DEAR SISTERS & BROTHERS IN CHRIST,

Transcription

1 Volume 57 Number 2 Dubuque, Iowa SPRING Issue 2014 National Archdiocesan The groundhog has emerged from hibernation to say It s cold, I am going back inside! Well, at least that is what I thought I heard. It has been a cold winter, yet the ACCW members continue to be warmed by the kind words of our members and the cheerful attitudes when we have the opportunity to talk with you. On some very cold days of January 7and 8, 2014 the ACCW Executive and Board of Directors met for the quarterly meeting at the American Martyrs Retreat House in Cedar Falls. The roll call was answered by officers and members as to what they enjoyed most at the first time ever hosted NCCW Leaders Training and Development (LTD) and Convention held in Iowa. It was such a positive experience. The general consensus was the day was just such a treat and so refreshing in faith. Many walked away refreshed in soul and mind, uplifted having had nourishing food for the soul. The great experience of something so good was shared with many others. It was the great work of many women. Due to the extreme cold weather the Gabriel Project speaker was unable to attend. The Gabriel project (a parish project) offers care and support in a crisis pregnancy. Brochures were distributed along with a note she had sent thanking us for the 60 Layettes which we delivered to help them with their work. Many interesting board reports were presented. It was announced that Rev. Msgr. Carl Schmitt was appointed as spiritual advisor for New Hampton Deanery. The SON OF GOD movie will be released in theatres February 28 across the United States. This is the first major motion picture on the complete life of Jesus Christ in nearly 50 years. Be sure to check out for exclusive for Catholics only spiritual resources. Last fall I was elected to serve on the NCCW National Nominating committee and the seven committee members spent a considerable Deanery Parish Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women DEAR SISTERS & BROTHERS IN CHRIST, Some important activities and events in which we the Dubuque ACCW were represented and involved in include: Decorah Deanery meeting at Spillville...January 12 Washington DC Rally...January Depot Outlet meeting in Decorah...January 21 Martha and Mary Conference in Dubuque...February 15 Rally for Life in Des Moines...February 17 Celebration of Renovation of Notre Dame Church at Cresco...February 23 World Day of Prayer...March 7 Leadership Call NCCW Conference... March Hrs of Prayer St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton in Hiawatha... March amount of time working on getting the forms for nominating candidates on the internet. Remember we need CCW officer candidates on all levels for National, Diocesan and Deaneries. Please say Yes to God s call. Many times, we need the light of Jesus on the darkest of days. People become discouraged by the trials of life, and their hopes can be MARY RAUSCH P. O. Box 37 Fort Atkinson, IA rauschm@acegroup.cc dimmed. Winter, with its shorter, colder days, remind us of Pope Francis recent encyclical asking us to be guiding winds and muted colors. But you can turn winter s drab branches into the bright blooms of spring for those who need the warmth of Mary s love. We ask that all ACCW members be a guiding light in spirituality and faith for others to see. There is a lot of good religious material on the internet that we can share. Did you know that Mary is the most famous woman in history? She leads all prominent women who have earned their fame by a life of virtue. She has inspired more art and music than any woman in history, and even in the modern age, she fascinates the imaginations of men and women of all faiths. Mary has appeared on the cover of TIME magazine more often than any other person. Pope Francis tells us that a good mother not only accompanies her children in their growth, without avoiding the problems and challenges of life; a good mother also helps them to make definitive decisions with freedom. This is not easy, but a mother knows how to do it. What does freedom mean? It is certainly not doing whatever you want, allowing yourself to be dominated by passions, passing from one experience to another without discernment, or following the fashions of the day. Freedom does not mean, so to speak, throwing everything that you don t like out the window. No, that is not freedom! Freedom is given to us so that we know how to make good decisions in life! Mary as a good mother teaches us to be, like her, capable of making definitive decisions and choices. And she helps us to make those definitive continued on next page April 26, 2014 is the feast of Our Lady of good Council, patroness of the National council of Catholic Women. April is traditionally ACCW contribution month. April 27, 2014 is Divine Mercy Sunday. Pope Francis has chosen this date to mark the canonization of Blessed Pope John Paul the II. John Paul XXIII

