Schoenstatt 100th Jubilee. Her fifth book Our Lady of Knots, Living the Novena is scheduled to be released in the fall of EAT a delicious dinner (menu of chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, soup, salad bar and birthday cake.) PARTICIPATE IN THE SILENT AUCTION All ladies are invited to bring items for the auction. ENJOY sharing time with friends, hearing the layette report, and learning more about the Council.

6 Annual Catholic Women s Conference/55th Convention Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) Divine Word College 102 Jacoby Drive S.W. Epworth, Iowa Approximately 15 miles west of Dubuque on Hwy. 20 Saturday October 10, 2015 BE THE INFORMED VOICE OF CATHOLIC WOMEN in spirituality, leadership, and service Registration: 8:00 a.m. (Time for continental breakfast, visiting commission tables, local religious displays, silent auction bidding, renewing former friendship, networking and making new friends.) Attendees are invited to bring items for the silent auction to defray convention costs Call to Order: 9:00 a.m. Business Meeting refer to convention booklet of annual reports, biennial layette report Honor Outstanding Women form available in ACCW parish packet or on the website. Deadline to nominate is October 1. 11:00 a.m. Mass in chapel Archbishop Michael Jackels, Msgr Dean Walz, and guest priests Dinner Group photo with 95 th NCCW birthday cake Keynote Speaker 10:00 a.m. and 1:10 p.m. Marge Fenelon, Catholic Author from Milwaukee, Meet New the Iowa new Province Iowa Province Director, Director Year and of Consecrated Year of Consecrated Life spotlights Life spotlights. Memorial Service - Honoring past ACCW members 3:30 p.m. Closing Prayer by Mothers of priests Registration: $15 early bird discount till October 1. Registration $20.00 after October 1 or at the door ( Priests and religious are welcome and guests of the ACCW however they need to register.) Registration fee includes continental breakfast, dinner, and convention materials Name: Address: Phone: Cell: Parish: Deanery Voting delegate, please check: yes no Circle affiliation individual, parish, NCCW For more information, call Alma Meyer or ampmeyer@gmail.com Attach check payable to: Dubuque ACCW Mail to: Alma Meyer by October 1 Box Calmar, IA Please post the poster on reverse side on parish bulleting boards. Photocopy forms as needed Please post the poster on reverse side on parish bulletin boards. Photocopy forms as needed

7 DECORAH Venerable Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Venerable Solanus Casey had faith-filled trust in God, as evidenced in their prayer life. They believed in thanking God and His Mother ahead of time! Venerable Mother Teresa said Novenas of nine memoraries in supplication, plus a tenth one in Thanksgiving! Ven. Solanus Casey advised many who approached him for his prayers to thank God ahead of time for whatever they needed from Him. Many other holy people prayed with such deep conviction and trust. We are wise to imitate their belief in praying with this assurance and expectation. The topic of our first quarterly meeting was ways of putting our faith into practice. The second dealt with not just coping with difficult times in life, but changes and solutions to overcome life s hardships and barriers to joy, peace and closeness to God. Our speaker quoted from We Are Called To Witness. We need to get off the couch and bring souls to Christ. Often we need to get reconnected to the mission to spread the Gospel. Lastly, the 3rd G is to get over ourselves; it is all about God s grace. Our Decorah Deanery is hosting a Priests Appreciation Dinner on June 30 at The Train Station in Calmar, IA. The active and retired priests in the area are invited. INVITATION TO ALL WOMEN connie kepros Decorah President 617 5th Street E Cresco, Iowa crepros@yahoo.com Plans are being made for a Retreat Day on Wednesday, July 29 at St. Patrick Church in Waukon. Registration will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Opportunity for Reconciliation will be at 2:00 p.m., followed by Mass. A $20.00 fee will include the speaker and lunch expense. All are invited. The theme will be on Trusting the Lord. It should prove to be a day of prayer and meditation. God willing, it will be a priority for many of us to come together to share in growing in our knowledge of our faith. It should be an uplifting and comforting experience. deanery doings Later this fall, our last quarterly meeting will include learning more about Women in the Bible who made a difference. We will have an opportunity to hear their stories and how they trusted and responded to God s will despite many obstacles. Let us look to Our Lady of Good Counsel, who in the words from Vatican II is for us a sign of sure hope and solace. John 15:16 tells us, that all you ask the Father in my name He will give you. MARSHALLTOWN The Marshalltown Deanery will hold their next meeting at St. Pat s in Tama, Iowa on Thursday, July 16th. The women will use this opportunity to sign birthday cards for deanery priests celebrating their birthdays in August, September, and October. They will also sign cards for priests to be sent in October along with a gift card in appreciation of their service. The afternoon program will be on wellness. Melissa McDonald, Director of Rehab Services and Teresa Vodochodsky Marketing Director from Premier Estates will share their knowledge and experience. As Tama is on the western edge of the Marshalltown Deanery, we invite women of the Cedar Rapids Deanery to join us. The day begins with Mass 9:00 a.m. LEADERSHIP Elaine Upah Marshalltown Co-President 705 4th Street, Unit 35 Garwin, IA SHIRLEY DELFS Marshalltown Co-President Box 43 Garwin, Iowa shirleyd@mediacombb.nett Thank you Mary Rausch for serving on the NCCW Nominating Committee. The Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is proud to have had a member of our council serve on a national committee. Thank you to all who voted for the NCCW officers and nominating committee members. Remember to periodically review your New Evangelization materials. ACCW Board of Directors attendees celebrated NCCW s 95th birthday. This picture appeared in the Witness and Catholic Woman magazine, NCCW April Connect and is posted on the AMRH website. 7

