VOLUME L SPECIAL NCCW CONVENTION EDITION Fall 2019

From the Desk of our President . . .

ACCW OFFICERS Greetings ACCW Friends, President Betty Berge Attending the National CCW Convention is one of the highlights of each year for me. I have been fortunate to Past President have been able to attend 10 out of the past 11 years. Debbie Keller Many women from our Minnesota Province must feel the same way as we had more than 65 people including 1st Vice President Judy Beaudry their Spiritual Advisors at the convention held in Atlanta this year. There were 16 people from the St Paul- 2nd Vice President Minneapolis Archdiocese plus our Kitui delegate Eliza- Cindy beth Muthusi. There were many repeat attendees, but also several first-time attendees. Recording Secretary Doreen Hogan The days are full, the speakers are great, and it's wonderful to share experiences Treasurer with woman from around the country. Being present at the liturgies with over 600 Karen Vanney women praying together, and watching the clergy of over 40-plus process down the aisle, gives you goose bumps, and makes you proud to be a woman. Parliamentarian Pat Reymann My very favorite part of this years convention was witnessing Mother , O.S.B. receive the first Honorary Lifetime Membership Award of the NCCW COMMISSION given to a distinguished American Catholic Woman. Her story that followed CHAIRS was abso-lutely astounding. I will not say more as one of our other board Leadership members will be reporting on her and I don't want to steal her thunder, but I Organization must tell you when I returned to my computer, I looked her up just to read more Florence Schmidt about her. Legislation Denise Haaland Next year’s convention celebrating the100th anniversary of NCCW will be in Spirituality the Washington DC area. This will be a wonderful one to consider attending if you Church can. Remember, the first president of NCCW in 1920 was Gertrude Hill Gavin, Jane Rosner original-ly of St. Paul, a daughter of James J. Hill. We will have the opportunity Family Concerns and joy of hosting the 101st NCCW convention in 2021 right here in the Twin Marcia Simon Cities, so many more of you should be able to attend. We hope you enjoy this SPECIAL edition of Service the Image reporting on the National Convention Community Concerns st th Kathy Halverson held August 21 through the 24 in Atlanta International Concerns Georgia. There is so much valuable infor- Mickey Nickelson mation learned that we wanted to share some of it with our readers. This year’s theme, Caring for IMAGE Editor God’s Creation, showcased NCCW’s con- Carol Shukle tinuing efforts to address important needs of our times through spirituality, leadership and service.

Betty Berge, ACCW President Nearly 700 Catholic women from around the nation gathered in Atlanta to celebrate 99 years of service to the Church — NCCW Washington, D.C. August 2019— Nearly 700 Catholic care for creation, and their new resources such as retreats women from around the nation gathered in Atlanta to cel- for those mourning the loss of a family member to ebrate 99 years of service to the Church. sui-cide. This year’s theme, Caring for God’s Creation, showcased 2019-2021 NCCW President Jean Kelly was installed NCCW’s continuing efforts to address important needs of at the Closing Mass, along with 2019-2021 President- our times through spirituality, leadership and service. elect Patricia Voorhes, Secretary Tracy Janis, and the Leader-ship, Spirituality and Service Commission Chairs. Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B., was awarded the first Hon- orary Lifetime Membership Award of the National Coun- The Most Reverend Joel Konzen, Auxilliary Bishop of cil of Catholic Women, given to a distinguished American the Archdiocese of Atlanta, presided at the Opening Catholic woman. As a young woman, she made her film Liturgy and The Most Reverend Jerome Listecki, debut with Elvis Presley in Paramount’s 1957 film Lov- of Milwaukee, presided over the Closing ing You. After starring in several Hollywood feature films Liturgy. Also pre-sent at the daily liturgies were the and Broadway productions, she stunned the world with Most Reverend William Wack, CSC, Bishop of her decision to enter cloistered religious life. Now prior- Pensacola-Tallahasee and the Most Reverend Peter ess of the of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Con- Rosazza, DD, Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of necticut Mother Dolores remains a voting member of the Hartford. Forty spiritual advisors were also present at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! the daily liturgies and attended the annual NCCW Spiritual Advisor luncheon. Keynote speaker, The Most Reverend Peter A. Rosazza D.D., Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Hart- The 100th anniversary of the NCCW will be celebrated at ford discussed women’s response to Francis’s plea the 2020 NCCW Convention to be held August 26-29 to save Mother Earth. Other speakers included Kim Mi- in the Washington, D.C. area. chael Polote, Matt Holzmann, and Dan Misleh, founding Founded at the direction of the US Catholic bishops Executive Director of Catholic Climate Covenant. in 1920, NCCW’s mission is to act through its members NCCW Commissions of Spirituality, Leadership and Ser- to support, empower and educate all Catholic women vice presented their efforts to combat human trafficking, in spirituality, leadership and service. NCCW programs their work on ways to respond to ’s call to re-spond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.

