Discovering the treasure of the Council of Catholic Women

by Joanne Pohland

The New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is not only a treasure in the church, but through CCW, women can live the authentic life that God designed for us. Through the Council of Catholic Women, we can turn humbly to God in our hearts and ask, “How may I serve? What work do you wish for me to do with my life? What is your will for my life?” In doing so, we can orient ourselves toward the ultimate goal of the Christian life. Holiness is our essential purpose.

As members of the Council of Catholic Women, we are constantly projecting an image. If we would take on this challenge seriously, and always be conscious of the image we are projecting, what a difference it could make in our parishes throughout the diocese.

As a group of believers there is not anything, we cannot do. Being a part of the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and a part of the National Council of Catholic Women, means that we are part of a group that can work in solidarity to serve the needs of others. As Catholic women united in prayer, study, and service, we can do that which God intends for us, we can truly become holy and fulfill God’s plan for us.When we pray for vocations, sponsor food drives for our food shelves or volunteer at our local food shelf, when we sponsor the “Water for Life” project or other mission projects, when we promote the Culture of Life in all we do, when we serve a funeral lunch, and when we take time to educate ourselves in our faith, we are fulfilling God’s plan for us.

If your affiliate is struggling because you cannot find enough leaders to fill the positions, be creative. Don’t give up because you “don’t fit the mold - change the mold”! If you are discouraged because your affiliate can’t do every project suggested, sit back, take a look at what you already do. Perhaps you are doing the projects in a different manner. There is no magical formula for parish projects; but rather the diocesan board offers some suggestions to get your own creative ideas going.

I know that CCW is a treasure in our diocese, and I am hopeful that the treasure chest of CCW will be discovered in your parish this year. I encourage you to become active in your parish CCW. One opportunity to do so is to attend the region gatherings held this fall in each of the six regions throughout the diocese. They will energize you to do the work we are called to do as Catholics. If the diocesan board can help you in any way, please call us. We are here to serve you!

“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

- Matthew 6:21

Joanne Pohland is from Glencoe and is the DCCW President.