8 PARLIAMENTARIAN My husband and I live on a farm east of Keystone and are still actively involved in its operation. We have raised 9 children ( 5 boys and 4 girls) and are blessed to have 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Two of our sons and 1 grandson farm with us. Our family is scattered from New York to Virginia to Ohio to Illinois to Nebraska to Missouri and to Iowa. Gives us l ots of places to visit, doesn t it! We have been to many beautiful churches across the country, (and we still love ours the best). We belong to Immaculate Conception in Van Horne which is noted for its beautiful stained class window and a new elevator. lillian mcgovern th St. Keystone, IA ejmfarms@netins.net This is my third year as your parliamentarian. Before that I was parliamentarian for the Iowa American Legion Auxiliary for several years. It was a great experience hearing from auxiliary units from all over our state to help them with their rules. Big or small, we all need rules to keep our organization running smoothly. I also served the American Legion Auxiliary as its state president and I am now a judge on their scholarship committee. It is a pleasure working with ladies in ACCW. They are a loving group of ladies, learning and working to help everyone in the Archdiocese parish groups. spirituality Adult Conference on the Family Family Matters: Mission of Love In the sacrament of Baptism, parents are called to be not only the first teachers of the ways of faith to their children, but also the best of teachers. We know how important the family is to our society and to the passing on of the faith. In light of that as well as of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, September 22-27, 2015, the Archdiocese of Dubuque will focus the archdiocesan adult conference on the family in Waterloo November 7, 2015: Family Matters: Mission of Love. The day will be 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and include Mass with Archbishop Jackels at 4:00 PM. For information on how to promote this in your parishes, please go to: familymatters/promotional-references/ JOANNE POHLAND 9482 Cashel Drive E Peosta, IA There you will find a timeline with ideas to promote family life and the adult conference. Plan now to attend this important conference, and bring a friend! Please feel free to contact me with any questions. May God Bless You, Joanne APRIL ACCW BOARD MEETING AT AMRH Connie Kepros and her husband Stan Kepros, D.D.S. shared about their Medical Mission in Guatemala with Faith in Practice. For more details refer to the spring 2015 issue of The Link. Emily Knuth and Haley Brimmer, students at University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, shared their evangelization and mission experiences as part of the outreach program at St. Stephen the Witness Student Center. At left are President ALma Meyer and Secretary Sue Massman. The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its members 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.

