VENICE DIOCESE COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN (VDCCW)
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- PHOTO OF VDCCW! 
Dear Ladies,
Pictured above are some of the ladies who went to the NCCW Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah! (l to r) Mary Poker, former VDCCW president, Marge Tousignant, Women's Health Concerns VDCCW, Iris Gomez, International Commission Chair VDCCW, Ginny Ullrich, Eastern Deanery President, Joyce Maenpaa, President of VDCCW. Other pictures shall be posted soon. Also, our guest speaker, Adele Azar-Rucquoi, introduced her new book, "Money as Sacrament." "Like the spiritual life money longs for expansion and further expression, it is a live medium. It is never finished with us, prodding, provoking and even uplifting us if we allow it to." Adele is a charismatic and a dynamic speaker who is a founding member of the Foundation for Mideast Communication, a group that offers peace-making workshops between Arabs and Jews and also is the Director of the Thomas Merton Society in Central Florida. She conducts workshops on prejudice reduction, conflict resolution and leadership training. She resides with her husband in Maitland, Florida. She is interested in speaking to your group, for more information please email Adele@MoneyAsSacrament.com. Here are the highlights for your Fall Calendar (VDCCW calendar 2008-2009).
Where did the summer go? Here in Wauchula, school starts August 18th, that is usually a good sign that the summer is over. It seems as though it was just May 3rd and we were enjoying our VDCCW One-Day Convention. I looked forward to the summer to catch up on personal “stuff” like cleaning house, doing some needlework, having lunch with friends I don’t get to see during the school year, etc. None of that happened! Where did the time go?
Looking back, there were meetings, some family time with the children and grand-children, a little cleaning of the house, and a great deal of “whatever?”
It is now time again to think of what will be going on in the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women for the rest of my 2007-2009 term.
In September, VDCCW will have 9 ladies going to Utah for the NCCW General Assembly. I am looking forward to that. So far the only thing I have seen in Utah is the Salt Lake City Airport. I am looking forward to taking a tour into the mountains on Wednesday before the General Assembly and hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Monday after the General Assembly. Of course the General Assembly itself will be special. We will bring back much information to pass on to the rest of the VDCCW ladies.
October brings to us the FCCW Conference in Sarasota. I hope many of you will go to the meeting. It sounds as though it will be very informative. October also brings Deanery meetings, Central Deanery on October 4th at St Teresa’s in Fort Myers and Northern Deanery on October 30th at Epiphany in Venice. Then November 1st is Eastern Deanery’s meeting in Labelle at Our Lady, Queen of Heaven Parish. Southern Deanery’s meeting will be on November 15th at St. William’s in Naples.
On November 8th we will have our first VDCCW Board meeting for the year at St. Michael’s hall in Wauchula. On our agenda will be a “push” by NCCW for more individual members, more information about the “the Venice Diocese Catholic Women’s Renewal Day” and information about the nomination and election of new officers at our Three-Day Convention in May, 2009. We also have to elect a FCCW vice director at the Winter Board meeting to help Marianne Torgler when she becomes Province Director.
May God be with us in all our endeavors and help us have a successful year working for Him.
NCCW General Assembly, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reservation forms are printed in the CATHOLIC WOMAN MAGAZINE for May/June. Reservations $303 are due before August 22. Tours of Salt Lake are Wednesday and a tour to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is scheduled for Sunday. Already the hotel has no vacancy for the 23rd and no wait list available, so plan some other hotel to attend one of the tours for Wednesday.