The ACCW of St. Paul and Minneapolis sent a delegation of 16 to the NCCW convention in Atlanta, Georgia. At front center are Betty Berge, ACCW president, and Irene Schmidt, outgoing province director. NCCW Convention Special Edition

NCCW KEYNOTE SPEAKER FATHER PETER ROSAZZA, D.D.

WOMEN RESPONDING TO POPE FRANCIS’ PLEA TO SAVE MOTHER EARTH

By Cindy Prior According to Bishop Rosazza, the major effects of global On August 22, 2019 I had the pleasure of listening to the warming are the water levels consistently rising, depletion keynote speaker , the Most Reverend Peter Rosazza,at the of fresh water and the deforestation of the rain forest in NCCW Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Brazil. The stories in the news recently of the forest fires in Brazil truly exemplify this fact. The alarming shifts in Father Rosazza was named Auxiliary Bishop to the Arch- weather which we see on the news daily also exemplify bishop of Hartford, CT by Pope Paul VI in 1978 and he this sad state of affairs of the climate. The climate change was ordained a Bishop on June 24, 1988. He currently effects mainly the poor, Pope Francis feels. Again, the resides on the grounds of the Hospital of St. Raphael. In poor people of the Bahamas recently also demonstrates 1997, Archbishop Cronin appointed him Episcopal Vicar this sad fact with the devastation caused by hurricane Do- for the Spanish speaking Catholics in the Archdiocese of rian in that country. Hartford. He is a member of the “1,000 Friends of Con- necticut”, an advocacy group that works with the Despite all this grim news of the climate change, Bishop Cen-ter Edge Project, who’s goal is to address the Rosazza states there’s always HOPE—God’s presence is problems of sprawl, it’s impact on the environment and everywhere! We’ve faced other problems successfully, so access to op-portunity for Connecticut’s poorest people. we should be able to solve the problems like global warming. The Holy Eucharist is the source of light and It was inspiring to listen to this 84-year-old Bishop with a will help us to solve these issues on climate change. wealth of knowledge and experience and who speaks flu- Bishop Rosazza’s talk was certainly a nice review of this ently in French, Spanish and Italian. He gave a nice histo- issue of climate change in our world today. It’s inspiring ry of Social Justice in our country. In 1920 with women to hear of the people of gaining the right to vote, collective bargaining and stress- the past and present who ing that social justice is not socialism. He spoke of the are working to bring this dignity of the human person—solidarity—we descend topic to the forefront and from the same parents—we are all SISTERS IN CHRIST! to educate others. I too He went on to say that on Dec. 10, 1948, Eleanor Roose- believe the power of the velt spoke of the “Declaration of Human Rights”— Holy Spirit and the Eu- dignity and the right to food, health care, etc. Pope John charist will give us the Paul II stressed these freedoms also of speech and reli- knowledge and the cour- gion. age to help us resolve these compelling issues. In 1990 Pope John Paul II also stressed the importance of looking at the “global warming” that is taking place in our world. Benedict and Francis have stressed that it is “Our duty to take care of our Earth—an essential part of our faith”. Bishop Rosazza said there is a lack of respect ACCW Executive Committee for LIFE in our country which is directly related to re- spect for creation and the environment. He spoke of Pope President: Betty Berge, 507-332-8796 Francis’ latest encyclical—“Praise to you Mother Earth, Immediate Past President: Debbie Keller Sister Water, Fire”. Pope Francis says we need to 1st VP: Judy Beaudry discover God in all aspects of nature. 2nd VP: Cindy Prior Secretary: Doreen Hogan Sometimes this is difficult for Americans to follow as Treasurer: Karen Vanney there is such a strong sense of individualism in our coun- Parliamentarian: Pat Reymann try. An example of this is people living farther away from All Commission Chairs their work, etc. 3 Leadership

