Council Sunday, Oct. 18, will celebrate the DCCW

Friday, Oct. 16, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, an affiliate of the National Council of Catholic Women, along with parish ladies guilds and women’s groups throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City will celebrate Council Sunday Oct. 18 to recognize the work they do locally and nationally.

The Blessed Sacrament CCW recognized women of all ages in the parish a week early by holding its fifth annual Tea Party. Women brought their favorite tea cups, shared stories, had refreshments and learned from Chef Roy Olsen of Bake 360 European Bakery & Café how to make strawberry en glace – strawberries dipped in a sugar glaze.

The CCW at St. Helen Parish in Roosevelt and St. James the Greater in Vernal also celebrated Council Sunday a week early. 

The CCW at St. James the Greater Parish received a blessing during Mass and held a reception; they handed out a survey to see how they could encourage more participation. 

The women at St. Helen Parish served as lectors and also held a reception.

Members of the St. Anthony of Padua CCW in Helper will celebrate on Oct. 18 by wearing white scarfs to identify themselves and will participate in the Mass as lectors, choir members and Eucharistic ministers, take up the gifts and gather the collections, said Becky Colombo deanery president. “We will display pictures of CCW activities explaining all we do.”

St. Olaf Parish CCW will decorate the church in pink and give pink carnations to women in recognition of breast cancer awareness. 

At their own parishes, other diocesan CCWs will offer information about who they are and what they do.

“While ladies in our councils serve with humility and without expectations, an occasional pat on the back is appreciated,” said Bonnie Siegrist, DCCW president. “Council Sunday is a day we can celebrate who we are and all we do. It is a day to say thank you for the many gifts of time and talent, faith, support and friendship. Council Sunday also gives us an opportunity to welcome new women and invite them to join in our mission. We are the voice of Catholic women. By joining our hearts, minds, and voices, we can make a difference.” 

“Council Sunday is a way of celebrating and acknowledging the rich contributions of the women in the parishes,” said Pat Vorhees, a past DCCW president and past NCCW commissioner. “Council Sunday is a way of letting the parishes know about the DCCW and NCCW.” 

All Catholic women 18 and older are members of the DCCW, which was established in 1928 to support, empower and educate Utah’s Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. 

After not having Council Sunday in the Diocese of Salt Lake City for many years, it was reestablished in 2013.

Throughout the year CCW members plan receptions, funeral meals and parish events. 

In the Salt Lake Deanery, Our Lady of Lourdes CCW in Magna participates in the annual parish Spaghetti Dinner.

St. Patrick’s CCW hosts a Halloween Party for adults and hosts the parish ministry fair. 

Saints Peter and Paul CCW hosts a clothing and food drive during the holidays for the underserved. 

In the Wasatch Deanery, Blessed Sacrament CCW hosts a garage sale and a Holiday Blessings boutique.

St. John the Baptist CCW hosts the parish Mardi Gras and in November will host “The Voice,” a singing competition to raise funds for the Cathedral of the Madeleine Good Samaritan program. 

St. Therese of the Child Jesus CCW will host Undie Sunday to collect new underwear and clothing for the homeless at the Road Home in Midvale. 

The St. Thomas More CCW hosts a Christmas luncheon and boutique, a baby shower for St. Martha’s Baby Project and a service project for Shriner’s Hospital and the homeless shelter. 

The San Andres CCW hosted a western dance and the proceeds went to the church building fund. 

In the Northern Deanery, St. Rose of Lima CCW hosted a Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter project by collecting hygiene supplies, undergarments and clothing for women and children. 

Holy Family CCW hosted a St. Patrick’s dinner. 

The DCCW was formed in 1928 to support, empower and educate Utah Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. The DCCW is made up of all the CCW affiliates in the diocese, and is itself an affiliate of the NCCW. All Catholic women 18 and older are members of the DCCW.