Women's Commission sets objectives for year

November 11, 2004

The Sioux City Diocesan Commission on Women in Church and Society approved a plan of action for 2005 and beyond at their regular meeting held at the Sacred Heart Center in Early on Oct. 16.

Acceptance of the plan included an in-depth process of self-evaluation by the commission. The women's commission was formed in 1988 by Bishop Lawrence D. Soens for the purpose of implementing the U.S. bishops pastoral letters on women in the church and for studying and recommending in other areas of women's roles in the diocesan church.

"I think they are important for two reasons. One because these are things the bishops ask us to look at, so we tried to take that with the top down approach. The other we tried to look at the needs of women in the church with more of the bottom up approach. We tried to come up with goals that would meet both of those expectations," said Judy Wittkop, a member of the Women's Commission.

The plan of action flowed from the self-evaluation of the commission and from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops document "From Words to Deeds," a reflection on the role of women in the church.

"The bishops in the United States talk about the goals that women's organizations or commissions should be taking a look at," said Wittkop.

The plan of action includes three working goals with specific action steps.

The first goal is increased appreciation for and incorporation of women's gifts in the life and government of the church.

Objective one for that goal is to respond to the unmet spiritual needs of women. The two strategies for that objective are to identify and publicize faith sharing opportunities for women in the diocese and to provide resources on women's roles in the church and society.

Objective two for goal one is to provide support/training for women who wish to take a more active role in the life of the church. The three strategies for this objective are to provide information about conferences and action groups, provide information about continuing education and training programs, such as Church Ministries courses and to seek scholarships and offer financial support for training and attending conferences.

The third objective for the first goal is to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions women have made to the church throughout the years. The strategies for this objective are to gather data about women's contributions in the diocese and identify other areas for women's participation and to identify the mission and the focus of Catholic women's groups in the diocese for purposes of collaborating. Also to publicize the work of the commission and women in general in the diocesan and secular media and to analyze and summarize the history of the Commission on Women.

The fourth objective to the first goal is to enhance awareness of the inherent dignity of women. The two strategies for this objective are to develop/emphasize awareness of the importance of inclusive language and to support advocacy opportunities for justice for women.

Objective five for goal one is to serve as a resource to the bishop and diocesan leadership on issues affecting women in the church and society. The strategy for this objective is to facilitate communication of women's needs to the diocesan leadership.

The second goal is increased numbers of women in positions of leadership. The first objective of this goal is to survey where women are currently serving in the diocese and where women are not. Objective two is to identify specific positions locally or at the diocesan level where women could serve. The third objective is to support programs and educational activities that prepare women and girls for ministry. Objective four is to encourage young women to take advantage of opportunities for women in the church.

"I believe that is the way that Jesus functioned on earth and in his resurrection," said Wittkop. "I think he included in the church and had an expectation of women's contributions. I think he confirmed that with the resurrection in sharing his resurrection first with a woman, Mary Magdelene. Clearly, from the beginning, I think, the message was that women will help spread the message of Christianity."

Goal three is greater collaboration between women and men in the church. The first objective of this goal is to revitalize the commission's dedication to its mission. The two strategies for this objective are to examine the organizational structure of the women's commission for effectiveness and to strive for diversity of membership on the commission. Objective two is to engage in activities designed to facilitate clergy support/understanding of the women's commission.

"I am very pleased," said Wittkop. "It was a very collaborative effort from all of the women on the women's commission. We did what in the business world you would refer to as a SWOT analysis where you look at your strengths and your weaknesses, your opportunities and threats. Out of that you try to come up with goals that enhance your strengths and opportunities and minimize your weaknesses."

Commission members include Renee Beacom, Sister Jean Beringer, OSF, Judy Brodersen, Mary Bruner, Rita Dirksen, Marjory Gronemeyer, Dee Haubrich, Carol Kelzer, Samantha Lennon, Helen Lewis, Ruth Lux, Margaret Roeder, Joyce Roling, Zelma Sholly, Dorothy Thomason, Wynn Touney, Maxine Von Tersch and Wittkop. Women in the diocese who are interested in membership on the Women's Commission can contact a commission member or Marilyn Murphy at Catholic Charities, 1601 Military Road, Sioux City, Iowa 51103 or (712) 252-4547 for more information.