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE, continued from front page decisions in the full freedom with which she said yes to the plan God had for her life (cf. Luke 1:38). Decisions, decisions, decisions! There are always decisions to make. For the follower of Christ, the trick is, am I making a decision that is in line with God s will. What the Pope states above is very important. Decisions made in freedom are not based on what I want or on our emotions; they are made in the light of our faith in Christ Jesus. It s important to constantly remind ourselves of that because it is very tempting to want what I want. Isn t that our responsibility as CCW members who include all Catholic women? We must reach out and listen to other women, balance that with what our faith tells us and what will help us continue to fulfill our mission, and then make our decisions in that light. Mary was not thinking of herself when she said yes to the angel Gabriel. She was taking into herself the fact that God had chosen her to give birth to the Savior of the world and that, even though it might be difficult for her during her pregnancy, because people do talk How is she pregnant when she is not yet married to Joseph she is willing to endure all that and offer herself to God for His will to be accomplished. In making our decisions for the good of CCW, we are willing to endure some difficult times and offer ourselves so that God s will can be accomplished. God s love flows through us so that our decisions will help His will for CCW. All we have to do is believe and trust. We have much to do to help CCW continue to move forward. There are some interesting times ahead for all of us. The important thing is to keep our wits about us; open ourselves up to God s will and go forward doing what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) asked us to do. Thanks for all your good work for CCW. Keep it up and let s move forward in the Spirit as CCW continues to grow and prosper. FROM THE SPIRITUAL ADVISOR Monsignor Dean Walz, ACCW Spiritual Advisor, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in Rome, Italy on December 19, 1953 after completing seminary studies at the North American College and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was born and raised in Bagley, Wisconsin, the son of Edward and Elizabeth Walz, and is the only native son of their parish to be ordained a priest. Because of his family s plans to move to Dubuque, he was ordained for the Dubuque Archdiocese. MSGR. WALZ ACCW Spiritual Advisor Following ordination, he served parishes in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Placid, South Garryowen, and Waterloo. After further studies in Canon Law, he held various positions in the administration of the Archdiocese, including ten years as Episcopal Vicar for the Waterloo Region. He was named a Monsignor in 1987, and a Protonotary Apostolic in He currently lives in retirement at Lake Delhi, where he helps out in neighboring parishes. He also serves as a judge for appeal cases in the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal, and as Spiritual Advisor for the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. Monsignor Walz will celebrate his 60th anniversary with a Mass and Reception at St. John s Church, Delhi at a date and time to be announced. Watch The Witness for further details of this upcoming event. I T U A LI SPIRITUALITY P I R FASTING (from) Television one night One movie during Lent Using foul language Putting down other people Gossiping or being dishonest A favorite snack food or drink Being angry or upset with people PRAYING Ash Wednesday Services Stations of the Cross Sacrament of Reconciliation Read Lenten Sunday Scripture readings Spend fifteen minutes a day praying Pray the rosary ALMS GIVING/SERVICE PHYLLIS EINWALTER th Ave Fort Atkinson, IA phylliseinwalter@yahoo.com Donate personal possession to people in need Help elderly in your neighborhood Donate food or money to community food pantry Volunteer at soup kitchen or homeless shelter Read book and magazines to the elderly Read to children T Y 2

3 PRESIDENT-ELECT/PUBLICITY The countdown now begins to Spring and Easter! Today is another snow blizzard day nature s way of slowing us down. When I was employed at school, snow days were always my catch-up, paper-work days at home. A long Iowa winter will make us appreciate spring and a joyous Easter season. In the past several months, the common buzz word that I ve been reading and hearing repeatedly is JOY. The NCCW Convention theme last fall was Be The Voice of Catholic Women, Confidence, Hope and Joy. Pope Francis exhortation in November; Evangelii Gaudeum, Gospel of Joy which is being discussed in the media on a regular basis. Recently I read in The Witness about The Joy of Yes Forever organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family. From my notes while attending the recent Martha and Mary Conference in Dubuque, the presenters made several references to Radiant Joy. Some of the comments were: Joy is from the virtue of Hope, and was described in this acronym: H = hold on to the truths of our faith O= own your cross, don t run from it or question Why Me? We can grow with Jesus under the cross. P= persevere in prayers and patience E= expect God to act that s faith. Frequently say Jesus I Trust in You. Post the picture of the Divine Mercy of Jesus in your house and office to remind you. Another acronym used for JOY was Jesus, Others, You in that descending order. Joy is the interior Peace of Christ that rises to exterior happiness. Mother Theresa said Keep the Joy of loving Jesus in your heart and share this joy with all you meet and especially your family. At the January ACCW Quarterly Board Meeting at Cedar Falls, I distributed an informal survey to the board members if and how they might wish to serve in the future in the capacity of an ACCW