New film “Pray” The resolutions that were adopted included the top- NCCW Business Meeting ics: • Suicide Awareness - publish the hot line number Pat Reymann 1- 800-273-TALK [8255]; learn more about risk factors, warning signs, and treatments; pray During the NCCW Convention we attendees were • Opioid Crisis - organize prayer services and privileged to preview the new Carmel Communica- Masses for healing; support agencies and organi- tions film PRAY. It is the story of Father Patrick zations who are engaged in the struggle Peyton, an Irish priest whose life’s mission was to • Reuse Products and Reduce Consumption -pray; inspire families to pray the Rosary. His motto: The become more informed; reuse items; take care of family that prays together stays together. With actu- God’s creation al footage of his life and times, this film is an excel- • A resolution against Bullying and Harassment lent piece to promote a Rosary Procession and/or be was referred back to committee for further study. the centerpiece of a CCW meeting. Be sure to watch for it when it comes out next year! A mesh bag to be used for grocery store produce was included in our convention bag - a good way to im- At the NCCW business meeting, members amended the bylaws by: plement the resolution to reuse products, rather than throw them away after one use. • Adding the NCCW Executive Director to the Ex- ecutive Committee and the Board of Directors as an ex officio member, without a vote. As you know, the resolutions help our CCWs to plan • Clarifying the requirement that a member of the programs and activities for the coming year, so be Nominating Committee take a break of at least sure to implement them in your parishes and deaner- one term before she serves again ies! • Clarifying the Nominating Committee procedure for notification of their report As always, it was a special blessing to attend our 99th convention! • Shortening from 60 to 45 days the notice to be given to the membership for proposed resolutions and bylaw amendments

A proposal to give membership rights to the Spiritual Advisors was referred back to the committee for fur- ther study, since there were so many ramifications to it. ACCW Leadership Organization Commission Chair: Florence Schmidt 651-484-8670 Membership: Deanery Presidents Mentoring: Lucy Johnson Communications: Open Historian: Judy Beaudry On the Road: On the Road Team Promotional Displays: Elaine Monitor Image Editor: Carol Shukle (Resource) It's updated regularly Legislation Commission Come visit us! Chair: Denise Haaland 507-334-2781 Religious Affairs: Colleen Hogan accwarchspm.org 4 Strengthening Our Councils with Seeds of Knowledge By Mary Jo Sherwood, ACCW Membership Chair

Given by the Chair of the NCCW Leadership Commis- sion, Linda Clark, this presentation recapped the work of the commission members, which will include our own Denise Haaland, this coming year. The Leadership Com- mission’s focus has been to develop a Council Enrich- ment Program which can be used both at the Archdioce- san and individual council levels.

