Commission on Women seeks new applicants

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Feb.1, 2007

The Diocesan Commission on Women in Church and Society is seeking both women and men for vacancies on the commission at this time.

"The main function of the commission is to look at the issues for women throughout the diocese in reference to church and society," said Wynn Touney, chair of the commission. "We are concerned about the issues relating to the well being of women, growth for women and their positions in serving within the church."

One of the commission's latest projects consisted of updating its statutes and constitution.

Commission projects remain ongoing based on Catholic Social Teaching. Some of the projects that the group has worked on include women's history, elder ministry, promotion of inclusive language, prison ministry, preservation of rural heritage and raising awareness about opposition to domestic violence.

The Diocesan Commission on Women in Church and Society produced several videos here in the diocese, many of which were distributed to dioceses across the country. Some of the videos were "Love Shouldn't Hurt: A Call for Action Against Domestic Violence," "Trust Shouldn't Betray: A Call for Action Against Child Sexual Abuse," "Reclaiming Our Rural Heritage: A Time to Act," "Elder Ministry: In Their Own Voices - Ministry to the Aging in the 21st Century" and "Pope John Paul II: We are Guided by You." These and other videos are available from the Women's Commission at 1601 Military Rd., Sioux City, IA 51103.

"We seek to broaden the membership to include all the areas within the diocese," said Touney. "We want to increase that opportunity for a voice from all parts of the diocese."

The commission was established on July 22, 1988. The mission of the commission is to follow Christ Jesus by defining issues affecting women, conducting research on these issues and serving as an advocate for women. Through this mission, the gifts of women and men will be fully recognized and used in the service and praise of God in the Diocese of Sioux City.

"Looking back as the history when the commission was established in 1988, there were a whole range of documents from the bishops and they were asking for that focus," she said.

Touney mentioned that the commission attempts to respond to any unmet spiritual needs of women, ensure they have an active voice in the church and recognized contributions of women.

The goals of the diocesan commission are in line with that of the goals of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as the bishops have sought to increase appreciation for and incorporation of women's gifts in the life and government of the church. They also seek to increase the numbers of women in leadership positions along with increasing collaboration between women and men in the church.

The commission generally meets four times a year in the parish hall at Sacred Heart Church in Early. Subcommittees may meet more times during the year as they work on projects.

In addition to having the various geographical parts of the diocese represented on the commission, they would like to see women and men of various ages apply to be on the commission.

For an application form and/or more information contact any commission member or Marilyn Murphy, Catholic Charities, 1601 Military Road, Sioux City, IA 51103.

Current members are Wynn Touney, Fort Dodge; Dorothy Thomason, Lawton; Zelma Sholly, Spencer; Ruth Lux, Lidderdale; Helen Lewis, Sioux City; Carol Kelzer, Sioux City; Dee Haubrich and Mary Mohr, Fonda.