MDCCW Newsletter Fall/Winter 2019, Issue 2

From Our President “He is the vine; we are the branches.” Bernadette Schaefer MDCCW President John 15:4-5: “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just Upon arriving at our national convention in Atlanta last August, I had a strong sense that as the branch cannot bear fruit by this would be an exciting, interesting, and itself unless it abides in the vine, informative gathering. That was followed neither can you unless you abide in immediately by a wish that I had brought a me. I am the vine, you are the busload of MDCCW members with me. branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, As I walked into the atrium of the hotel, I saw the convention emblem with the words because apart from me you can do “NCCW Caring for God’s Creation” on the nothing.” outside of the elevator and on the floor leading to the meeting rooms. Amazing! We were gathered in a large public building in the city of Atlanta, and our emblem was visible to Banner Available everyone present! I felt a surge of pride in Our 100-year birthday banner with the being a member of MDCCW and NCCW! beautiful image of Our Lady of Good Counsel Mary, Model and Protector and the names of our three commissions can be purchased for $150. That price includes During his homily at the convention, Bishop two dowels, a cord, and shipping. If you Joel M. Konzen, S.M., Auxiliary Bishop of prefer, the name of your parish or vicariate Atlanta, remarked that for 99 years the NCCW CCW can be printed at the bottom instead of has brought abundant joy to many people. He Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic told us that we are entitled to rejoice in the joy Women. An order form is available on the of our harvest. On the feast of the Queenship MDCCW website, or you may contact me at of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he reminded us mailto:[email protected]. that she is the perfect model and protector. Her influence is over the heart; her power is to As I write this, I am in the midst of attending turn our hearts to the merciful heart of Jesus. fall vicariate meetings. I feel blessed to meet Her statement of trust, “Do whatever he tells you and hear about the joyful service you are you,” should guide our decisions and actions. doing in your parishes. I think of you as dear We can pray with confidence to Mary because friends and remember you in my prayers. Jesus listens to his mother. We pray that her May God’s peace and joy be in your hearts qualities will increase in us and that she will and homes during the holy seasons of assist us in our ministry of joyful service. Thanksgiving and Christmas. May the Holy Let’s also ask Mary to help and guide us as Family bless you and your family. we prepare to celebrate 100 years at our MDCCW convention next June. Bishop Hying has agreed to be our keynote speaker and principal celebrant at the Mass. Several meetings of the planning committee from the West Dane Vicariate have taken place. They are looking into many suggestions to make the day interesting, uplifting, fun, and memorable. Plan to bring friends with you to this historic celebration of 100 years of joyful service.

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Committee on the Protection of Children and Welcome to Young People and the Committee on Catholic Our New Bishop! Education. His ease with people and love of teaching are evident in his daily video messages, “A Thanks to the accessibility of Bishop Donald Moment with the Bishop,” on topics ranging Hying, many of you have had a chance to from the Catechism to the lives of saints. meet him in your home parishes. As noted in Posted on the madisondiocese.org website the President’s message, he has agreed to and available on the diocesan Facebook speak at our 2020 annual gathering. page, you can also subscribe to it through the The youngest of six sons, Bishop Donald website. The Bishop also writes a weekly Joseph Hying was born in West Allis to Albert column for the Catholic Herald. and Catherine Hying August 18, 1963. He attended St. Aloysius and Immaculate Heart of Mary grade schools, and Brookfield Central From Our High School. Bishop Hying received his bachelor's degree from Marquette University Spiritual Advisor and his master's degree from St. Francis Seminary. Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt Bishop Hying was ordained a priest for the Spiritual Advisor Archdiocese of Milwaukee on May 20, 1989 and was assigned to be parochial vicar for Dear Members of the Madison Diocesan St. Anthony Parish, Menomonee Falls. In Council of Catholic Women, 1994, he went to the Dominican Republic as a team member for La Sagrada Familia We are just completing the fall vicariate Parroquia. Upon his return to the United gatherings around the diocese. That is always States in 1997, he served in parishes in a most enjoyable time for me to travel to the Milwaukee and Brown Deer, following which various vicariates for the Mass, meetings, and he was appointed the rector of St. Francis de meal. Though I must say this year the travel Sales Seminary and served in that capacity for several of the vicariates included lots of from 2007 until 2011, when Pope Benedict rain on my journey. XVI appointed Fr. Donald Hying the Titular Despite the rain, when I arrived at each Bishop of Regiae and Auxiliary Bishop of the meeting, there were always smiling faces and Archdiocese of Milwaukee. He was a warm welcome. For that, I am most grateful. consecrated a bishop on July 20, 2011, by Most Reverend Jerome Edward Listecki, Every gathering is a little different in how the Archbishop of Milwaukee. time together is organized and what is included in the event. However, there has On November 24, 2014, Pope Francis been a lot of planning done to be sure the appointed Bishop Hying the 4th bishop of time is meaningful for all who attend. The Gary, Indiana. Less than five years later, on Mass is always the most important part of the th April 25, Pope Francis appointed him the 5 day or evening as it should be. bishop of the Madison Diocese; his installation took place June 25, at St. Maria Goretti. I am always impressed with the faith, dedication, and commitment of the members Bishop Hying serves as the Episcopal Liaison in each vicariate. It is obvious to me that the for the National Association of Catholic MDCCW is an organization of women deeply Chaplains and as Episcopal Advisor to the connected to the Catholic faith. You are a gift U.S. Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He is also to the Church for your witness in following the a member of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Gospel message of Jesus in your daily lives. Bishops’ Subcommittee to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe and the God bless you for all you do for our Church in these difficult times.