Attendees at the NCCW Convention in Atlanta in August re- The LTD (Leadership Training Development) team trav- ceived bags looking forward to the 100th anniversary celebra- els around the country providing training to new and ex- tion coming up in 2020. Next year’s convention will take place isting CCWs around the country. Based on these ses- in the Washington, DC area. From left are Pat Reymann, sions, they found that there is a typical CCW life cycle ACCW and NCCW parliamentarian; Elizabeth Muthusi, vist- ing from our partner of Kitui Kenya; and Kathy Zweber with each stage having identifiable characteristics. Start- of the ACCW board. ing with Birth/Rebirth then moving to Formative, Prime, Maturity, Concerned, Entitled, Stalled, and ending with Death, an exercise was developed to help determine Bev McCarville’s Leadership where your existing CCW is at in its life cycle. Commission Workshop Linda talked about how preparing, planting and nurturing seeds of knowledge will yield a thriving harvest and invit- By Denise Haaland ed all CCW members to come and work in the garden. She also highlighted key characteristics that lead to strong NCCW’s Leadership Team did a great game show skit in CCWs. their workshop at the convention to give us pointers on leadership with ideas for keeping our earth in the way God -Develop and offer interesting programs and projects. intended. -Listen and be observant of your membership. -Adopt By-Laws and Standing Rules and follow them. There were two teams, the Appalachia Mountain Council -Have job descriptions that include what you want mem- and the Rocky Mountain Council. They handled questions bers to do, what they need to do it, and when it will be we see on television debates and points were given. The done. questions dealt with procedures for meetings and getting -Cultivate an image in the community that is positive and new members. Commercial breaks were done with pro- supportive. moting using reusable bags for groceries and vegetables -Officer succession is not a problem. (we each received one of these in our bag of goodies from -A joyful environment exists. the convention), an acorn to plant for the earth and replac- ing oxygen, telling how long items take to break down in Linda reminded us that leadership is not a position or a landfills, and to use the website to get information from title -- it is an action and an example. The world is NCCW to pass on to your memberships. changed by your example, not your opinion and in the midst of change we often discover wings we never knew If we get creative in our groups, how fun it is to bring we had. She offered a quote from Socrates. “The secret some members in and have a fun time doing it. This way of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the new members feel a greater urge to come to our meetings. old, but on building the new” and asked each of us to con- Yet information can be instilled by these ways too. Give it sider what we need to do to help our CCW stay alive and a try. active so we can continue to a be a Catholic voice over the next 100 years.

No matter where your CCW might be, the national LTD Team is available to assist locally in leadership develop- ment. They can be contacted at NCCWLTDcon- [email protected]. We are also blessed to have an Archdi- ocesan “On The Road” training team available for our 5 local CCWs. Mother Dolores Hart By Lucy Johnson

Mother Dolores Hart is the only who is an Oscar- voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. However, her reason for agreeing to a rare public appearance at the Welcome Luncheon wasn’t to tell her story but to thank the NCCW for its work for women and the , especially in the area of Human Trafficking.

It was exactly her humility that made me want to know more about her and her life. While others present, such as Denise Haaland, were familiar with Mother and remem- bered her movies, I was not.