officer, or on one of three commissions (Spirituality, Leadership, Service) or a committee. The survey solicited what changes they d like to see for the ACCW, questioned them to their preferences in quarterly meeting / convention locations and times, and what skills they d like to share with the ACCW. To The Link reader or any council woman, are there positions on the Dubuque ACCW Board, a commission or committee that interests you and on which you would like to serve? You can also recommend a fellow parishioner or deanery member. You could suggest traveling together to quarterly meetings at Cedar Falls. Or you can take turns to attend, if there are several on a commission/ committee. The ACCW can continue to partner with the women in the archdiocese who are doing many good things. ALMA MEYER PO Box 377 Calmar, IA ampmeyer@gmail.com The following definitions of the commission activities aligns with the current NCCW; SPIRITUALITY COMMISSION (includes prayer services, Respect for Life, Right to Life, Defense of Our Religious Liberties, Legislation, etc), LEADERSHIP COMMISSION (includes organization, publicity, The Link, history, convention), and SERVICE COMMISSION (includes Family/Marriage concerns, mission and international concerns, WUCWO, Catholic Relief Services, Cross International, Days of Fasting, etc.). Committee possibilities and options to volunteer for auditing, membership, nominating, coordinate trips/pilgrimages, mission projects, layettes, Gabriel Project, Birthright, Rachel s Vineyard, DAVE/Vocations, Women s Retreat topics & speakers, motivational programs, publicity brochures, youth and adult awards, photography, music, fund raising, silent auction, young women involvement, military families, etc. Where do you see your servant role? Pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Let me (or any of the ACCW nominating committee) know by May so the planning can begin. Make plans to attend and help with a Holy Hour for Vocations being held near you. Holy Hours are scheduled March 22...St. Mark, Iowa Falls April 12...St. Joseph State Center May 3... St. Mary, Manchester May 31...St. Patrick, Cedar Rapids June Our Lady of Lourdes, Lourdes July St. Patrick Monona August 2... Sacred Heart, Monticello August 16...St. Joseph Church Epiphany Parish, Mason City May Our Lady of Good Counsel guide us with JOY during Lenten journey, the Easter Season and beyond. MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT The drab winter months of January and February have kept us with a blanket of snow, lots of wind and many days to accomplish the rainy day tasks that we had put aside. In a few days we will begin the holy season of Lent, the forty days to possibly spend in some additional prayer for the many intentions that we have promised to family and friends. It could be that you will be like myself, focusing a little more on issues of the times, such as domestic minor sex trafficking. Last evening our parish hosted the presenter on this topic with attendees from our parish, town, other denominations, and many people from various neighboring towns. The movie, Chosen was shown giving us the story of a young gal who was on the brink of being a victim. Warning signs were listed as to who might be targeted, either young boys or girls and 1 out of 5 girls, and 1 out of 10 boys will be sexually victimized by the time they reach adulthood. Warning signs: traits of trafficking are; significantly older boyfriend; signs of trauma (physical or other); travel with older male (not guardian); chronic runaway; multiple delinquent charges; homelessness; special marked tattoos; and substance abuse. This presentation is made through Shared Hope International, and they are willing to come to your community for a presentation. All of us need to stay aware of these signs to recognize a potential victim. Easter cards from the ACCW will be sent to Archbishop Jackels and Archbishop Hanus, the Vicars, seminarians and the deacons of the archdiocese. May each of you have a blessed Lenten season and enjoy a glorious Easter. 3 MARLENE MANGRICH 764 Stevens St. Jesup, IA jmmangrich@jtt.net

4 PARLIAMENTARIAN - What can we do to Strengthen and put New Life into our Organization? 1. Attend meetings regularly-you have little right to grumble if you don t bother to attend. 2. Keep in mind the purpose of our Organization - regularly review the constitution, standing rules and policies and update them. LILLIAN McGIVERN 3. Live up to the duties of membership - open your ears to listen as well as your mouth to speak th St. Keystone, IA Show a personal interest - listen attentively when others have the floor, whispering is discourteous ejmfarms@netins.net 5. Think for yourself - Do not be a yes lady. 6. Develop your ability to communicate to unlock your powers of leadership - master the basic principles of parliamentary procedure. 7. Promote a spirit of teamwork - look for common ground among differing groups. 8. Do your homework for each meeting - it keeps a meeting from bogging down, from being confused and unorganized. 9. Persuade capable persons to run for office - offer constructive suggestions. 10. Don t dodge thankless jobs that must be done - instead of saying Why me? say Why not me? 11. Back words up with deeds - because you have discussed a problem at length does not mean you have solved it; back the discussion with resolutions and action. 