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three wonderful men, and “Grandma Treats” From Our to two grandchildren. Province Director Throughout my faith life, I have worn many hats as most Catholic women do. I have had the opportunities to wear the hats of treasurer Bernadette Schaefer and president-elect, and soon, president of MDCCW President Holy Family Christian Mothers and Ladies Sodality. I have been a commissioner, My dear Sisters in Christ, treasurer, Marian Day chairperson, and In this season of autumn, there often comes a president of our Green Bay Diocesan CCW. perfect day with clear, blue skies. The sun is And, now I have been bestowed the hat of bright; there is a crisp breeze, and the trees province director. I am truly humbled and are colorful. It can be a day that brightens honored to have this title. one’s mood. We are reminded of God’s hope Our past province directors exhibited on a brilliant autumn day. leadership qualities which need to be But, as the leaves continue to fall from the commended. They were women who trees and the foliage turns color, the harvest motivated, inspired, and guided us. I have season comes to its conclusion and our some big shoes to fill, but they’re pointed in thoughts turn to deep inner yearnings as the the right direction. I will continue striving to season turns from fall into winter. make our organization a household name. How can we get in touch with the spiritual side We should be thankful as we have been of autumn in our contemporary age? By being blessed to have leadership at this level and mindful and being present. Turn off your now fortunate to have our very own Jean Kelly devices and simply take a walk. Make your as national president. As women at all levels pilgrimage of leaves, being mindful of the of our women’s organizations (local, diocesan, color of sky and grass and leaves and stones, province and national), Jean Kelly writes, “We of the feel of the air, of the scents and textures need to unite in our efforts, voice and and sights all around you. As you do so, ask presence.” Together, we can! yourself, "What do I need to release? What Paula Freimuth are my burdens?" Pay attention to what Milwaukee Province Director nature is doing around you—after all, everything has a purpose, including the changing of the seasons. They remind us to keep changing, to not allow ourselves to From Our Outgoing become stagnant. Province Director This past year, NCCW celebrated the theme, “Caring for God’s Creation.” The season of Carol Brennan autumn, with all of its beauty, is a reminder of Immediate Past Province Director God’s love for His world. The themed year concluded with the 99th annual convention at My two-year role as province director came to which I was installed as your new province a close at the national convention when Paula director succeeding Carol Brennan from your Freimuth of the Green Bay Diocese was diocese. installed as our new director. Paula, thank you for saying “yes.” I am sure everyone in our I am from the Green Bay Diocese and live in province will pray, support, and help you Brillion where I work as manager of a school anyway we can. bus company. I proudly wear the honor badges of mother to two earthly daughters Once again, the NCCW convention was a and one heavenly daughter, mother-in-law to time of wonderful Masses, speakers, and workshops that kindled the flame of our faith,

MADISON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWSLETTER Page 3 MDCCW Newsletter Fall/Winter 2019, Issue 2 sparked ideas for our councils, and reignited having a good relationship with all our enthusiasm for CCW. passengers. We must give the best of ourselves. The highlight for many of us was the installation of Jean Kelly from the Archdiocese The mystery to everyone is, we do not of Milwaukee as our NCCW president. It’s one know at which station we ourselves will thing to hear God calling you to something, step down. So, we must live in the best but the challenge lies in actually doing what way, love, forgive, and offer the best of He wants. It is a big commitment of time, who we are. It is important to do this energy, and resources. Jean, thank you for because when the time comes for us to answering God’s call to be involved in CCW at step down and leave our seat empty, we the local, diocesan, province, and national should leave behind beautiful memories levels and, especially to lead NCCW these for those who will continue to travel on the next years. You are great, our prayers go with train of life. you, and we love you! I wish you a joyful journey on the train of This coming year, try and use some of the life. Reap success and give lots of love. ideas and suggestions in your councils from More importantly, thank God for the the new NCCW resource “Calling All journey. Catholics” to pass on our faith. Also, emphasize reduce, reuse, and recycle to Lastly, I thank you for being one of the “Care for God’s Creation.” NCCW has so passengers on my train. many resources and programs for you to use. Prayers and blessings to all of you for being These two years have flown by. You are truly with me on my faith journey. faith-filled, inspiring, caring, dedicated, hard- working, energetic, and joyful women. It has been a pleasure and a privilege representing Leadership Commission you; and I thank you for all your hard work, help, support, and especially prayers. Even though this position has come to an end, this Sue Barker is not the end of my involvement in this Leadership Commission Chair wonderful organization that helps me live my faith. I would like to close with “My Train,” Have you had problems getting members of which was emailed to me several years ago. your CCW to fill positions that need to be The author is unknown. filled? When you ask a member, do you get these kinds of responses: "I'm too busy.” or "I My Train can't take on another thing." or "I can't do At birth we board a train and meet our that."? parents. We believe they will always travel If you are like me, you didn't start out planning by our side. However, at some station, our to be the president or secretary of your group, parents will step down from the train, or to be on the MDCCW Board. In my case, it leaving us on this journey alone. happened by default; and as it turns out, I love As time goes by, other people will board doing all of it! These jobs are not that hard, the train, and they will be significant – and I meet so many wonderful women who siblings, friends, the love of your life, are willing to help. children, and many others. Some will step You just need to have an interest in your down and leave a permanent vacuum. parish and a desire to help your group grow. Others will go so unnoticed that we won’t Energy and a positive attitude are needed for realize they vacated their seats. success as in most everything you do in life! The train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, Don't give up! Rather, continually encourage fantasy, expectations, hellos, good-byes people that they can do it. After all, you and farewells. A successful ride requires manage a family, and are, or may have

