The members of the Arlington Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (ADCCW) Board of Directors are committed in every possible way to meet the ever-growing needs of women by Building the Culture of Life through spirituality, peace & justice, community and education based on Authentic Catholic Teachings and grounded in the eucharist.

ADCCW's task with support of Bishop Loverde is bringing the Gospel of Jesus to the women of the Arlington Diocese. We do this through our officers, six commissions, deanery representation, education, a website, newsletters and programs.

ADCCW continues to develop meaningful programs that meet the needs of Catholic Women throughout the diocese. Our two newest programs featured in the Arlington Herald are

1. Why Does God Allow the Good to Die Young ?--dedicated to  Kristen Anderson, & Loretta Lucia Wilson &  Va Tech Victims.

2. Dedicated to the One You Love!--How to Cope & Care for Love Ones with Dementia/Alzheimers & How to Care for Yourself.

Currently some ADCCW's programs are:Three Women Doctors of the Church and study guides (including study, prayer, and spiritual renewal)copyright 2003 , Celebrating the Uniqueness and the Feminine Genius -Catholic Feminism Based on John Paul II's Letters to Women, Day/Morning of Reflection, Divine Mercy at Our Doorstep, Discerning Your Vocation, Evangelium Vitae, Familiaris Consortio, Finding Balance in the Midst of Chaos, Maturing with Grace, Stress Management, Theology of the Body, Time Management-Where is God in My Life? (please see provided list of programs). Programs have copyrights.

At the suggestion and guidance of Bishop Loverde, Fr. Mark Mealey, and Fr. Frank Ready ADCCW has developed a study guide on the three women doctors of the church- Saints Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena and Therese Liseiux and many other programs. The Three Women Doctor's program provides religious support to women by learning about how to first know, love , then imitate the three women doctors of them.

At National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) Convention Matthew Kelly, internationally known Catholic speaker and author was the keynote speaker. Susan Conroy, author of Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love and Secrets of Sanctity, and NCCW’s book club selection, was the luncheon speaker. NCCW's new spirituality resource, Enhancing Our Spirituality: A Collection of Prayers and Reading for Personal or Group Reflection was premiered. Many thanks to Kay Elliott, M. Jane Mueller, Elizabeth Schiavone and Helen Silvestri for giving of their time and talent in preparing this beautiful booklet. It sold out at convention but will be available from the National Office. ADCCW's Three Women Doctor's program was chosen to be part of the booklet

While it is worthwhile to know the life of a saint, the purpose of this study is to provide women with models that they can emulate in order to make positive changes in their own spiritual life. This is an ongoing study.

The Arlington Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the National Council of Catholic Women president, Bobbie Hunt, work together to develop materials to nurture women's spirituality with the authentic catholic teaching. As mentioned above our Three Women Doctors Program was chosen to be part of the NCCW Spirituality Resource Book. ADCCW is a member organization of the NCCW , which was formed by American Bishops in 1920, to support and educate catholic women in spirituality, leadership, and service. Today NCCW is the recognized voice of U.S. Catholic women and represents them at national and international forums. NCCW has a strong history of inspiring women with outstanding role models. For example Mother Theresa was the keynote speaker at the 1960 NCCW Convention (first place she spoke outside of India).

Please continue to Congratulate Wendy Sellier for doing a fine job as the Baltimore Province Director and Maggie Gray (past president of NCCW)for being honored with the Papal Medal from Pope Benedict XVI.

We are truly blessed in this diocese to have such richness of faith and dedication in our various ministries. Thank you again for all the prayers and support please contact Liz Schiavone at 703-471-4047 or eschiavone@msn.com. We welcome you.