STATEWIDE RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE, October 10-12, 2008 scheduled for Tallahassee. More information posted as received. FCCW Three-Day Conference, October 23-25, 2008. October 23-26, 2008: FLORIDA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC WOMEN: Three-Day Conference, Sarasota, Florida Hyatt Regency Hotel. For more information, please contact Marianne Torgler, Judy Powers, FCCW President/Province Director, the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, as hosts, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, cordially invite you to attend the 18th Biennial Conference to be held in Sarasota, Florida, October 23-36, 2008. Our FCCW President/Province Director, Judy, has planned the program and workshops to inspire, enlighten and motivate you. Registration and Conference Letter. The BEST WESTERN is abut one mile away, if you find the hotel has filled all their rooms. Registration begins at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 23rd. The members of the Host Diocese have planned a special welcome reception to be held that evening. Our Luncheon Speaker, Ellen Bachman, Immediate Past President of the National Council of Catholic Women will set the tone and be with us throughout the conference. Other members of the NCCW Board that will be joining us include Patty Johnson, NCCW Region 3 Vice President, Debby Van Mele, NCCW Treasurer, Janie Southerland, NCCW International Concerns Committee and Mary Poker, NCCW Nominating Committee. The Province of Miami is blessed with wonderful leadership in and from Florida. The Liturgies and Prayer Services will be meaningful and uplifting. Our Bishops of Florida will celebrate the Liturgy on Saturday at 4:00 pm at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church. Following the Mass will be the Bishops’ Banquet at the Hyatt Sarasota. VDCCW Retreat at OLPH Retreat Center, January 10, 2009 in Venice.
VDCCW THREE-DAY CONVENTION, "The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit,"May 4-6, 2009: Ft. Myers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Rooms are available for $89 Standard, King or Double. Also, available are suites that sleep 6 for $109 at the Hilton Homewood Suites with complimentary breafast served (across the street from the Conference Center). For reservations at the the Crowne Plaza, please call, NCCW Convention, September 24-27, 2009 in Jacksonville, FL. DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY OF THE SEPTEMBER 2008 VOICE here! (The printer will print out six pages, then turn those pages over and the printer will print out the next six pages on the back of the first set. Fold and you shall have your booklet!) Joyce Maenpaa, President VDCCW World Youth Day: Youth Called to Witness to Life COALITION FOR LIFE AND FRIENDS: Please pray for the 50 youth and adults from our diocese who will be traveling to Australia this month for World Youth Day, including Bishop Dewane, Father Mark Heuberger, Father Patrick Wilson, Devin Jones and Dario Mobini. See it live on ... MARCH ARTICLE FROM NATIONAL CCW PRESIDENT, BOBBI HUNT "Soon we will hear the words Jesus Christ has risen today – alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Our Lenten Journey will be over and we will celebrate the beauty of Easter Sunday. Our churches come alive with music, the Paschal Candle, Easter lilies and spring flowers celebrating the ... .JPG)
FIRST MESSAGE FROM FATHER JOE CONNOLLY, OUR NEW VDCCW MODERATOR
Probably most of us are Northern transplants, so we remember September as the "end of summer", going back to school or not wearing white or light colored clothes that we took out of storage after Memorial Day. Even our churches came alive after Labor Day. Organizations scheduled meetings, ... 40 DAYS FOR LIFE: National Campaign to end Abortions in the USA! You are cordially invited to participate in the second National 40 DAYS FOR LIFE Campaign for 2008 taking place September 24 - November 2 (www.40DAYSFORLIFE.com). In selected cities from coast to coast across the USA, 40 DAYS FOR LIFE takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing ... JUNE 25th: 4th Month in the NOVENA OF MASSES This morning the 4th Month of Christ's life was celebrated in the newly renovated St. Charles Borromeo by Father John Ludden, Pastor. The intention for this Mass today is "Greater Respect for All Human Life." .jpg)
BISHOP DEWANE INITIATED THE 2008 NOVENA OF MASSES FOR LIFE, MARCH 31, 2008!
Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice Florida initiated the 2008 Novena of Masses for Life by celebrated Mass at Epiphany Cathedral on March 31, 2008 at 11 a.m. Following Mass, Father Peter Sousa from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice spoke at the Bishop's luncheon about the ... 
SEPTEMBER 2008 LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION by Ana Romillo
To help Catholic faithful become informed on where candidates stand on key issues, the Florida Catholic Conference, Florida Knights of Columbus, Florida Council of Catholic Women and Florida Catholic newspaper have teamed up to question those running for state and federal office. To see how ... 
DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL OCCASION CARD SENT TO A LOVED ONE?
