CCW Recognition Sunday

by Joanne Pohland

Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, in one of his first official acts as the third Bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm, has proclaimed Sunday, October 14, 2001, 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 the NCCW, to commemorate the people who have helped NCCW to grow and as an opportunity for new membership.

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 Organizations, and in our diocese, two standing committee of Scholarship and Reverence Life. Each commission, under the direction of a national commission chair, works to support and enhance activity at all rings of council, educates to issues of concern to Catholic women, and empowers women to respond in faith and with justice and compassion.

Council of Catholic Women Recognition Sunday is the day to highlight the activities and leadership carried out by Catholic women. All parishes are encouraged to celebrate CCW Recognition Sunday on October 14, 2001, to encourage, support, and empower the work of CCW.

Joanne Pohland is from Glencoe, MN, and is the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Church Commission Coordinator.