MADISON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWSLETTER Page 4 MDCCW Newsletter Fall/Winter 2019, Issue 2 worked, in the business world where you learned to promote your company. No reason Membership you can't be successful doing the same for your parish CCW. This is leadership! Give it a Leadership Commission Subcommittee try, and I'm pretty sure you'll get more out of it than you put in. Sue Koch and Ellen Martin Membership Co-Chairs and Our annual MDCCW gathering at St. Cecilia in MDCCW Past Co-Presidents Wisconsin Dells was a big success with two speakers and lots of information at this beautiful new church. An enormous selection 12 Ways to Increase Your of baby items was donated to the Women's Membership* Care Center, and the silent auction baskets Membership growth is a constant challenge. were fabulous! October 15 was a Day of One month you pick up new members and the Reflection at St. Maria Goretti Parish, next month you lose a member. Even if your Madison, cosponsored by MDCCW with the organization is active and successful, some Madison Catholic Women's Club. members will leave due to sickness or death, Since we will be celebrating the 100th transfers, time restraints, or a variety of other Anniversary of NCCW throughout 2020, the reasons. New memberships bring fresh ideas MDCCW Board is working to make our annual and different perspectives that will let the convention a huge success. Bishop Hying will organization expand the opportunities to serve speak and celebrate the Mass. Plan on being the church and community. That is why every a part of this celebration by volunteering on organization should be continually on the one of the many committees that are needed lookout for new members. It is not always to make it a success. easy to attract new members but here are some ideas to help boost your membership. Have you considered starting a mother/daughter event to encourage high 1. Take Turns Inviting Guests. school and college young women to become Members should take turns inviting members of our group? This is a wonderful prospective members to your way to spend time with a daughter or meetings. This effort could be granddaughter! So many ideas and so little conducted in alphabetical order based time. Go out there and lead!! God Love You. on the member's first or last name. It's a sure bet that some of those guests will want to come back and join. This consistent approach to growth helps your members get in the habit of identifying new members. 2. Organize Teams. Organize teams of 3 or 4 members to recruit new members over the summer months. Encourage them to name their teams, make it a game and get everybody involved. Offer a prize for the team that recruits the most new members;

for example, lunch at the hot spot in town, gift certificates for a spa or nail salon.

3. Go Public. Get one or two members to work on a public relations campaign, sending news releases to

the local newspapers, radio and TV stations about the club and the

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activities that are coming up. Don't 9. Put your Club on Display. Have a forget to include a contact name, few members attending every Mass or phone number, e-mail address or web other activities going on at your church site. with club brochures and other club 4. Feature Interesting Programs. Once information. If you have a calendar of you succeed in bringing guests to a events, make sure you print some to meeting you want to make sure they give out. Encourage them to stop by a like what you have. Organize meeting and see what's happening. interesting meetings and speakers You never know when you might strike that will make them want to come a responsive chord with someone who back. is just looking to get involved. 5. Educate Your Members. The more 10. Use Business Cards. Make some your members know about the business cards for your members with organization and its history, the better the name of the organization, the they can educate prospective new website, and the contact person's members on the organization. name, phone number, and e-mail address. You might put on the back 6. Start a Speakers Committee. Just as the location, time, and dates of your outside speakers promote their regular meetings with the phrase "All causes to your organization, you can are Welcome." Encourage members visit other organizations and talk about to give these cards out along with a your community programs and personal invitation to your meetings. projects. While you are speaking, you can distribute club brochures and 11. Increase Your Circulation. Do you invite them to your meetings. send out the agenda for meeting in advance of each meeting? Send 7. Look Up Old Friends. Pull out some copies to prospective members, of your organization's old membership former members, and the local media. rosters and circle the names of those Add a personal note on each, inviting who left the club. Give these members them to attend the next meeting. a call, because their situations might have changed, and they may be ready 12. Plan a Fun Event. Organize a party to return to the club. If not, thank them or other fun event and invite the for their past membership and tell membership and new prospective them that you will be praying for them. members and their spouses or significant others. While having a good 8. Make the Most of Your Service time is the main objective of the get Projects. Every time you do a service together, you can also work in some project, promote your organization. information about the organization and When you donate to a charity, inform even a softsell on joining. the staff what your organization is about and ask them to join. If you *Reprinted with permission from NCCW award a scholarship, invite the mother For MDCCW membership, go to our website of the winner to join your organization. at mdccw.com. In fact, encourage not only her but also the grandmothers, sisters, and aunts to join.