Thank–you to everyone who has contributed to the Seminarian Fund in the past. To clear up any confusion for our new members, the donation cards are sent to the requestor so the requestor can send the card along to the intended. Donation cards can be Memorial Cards, Birthday Cards, Get Well ... 
CENTRAL DEANERY -- FALL DEANERY DAY
Central Deanery FALL DEANERY DAY was held at St. Maximilian Kolbe's in Port Charlotte on October 6, 2007. We had a great turnout! 
NORTHERN DEANERY --- FALL DEANERY DAY
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at St. Martha's in Sarasota was the site for the Northern Deanery FALL DEANERY DAY. A great time was had by all! Here's the photo of Cele Van Winkle, Northern Deanery Church Commission Chair & Pat Consolmagno, Diocesan Board of Directors Parliamentarian. They were honored at the Northern Deanery Day for 50 years of Service. The Awards given at the NCCW 2007 Convention in Columbus Ohio was presented to Cele & Pat by President, Joyce Maenpaa and Past National President, Ellen Bachman. Congratulations on your awards from all of us awed by your efforts! 
VDCCW at OLPH Retreat Center
We had a wonderful retreat in the woodsy area of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center. Thanks to all who made it a wonderful day! 
VDCCW VISITS THE CAPITOL DAYS IN TALLAHASSEE IN RECORD NUMBERS!
Record numbers appeared in the Capitol during Catholic Days in Tallahassee from all regions in Florida! It was a magnificent sea of Red and a sight to behold as thousands of Catholics from the State of Florida visited the Capitol in support of Pro-Life Issues and to let our voices be heard by our state representatives in the House and Senate! The "Red Mass" was a vision to behold as the three trumpets blared along with the French horns, the Knights of Columbus in full regalae flanked either side of the main alter where every priest and Bishop's robes were a vibrant red and the Archbishop made his grand entrance flanked by two angelic young students. It came with all the pagentry and festivities of a royal court. Even two groups of children entertained us with their pristine melodic voices; the first group, the younger children followed by the young adult group before the main procession began. Historically, we call upon the Holy Spirit to grant us light, inspiration and guidance to all those serving in the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government. This custom dates back to the 13th Century. The first recorded Red Mass was 1245 in Paris,France. The liturgical red signifies the willingness to defent the truth inspired by the Holy Spirit even at the cost of shedding one's blood. Since the Mass asks the Holy Spirit to keep lawyers and judges true to the truth of justice, the devotion is called the Red Mass. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Enjoy the pictures, as you look at them may you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and the joy of those who attended for His sake. 
PHOTOS OF THE CHRISM MASS WITH BISHOP DEWANE AND BISHOP NEVINS
A spectacular CHRISM MASS was held at Epiphany Cathedral on March 18, 2008 in Venice. If you were not able to attend, we hope that you enjoy the photos. .JPG)
JANE CARTER, NCCW, GUEST SPEAKER AT EASTERN SPRING DEANERY DAY
Eastern Spring Deanery Day was lots of fun as you can see from our pictures! We had representation from Northern, Central and Southern Deaneries, as well. It was great to see everyone again and to see the support from the other Deaneries. A special treat was the guest speaker, Jane Carter, NCCW, whose wisdom in captivating an audience is apparent! In addition to the all the Deaneries present, at the head table, as a guest of honor, was the President of Florida Council of Catholic Women (FCCW), Marianne Torgler. In case you heaven't heard, the FCCW Conference is being held in Sarrasota, October 23-25, 2008. So, mark your calendars! It is going to be a three-day conference with a circus theme! Also, as a Guest of Honor, and seated at the Head Table was their very own member, Joyce Maenpaa, President of the Venice Diocese Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW). There was a myriad of posters around the hall, candy bars for sale by the International Commission, a poster on St. Paul, and harvesting the coffee beans with some coffee for sale by International, as well. We had raffles, great food, laughs and tears of joy! Kudos to the Eastern Deanery! 
NORTHERN SPRING DEANERY DAY by Nancy Mondo
The Northern Deanery Spring Deanery Day was held on March 27, 2008 in North Port, Florida with San Pedro Council of Catholic Women as Hosts of the day. There were approximately 85 members and 3 Moderators present.