12. Persevere amidst shortcomings and difficulties - be ready to start, and start again! LEADERSHIP COMMISSION - How we can be the Joy of the Gospel? The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. (Evangelium Gaudium, para. 1) In his exhortation, Evangelium Gaudium, Pope Francis has reminded us of the joy we are given when we allow ourselves to be directed by the Gospel and follow Jesus. That joy is enhanced when we truly live the life of a disciple and evangelize others. Isn t that what we are called to do as members of the Council of Catholic Women? We are called to live as disciples serving all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service. JOANNE POHLAND 9482 Cashel Drive E Peosta, IA When we host a Holy Hour for vocations or pray to end abortion or serve a meal to those grieving in our communities, when we raise money for new wells in developing countries or collect food for our local food pantries, when we pray to end domestic violence or host a rummage sale with proceeds going to some cause we are called to do so with joy! When we are seen doing these things with joy, we can truly be directed by the Gospel and follow Jesus. It is then that we are truly Christ s Chosen Women. Let us make a sincere effort to truly do all that we do with joy so that those we serve and those who see us serving come to know the joy of the gospel. May God bless you! DUBUQUE ARCHDIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN -ACCW CONTRIBUTION GUIDELINE SHEET FOR PARISH AND/OR DEANERY Submit this form to ACCW Treasurer: Nancy Steffen 924 Hawthorne Avenue Waterloo, Iowa term expires 12/2014 Please submit contributions by Sept. 1st Parish Name Address Deanery Name Dubuque Archdiocesan Council $5 per woman $ Friday Fund/AMRH St. Kateri Tribute $ Catholic Relief Services/Works of Peace optional $ Help-A-Child optional $ Madonna Plan optional $ Water for LIfe optional $ Cross Catholic Outreach optional $ Other - see ACCW projects and goals optional $ listed on the ACCW web page TOTAL $ Please submit any Parish officer changes to ACCW President Mary Rausch PO Box 37 Fort Atkinson, Iowa Please make copies for your files 4

5 C0-LEGISLATIVE Father Paul Marx, OSB was the founder of Human Life International which is now Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-Fam). This organization monitors the UN and especially the UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Abortion remains one of the most fought-over issues at the world body. However, legalization of Same Sex Marriage is also a high priority. Marriage between one man and one woman is the only union enabling procreation and we, as citizens, have a right to a national referendum and not leave it to the judges to pronounce what determines marriage. The people of Croatia, the newest member of the European Union is the sixth to protect marriage in her constitution along with Poland, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania and Hungary. Most supporters of marriage as a union of a man and a woman grew up under communist rule. We must continue to be a voice for the unborn and of traditional Catholic values. EDNA BRUNKHORST 104 Willow Circle Waverly, IA edna@brunkhorst.org March 8-14 National Catholic Sisters Week The Dubuque ACCW join the residents of the Dubuque Archdiocese in thanking women religious for their stand with the poor, ministry in education, health care, criminal justice, social justice, theology, the arts, and politics. We Support ALL Life! DES MOINES Rally for Life Due to weather conditions the bus to the Des Moines Rally for Life was cancelled. Videos from the event are available on Youtube. Check the ACCW page on the Archdiocesan web site under events and you can access these videos. Be the Voice of Catholic Women: Catholic Women United in Truth All Catholic Women are invited and encouraged to attend the NCCW 2014 Convention, September in Grand Rapids, MI at the Amway Grand Hotel. The 2014 convention registration form is now posted on the NCCW website, Hotel reservations also may be made on the NCCW website for the Amway Grand. The NCCW Executive Committee, President Rebecca Woodhull, Past President Patty Johnson, Secretary Carolyn Morrison, Treasurer Mary Matheus, and the NCCW Board have listened to our members and have planned a convention for 2014 with reduced costs, an increase of speaker profiles, and in a city you are certain to enjoy. 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 Deanery Parish Please make checks payable to: Dubuque ACCW Send completed form and payment to: Rose Ann Jero, Editor 1909 Edgebrook Drive Marshalltown, IA

6 SERVICE COMMISSION Today s Kids Desperately Need Heroes Who... Play catch, enjoy tea parties, wrestle because the heart of a child is there and they set out to capture it. Laugh till their belly hurts and tears fall from their eyes while secretly creating deep friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Make mistakes but consider them to be wonderful opportunities to learn. Place an out-of-tune preschool concert or a ten-year-old s baseball game on life s agenda because they are of infinite worth to those playing Love at all times, because love is a gift freely given and not a reward for service well done. Listen eye to eye and with both ears even if it means getting on one knee. Admit when they are wrong and work to make things right. ALTHEA MURPHY 604 W Main St. Calmar, Iowa altheam@saf .net Hear about those in need and say, Let s