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Step 4. Fill boxes of joy, November 2 to 10. Service Commission All boxes are packed during this time if not already filled by the Coreen Marklein participants. Boxes are brought to the group’s meeting place. Service Commission Chair Step 5. Project Coordinator delivers Boxes I have been invigorated in service, spirituality, of Joy to the area’s drop-off center and leadership since attending the NCCW between November 2 and 10. convention. I have reviewed many service Step 6. Blessings are on their way to the projects throughout the past year and have children in greatest need around the decided upon two specific projects for the world. Madison Diocese. In order to accomplish these goals, I need each of you and your The next project is Reduce, Reuse, and parishes and vicariates to adopt these Recycle. Recycling is nothing new for many of projects for 2020. us. If we each pick an item or a few items that we will work during the rest of 2019 and 2020 Cross Catholic Outreach has partnered with to reduce, reuse, or recycle, the environment NCCW. One of their projects is Boxes of Joy, will be impacted. The City of Baraboo came which provides a Christmas gift to children in out recently with guidelines for recycling. They third world countries, including Latin American indicated that when the residents put plastic countries. My goal is to have every bags in the garbage (like from Wal-Mart or the parish/vicariate participate in this Service grocery store) that Baraboo’s recycling firm Project for the 2020 Christmas Season. That will not accept the entire load of garbage. is a lofty goal, but I am hoping as many They suggested we turn in our plastic bags parishes as can be will participate. directly to stores that accepts these bags for Step 1. Select a project coordinator from vendors that recycle these bags. The NCCW your parish by October 15, 2020. Service Commission shared with us 10 ways The project coordinator will be the we can Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. contact between your parish and Cross Catholic Outreach. Contact 1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Cross Catholic (crosscatholic.org) 2. Volunteer for cleanup. and click on Boxes of Joy. You will 3. Educate on importance of natural be able to register your group and resources request the boxes you believe your 4. Conserve water. Brush your teeth without group can fill. water. Save rainwater and use to water Step 2. Organize. The project coordinator plants will receive a kit which includes 5. Choose sustainable foods. materials for a successful faith-in- 6. Shop wisely – use reusable shopping action activity. Kickoff is in October to engage and motivate your Box of bags. Joy group. The boxes are preprinted 7. Use long-lasting light bulbs. with information. Individuals select 8. Plant a tree. age and sex for whom they will fill a 9. Don’t send chemicals into the waterways. box. 10. Bike and walk more; drive less. Step 3. Shop and Pack! Cross Catholic provides a list of items from which to Take photos of your Reduce, Reuse, and choose your gifts. Groups shop for Recycle efforts. Take photos before and after children’s gifts and pack Boxes of picking up trash, recycling, etc. Send the Joy. A $9 donation (check) is photos to NCCW to post on its website and attached to the box to cover the cost Facebook page. Share your success stories. of shipping and to support priests and nuns ministering to the children.

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I learned that Catholic women should be at Spirituality Commission the forefront of change. We need to support vulnerable women across the nation. We need Mona Matijevich to plant seeds for our young people and their well-being. Faith is impossible without Jesus Spirituality Commission Chair for our Eucharistic substance. Report from the NCCW We said a Rosary to stop bullying. We prayed Convention for people less fortunate than ourselves. We all know or have been a bully sometime in our Where has the time gone? Fall is upon us and life. Being the eldest of 11, I realized I was a soon we will be experiencing colder weather. I bully so many times with my siblings, and that want to thank MDCCW and Columbia North hit me right between my eyes. I am not proud Vicariate for helping me monetarily to go to of that; but when we know better, we do better. the 99th NCCW convention in Atlanta. This was my third convention, and I was so proud We learned how to spot abuse and watched a to represent our Madison Diocese. I have suicide video. What can we do? We can say found that by going to the different sessions, something, speak up, and get involved. A little that it all comes together spirituality. I learned kindness goes along way. Be kind, be there. to be more patient, to watch, and to network. No one has the power to ruin your day, unless you give them the power to do so. I attended the first-time attendees’ session with my friend, Barbara Mehling. Our fingers Jesus is a gift. He is real, not were moving so fast as we were takings notes counterfeit. Pray, pray, pray for the women in and comparing what we heard and learned. our church, diocese, and the world. Alone we We learned that we are resilient. can do small things, but together we can do great things. Holy Mother of God, pray for us. Barb and I attended the Virtual Lourdes Pilgrimage and received a Plenary Indulgence Blessings, also known as "The Get Out of Hell Card."

