St. Augustine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women at 6501 Waltho Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32277 US - Fall 2009 President's Report
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Fall 2009 President's Report |
It is hard for me to write this report since for the last two plus years the women of the Diocese of St. Augustine have been focused on hosting the 2009 NCCW Convention in Jacksonville and now that task has been completed. I am in awe of our members. Women from every corner of the Diocese stepped up to the challenge. We had over 90 women come in to volunteer during the convention at the Hyatt. And I can’t even begin to count the number of women that worked behind the scenes. We had crafts donated from just about every affiliation. One member made and donated all the “Pray for the Love of Jesus” prayer cards that were in your bags. Three women came from Holy Cross Mission in Cross City to volunteer for a day. The drive alone was 2 ½ hours each way. We had volunteers stay until the voting was completed in the wee hours of Saturday morning. When I voted just before 1 AM they still had smiles on their faces. I could see the love of Council in the eyes and smiles of each volunteer. Those that were able to attend the liturgies were inspired to see so many Catholic women come together. They were thrilled to meet Council members from all over the country. They all have a better understanding of the meaning of Council. I have been truly blessed to be president of St. Augustine DCCW during the last year. Our theme this year is “CCW: Messengers of Hope”. My challenge to our members is “In whom can I kindle hope today?” During this time in the history of our country many of our fellow parishioners and neighbors are in great need of hope. Our affiliations and deaneries are working on their various projects that bring hope. We recently donated $7,000 to the Diocese’s Born Free Program to help fund crisis pregnancy centers around the diocese. Many of our members are standing for life during the Fall 2009 40 Days for Life. I have met women on the line that say “Don’t I know you from council?” I have started my travels around the diocese to attend each deanery’s fall general meeting. Two weeks ago I enjoyed a beautiful morning drive to one of our rural parishes. As a diocese we are planning our annual Day of Reflection that will be held January 30, 2010 at the Marywood Retreat Center and our annual Camp I Am Special Fashion Show and Luncheon to be held on March 6, 2010. We are looking forward to having our 2010 diocesan convention in Gainesville. The ladies of Gainesville are looking forward to hosting this event since it’s been 5 years since we’ve gone to their city. Pam Dewey President, St. Augustine DCCW