Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US -
FCCW 18th Biennial Conference in Review
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FCCW 18th Biennial Conference in Review
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The Florida Council of Catholic Women held its 18th Biennial Conference October 23-26, 2008 at the Hyatt, Sarasota, Florida. The members of the Venice Diocesan Council of Catholic Women hosted the Conference and made the 180 members, moderators and guests feel very welcome. The theme of the Conference was “Joyful Servant Leaders” with a program focused on Marriage and Family. The flow of the conference was similar to a Council year and a tool was introduced and distributed to all those attending, “ABC’s of Planning”.
The Conference opened with a Council Sunday Mass featuring intercessions centered around the six Commissions and a speaker, Diane Bifano who issued an invitation for all to join the Council of Catholic Women. It was a beautiful Mass that gave an example of how Council Sunday can be held in individual parishes. The “ABC’s of Planning” provides full details from bulletin announcements to talking points for use by affiliations.
The Keynote Speaker, Reverend Alberto Cutie, spoke about his book, “Real Life, Real Love” as well as about the importance of reading the Bible. Ellen Bachman, the luncheon speaker, provided us with information on the state of the family. Other speakers included: Rosi Schuhmacher, “Programming Your Affiliation”; Alice Riddell, “Chastity Days”; Linda Clark, “The Image of Your Council”; Julie Rothery, “The Blessings of Council”; Sheila Hopkins, “Public Policy – Does it Promote or Thwart Marriage and Families?; and Diane Bifano, “Communication in the Family”. One session was a Vocational Panel – focusing on the vocations of singlehood, marriage and the priest hood. We were also moved by the sharing of Larry and Sue Haag as they shared their journey in Marriage Encounter. We were also honored to have Patty Johnson, National Council of Catholic Women Region III Vice President who offered a wonderful session on the NCCW Mission Statement.
Two beautiful memories made at the Conference were made at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Luncheon. This year’s recipient was Jean Gwaltney, Past Province Director 1983-1985 and the post humous winner was Jo Thier-Cabral. Her daughter was with us to accept the award. The second beautiful memory was the Bishops’ Mass and Banquet. We were honored to Most Reverend John C. Favalora, Archbishop of Miami celebrate the Mass with Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Bishop of Orlando and Most Reverend Frank J. Dwane, Bishop of Venice concelebrating. The other concelebrates included the Arch/Diocesan Spiritual Moderators. It was a beautiful Mass celebrated at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church. The evening was topped off by the incredible voice of Michelle Giglio, Soprano. What an amazing experience to hear her sing.
The 18th Biennial Conference is now a memory, but we gained much from our prayers together, our learning together and our fellowship. We hope the “ABC’s of Planning” will prove useful in your Council work and we welcome your feedback on how you are utilizing this tool. Each month we will feature one suggestion or section on our website, so check back each month. Anyone wishing to order the contents (without the binder), may contact Judy Powers – jepowers@bellsouth.net for more information.
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