We are all called to be saints and to do penance. We need to pray for sinners--that includes me! We all have a vocation to become holy. If you don't know what your vocation is, just ask Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Spirit to show you. Prayers do get answered in God's time, not ours.

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2019 National Council of Catholic Women Convention Review and Highlights NCCW President Jean A Kelly

Respond to Pope Francis’s Plea to Save Convention Recap Mother Earth.” The following is excerpted from President We also heard from Kim Polote who sang Jean Kelly’s report posted on the NCCW and gave her presentation, “The Divine website Shopping Spree...Being a Kept Woman in His The 99th Annual Convention of the National Word.” Dan Misleh tied into the theme and Council of Catholic Women was held at the spoke on Practical “Approaches to Sharing Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Laudato Si in Your Community.” Matt Convention Center August 21-24. Six hundred Holzmann gave an informative presentation women and priests gathered together to on mental health. celebrate the theme, “NCCW Caring for God’s We learned a great deal from our commission Creation.” presentations. Leadership focused on A welcome liturgy was held, followed by a promoting NCCW with its version of Family meeting of the NCCW board. The welcome Feud and previewed the 3-1⁄2 minute video luncheon featured Mother Dolores Hart, “We Are NCCW,” produced by Linda Clark. O.S.B., who was awarded the first NCCW Spirituality took on the difficult topics of Honorary Lifetime Membership Award, given bullying, suicide, and loss of a child through to a distinguished American Catholic woman. personal testimonies and provided each As a young woman, she made her film debut attendee the Peace and Healing Rosary with Elvis Presley in Paramount’s 1957 film, Reflection, “Kind” cards, and suicide fact “Loving You.” After starring in several sheets. Service called for us to go “green for Hollywood feature films and Broadway good” and provided many ideas including little productions, she stunned the world with her mesh bags to be used and re-used for decision to enter cloistered religious life at the produce. Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut, where she is now prioress. Our nationally acclaimed Leadership Training Development Team (LTDT) provided an An orientation helped first-time attendees get informative and entertaining summary of what the most out of the convention and to navigate they can present to help councils grow. The where to go and what to do. education committee talked about the Rose Wednesday evening, we had a free pre- Program that can be used in your councils. release screening of the movie, “Love and We were able to catch another movie Mercy,” courtesy of Carmel Communications, premiere of “Pray” from our Silver Sponsor a Silver Sponsor of convention. The evening Carmel Communications on Friday evening. ended with the Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage This was followed by our fundraiser featuring Experience. Guests were able to write the wonderful singing of a select ensemble of petitions to be taken to Lourdes, touched the Harmony: Atlanta’s International Youth Choir. grotto rocks and received Lourdes water. It was a moving experience. We prayed the Rosary and participated in beautiful daily Masses at which we prayed for Thursday morning, we officially opened our our deceased members and for many other convention. Our keynote speaker, The Most intentions. The Most Reverend Jerome E. Reverend Peter A. Rosazza D.D., Auxiliary Listecki, Archbishop of Milwaukee, presided at Bishop Emeritus, of the Archdiocese of our closing Mass. Hartford, Connecticut, spoke on “Women

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At our annual business meeting, we adopted New National President three resolutions: Suicide Awareness, Opioid from Wisconsin Crisis Affecting Our Nation, and Reuse Products and Reduce Consumption. Jean Kelly is the first NCCW president from Wisconsin. Fittingly, Milwaukee Archbishop At the closing session, we heard from Jerome Listecki installed her at the closing service. • the executive director of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations who As the former province director from our state, thanked us for our Vocation Purse Club; she is well known and liked by MDCCW board • our representative to the Religious Alliance members. MDCCW President Bernadette Schaefer said, “Having Jean as president Against Pornography; makes the work and concerns of the national • our representative to the United Nations council seem much closer to us in Wisconsin. detailing all the work undertaken on our She knows us, and we know her.” behalf at the U.N.; and • Past MDCCW President Carol Brennan our representative to the World Union of served on the NCCW board with Kelly when Catholic Women’s Organizations. she was province director for the state. She said, her presidency “is like having a good We witnessed the ceremony to install our new friend in charge whom we know that if we have province directors, as one-half rotate off each concerns, we can take them to the top and year, and participated in our “Recommitment to she will listen.” the NCCW Service.” We applauded the work the province directors do to ensure that ideas, Kelly served as president-elect the previous comments, and resources pass from national two years and chaired the 2019 national to all levels of council and back to national. convention. From the archdiocese of This important communication guarantees that Milwaukee, she was active in her parish we are all united in our efforts, voice, and council and served as president of the presence. Archdiocesan CCW. Her service on the We were invited to our Centennial Celebration national board started when she represented that will be held from August 26-29, 2020. in Wisconsin as province director for two years Arlington, Virginia. and then in 2015 was elected NCCW secretary. Saturday evening, we met for the last time at this convention and enjoyed a wonderful In an article in the Milwaukee Archdiocese banquet highlighted by an amazing musical Catholic Herald prior to the convention, Kelly performance by Sam Hagan and Pianist. said that her installation as president will be a bittersweet occasion. The article told that This convention provided a wonderful when her husband got sick, she wanted to opportunity for our council sisters to gather step away from her involvement to take care from across the nation to learn, pray, and of him, but he “wouldn’t hear of it.” She told have fun together. We look forward to how he had been involved with the NCCW as implementation of our resolutions and to long as she had, driving her to conventions maintaining the friendships made at this and meetings and praying with her and convention. May you continue to “Care for working with her through every cause. God’s Creation.” Last year, her husband of 31 years passed away. The mother of two adult sons, she realizes now that her husband wanted her to stay busy. “He knew that with this work I would always have purpose, and with these people I would never be alone.”

