FAMILY CONCERNS COMMISSION
2007-2008 ANNUAL REPORT
The aim of the Family Concerns Commission is to assist families in our parishes, the Diocese, and in the community to achieve a truly Christian life. Council members also reach out to families, especially women and children, in other countries with financial support, medical supplies, school supplies, and clothing.
Members of the St. Augustine DCCW have supported family life during the past year through a wide variety of programs and projects which include:
- Family Rosary Night
- First Communion and Confirmation Receptions
- Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets
- Christmas “Giving” Trees
- Father/Son breakfasts, Father/Daughter dances
- Parish picnics
- Halloween parties at parishes
- Senior brunches
- Seder Suppers and Fish Fries
- Manage parish gift shops
The Bereavement Committees continue to support families during their time of loss and offer to prepare meals for the home and host funeral receptions.
In working with the youth, CCW affiliations host receptions for members of the First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes. Some members also teach CCD and provide educational supplies for the CCD students. Council volunteers in several parishes chaperone youth retreats and sponsor students who want to attend summer retreats in Steubenville, Ohio.
In the spring, many affiliations distributed Mother’s Day cards in their parishes or held special collections to support the “Born Free Project.” Last year the St. Augustine DCCW gave Bishop Galeone a check for over $10,000.00 which will be distributed to the Respect Life Programs in our Diocese.
The Anniversary Mass, sponsored by the Diocesan Family Life Office, was held at St. Matthew’s Parish in Jacksonville on November 3, 2007. The Honorable Bishop Victor Galeone presided at the Mass which honored couples married 25 years or more. Council members assisted with registration, ushering, and the reception.
As the Family Concerns Commission Chairs, we thank you for your support during the year and challenge each of you to continue to reach out to the families in your parish, the community, and the world. Remember, the family is the first and most vital cell in our society and the “key” to the family is LOVE!
Respectfully submitted by,
Ginny Halligan and Joanna Luciani, Family Concerns Commission Chairs