Mother Hart was born Dolores Hicks and used Hart as her stage name. Her screen debut occurred in the 1957 mov- ie, “Loving You”, playing the girlfriend to Elvis Presley. Mother told the audience that at the time, she didn’t know who Elvis was, just that she was going to be in a movie. She quickly found out as she would encounter mobs of young girls whenever he was around. She eventually made ten movies in five years and starred with many leading actors of the day. Mother concluded with the promise that she and her sis-ters pray for the members of the NCCW. She asked Mother shared bits and pieces of her story and compared us to send them our needs, hurts and concerns. She her early life with life today. As her prominence in Hol- encouraged us to continue to believe in the power of our lywood grew, she realized that she needed “a break or God. some time off”. It was recommended that she visit the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Con- The NCCW Welcome Luncheon used to be known as the necticut for a respite. She said “she didn’t want anything Leadership Luncheon and was by invitation only. A few to do with , but was told that she would like these years ago, the change was made to open the luncheon nuns because they don’t talk.” to anyone who would like to attend because of the desire for more people to hear the inspiring speakers. This In 1963 at the age of 25 and having recently signed a mul- year continues the amazing trend. ti-year film contract, Dolores Hart shocked Hollywood and her fiancé by renouncing it all and joining the Regina Mother Dolores Hart is pictured below as a young Laudis Monastery. Her fiancé, who never married, contin- wood ued to visit her at the Abbey twice a year until his death in Holly 2011. actress and in later life as a Benedictine nun. Above, she receives her Honorary Life- time Membership Award from NCCW and addresses the group to thank NCCW for its work in the area of human traf- 6 ficking. First Timers Orientation Kowalska's life and the visions she Karen Vanney had about Christ As a first time attendee at the 2019 NCCW Convention, I and the Divine attended a session designed just for the first timers. Cathy Mercy. “Love and Bonner was the presenter for this session and provided us Mercy” was made all with information to help us navigate the convention. by a creative team and a carefully- Practical guidance was given such as badges are neces- selected cast. It is sary to gain admittance to all events, sweaters or wraps are essential as the main meeting rooms in hotels always not so much about seem to be freezing, have patience, take notes, meet lots who the actors are of people and be on time. but more to help us feel how she We discovered that at this convention we would be edu- felt God’s pres- cated, be spiritually uplifted, have fun, meet new people ence, love and and be inspired. trust. The film addresses this miracle from the scientific The main activities of the convention were presented in a point of view, with testimonies from experts, and the rec- checklist that we could refer to so we did not miss any- reation of the life of the . thing. It includes unknown facts and recently discovered secrets We were all given two puzzle pieces. These pieces were to remind us that we all are connected with the larger pic- about her visions. For example, it reveals unknown letters ture of our faith. We were charged to keep one and give from her confessor, Fr. Michał Sopoćko, who asked St. the other to someone new we met at the convention re- Faustina to write her visions in a diary. From these vi- minding them that we are all an important piece of coun- sions, the devotion for Divine Mercy began cil. We were to be the piece that connects to another. As many of you know, the Divine Mercy is a devotion to We were reminded to fill out our evaluations at the end of the convention. Jesus Christ associated with the apparitions of Jesus to Sr. Faustina in Poland in the 1930s. Jesus urged Sr. We ended with a cheer. Paraphrased - We are Catholic Faustina to paint an image according to the pattern that women, we don’t stand around, We react and get it done! she had seen, and requested to have the image venerated, first in the sisters' chapel, and then throughout the world. Film Review “Love and Mercy” The venerated image under this Christological title refers Kathy Zweber to what Sr. Faustina’s diary describes as “God’s loving mercy” towards all people, especially for sinners. This year’s NCCW movie screening for Convention at- tendees was entitled In “Love and Mercy — Faustina” shows how the Divine “Love and Mercy” shown on Wednesday Aug. 20. Mercy movement was born and how it spread. The film reveals the details of the process of painting the famous The movie is directed by Michal Kondrat, and will be Divine Mercy image that was made at Jesus’ request. Sci- released in theaters all over the world the week of the entific research shows identical facial features of Christ in Feast of Divine Mercy, Oct. 28, and may be only in Thea- the Divine Mercy image and Shroud of Turin. One of the ters one day. directors goals was: "I hope that this film will help each of us to come to know the true image of God." Mark your calendar for Oct. 28, find out what theater it will be playing at close to you. Invite your friends and How exciting it was to watch a movie with 500+ women family to join you in watching this “docudrama”. from around the country, that was educational, inspiring and to feels God’s presence in the room the first evening of the convention. That continued thru out the 2019 Con- “Love & Mercy”, a docudrama, (a movie that is part doc- vention. umentary and part acting) tells the story of St. Faustina 7 Spiritual Advisor’s Corner