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Six from MDCCW touched the grotto rocks, and received Attend Convention Lourdes water.” Madison Diocesan CCW president Bernadette Carol Brennan, former province director, has Schaefer, Lancaster, led the diocesan been to several conventions but continues to delegation that included two past MDCCW “love the excitement, enthusiasm, and joy of presidents: Carol Brennan, New Berlin, and everyone as well as reconnecting with sisters Coreen Marklein, Baraboo. Also attending in faith and making new friends. were MDCCW President-Elect Judy Lyons, By attending convention and being a part of Fort Atkinson; and Barbara Mehling and Mona CCW, Brennan said she has learned that Matijevich, Montello. “God has made us all differently, giving us Thirty-five wom- en from other Wisconsin unique gifts and talents. God wants to use us arch/dioceses attended as well as two priests just as we are, and he wants us to use our and Milwaukee Archdiocese Bishop Jerome gifts. We need everyone’s talents to help Listecki. They celebrated the installation of others and our organization. CCW is an Jean Kelly as the first person from Wisconsin organization that can help us put this all to head the national organiza- tion. Kelly is together through its programs and resources.” from St. Mary Visitation Parish, Elm Grove. Masses with Homilies For first-time convention attendee Barbara The MDCCW delegates agreed that the Mehling, it was “a great opportunity to learn Masses with their homilies were among the from so many talented and blessed women highlights of the convention. MDCCW who share their knowledge. I was told to slow President Schaefer said, “For me the most down with the ideas I came back with. We inspiring event at every convention is the can’t do them all at once, but I so want to Mass celebrated every day. During silent share everything I learned.” She is grateful to prayer after communion, there is a strong the MDCCW and her local CCW for helping feeling of connection with everyone in the her with expenses. She hopes to go next year room and gratitude for the faith that unites us. as well. I leave the Mass feeling uplifted and grateful Mehling’s roommates, Mona Matijevich and for my Catholic Faith and the Council of Coreen Marklein, had attended previous Catholic Women.” conventions which made her first-time Also appreciating the music and homilies, attendance “even better.” MDCCW President-Elect Judy Lyons It was Matijevich’s third convention. “To me, it described the liturgies as “uplifting. It is an just keeps getting better and better. We amazing thing to celebrate Mass with more prayed the Rosary, went to Mass than 500 like-minded women.” together, laughed, and ate together. The Lyons was impressed by a presentation on camaraderie was contagious, and I want climate change by Dan Misleh, founding more! I felt privileged to be there and executive director of Catholic Climate represent MDCCW and Columbia North.” Covenant. She said, “He put into perspective Matijevich, who chairs the MDCCW Spiritualty for me the chain reaction of climate change Commission, said she is proud that “NCCW is and his call to awareness and what we can do at the cutting edge of what our current issues to help, understand, advocate, and practice are, whether it is sex trafficking, bullying, body good resource management in our own shaming, or air quality.” homes and churches. “Even the hotel where they stayed was green For Marklein, a veteran convention goer, it with a commitment to conservation and was hard to pick what she enjoyed the most healing of the earth,” said Lyons. but found the Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience a “moving experience. Guests Also impressed by the environmental theme, wrote petitions to be taken to Lourdes, Shaefer said, “I came away with a new attitude of gratitude for the beautiful world God

