CCW recognition Sunday to be observed October 12

by Sr. Elizabeth Gruenes, O.S.B.

Bishop John C. Nienstedt has proclaimed Sunday, October 12, 2003, 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 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 83 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. CCW is an avenue by which women of the church are able to fulfill their baptismal calling that is, to evangelize the various sectors of family, social, professional, cultural, and political life. As Pope John Paul II writes in a number of letters, the laity are called to seek to do what is good, pleasing, and perfect in the sight of God. He further explains that it is not a matter of inventing a "new program" because the program already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living tradition of the church.

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."

When the Diocese of New Ulm was formed, Bishop Alphonse J. Schladweiler invited women to join in a unified organization, National Council of Catholic Women, to serve the church. That effort has done much to build up the New Ulm Diocese. Bishop Nienstedt continues to remind us that by our prayer, good example and good works, we bring all closer to Jesus and the truths that He teaches.

All parishes are encouraged to celebrate CCW Recognition Sunday on October 12, 2003, to support and empower the work of the Council of Catholic Women.

Elizabeth Gruenes, O.S.B. is the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Church Commission Coordinator.