NCCW Convention Report Fr. David Kohner ACCW Spiritual Advisor Perhaps I should feel just a bit like a Secret Agent since I Report on Spiritual Advisor’s Luncheon am reporting on an aspect of the NCCW Convention that I’ve never reported on before. And yet, let me assure you Duluth, MN Austin, TX that there is nothing at all clandestine about the activities Savanaugh, GA Salt Lake, UT or the meeting of the NCCW Spiritual Advisors. Laredo, TX San Francisco, CA St. Petersburg, FL Venice, FL It is the custom that at some point during the 3-4 day con- Orlando, FL Chicago, IL vention the priests and other Spiritual Advisors (they may Omaha, NE Atlanta, GA be or women religious) gather for a bit of social Corpus Christi, TX Palm Beach, FL time, a nice luncheon and a short business meeting to Milwaukee, WI Youngstown, OH compare notes, be inspired, and at times to elect one of Dallas, TX Austin, TX the two ex-officio members of the NCCW Board of Di- Galveston, TX St. Cloud, MN rectors. Joliet, IL Rockford, IL Oklahoma City, OK Lacrosse, WI As the luncheon concluded, the Chair of the Spiritual Di- St. Augustine, FL New Ulm, MN rectors, Fr. Richard Dawson from the Diocese Pensacola- Nashville, TN St. Paul/Mpls., MN Tallahassee, FL called the meeting to order and began by asking all of the attendees, table by table to introduce Dawson also put out a special plea for each of us to invite themselves and to identify where they were from. We our or Archbishop to attend what will were honored to have Bishop William Wack of Pensacola certainly be a gala event. -Tallahassee, FL present, as well as Maribeth Stewart Blogoslawski the current/outgoing President of the Third on the agenda was a short talk by the outgoing Pres- NCCW. By chance they both happened to end up sitting ident Maribeth thanking our g roup of Spiritual Advisors at my table and were extremely friendly and outgoing in for the time and work in service to the various levels of the meal conversation. Bishop Wack (pronounced Wok) Councils beginning with the and deanery level on is very young-looking despite his gray hair, and has a fun up to the diocesan levels. She was very grateful for our loving spirit that reminds me of a college student as he support spiritually and in many other ways. told about his shock and disbelief at being named a Bish- op. In addition, all of the listed were represent- Moving to the last official item of business was Fr. Daw- ed. It was a diverse group. son alerting the group that he is currently in the 4th year of a 5-year term as Chair of the group. Therefore, next year will require the election of a new SA Chair. He also spoke of an effort that he is considering to create a new web- site exclusively for the SAs that would be more user-friendly, easily updated, and focused on resources helpful to the SAs.

He also spoke of a proposed change to the NCCW Bylaws that would be coming before the convention the next day to enable the Spiritual Advisors to become individual members of NCCW in order to allow unlimited access to the current resources of the NCCW website which requires a member password. (After some spirit- ed discussion on the convention floor, the proposed change to the Bylaws was tabled for further study). The meeting was adjourned. Spirituality

By Jane Rosner Divine Shopping Spree During the NCCW Convention in Atlanta, I attended the Being A Kept Woman In His Word! Spirituality Commission Session given by Mary Rowley, By Debbie Keller NCCW Spirituality Commission Chair. Her presentation was on bullying and suicide which is very present in to- Our Friday breakfast keynote was internationally re- day’s society. nowned Kim Michael Polote, a singer who ministers through the gift of music, inspirational speaking and his- Sadly, bullying is a learned behavior, according to Row- toric portrayal. In 2018, she received the Martin Luther ley. It involves taking strength or power over someone King, Jr. Dream Keeper award. Currently she is working by shaming them. Examples of shaming topics could be on a musical project entitled “CHANGE” that delivers a jobs at fast food restaurants or body shaming -- being profound gospel message and call to action, to be the obese, scars or speech impediments. We need to talk change we wish to see in the world. more about this shaming and listen. We need to be positive and turn fear into friendship and Kim opened singing the gospel hymn, “How Great Thou kindness. Art” and her vibrato reverberated throughout the conven- tion hall. Once finished, she asked how many of us liked There are many causes of suicide but those affecting par- shopping. Many hands went up (of course). We knew we ents include the loss of a child through sickness, acci- were in for a treat when she began describing her wed- dental or crime. We still need to talk and listen. Our ding dress shopping experience … minds want an answer to why and the heart asks for some way of openness and healing. We should strive to On that day when she spotted her dream gown, she in- turn the loss into love. Be attentive to signs, such as stantly knew it was it. Even though only available two harming themselves, social postings, and untreated de- sizes too small, the clerks worked diligently to get her pression. into it, to no avail. She claimed, “If it takes two people to help you get into an outfit, you might want to reconsider!” Let us pray for those afflicted by bullying or those with Then they tried something she’d never heard of – spanx, suicidal thoughts, that they may know our love and com- which worked! Once squeezed into the dress, she said passion and turn their suffering and pain into love. things began to relocate and her internal organs were trau- matized! But she was determined. And you guessed it; it was the dress she wore for her wedding day. Continued next page ACCW president Betty Berge, left, and out- going Province Direc- tor Irene Schmidt, posed at the NCCW convention with Eliza- beth Muthusi. Eliza- beth was visiting the Archdiocese from our partner diocese in Kitui Kenya and attended the NCCW convention with the Twin Cities delegation. (continued from previous page) From that shopping experience, she learned how her life and specifically her marriage, were like that. In spite of try- ing to fit things in where they didn’t belong, she persevered until they did. Eventually she ended up with a divorce and in spite of that, she still loves him for the lessons he taught her, especially the discovery that she didn’t need to go shopping to be happy.