MADISON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWSLETTER Page 11 MDCCW Newsletter Fall/Winter 2019, Issue 2 has given us to live in and enjoy. I also realize In his encyclical on the environment, Pope that we need to be thoughtful about the way Francis takes up the points raised by St. John we use our resources. We need to think of the Paul II. many generations yet to come who will live and thrive on our planet if we treat it with God’s Presence in All People respect.” Bishop Rosazza said, “Pope Francis’ ability to see God’s presence in all people and in all aspects of nature and his acute sense of Keynote Speaker: compassion for those who suffer and for Bishop Rosazza nature” itself explains why he states at the Reflecting on Pope Francis’ “plea to save beginning of the encyclical: “This sister now mother earth and her poor,” The Most cries out to us because of the harm we have Reverend Peter A. Rosazza D.D., Auxiliary inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and Bishop Emeritus, of the Archdiocese of abuse of the goods with which God has Hartford, Conneticut, called on Catholic endowed her. We have come to see ourselves women to be in solidarity with women as her lords and masters, entitled to plunder throughout the world. her at will. The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the Basing his talk on the principles of Catholic symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in Social Justice Teaching and Pope Francis’ the water, in the air and in all forms of life.” “Encyclical on Climate Change and Inequality,” the bishop said taking care of the Acknowledging that Pope Francis has environment is a matter of “dignity of the received criticism for speaking out on the human person” and the right of people to environment, Bishop Rosazza said attention potable water, food, clothing, shelter, to science is not new for the church. What is education, health care, and a job. now known as the “Big Bang Theory” was discovered by Fr. George LeMaitre (1884- He said, “Society ensures social justice when 1966, Belgium). He entitled it the “Theory of it provides the conditions that allow the Primeval Atom” which an atheist, Sir Fred associations or individuals to obtain what is Hoyle “belittled and insulted it by calling it the their due according to their nature and their Big Bang Theory.” Hoyle later abandoned his vocation.” atheism. Bishop Rosazza said Pope Francis is not the Church and Science first pope to address global warming and climate. Both of his two predecessors, Saint Pope Pius XI renewed and reconstituted the John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI wrote and Pontifical Academy of Sciences in 1936. Over talked about it. the years, 80 Nobel Laureates have served. Pope Francis and his advisors listened for a He quoted St. John Paul II in his 1990 World year to the scientific community “before Day of Peace message: "Christians, in bringing an ethical light to bear on this particular, realize that their responsibility important matter.” within creation and their duty towards nature and the Creator are an essential part of their Another well-known Catholic scientist, studied faith. When man turns his back on the by school students, is Benedictine Abbot Creator's plan, he provokes a disorder which Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics. has inevitable repercussions on the rest of Bishop Rosazza said the first three chapters created order. of the Book of Genesis and elsewhere in the "The most profound and serious indication of old Testament speak of creation through the moral implications underlying the stories written around the year 550 BCE and ecological problem is the lack of respect for teach us “The dignity of man and woman as life evident in many of the patterns of equal before God, the universal destination of environmental pollution." the goods of the earth, that one God created all things and not several (as the Babylonians

MADISON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWSLETTER Page 12 MDCCW Newsletter Fall/Winter 2019, Issue 2 believed), and that Adam and Eve’s sin whole of creation gives thanks to God consisted of making themselves the center of because every Eucharist is celebrated on the their lives rather than God.” ‘altar of the world’... We know that the bread and wine are ‘fruit of the earth and work of As long ago as the 1600s, St. Robert human hands’ that are transformed into the Bellarmine, S.J., said, “The Bible doesn’t tell Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus us how the heavens go, but how to go to Christ.” heaven.” Bishop Rosazza cited the work of the Referring to the encyclical again, Bishop Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and Rosazza said, “A very solid scientific its principles for protecting the environment, consensus indicates that we are presently based on Biblical and Catholic Social Justice witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic Teaching. The last of its 10 principles is system. Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production, and “A spiritual response must be given to consumption, in order to combat this warming environmental questions, inspired by the or at least the human causes which produce conviction that creation is a gift that God or aggravate it.” has placed in the hands of mankind, to be used responsibly and with loving care. Noting that much of the burden of climate People's fundamental orientation toward change is born by women and children and the created world should be one of the poor, Bishop Rosazza gave examples of gratitude and thankfulness.” women leaders in the struggle against the effects of climate change, including Patricia To read the text of Bishop Rosazza’s keynote Cochran who helps communities across address at the NCCW convention, go to Alaska and the Arctic, and Mary Robinson, the nccw.org and click on the convention at the former president of Ireland and currently the top of page, then scroll to the bottom of the UN’s Special Envoy on Climate Change. page to click on 2019 convention. “God willing, out of this will emerge a new universal solidarity including intergenerational solidarity,” said Bishop Rosazza, asking, Luncheon Speaker: “What kind of a world and atmosphere do you Mother Dolores Hart want to leave your grandchildren?” By Carol Brennan He suggested “things all of us can do, of which we are already aware such as avoiding Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B., spoke at the the use of plastic and paper, reducing water welcome luncheon and was awarded the first consumption, recycling refuse, using public NCCW Honorary Lifetime Membership Award transportation or car-pooling, planting trees, given to a distinguished American Catholic turning off unnecessary lights, including woman. turning off our computers when we have Now prioress of Regina Laudis Abbey in finished our work.” Bethlehem, Connecticut, Dolores Hart was a The bishop spoke of the importance of prayer bright, attractive college student when she as outlined in the encyclical. Pope Francis made her film debut with Elvis Presley in “suggests returning to the practice of grace Paramount’s 1957 Loving You. She was the before meals so that we might open ourselves first person to kiss Elvis on screen. Whenever to God as the ultimate giver of the food we she gives talks, people always want to know eat, fruit of the earth, and work of human what Elvis was like. She says he was very hands.” sweet, vulnerable, and spiritual. Importance of Eucharist She acted in nine more movies, appeared in television shows and gave a Tony-nominated Near the end of the document, Pope Francis performance in the Broadway play, The focuses on the Eucharist “through which the Pleasure of his Company. An important

