DCCW partners with Handmaids to offer a day of reflection, prayer, talks, and fellowship

by Jackie Finstad NUDCCW president

The Council of Catholic Women is organized in such a way that it reflects, to a large degree, the hierarchy of the universal Church. Starting at the grassroots level and working up, the chain goes up in geographical increments as follows: the parish is part of the deanery, the deaneries make up the diocese, the diocese becomes a unit of the province, and the province becomes a segment of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) which is an affiliate of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organization (WUCWO).

Our parish CCWs are essential components in this worldwide organization of women’s groups, bringing women together in a common mission – informing and educating through meetings, gatherings, and conventions to prepare members to serve the Church spiritually and physically. Working up and down the various organizational levels provides women the ability to engage similarly, yet differentiate based on cultural norms, while sharing in the needs of the Church and society.

The New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women recently partnered with the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus, a New Ulm- based community of women religious, to offer a Women’s Day of Reflection.

In February, 32 women from around the diocese gathered in New Ulm for a day of talks, prayer, Mass, and fellowship. The enthusiastic, positive response to this event was immensely encouraging, and the New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women look to continue to offer opportunities for women to grow in their relationship with the Lord and are actively looking at future dates for additional retreat weekends and days of reflection.

Outstanding leadership!

For some leaders in the Council, their service time has come to an end. A sincere, heartfelt thank you