do something to help right now! and set off an uncontrollable wildfire of generosity and kindness. Give the credit to others and empower those they touch to succeed in all that they do. Model love as action, commitment, and truth even when it hurts because they believe God can work miracles in even the hardest heart. Love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind and know that the rest is just details. Printed with permission from Lists to Live By, Marty Wilkins PROVINCE DIRECTOR Dear Sisters in Christ, As we begin this Lenten Season, we count our many blessings that we have received. The first and most important is that Jesus Christ died on the cross that we might be saved! What a sacrifice He made for each and every one of us! Other blessings include families, friends, homes and food. And the list goes on. We are also so blessed to be a part of our parish family and the Council of Catholic Women at all levels. I was also blessed to be a part of your ACCW Convention and NCCW Leadership Training this past fall in Ossian. What a beautiful day it was! Thanks to all of the women who planned and worked that day to make it happen! I met so many wonderful women that day and came away so energized by it! Last September, I attended the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) Convention where I was installed as the new Province Director for the Province of Dubuque, which includes all four Dioceses in Iowa. I will be serving in that capacity for the next two years, representing you and all of the other Catholic women from Iowa on the NCCW Board of Directors. In turn, I also communicate information back to you from the NCCW. In a nutshell, that is what the Province Director does. My first NCCW assignments are on the Leadership Commission, Hospitality Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee. I welcome any ideas you may have. You can contact me via at ejoconnor@msn.com or at At the NCCW convention, I attended many excellent sessions with wonderful speakers. Congratulations to Mary Rausch for being voted into the Nominating Committee for NCCW!! In January, I attended my first Board meeting in Washington, DC and attended some of the March for Life activities. I was very encouraged by the numerous young people that attended the March and the opening Mass. There were several young groups that proudly displayed signs that they are the Pro-Life Generation. How great is that! In addition, I saw some young women (who happened to be from Iowa) wearing stickers that said I am worth 6 waiting for. Keep these young people in your prayers that they will continue the Pro Life mindset for the rest of their lives. They are our future! The 2014 NCCW Convention planning is well underway. We encourage all ACCW board members, Deanery leaders, and local CCW leaders to attend this year in Grand Rapids, Michigan from September 24-27, The really good news is that the prices have been reduced! Early bird price for registration is $340, which is good until May 15. EILEEN O CONNOR 500 Spencer Ave. Council Bluffs, Iowa ejoconnor@msn.com Registration information can be found on the NCCW website (www. NCCW.org). In addition, it was announced that the Individual NCCW Membership fee was reduced to $60. I encourage all of you to join this worthwhile organization! Many of you may be asking, Why should I join? The NCCW acts as a Voice for Catholic Women. It is in the power of collaboration that our voice is heard. In this stressful time in American history when our Freedom of Religion is being threatened and God is being removed from so many places, it is so critical that we, as Sisters in Christ, join together as members of NCCW to let our voices in Christ be heard! To join, see the NCCW website for details ( or contact your President, Mary Rausch. On a personal note, you may wonder, who are you? I was born and raised around Oskaloosa and currently live in Council Bluffs. I have served for 11 years on the Des Moines DCCW Board, having served as treasurer for three terms and I am finishing my second non-consecutive term as President. I am a convert and a member of St. Patrick parish in Council Bluffs. My husband, Paul, and I have been married for 43 years. I worked in the insurance industry in information technology for over 30 years, most of it with Mutual of Omaha. Your Sister in Christ, Eileen O Connor Province Director, Province of Dubuque

7 LEGISLATIVE CO-CHAIR On January 22 hundreds of thousands of pro-life people turned out for the annual March for Life in Washington DC, braving cold temperatures to take a stand for the right to life of unborn children. The event marked 41 years since Roe vs. Wade became law in the United States. The Roe v. Wade decision, handed down on January 22, 1973, overturned pro-life laws offering protection for unborn children in most states across the country, and made abortions legal and virtually unlimited. Almost 57 million unborn children have been killed in abortions since the decision. Two buses left Dubuque late Monday, January 20th. We had the privilege of travelling with 18 eighth-grade students from Mazzucchelli School in Dubuque what an impressive group of young people. SHEILA RASSMAN 3298 County Rd B 16 Calmar, IA sheillarass4life7@yahoo.com After a 33 hour bus ride, we arrived in Washington DC early in the morning the day of the March. Unfortunately we missed the opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life, due