MADISON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN NEWSLETTER Page 13 MDCCW Newsletter Fall/Winter 2019, Issue 2 chapter in her life occurred while playing sacrifice, our gift that is the mystery of love ꟷ St. Clare in the movie Francis of Assisi, which putting others before ourselves ꟷ is was filmed on location in Italy where she felt a appreciated. nudge from God. If there is anything we need the sisters to pray Born Dolores Hicks to a “complicated and for, we just need to let them know. colorful” Chicago family, Mother Dolores travelled a charmed yet challenging road in In closing, Mother Dolores said, “Believe in her journey toward love, serenity, and yes, the power of our God, who made all things, God. who will love us in this life and the next.” In 1963, at the peak of her career, she entered the Abbey of Regina Laudis in NCCW 2019 Resolutions Bethlehem, Connecticut, not in order to leave the glamorous world of acting she had Suicide Awareness dreamed of since childhood, but in order to answer a mysterious call she heard with the Purpose: To increase awareness of the “ear of the heart.” At the time she was factors surrounding suicide and how to contracted for another film as well as was address the issue. engaged to be married. She abandoned everything to enter a contemplative Whereas, Suicide is the tenth leading cause monastery. People in the movie world thought of death in the United States and affects all this was a publicity stunt. people, regardless of age, gender socioeconomic status, nationality (National While working in New York on a play, which Institute for Mental Health, n.d. Suicide in was very tiring, a friend told her she needed to America, Frequently asked questions: come away for a few days to this monastery to https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/s rest. The monastery was Regina Laudis. Here uicide- faq/index.shtml); and she experienced the power of God’s force in her life. After several visits and several years Whereas, Suicide awareness aims to help later, she entered as a postulant – and the people find treatment that encourages them to rest is history. She has recorded this journey discover healthier ways to cope. in her book, The Ear of the Heart, which is her Resolved, That NCCW members expand “Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows.” their knowledge of the risk factors, warning This petite, fragile, slightly bent nun walked to signs, and treatments available. the podium with help, and one hoped she Resolved, That NCCW members publish the would be able to make it through her talk. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number of However, when she started to speak, her 1-800-273- TALK (8255); and voice was strong, her face lit up, and she spoke with humor, love, and joy. Resolved, That members of NCCW unite in prayer to include our NCCW rosary for Peace Mother Dolores said she was impressed by and Healing, for those who have thoughts of the letter from our president, Maribeth suicide, for those who die by suicide, and for Blogoslovsky, stating the mission of NCCW their survivors. and the work of our commissions. She was especially impressed with our five-part Opioid Crisis Affecting Our Nation program to fight human trafficking and wanted to come to this convention in person to thank Purpose: To increase awareness of the opioid NCCW on behalf of survivors and for the misuse crisis affecting our nation, and to whole nation. She was impressed that we encourage prayer and action by the members care so much for others. of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) that will bring hope and healing to Mother Dolores said she is very grateful to us the Nation. and wanted us to know how much our

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Whereas, Opioid misuse is a serious national Resolved, That members of NCCW reuse crisis that affects public health as well as items as much as possible, and invest in and social and economic welfare. use reusable items; and Whereas, Our NCCW mission is to support, Resolved, That members of NCCW be more empower and educate all Catholic women, aware of what is really necessary and reduce especially on issues affecting women and consumption of unnecessary items in their their families; and lives and focus on those items that bring joy to their lives, sharing with others in need. Whereas, Our Catholic faith compels us to choose hope and action in the face of a crisis. Resolved, That NCCW members and affiliates organize Masses and/or prayer 2020 Convention services, and pray our NCCW prayers for The 100th anniversary of the NCCW will be those addicted and for the companions and celebrated at the 2020 NCCW Convention to caregivers of those addicted, with the intention be held Aug. 26-29 in Arlington, VA. Founded of hope and healing for all affected by the at the direction of the U.S. Catholic bishops in opioid crises; and 1920, NCCW’s mission is to act through its members to support, empower, and educate Resolved, That NCCW members support co- all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership operative government agencies, social and service. NCCW programs respond with services and nonprofit organizations that are Gospel values to the needs of the Church and already engaged in the struggle against opioid society in the modern world. addiction.

Reuse Productsand Reduce Consumption Purpose: Reuse products and reduce consumption to care for God’s Creation. Whereas, Pope Benedict XVI said, “We are all responsible for the protection and care of the environment. This responsibility knows no boundaries,” (Celebration of World Day of Peace, January 1, 2010). Whereas, Haley Stewart in The Grace of Enough wrote, “We are designed to love truth, beauty, and goodness, which are attributes of God. Throwaway culture fights against this natural desire”; and Whereas, In Laudato Si Pope Francis tells us, “When people become self-centered and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own and consume.” (204). Resolved, That members of NCCW pray that everyone becomes more aware and informed of the beauty of nature, advocates for a healthy planet to leave for future generations, and prays our NCCW Prayer for Care of Creation.

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