9 The Dubuque ACCW joins in celebrating the year of concecrated life Dubuque Area Vocation Association... (DAVA) Cistercian Nuns of the Strict Observance... Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa... Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration... Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters... Sisters of Charity, BVM... Sister of St. Benedict... Sisters of St. Francis... Sisters of the Presentation... Sisters of the Visitation... Cistercian Monks of the Strict Observance... Diocesan Priesthood... Divine Word Missionaries... Priest Prayer Calendar monthly prayer requests for active priests in the archdiocese of dubuque Prayer suggestions: Mass, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Eucharistic Adoration, Fasting, Sufferings, or as you are inspired. sunday monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday friday saturday Pope Francis, Archbishop Jackels, and all bishops Fr. C. Ahenkorah Fr. Hilary Aidoo Fr. Rodney Allers Fr. Dave Ambrosy Fr. G. Anderson Fr. Ray Atwood Fr. Greg Bahl Fr. Paul Baldwin Fr. David Beckman Fr. Keith Birch Fr. Jerry Blake Fr. Scott Boone Fr. Marvin Bries Fr. James Brokman Fr. Walter Brunkan Fr. Scott Bullock Fr. Ray Burkle Fr. Dennis Cahill Fr. Dennis Cain Fr. Jose Comparan Fr. Don Czapla Fr. Rick Dagit Fr. Brian Dellaert Fr. Noah Diehm Deacons & Religious men and women of our Archdiocese 8 9 Fr. A. Dietzenbach Fr. Kyle Digmann Fr. Jeffrey Dole Fr. Jim Dubert 10 Fr. R. Dzekoe Fr. John Flaherty Fr. Steven Garner Fr. Ken Gehling 11 Fr. Phil Gibbs Fr. Ken Glaser Fr. John Gossman Fr. Bob Gross 12 Fr. Joe Hauer Fr. John Haugen Fr. Clete Hawes Fr. Don Hawes 13 Fr. Nils Hernandez Fr. Don Hertges Fr. Henry Huber Fr. Wm. Joensen 14 Fr. Dennis Juhl Fr. Donald Komboh Fr. Jerry Kopacek Fr. John Kremer 15 Men and women in Religious, Deaconate and Priestly formation 16 Fr. Phil Kruse Fr. Tony Kruse Fr. David Kucera Fr. A. Lawrence 17 Fr. P. Lippstock Fr. Doug Loecke Fr. N. Manternach Fr. Nick March 18 Fr. Gary Mayer Fr. Jack McClure Fr. Tom McDermott Fr. Mike Mescher 19 Fr. Steve Meyer Fr. Dennis Miller Fr. James Miller Fr. John Moser 20 Fr. Mark Murphy Fr. Ivan Nienhaus Fr. Dave O'Connor Fr. John O'Connor 21 Fr. Mark Osterhaus Fr. Paul Peters Fr. D. Plamondon Fr. C. Podhajsky 22 Retired Archbishops, Priests, Deacons and Religious 23 Fr. M. Podhajsky Fr. Dennis Quint Fr. Dale Rausch Fr. Mark Reasoner 24 Fr. Mark Ressler Fr. Carl Ries Fr. Steve Rosonke Fr. R. Schaefer 25 Fr. David Schatz Fr. Joe Schneider Fr. Mike Schueller Fr. James Secora 26 Fr. Jon Seda Fr. Jim Starbuck Fr. Ken Stecher Fr. Greg Steckel 27 Fr. Craig Steimel Fr. D.Thoman Fr. P. Thompson 28 Fr. Thomas Toale Fr. Dustin Vu Fr. D. Wathier 29 For an increase in vocations to the Priesthood, Deaconate and Religious Life 30 Fr. Alexander Wild Fr. L. Wilgenbusch Fr. Tom Zinkula O lovely Mother Mary, Mother of priests, take to your heart your son, Fr. N., who is close to you because of his priestly ordination and because of the power which he has received to carry on the work of Christ in a world which needs him so much. Be his comfort. Be his joy. Be his strength, and especially help him to live and defend the ideals of consecrated celibacy. Amen. For permission to reprint, contact Colleen Pasnik, , bcpasnik@msn.com. Revised May 2015 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 Address Phone City State Zip Address Parish National Archdiocesan Deanery Parish Please make checks payable to: Dubuque ACCW Send completed form and payment to: Rose Ann Jero, Editor 1909 Edgebrook Drive Marshalltown, IA

