OACCW Convention
The OACCW Convention is held annually in September. The Convention will be held at the New World Inn in Columbus, NE on September 15, 2008. The theme for this year’s convention is “Electing to Live our Faith.” Each convention brings new goals, ideas, challenges, and hopes for the women of the Archdiocese. Coffee and rolls will be served at 7:30 a.m. with sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m. Mass is celebrated by Archbishop Curtiss, a business meeting is conducted and the Mullen award Recipient is announced. Raffle tickets are sold by each parish and/or individual ladies. Each Deanery takes a turn at hosting the Convention and also in making the quilt for the raffle. The RNW Deanery will host the Convention in 2008 and the RNC Deanery will provide the quilt for the raffle.
OACCW Marriage Celebration
The OACCW in cooperation with the Archdiocesan Family Life Office, hosts two marriage celebrations each year, with Mass and reception for couples within the Archdiocese who have been married 25, 40, and 50+ years. The Omaha Urban Deanery hosts the Omaha celebration. The celebration in Norfolk is hosted by a Rural Deanery with the Rural Central deanery co-hosting and sharing duties. This is generally held on the Sunday just prior to the OACCW Convention.
September 7, 2008 – Marriage Celebration – St. Cecilia Cathedral, Omaha
September 14, 2008 – Marriage Celebration – St. Mary’s Church and Sacred Heart
Parish Center, Norfolk
OACCW Service Day
Faith and service go hand in hand. With this in mind, the OACCW offers our Annual Service Day, formerly known as Workshop Day. Commission Chairs bring information pertaining to their commission to share. A keynote speaker makes a presentation on a topic of interest to the Council. Attendees will take home packets of information that the Commission Chairs will bring from the National Level of Council.
Rural Central Deanery is hosting the 2008 OACCW Service Day to be held on August 5, 2008, at the Sacred Heart Parish Center, 2301 Madison Avenue, Norfolk. The $5.00 registration fee includes coffee, rolls, lunch and materials. Advanced registration is not required for this event. All affiliate parish members are invited to attend this activity.
OACCW Spirituality Day
This day is devoted to spirituality and socializing for the women of the Archdiocese. The 2008 OACCW Spirituality Day will be held June 10, 2008, at the Sacred Heart Parish Center, 2301 Madison Avenue, Norfolk. The $7.00 registration fee includes coffee, rolls, and lunch. Pre-registration is not required. Coffee and rolls at 9:00 a.m., opening prayer at 9:40 a.m. All faiths are welcome. For more information contact Mary Lee Konz 402.993.2258 or email at dmparts@frontiernet.net, Tril Cerney 402.721.3398, Romaine Boerma 402.374.1696, Helen Kunz 402.924.3954, or Mary Krysl 402.925.3838.
Legislative Day
Legislative Day is held annually on a Tuesday in March. It is held at the Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln, NE. All Catholic Women of the State of Nebraska are invited and encouraged to attend. The day consists of Mass, a lunch at the Governor’s Mansion, a tour of the State Capitol, and contact with state senators and representatives of Catholic advocacy groups. This day provide the women of the Council with an opportunity to meet their senator and see how our state government works. Contact the Legislative Commission chair for more details and registration information.
Penny and a Prayer
In 1964-1965 this project was initiated to establish a purse in honor of Archbishop Bergan’s 50th Anniversary, for the purpose of educating students at John Vianney Seminary at Elkhorn. Each woman of Council is asked to offer a prayer a day and donate a penny a day for vocations. Annually at the OACCW Convention, the ladies of the Archdiocese present a check to the Archbishop to be added to the endowment for the education of seminarians. It is the wish of the OACCW that A Penny and A Prayer not become simply a money-gathering project, but we strongly urge your daily prayers for vocations. The Lord hears and answers us, so please be generous in both giving of money and prayers.
Mary’s Garden
Mary’s Garden is a National Council of Catholic Women’s project that was completed in the 2000 Jubilee Year. It is a haven for prayer and relaxing for pilgrims who are visiting the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D. C. This garden was dedicated in honor of Our Blessed Mother under the guidance of NCCW. More information can be obtained by visiting the NCCW web site at www.nccw.org.
Works of Peace and Reconciliation
The National Council of Catholic Women in cooperation with Catholic Relief Services, is bringing clean, safe water to the thirsty, hungry, sick and poor of the world in order that they might live longer, better lives. With your support the NCCW and CRS is able to ensure the health of children in Mother/Child center, increase income by supporting small family enterprises, and provide educational and training opportunities for children. Through the programs of Water for Life, Madonna Plan, Help A Child, and The Refugee Women Emergency Fund, we are able to come together with CRS to make a difference in the lives of many. If you are interested in contributing to these funds individually, or organizing a fund raiser in your parish or community, please contact the International Commission Chair.