It’s been her deeply-rooted Catholic faith that has given her insights into living a beautiful and blessed life. She clothes herself each day with a “divine wardrobe”, imbedded in Ephesians 6:10 -18. In the morning she puts on TRUTH, reading Scripture to cloak her heart. Strength comes from the breast- plate of RIGHTEOUSNESS and slip- ping into the FEET OF PEACE, enable her to walk with security. Her SHIELD OF FAITH de- ACCW Past President Debbie Keller with speaker Kim Mi- flects the enemy’s attacks and the HELMET OF SAL- chael Polote, center, and Winona-Rochester DCCW Presi- VATION and SWORD OF SPIRIT ready her for the bat- dent, Jeanette Fortier tles ahead. Dressed for the day, her identity is protected and she can go forth with courage and a mindset of con- fidence. above all, to be merciful and forgiving. We may not realize how our compassionate listening and kind un- She instructed us to wear our Christianity well, to em- derstanding might just be the gift of grace someone brace our rhythm, be a kept woman in the word and needs. As it was for her that day in the wedding shop.

Kim concluded by reading the following poem, Heaven’s Surprise … Heaven’s Surprise

I was shocked, confused, and bewildered as I entered Heaven's door, Not by its peace, the beauty, the lights or seeing its decor. But it was the people up in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp— The thieves, the liars, the sinners, the cheaters and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade who stole my lunch money, twice. And, next to him was my old neighbor, who never said anything nice. Herb, who I always thought was rotting away in hell, Was sitting up there all pretty, and looking incredibly well. I gave a nudge to Jesus, ‘I’d love to hear your take. How'd all these sinners get up here? God must have made a mistake. 'And why is everyone so quiet, so somber - give me a clue.' And, Jesus said, 'Hush, my child. Take a deep breath. No one thought they’d be seeing you.”

10 By Marcia Simon you can take action. The EPA has a free carbon footprint calculator you can use. The Saturday morning speaker at the NCCW Convention, Dan Misleh, spoke on Practical Approaches to Sharing Adjust the thermostat. Turning down your air condition- Laudato Si’ in Your Community. ing or heating when you leave the house will further shrink your carbon footprint. A change of just 5 degrees is Dan Mishleh is the founding executive director of Catho- a good start. lic Climate Covenant. He feels it is a privilege to work every day with partners and supporters to share the good Adjust your driving routine. By combining multiple news of Catholic teaching on Care for Creation. errands into one trip, you reduce the amount of fossil fuel The Catholic Climate Covenant was started in 2006 with you use. the USCCB. 800 Catholic Institutions signed to be in- volved in Catholic climate Covenant. Go meatless on Fridays. Livestock production accounts for four percent of American’s greenhouse gas, according According to Mishleh, some of the biggest sources of to the EPA. By going meatless one day per week, you’ll greenhouse gas are Industrial agriculture, industrial pro- both honor Catholic teaching and better care for Creation. cesses, coal plants and air. Recycle More. Recycling reduces your carbon footprint Some interesting facts: both because landfills emit greenhouse gases through de- composition, and because manufacturing from scratch is Warmer air holds more vapor. Hotter years cause more carbon-intensive. Find where and how to recycle almost fires and more death because of the heat. anything in your area at search.earth911.com.

