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Annual DCCW Convention
May 20, 2008
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Following the formal opening of the convention and the Presentation of Colors, by the Daughters of Isabella, Queen Isabella Circle #975 of Alpena. President Diane Laseck welcomed the guests, current officers, past presidents, clergy and religious in attendance.
Father Patrick Maher, Pastor of St. John the Baptist parish in Alpena, addressed the women sharing that his “mother was his first and greatest preacher” in demonstrating her faith and service to others through how she lived her life. He told the women “my encouragement to you is to contemplate and reflect on your necessary role that keeps the lifeblood of the church going and to pass on your commitment of service in families, communities and parishes. You have often done the lion’s share of the work and we have grown to rely on it. Our young people not only need to hear your words, but to see examples of your service. On behalf of the clergy, we give thanks for you and your preaching of Christ’s life saving message,” Fr. Maher concluded.
Fr. Donald Geyman, Delegate for Vocations, spoke to the women on encouraging their children to serve the church in whatever vocation they are called to. He noted a recent study which said 60% of parents would not encourage their son or daughter to pursue their vocation to priesthood or religious life. Among the reasons given for that statistic was the parents’ desire to be grandparents.
“Parents have always wanted their children to be happy,” Fr. Don stated. “But it seems the definition of happiness has changed in society.” He said “We need to model what is true success and happiness which are not found in the “things” we accumulate, but change our definition to the example given us by the Lord – that we can find true happiness and success in service to others and by pursuing those things that last forever.”
Fr. Don concluded his talk asking the women to “encourage your children to ‘be not afraid’ to follow a different path. Make sure our children and youth hear all of the ways they may serve the church. Whatever their vocation, they will find tremendous fulfillment by following the path set for them by God.”
Keynote speaker Marlene Elwell has been active in the political arena for 30 years particularly in prolife and family causes. She has championed philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives on state, national and international levels. As founder of Catholics in the Public Square, she encourages Catholics to get involved in political issues and make their voices heard.
In her talk, Elwell shared stories of how the Holy Spirit guided her efforts and that many times she had no idea how to do what she was called to do, but just kept persevering with the faith that God would provide the resources, contacts and knowledge when it was needed.
“What drives me is my Catholic faith,” Elwell stated. “As Catholics, we need to know two things: We are to know the will of God and have the courage to do it.”
Women have a key role in society and in the raising of the next generation. Elwell noted that one can judge the nation by how the women are doing.
“You have much to pass on to our children,” Elwell said. “Each of you as a woman, as a gifted faith person in the Catholic Church, have courage.”
Bishop Patrick Cooney and Fr. Francis Murphy, both recuperating from recent heart surgery, also joined the ladies for lunch and thanked them for their prayers and well wishes.
Fr. Murphy also spoke briefly sharing his view that women are central to the Church and society. He noted that in the home, the father and children are somewhat like satellites around the mother. “The father may be the head of the home, but the mother is the heart,” Fr. Murphy concluded.
This was also an election year for the DCCW. Having completed four years as president of the DCCW, Diane Laseck offered her thanks for the support of the women during her term of office. “It’s been wonderful serving you. I’ve enjoyed it and I thank you for your loving devotion.”
New officers for the DCCW are: Diane Blevins, President; Bernice Zolnierek,1st Vice President; Linda McClain, 2nd Vice President; Lorraine Schueller, Recording Secretary; Genevieve Reynolds, Treasurer; and Joyce Ryther, Auditor.
The convention ended with Mass at St. Mary Cathedral.
