CCW recognition Sunday is October 13

by Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, OSB

Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt has proclaimed Sunday, October 13, 2002, to be Council of Catholic Women (CCW) Recognition Sunday in the New Ulm Diocese.

Since the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) was founded, a day has always been set aside to acknowledge the accomplishments of the women of NCCW. The objective of the NCCW Recognition Day remains to emphasize the great work of NCCW, to commemorate the people who have helped NCCW to grow, and as an opportunity for new membership.

NCCW is an organization of concerned women established by the Bishops of the United States some eighty two years ago to offer women the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the church, strengthen their leadership skills, and deepen their spirituality through prayer and service.

The mission statement of the National Council of Catholic Women clearly states that CCW "acts through its affiliated organizations to support, empower, and educate all Catholic Women in spirituality, leadership, and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the church and society in the modern world." The mission of NCCW is carried out through the work of six commissions: Church, Community Concerns, International Concerns, Family Concerns, Legislation, and Organization. In the New Ulm Diocese, two standing committees of Scholarship and Reverence Life are also functioning to carry out the mission statement.

The women’s organizations of the parishes within the New Ulm Diocese form a federation that makes up the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. These parish affiliates are supported by the structure of the National Council of Catholic Women which represents millions of women across the entire country. This structure is intended to allow a flow of information between the rings of the Council -national, diocesan, regional, and parish. Through this structure and network, local organizations are fed and nourished from the outside, continually being challenged to grow.

CCW Recognition Sunday is the day to highlight the activities and leadership carried out by Catholic women. All parishes are encouraged to celebrate Council of Catholic Women Recognition Sunday on October 13, 2002, to encourage, support and empower the work of CCW.

Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, OSB, is the New Ulm Diocesan CCW Church Commission Coordinator.