by Ellen Nester

Where will you be September 27-30, 2003? Consider a trip to Minneapolis to be part of the National Council of Catholic Women’s Convention (NCCW). More than 1500 women are expected to attend and "Catch the Spirit" to recognize the ways that council members act in solidarity with women around the world through service to church, community, and global projects.

Jim Towey will speak to the full convention on "The Importance of Faith-based Organizations in Healing Society’s Wounds". Towey has extensive governmental and non-profit experiences among which is being legal counsel to Mother Teresa for 12 years and being a full-time volunteer in her Washington, DC home for people with AIDS.

Mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark will address the convention and receive the NCCW 2003 Distinguished Service Award. This biennial award honors a Catholic woman of achievement whose life and work exemplify the NCCW mission to "support, empower, and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service."

Other sessions will offer presentations of spirituality, mentoring and medical ethics. Each day will include liturgies and begin with morning prayer. Consider coming for one day or all four. Each parish CCW president should have received a copy of the Catholic Woman magazine that has information about registering.

See you in Minneapolis!