10 Dubuque ACCW Roster Update Deanery Parish NCCW # Pastor President Term of Office to President-elect Term of Office to secretary Term of Office to treasurer Term of Office to spirituality commission Church & Legislation Term to leadership commission Organization Term to service commission Family, Community & International Term to Please list names of those who are leaving office or commission Mail This copy to ACCW Dubuque ACCW President Alma Meyer P.O. Box 377 Calmar, Iowa Please complete with any changes of officers or commissioners. Sent on This form is available on the website: Make one copy for Parish File. Mail one copy to Deanery President: 10

11 2015 Dubuque ACCW Outstanding Catholic Woman Recognition Nomination Form The Dubuque Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women would like to recognize women who have contributed to the work of their parish, community and deanery and/or to the Council of Catholic Women. The women nominated will be awarded with a certificate at the Dubuque ACCW Convention. Honor her by making arrangements for her to attend the convention, although not required to be a recipient. Each parish and deanery may nominate deserving Catholic women by October 1st who have gone above and beyond in the areas of Service, Spirituality and/or Leadership. Candidates may receive this recognition more than once. Parish women s group and priests may recommend/nominate.for more information, call Alma Meyer at Please send the nomination to: Alma Meyer PO Box 377 Calmar, Iowa by October 1, 2015 The (parish Deanery and/or council of catholic women) (city) wish to have (name of person to be nominated) (address) honored at the dubuque accw convention October 10, 2015 divine word college epworth Iowa she meets the above criteria and merits this recognition because: nominated by address phone number Copy as needed. 11

12 National Archdiocesan Deanery Parish Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 459 Dubuque, Iowa Published four times a year by Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women since 1958 $5.00 per year To subscribe or renew your subscription, contact the editor. Please submit all items for the next issue by August 20th to: Rose Ann Jero, Editor 1909 Edgebrook Drive Marshalltown, IA home phone lljero@centurylink.net The ACCW would like to thank Scott Printing & Design for their assistance in putting this newsletter together. Please share the information in The Link or your copy with a friend! Please note the change of dates for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings. Send Parish ACCW contributions to treasurer Nancy Steffen. Her address is one page one. Upcoming Dates June 1 June NCCW Elections online and by mail June Pope Francis Encyclical laudato Si (Praise be to You) June 21 to July 4... The Fortnight for Freedom Freedom to Bear Witness July AMRH meeting reservations due July ACCW Executive Committee at AMRH Monday - Date change due to Ragbrai July ACCW Board of Director at AMRH Tuesday - Date change due to Ragbrai August Articles due for the fall issue of The Link September 1... Annual Reports for Convention/Women s Conference Booklet Due September NCCW Convention in Orlando, Florida September World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia Watch the Papel Visit Coverage on EWTN October 1... Outstanding Women Nominations Due October 1... $15 Early Discounted Registration Deadline October ACCW Convention/Women s Conference, at Divine Word at College, Epworth Walk-ins welcome at $20 November 7... Family Matters Mission of the Family in Waterloo November Concluding the Year of the Consecrated Life Dec Beginning the Year of Mercy ~ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS ~ Mass at 3:00 pm; Monday meeting begins - 4:00 pm ACCW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Registration begins at 8:30 am; Tuesday meeting begins - 9:00 am Please contact AMRH to make meal reservations, DBQAMRHsec@dbqarch.org and ampmeyer@gmail.com ~ ACCW OFFICE ~ Dubuque ACCW I 1229 Mt. Loretta I Dubuque, IA For immediate ACCW response, call See you at divine word college in epworth on SAT., OCTOBER 10 for the ACCW Conference/Convention and silent auction. NOTICE: When ordering The Link make checks payable to ACCW.