Discover the “gift that you can be” through the Council of Catholic Women

by Joanne Pohland

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10

In a few short days, we will celebrate the great Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord. In this great feast, we celebrate the fact that God sent his only Son to be born of the Virgin Mary in order to give us salvation. It is truly an awesome reality that God would be so generous in giving us his Son as well as the gift of salvation.

However, it should come as no surprise because God is always a giver. He is perpetually giving, never taking. That is why we give gifts at Christmastime. When we give a gift, it is an act of greatness, that is, as Matthew Kelly, the author of The Rhythm of Life, explains, “giving is an act of greatness because it is an act which emerges from the heart and mind of God. . . There is no faster, surer way to share in the life, the power, and the infinite joy of God than to give” (p. 231).

Perhaps the best Christmas gift you can give your family is to make a habit of making another person’s day... everyday. Some ideas may include writing an unexpected letter; buying someone a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers; telling someone how much you love and depend on them.

Matthew Kelly goes on to ask, “Have you noticed that although God is always giving, He is never without? God is not lack, or limitation - God is abundance.

For God, giving is like breathing” (p. 232). And by giving, we can make a difference in the lives of others.

The Council of Catholic Women is one avenue for women in our diocese in which they can practice this great act of giving, indeed of making a difference in the lives of others. It has been said that giving is an act that comes from the heart and mind of God. The many projects and programs of Councils throughout our diocese give women many opportunities to do some of these things. Through the Council of Catholic Women, the sick are visited, food is given for the hungry, and the grieving are consoled. Moreover, women, through the work of Council, build up one another by giving of themselves as a group and therefore “making a difference.”

So maybe this Christmas, as you find ways to “make a difference” you will plan to attend the 2005 New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Spring Convention on Saturday, April 23 at Holy Rosary Parish in North Mankato. Matthew Kelly will give the keynote address. He is a dynamic speaker who can help each of us to see how we can give of ourselves and make a difference in the world.

Joanne Pohland is the Council of Catholic Women President.