DCCW convention brings women of faith together

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
April 24, 2008

WEST BEND - For more than 50 years in the Diocese of Sioux City, the Council of Catholic Women has supported, empowered and educated Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

Donna Sanders, NCCW vice president for Region I, a special guest at the recent DCCW convention, addressed the women of the diocese.

"You are the members carrying out the work of the NCCW," she said. "I encourage you to pray for the future of the NCCW. Prayer is powerful."

Sanders acknowledged the decline in membership due to the aging population of members, parishes closing and financial difficulties. In some cases, the women of the next generation are not stepping up to fill the roles when the women vacate.

She challenged the attendees to go back to their parishes with "renewed interest and energy."

"We need to be visible in our parishes and our diocese," she said. "Our enthusiasm and excitement need to radiate outward and be inviting to the Catholic women around us. Hopefully they will see the advantages of belonging and being part of a Catholic women's organization, which unites us around the world. Then we will see our membership again increase in numbers."

The 38th Biennial Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) Convention took place April 18 and 19 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in West Bend. The theme of the convention was "Hearts Entwined with God, Receive the Lord in Your Heart Today."

Mass with bishop

Bishop R. Walker Nickless celebrated Mass at 11 a.m. with Fathers James Tigges, Ed Tiedeman, Verne Stapenhorst, John Cain and Victor Ramaeker concelebrating.

During his homily, the bishop mentioned that with starting his third year as shepherd of the diocese, he is still learning many things. A few months ago he met with a few of the leaders of DCCW to find out more about the organization.

"Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for your commitment and your dedication - first to your faith in Jesus Christ and second for your love of our holy Catholic Church," said Bishop Nickless. "You do make a difference in the lives of many people. I pray that God may continue to bless your work and may it be fruitful for many, many others."

He also talked about Pope Benedict XVI's message of hope, the readings and his vision for future of the diocese.

"My vision is soon to be printed in a pastoral letter. It has five points," said Bishop Nickless. "The first is a greater love and devotion for the Eucharist, both inside and outside the Mass. A second priority would be adult catechesis and education. We have not learned everything we need to know. The third element is fostering family life. Holy families need a holy church."

The fourth point he spoke of was vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. The fifth is that everyone is called to be missionaries, spread the truth of the Gospels and the good news.

Speaker on vocations

Father Brad Pelzel, diocesan director of vocations, was the afternoon speaker. He discussed what the women can do to help promote vocations across the diocese.

"Priests don't fall from heaven, land at the altar and start serving," he said. "They get out of the pews next to you. They are your sons. The people that serve in the church come out of our community."

He asked the women if any of them have ever talked to their children about whether they have considered a religious vocation. He told them the seeds need to be planted and nurtured to produce vocations.

"Have you ever told any of your kids that you would be thrilled if they considered it?" said Father Pelzel. "We have to create an atmosphere that promotes vocations in our families, in our homes, in our schools and in our parishes. This requires everyone."

The vocations director gave the women suggestions including weekly Mass for vocations, missions about vocations, perpetual adoration with vocations intention, programs or classes in religious education, schools and at Camp CAYOCA, join the Serra Club, etc. Above everything, he said, most important was to pray for vocations.

At the diocesan Web site, www. scdiocese.org, there is information regarding vocations for men and women along with information about promoting vocations.

The adopt-a-priest program through the DCCW was reestablished during the convention. Each member took the name of one or more priests to pray for and send cards to.

Other happenings

A retreat was held April 18 with presentations by Sheilah Pound, DCCW church commissioner; Father Tigges, the DCCW moderator; and a witness talk by Nielsen of Varina. Michele Leiting, DCCW president, mentioned there were more than 45 people at the retreat.

On the morning of April 19, a business meeting was held with the main goal of electing new officers. Other items on the agenda included convention rules, report of the credentials committee, minutes of 2006 convention, treasurers' report, by-laws and resolutions.

Following the business meeting, Rhonda Miller, director of the Grotto of the Redemption, presented information about the business of the Grotto, maintaining the Grotto and the vision of Father Paul Dobberstein.

Lunch was held in the church basement after the 11 a.m. Mass. During the afternoon, Father Pelzel spoke about vocations, Wynn Touney about her role as province director and Betty Nielsen about her faith journey through Freedom Quilts.

The Our Lady of Good Counsel Award was presented to Rita Dirksen and Monica McGregor.

The final business of the convention was installation of the new officers by Father Tigges, DCCW moderator. The officers for the next two years include Michele Leiting, president; Zelma Sholly, vice president; Julie Storr, secretary; and Robin Corzilius, treasurer. Each officer was given a saint to ...

The diocesan council began in September of 1956 and celebrated 50 years in 2006. During the convention, items from the last 50 years were retired and will be put into the archives. Each member of the council who has been a member for 50 years was recognized with a certificate.

Displays highlighting The Grotto of the Redemption, Trinity Heights, Carmelite Monastery, Work of Human Hands (Fair Trade coffee), Beads for Life, etc., were set up around the perimeter of the room. Information boards explaining what each commission does were displayed in the basement as well.