DCCW Convention educates, inspires
By Renee Webb, Globe associate editor
Posted April 11, 2002

FORT DODGE - Servant Leadership was the theme of the 35th Biennial Convention of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held here April 3 and 4.

"It is a working, educating convention," said Paulette Schuh, president of the DCCW. Numerous speakers were featured in the two days, offering information and suggestions on plans of action for a number of projects.

By offering different presentations, parish representatives took information back to their local communities to tackle the projects they hope to address on the parish level.

At the convention, officers were elected for the 2002-2004 term. New officers are Renee Beacom of Sioux City and Zelma Sholly of Spencer, co-presidents; Sheilah Pound of Jefferson, vice president; Ellen Streit of West Bend, treasurer; and Rosemary Paulsen of Coon Rapids, secretary.

Father Jim Tigges, a CCW deanery moderator, recognized the women during Mass on April 4. He told the newly elected that the members of CCW "have bestowed great honor and esteemed responsibility on you today. They have shown a fond admiration of the ability you have to use your God-given gifts and talents. But more than that, they have given you with a bond united in Christ their hopes, their dreams, their aspirations for the life and future of this organization for which they have worked so hard."

Each of the officers was given a rose to reflect strength, beauty and love.

The newly elected co-presidents noted they had accepted their offices because there was a need to keep the organization going as CCW works to directly serve the bishop and his goals.

According to Beacom and Sholly DCCW provides communication, guidance and motivation to deaneries and parishes about assorted programs and ministries sponsored by the organization. Along with programs deemed important by the bishop, DCCW takes on many projects sponsored by the national CCW.

"Our goal is to support and empower women to act," said Beacom. "This is the one diocesan-wide organization that unites the women. It builds community and strengthens church, helping us see the large church rather than only individual parishes."

One of the highlights of the convention was Mass celebrated on April 3 by Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, followed by a banquet. The bishop was presented with a DCCW Centennial Holy Bear. The bears are currently for sale as a fund-raiser for the organization.

Along with Father Tigges other deanery moderators were on hand for various parts of the convention. They include: Father Victor Ramaeker, Father Leo Riesberg, Father Anthony Pick and Father Jeff Schleisman. Other priests who attended were Father Marvin Boes, Father Michael Erpelding and Father Chris Van Oosbree.

Women from across the diocese attended the convention. Many found tremendous value in the speakers.

"The speakers were fantastic," said Dee Haubrich of Fonda. "I like attending the convention to get and stay informed. I also like to know what is happening in the other parishes and deaneries."

Father Larry Gillick, SJ, director of the Deglman Center for Ignation Spirituality at Creighton University delivered the opening talk on April 3 titled Women's Commitment to Servant Leadership.

"He focused on the fact that you are good, what you do is good and you are worthwhile," Schuh explained. "He stressed our value as women and individuals."

Cece Arnold and Tim Kautza of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference addressed rural concerns in a presentation.

The convention also featured speakers from the women's state prison in Mitchellville - Kay Kopatich, who along with Mary Gaines and Martha Taylor, are involved in a federal prison ministry in St. Paul, Minn.

"The bishop has asked us to address prison ministry," said Schuh. This entails a helping women prisoners materially along with keeping them in prayers.Father Brian Hughes, diocesan vocation director, spoke to the women about vocation projects in the Diocese of Sioux City such as Operation Andrew and the Marian Project. His presentation was followed with an explanation of the Adopt a Priest program by Beacom and Sholly.

Day two speakers included Marilyn Murphy, social concerns facilitator of the diocese, who spoke on Women in Poverty.

Dr. Thomas Feld of the Iowa Catholic Conference offered a recap on legislative issues.

The final presentation of the conference was presented by Sister Michaela Galles, OSF, delivering "Women Making a Difference, Today We Begin the Next 100 Years." The associate professor of theology at Briar Cliff University focused five major lessons relating to social justice: keeping the dignity of the human person, acting with justice, promoting the common good, political participation and promoting peace.

She concluded her presentation by mentioning that the late Carrie Mach was featured in a book.

The convention closed with finalizing unfinished business and door prizes.