It was a busy day. After the 9 Presidents gave their Annual Reports, our Venice Diocesan President, Joyce Maenpaa, told us about the One Day convention scheduled for May 3 at St. Williams Church in Naples, Florida. Then Board Member, Wendy Dawson, dressed as St. Frances Cabrini, told us of the many accomplishments of St. Frances during her lifetime. Wendy had the relic of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini's veil on display for veneration (see picture).
The Presidents’ reports confirmed that Commissions Members had actively hosted social Parish functions, as well as continuing their Spiritual, Charitable and Fund Raising Activities all year. 1,223 Northern Deanery Members reported 228,026 Volunteer Hours for the year of February 1, 2007 through January 31, 2007. (We have now been advised of a new directive from NCCW for totaling volunteer hours from April 1 to March 31 beginning this year.)
A noon Mass officiated by the Venice Diocesan Spiritual Moderator, Rev. Joseph F. Connolly, was co-celebrated with San Pedro’s Pastors, Father Patrick and Father Jim. Following Mass, a tasty lunch of Road Pork and Rice was served by the San Pedro Affiliation. The San Pedro Ladies did a great job all day seeing that we were comfortable and well fed.
The speaker of the day, Kathy Bonner, an international motivation speaker and author, gave some creative and positive thoughts on how to have interesting meetings.
We were reminded of the upcoming FCCW Convention scheduled for October 24-26, 2008 at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Sarasota, Fl. The Northern Deanery Affiliations will be the welcoming committee on Friday evening, which will be a Circus-Carnival Theme. We will also be responsible for transportation and the Brunch to be served Sunday Morning.
After we were asked to go back to our affiliations and “toot our horn” about the things we learned today, the meeting was adjourned.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Convention on May 3, 2008.
NANCY MONDO, DIRECTOR
SOUTHERN DEANERY HOSTS ONE DAY CONFERENCE IN NAPLES AT THE MARIOTT RESIDENCE INN! Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the recipient of a $5,000 check from the VDCCW at the Naples' One-Day Conference! 
RESPITE CARE MINISTRY
FOR INFORMATION CALL: Rickie Arnold, (941) 778-3224 Arnold_8419@msn.com Respite Care Respite Care is one of the services most often requested by family/ caregivers, yet in short supply. It is estimated that 1/3 of all adults in the US are caregivers or caring for an individual/family ... 
PRAYER LINE REQUESTS Please use the CONTACT US page to submit your requests to this page. FROM THE PEN OF THE HISTORIAN, IRIS GOMEZ PONTIFAX SUNDAY Pontifax is a Latin word meaning bridge builder. With the great desire that one day we all may be one in Christ, a group of believers started a movement under this name unifying the Episcopal Church of Southwest Florida and the St. Petersburg Diocese in the Catholic ... 
NORTHERN DEANERY REPORT BY NANCY MONDO
It was great seeing so many familiar Northern Deanery Members for the Pontifax Service on Sunday, January 20, 2008, at St. Martha’s Church in Sarasota, Florida. As in the past, the service was uplifting, the refreshments were delicious and the camaraderie was heartwarming. Now we have ... .JPG)
EASTERN DEANERY REPORT BY JENNEY ULLRICH
Eleven members from Eastern Deanery attended the Lake Yale Leadership Symposium in July. The Orlando Diocesan Council of Catholic Women put on an outstanding program for their members which they kindly opened to other ... 
CENTRAL DEANERY REPORT BY BETTY GALVANO
This morning I took my normal 5-mile hike in the mall.(It seems to be safer and cooler there in the summer heat). I then joined another walker for a cup of decaf at Starbucks. I had seen her other times walking, but never conversed with her. We got to talking. She was Catholic, too. Naturally, ... .JPG)
SOUTHERN DEANERY REPORT BY CAROL OLSON
Southern Deanery had a busy season. During Lent, we hosted a Day of Recollection with Sister Sally Latkovich, on Women’s Spirituality, inviting all women of our parishes to attend. This is the second ... |
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