to weather delays and bus problems. Wednesday morning several of us attended the 20th Annual National Memorial Mass/Prayer Service for the Preborn and their Mothers and Fathers, at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall. The prayer service is sponsored by The National Pro-Life Religious Council, The National Pro-Life Center on Capitol Hill, Faith and Action, Priests for Life, and Gospel of Life Ministries. There were representatives from numerous Christian denominations and pro-life groups; this is a premier prayer event marking the tragic commemoration of Roe vs. Wade. This is a time to gather in repentance and grief, but also in hope-filled, joyful determination and unity to bring an end to abortion once and for all! Following the memorial event we joined hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and nationalities for the Rally and March for Life. Despite cold temperatures and bitter wind chills thousands of enthusiastic people marched peacefully for five blocks carrying banners, singing, praying the rosary, and uniting in prayerful expressions of faith. The number of young adults, high school and college students was impressive; another reason to remain optimistic. Pope Francis showed his support for the March via tweet from the Vatican, telling marchers: I join the March for Life in Washington with my prayers. May God help us respect all life, especially the most vulnerable. One of the most noteworthy places during the March is in front of the Supreme Court Steps, where members of the Silent No More Group give their testimonies. There are so many men and women in our world who have been wounded and are hurting, who regret their choices, and who need our prayers and support. After the March, we visited the informational booths. In the evening several of us attended the Rose Dinner. Thursday was a free day. In the morning most attended Mass. I had the opportunity to attend a Silent No More State Regional Coordinators meeting with Fr. Frank Pavone from Priests for Life, and members of Silent No More, and Anglicans for Life. We talked about our goals for the coming year, and shared highlights from the past year. Fr. Frank and Janet Morana shared about a recent meeting they had with Pope Francis. They said. The Holy Father is an Enthusiastic Supporter of Rachel s Vineyard healing Ministry. They shared the following personal encouragement from Pope Francis In a very animated voice: the Holy Father said, Rachel s Vineyard is very good; it is an excellent work! Go forward with that! Pope Francis was aware of Rachel s Vineyard Ministry from Argentina, where the dedicated work of the Rachel s Vineyard team there caught the attention of local bishops, who then made the other bishops aware of it. In the afternoon we had an opportunity to visit the Franciscan Monastery and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. On the trip home, everyone was tired but invigorated by the events of the March. We had opportunities to share highlights of our trip, and talked about what we can do individually, in our parishes, and schools to be advocates for LIFE. It was an honor to travel with such a respectful group of young people. Marching is only the beginning of our efforts as a pro-life community. We need to pray more fervently today and every day for an end to the culture of death. Keep the spirit of the March in your hearts and continue to promote the dignity of all life. Save the date for next year s March 4 Life, Thursday, Jan. 22, We are not on earth to guard a museum, but to cultivate a flourishing garden of life. Blessed John XXIII 7

8 National Archdiocesan Deanery 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 To subscribe or renew your subscription, contact the editor. Please submit all items for the next issue by June 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. Please share the information in The Link or your copy with a friend! NOTICE: The Dubuque ACCW Brochure is now available on the web site and may be reproduced for use in your parish. BE INFORMED The editor wishes to thank all of the women who have supported The Link financially by becoming subscribers. God Bless You A subscription form is available on page 5 of this ussue. The Dubuque Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women officers and board of directors wish our readers a Lent filled with spiritual growth and a glorious Easter celebrating the risen Lord. 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 Dubuque website under the ACCW web page. CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 26...Our Lady of Good Council April 22...Executive Committee AMRH April 23...Board of Directors AMRH April 26...Feast of Our Lady of Good Council June 16...Priest Appreciationn July 22...Executive Committee AMRH July 23...Board of Directors AMRH Sept NCCW Convention, Grand Rapids, Michigan October ACCW Convention, Waverly November Executive Committee AMRH November Board of Directors AMRH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Mass at 3:00 pm; Meeting begins 4:00 pm BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS: Registration begins at 9:00 am; Meeting begins 9:30 am Please contact to make meal reservations AMRH Phone: DBQAMRHsec@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us ~ ACCW-OFFICE~ Dubuque ACCW 1229 Mt. Loretta Dubuque, IA , ext. 209, Answering machine avai lable. For immediate business call