CCW targets international projects

by Judy Hoffer

"We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities." - Archbishop Oscar Romero

Education empowers and enables the Mayan people of San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, freeing them and giving them dignity, positive self-concept and improving their quality of life. This is the goal of the diocesan Council of Catholic Women International Concerns Commission this year.

To meet this goal, our special project is providing funds towards building costs for a much needed library - primary and secondary levels - in San Lucas. Construction of this library is now under way and efforts are being made to purchase encyclopedias and research books, including resources for the university level.

Father Greg Schaefer, pastor of the San Lucas parish, expresses his gratefulness to all for supporting this very important educational facility which includes 21 church communities in the highlands. This library will be available as a resource for people of this entire region.

Other Council of Catholic Women International Concerns projects include:

Water for Life provides access to clean safe drinking water, and education in the management of these water systems, to ensure benefits for years to come. Better health is an almost immediate change for these people. Women who previously spent 5 hours per day carrying water now have time and energy to care for themselves and their families. Kenya, Mexico, and Thailand are some of the countries which have been helped through Water for Life.

Help-a-child Latin America and Help-a-child India support Catholic Relief Service projects in the areas of health and education for children.

The Madonna Plan provides funds to support the family through providing clean water, mother-child health centers, funds for education and training for girls in societies which exclude them from education. Provided are income generating workshops such as teaching sewing and weaving and giving them small loans which stimulate income-generating activities. Disadvantaged women in Third World countries have been greatly helped through the Madonna Plan.

The Refugee Women Emergency Fund, established by the National Council of Catholic Women, in leadership with Catholic Relief Services, addresses the plight of the world’s 22 million refugee women and children, including providing food, water, shelter, firewood, medical services, literacy training and more.

Most of all, we acknowledge the dignity and sacredness of the human person and the moral responsibility to those who are suffering and in need.

Judy Hoffer is from Kerkhoven and is the Council of Catholic Women International Concerns Coordinator.