by Ellen Nester

DCCW President

Recently I was at a retreat where the presenter told the following story about how she was assigned to take a group of children to a local swimming pool. One of the added features to this pool area was a small concession stand. After the girls had exhausted themselves in the pool, each became anxious to spend her money on some goodies. Susie remained behind with the chaperone, evidently thinking about her purchase before plunging into spending. "What do you think I can buy for a quarter?’ she questioned. The chaperone suggested she interview the other girls who had already been at the stand. She jumped from one girl to the other trying to understand all the possibilities. She finally came back to the chaperone-quite delighted-because she could buy three lollipops for a quarter. After a short pause (presumably thinking about the bargain she was about to get) she asked the chaperone, "So, do you have a quarter?"

Aren’t we often like Susie. We plan carefully, ask all the right questions of the right people and follow all the directions available - but we need to go to the Lord to ask if he has a quarter!

As Council of Catholic Women (CCW), we need to keep our focus on the Lord and ask His guidance and support before and during our CCW commitments. It all begins with Him and His blessings.

During the month of March we have wonderful opportunities to "come to the Lord". Each of the six regions is sponsoring a Spring Gathering-an evening of prayer, enrichment and fellowship. Part of the NCCW Mission Statement is "to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality..." What makes our organization unique is the celebration and nourishment of our spiritual selves. Spring Gatherings give us a needed vitamin shot towards that growth. Hope to see you there!

2003 Council of Catholic Women Regional Spring Gatherings

Arlyce Anderson, President

Thursday, March 20, 2003

St Joseph, Henderson

Registration 5:30 p.m. - Mass: 6:00 p.m.

Speaker: Jeanette Fortier

"A Song of Life"

Yvonne Nachreiner, President

Thursday, March 6, 2003

Church of the Japanese Martyrs,Leavenworth

Registration 5:45 p.m. - Mass: 7:30 p.m.

Speaker: Sister Joanna Buckley

"Marian Spirituality: The Simple Way to Holiness"

Terry Van Keulen, President

Monday, March 17, 2003

St. Mary,Cottonwood

Registration 5:30 p.m. - Mass 8:00 p.m.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers"

Darlene Wilts, President

Tuesday, April 1, 2003

St. James, Dawson

Registration 5:30 p.m. - Mass: 6:00 p.m.

Speaker: Bishop John Nienstedt

"Come, Live in the Light"

Kathy Kohout, President

Monday, March 10, 2003

Holy Redeemer, Renville

Registration 5:00 p.m. - Mass: 6:00 p.m.

Speaker: Kalley King Yanta

"The Power of Prayer"

Barb Nowak, President

Tuesday, March 25, 2003

St. Philip, Litchfield

Registration 5:45 p.m. - Mass: 6:00 p.m.

Speaker: Linda Allen

"Let the heavens be glad and rejoice for I have formed you in the palm of My hand."