44th Annual Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention

"I have made you a light to the nations" convention theme

by Lila Schmidt

Clara City was beaming with 350 in attendance at the 44th Annual New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention. St. Clara parish CCW were perfect hostesses.

One of the workshop presenters, Sally Nelson told convention participants how in Genesis God made light and then He separated the light from the dark. Only the light was blessed and called good. She pointed out how light and dark are always in contrast. In our everyday lives darkness is always around us and always will be. We need to keep going to the light. God calls us to be light.

Father Eugene Lozinski, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Moderator, said that now more than ever we need to carry out our Shepherds of the Field program. He asked us to keep our shepherds in our prayers and to send them words of encouragement especially at a time when darkness is cast upon the Catholic Church.

One attendee described Bishop John C. Nienstedt’s words as a "Homily of Hope". In the midst of this turmoil Bishop suggested that we consciously schedule daily programs to nourish and deepen our faith life and that of our family members. Avoid giving in to bitterness or cynicism, especially by spreading gossip or repeating unfounded accusations. Be pro-active in not believing everything we read or hear. Encourage priestly vocations despite the perverse action of a few. We need more than ever before dedicated and faithful priests who can lead us to a greater level of holiness and fidelity to God’s commandments.

Bishop Nienstedt renewed his plea that we begin every family gathering or parish meeting with a prayer for priestly and religious vocations and underline the seriousness of that prayer with abstinence from meat on Fridays.

Presenter, Dr. James Joyce said, "Carry the message given to Mary, our Mother, to all the women of this diocese that blessed is the fruit of your womb." Dr. Joyce pointed out that fertility is not a disease. All children deserve a beginning in the specific act of conjugal love of their parents; and they also have the right to be respected as a person from the moment of their conception. Someday, the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction (www.popepaulvi.com) will be as well known and used as Planned Parenthood. Visit One More Soul (www.omsoul.com) to find Natural Family Planning physicians and instructors.

Angie Coudron of Holy Redeemer, Marshall, received the NUDCCW Women of the Year Award. She was surprised by six of her nine children and family members.

Next year’s convention will be held April 26 at St. Aloysius, Olivia.

Don’t forget about the upcoming Leadership Training on June 4th in Glencoe, June 6 in Bird Island, and June 17 in Canby.

As I end my term as Diocesan Council of Catholic Women President, I want to thank the members of the Diocesan Board and every one of you for whatever part you played in being Jesus to the world. We welcome Ellen Nester of Redwood Falls as the new DCCW President.

Lila Schmidt is a member of St. Eloi in Ghent, MN.