The most important thing Dan told us was “Take care of Use less water. Water processing accounts for approxi- our world God gave us” mately three percent of energy use in the , according to the EPA. Saving water means saving ener- Here is ten ways you can make a difference in our world gy. Post a “please conserve water” sign at sinks and as Catholic Climate Covenant listed below. showers, install low-flow spigots, or select the “eco” set- ting on laundry machines and dishwashers. Be energy efficient. During the summer months, close your curtains to block heat from the sun. During the win- Petition policy makers. Your elected officials have the ter, open your curtains during the day to allow the sun to power to take action on climate change. Write policy warm your home. These simple steps can significantly makers to tell them that you stand for the stewardship of reduce the need for air conditioning and heating, which creation. are likely the most energy-intensive aspects of your home. Write to your local newspaper. Writing a letter to the Calculate your carbon footprint. Understanding which editor has efforts beyond your local community. Legisla- activities are carbon-intensive allows you to know where tors assign their staffs to read letters to the editor as an important barometer of constituents’ interests. For tip sheets and templates, write to pro- ACCW Spirituality [email protected] Church Commission Form a study or action group at church. We are all Chair: Jane Rosner 651-261-2534 strengthened when we act together as a community. Con- Liturgy/Scripture/ Retreats: Tracy Velishek sider forming a Creation Care Team, and visit Catholic- Vocations: Kathy Zweber ClimateCovenant.org for more information. Eastern Rite Catholics: Susan Nasseff Naomi-Ruth Prayer Partners: Cathy Evans Ecumenism/Evangelization/Adoration: Open

Family Commission Chair: Marcia Simon 952-652-2998 Media Resources: Open Respect Life: Jean Buchmann Marriage and Family Life: Cathy Carson Religious Recognitions: Theresa Cermak

11 Service

By Mickey Nickelson Care of Creation Prayer

The theme of the convention – Caring for God’s Crea- Heavenly Father, tion – was very much the center of the presentation by Diane Tugander, NCCW Service Commission Chair In the beginning, You created the heavens and the and in one of the proposed resolutions. While the report earth, light and dark, sky and waters, plants, birds clearly indicated our past and in many cases our current and creatures of the sea, living animals of all types non-caring actions in regard to our planer, Earth, she and then male and female in the image of You. With gave us ten simple ways to help protect the Earth. You all that was created you were pleased and saw that it have heard of most of them I am sure from the three Rs was all very good. Millions of years have passed – reduce, reuse, and recycle to planting a tree. We all since and mankind has not treated Your creation have heard how plastic bags have taken over our land- well. fills and oceans. New to me was the impact of fishing lines. Did you know it would take 600 years before they Help us to be more aware of our use of resources would break down? I like catching and eating fish – and the products we choose so that we do not harm now I need someone to invent a new type of line. Mother Earth any further and so that we are for Your Diane’s presentation could be viewed as “I know all creation as You desire. Primarily, help us to love that.” What we really should be saying is “What can I each other so that we respect one another in all ac- do and who should I “educate?” tions and value all human life from conception to natural death. The following was written by Mary Rowley, Spirituality Amen Commission Chair and included in the convention booklet.

ACCW Service Community Concerns Commission Chair: Kathy Halverson 651-489-4801 Our Lady of Peace Home: Georgine Gansen Environmental Concerns: Open Domestic Violence: Open Physical and Mental Health: Rose Anne Hallgren (Resource)

International Concerns Commission Chair: Mickey Nickelson 651-698-3708 Works of Peace/World Peace: Madonna Russo Foreign Missions: Mary Androli Ethnic Understanding: Marilyn Neuville Appalachia: Olive Hupf (Resource)

12 A DVENTMORNINGOFREFLECTION Be ready, have faith!

Saturday, December 7, 2019 8:30 - Closing Mass at noon St. Patrick Church 6820 St. Patricks Lane Edina

Father James McConville Christmas Shopping available! Distinguished teacher, pastor and notable musician Online Registration www.archspm.org/accw2019advent For More information 651.291.4545

Cost for the day is $20 before November 26 and $25 thereafter Please detach and return with your payment Name______

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ACCW 777 Forest St. St. Paul, MN 55106 No refunds