Get active in Council of Catholic Women and let the Light of Christ Shine!

by Ellen Nester

Summer time - time for the Nester family! We were fortunate to be part owners of a lake cabin on Lake Florida during the growing up years of our children. Many of you know what I mean when I talk fondly of bon fires, water skiing, s’mores, water shows and relaxing in a hammock.

I remember watching the personalities of our three children direct many of their choices. One day the five of us were out on the diving raft, maybe 75 feet from shore. It was time to head back to the cabin and personalities began to emerge. Julie, not wanting to get wet, maneuvered the rowboat back to the dock. Katie, main-claimer of the inner tube, knew the tube could take her home. Mike, of the just-do-it school, cannon balled into the lake and dog paddled home. Jim, the thinker, calmly climbed down the ladder and floated on his back to shore. And I, needing to get back to start supper, dove in and swam. We all had the same goal - getting home - but each found a special way to accomplish that goal.

I thought about this when thinking about the Council of Catholic Women this summer. This year the NUDCCW has a theme - To Let the Light of Christ Shine. We are organized into six commissions and two committees, each with a different focus and yet each with the same goal of bringing Christ’s light to our parish and community.

We all have different gifts and interests - CCW reaches to all areas of life. Are you anxious to develop more spirituality? Do you feel strongly about pro-life issues? Are the works of mercy at the core of your service desires? Is family life an area that you want to improve? Just as each family member was able to reach shore in their own way, each CCW member can help the light of Christ to shine. All you need to do is contemplate what it is you feel passionate about. Plug that interest into one of our commission/committees and start swimming to shore!

Be sure to check the lists of CCW Regional Fall Gatherings. You are cordially invited to attend any that appeal to you!