Council of Catholic Women Convention marks its 47th year

Elizabeth Mohr of St. Raphael’s in Springfield named 2005 “Woman of the Year”

by Joanne Pohland

DCCW President, Glencoe, MN

On April 23, the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held their 47th annual convention at the Church of Holy Rosary in North Mankato. The theme for the day was "Show Us the Father."

Keynote speaker, Matthew Kelly focused on the message of “Becoming the Best Version of Yourself.” He was able to weave his amazing story-telling skills with a well-developed message of God's plan for us. A video tape of Matthew Kelly’s talk is available for rent from the diocesan Office of Communications/Media Resource Center. To order call (507) 233-5330; email:jweicherding@dnu.org.

Over the past 14 years, the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women have presented a “Woman of the Year” award. This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Mohr of Springfield.

As a part of the general business meeting, the assembly passed resolutions on the "Year of the Eucharist," "Pope John Paul II," and "Pope Benedict XVI." In addition, the following officers were elected: Mary Karnitz of New Ulm as President-Elect, Laurie Yackley of Canby as Secretary, and Joan Rosenhamer of Sleepy Eye as Treasurer. These women will serve the diocese well in their terms of office. The commission and committee coordinators, as well as the historian, gave brief reports on their work over the last year.

In addition, our treasurer, Joan Rosenhamer reported that almost $70,000 was contributed to charitable works over the last year. That is a great accomplishment for the women of our diocese. While this amount is certainly commend-able, it is probably only a glimpse of the actual amount the women of our diocese, through the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, (NUDCCW) donate to charitable causes, because this report can only reflect what is actually reported to the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women treasurer. I am certain that more money is donated through CCW but, for whatever reason, did not get reported to Joan as the NUDCCW treasurer. When we realize the amount of good work being done by the Council of Catholic Women in our diocese, we know that through CCW many women are becoming the best-version-of-themselves.

A big thank you goes to the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Board for their work on this year's convention. They are an amazing group of women, and our diocese is blessed to have such dedicated women serving in this capacity. We also thank the women of Holy Rosary Parish in North Mankato for hosting this year's convention. Their hospitality was greatly appreciated.

Now we look forward to next year, a new year for growth in the Lord. We will begin by holding Leadership Training Events on Wednesday, June 8 at St. Anastasia's in Hutchinson and Tuesday, June 14 at St. Mary's in Cottonwood. I look forward to seeing the CCW leadership from each parish at one of these events. I know that through these events, we can truly become the best officers and coordinators and therefore serve our councils in the best way possible.

Woman of the Year!

by Paulette Collins

DCCW Vice President, Murdock

Elizabeth Mohr, a member of St. Raphael’s Church in Springfield was chosen the 2005 “Woman of the Year” by New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. This is the 14th year that this award has been presented.

Elizabeth was chosen from a list of woman from around the diocese who were selected by women of their parish for their involvement in their families, church, community and especially Council of Catholic Women. Each candidate is evaluated and scored by members of the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Women. The scores are tabulated and the highest score is the winner.

Elizabeth has served her family, church, community and the Council to the highest level. She and her husband, Hilary have six children. Faith education has been a top priority for Elizabeth who has served her parish as a Confirmation teacher. She has given much to support her parents in their elderly years, relying on trust in God for the strength and love to reach out to those in need.

Currently, Elizabeth serves as lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Raphael’s in Springfield, is on the liturgy board and sings in the funeral choir. She presides over “Word and Communion” when needed.

She has been involved in 4-H at all levels and has served on many county committees including: public health, environmental issues, adult mental health, children’s mental health and families at risk. She currently serves as a county commission lay board advisor. Elizabeth has also been involved in the Springfield Historical Society and the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Auxiliary.

Elizabeth’s involvement in CCW has been at all levels: president of her local CCW, region, diocese, and served as Province Director of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Archdiocesan CCW. She has served on the diocesan Committee on Parishes, the RENEW Core Committee and the Retrouvaille Retreat Team. She also served as Region 8 representative on the National Bishops Advisory Council from 1993 - 1997; has attended numerous national conventions and has always brought back and shared ideas and thoughts to better all CCW members.