Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US - MENTORS OF THE PAST...MODELS FOR THE FUTURE

Who are the women we admire in our lives? Mother Teresa? Elizabeth Dole? Oprah Winfrey? As we go through life we are influenced by the people we encounter on our journey. Looking closer to home we find our family, teachers, employers, co-workers, shopkeepers - everyday people and the list is endless. Take a moment to think about those who have influenced us the most in positive ways or have left a mark on our hearts. How do we acknowledge them, thank them or repay them? In some cases we cannot. We may have lost track of them or they may be deceased. Central Deanery North - Orlando Diocesan Council of Catholic Women - originated a project designed to allow everyone who chooses, to honor the women who have made a difference in their lives. What a wonderful way to say thank you to all those special women - mentors - who have molded us and helped make us the special women that we are today. After the initial announcement, a form was distributed that had spaces for the nomination of 1 to 3 women and instructions and examples on the reverse side. Anyone - men, women or children, could make a nomination; however, only women could be nominated, preferably Catholic but not necessarily. Names would be submitted in a category along with a short tribute using one or more of the suggested categories or another that may not be shown. The suggested categories include but are not limited to: loving, strong, courageous, compassionate, nurturing, brave, caring, empowering, friend. Once filled out, the form is mailed or given to a responsible individual who will organize and edit the forms if necessary. A compilation of all the names being submitted and the person submitting them are published in a booklet and distributed at no charge to all contributors and honorees. The booklet is titled “Mentors of the Past ... Models for the Future.” The booklet can be simply constructed of folded bond paper with a card stock cover imprinted with the title and some graphics. A small contribution offered with each name is used to offset the cost of printing and to fund a scholarship to a personal development or other self-improvement seminar or to fund some worthwhile woman’s project. The distribution of the booklet is exciting because most of the members are curious and eager to find their own name in the book. It is enlightening to read about how others view us and surprising to know how we affect their lives. Perhaps the side effect would be an improvement in the way we treat each other and in the way we see each other.

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