(Contributed photo)
MADISON — “This convention shows the unity of our Catholic women as well as your deep commitment to the Catholic faith and your individual parishes,” said Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt, spiritual advisor to the Madison Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (MDCCW), in his welcome to the women to their virtual convention on a Saturday morning in June.
Canceled last year because of the pandemic, this year’s convention coincided with the 75th anniversary of the diocese while celebrating the 101st anniversary of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW).
Monsignor Moellenberndt reminded the women of their connection to NCCW which unites them with women from throughout the country as well with the nine vicariates of the diocese and other members of their faith in their individual parishes.
Women pillars of the Church
With the theme, “Reflecting on the Past and Celebrating the Future,” Monsignor Moellenberndt, who has served as MDCCW spiritual director since 1994, said, “You have much to be proud of as we reflect on the past. In many ways, you are the pillars of our parish communities. So many of you give your time and talent to accomplish what the Church needs to have done . . . you are sharing in the ministry of Jesus because you are doing His work in your local community and in the Diocese of Madison.”
Not knowing what the future is, Monsignor Moellenberndt said, neither did the early disciples.
“What those disciples knew so, too, do we. When we are doing God’s work, we cannot help but be successful. For it is the Lord who is working through us. How privileged and blessed we are that God has invited us to share in his very ministry.”
Recently retired as pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Sun Prairie, Monsignor Moellenberndt said by reviewing the past, “we see what we have accomplished, learn from what could have been better and then move into the future . . . We have the assurance of the Lord that He will be with us. So, with confidence, we move into the future taking with us our past experiences and endeavors; and with eyes wide open, we celebrate what we can do to continue to build up the Kingdom of God here within the Diocese of Madison and in our parishes.”
West Dane Vicariate CCW
Rosa Ropers, St. John the Baptist, Waunakee, and Joan Pregler, St. Peter, Ashton, co-chaired the convention with help from women of the parishes of the West Dane Vicariate.
Nearly 150 women registered for the convention, which was aired via YouTube the morning of June 12.
Monsignor Moellenberndt watched the convention with a small group at St. Peter Church in Ashton.
In his opening remarks, he credited the CCW leaders for their “dedication and ingenuity to make this possible . . . despite the chaos and uncertainty of the past year.” The first convention was held in 1954.
Other groups of women met at their parish sites in Fennimore, Baraboo, Lancaster, Madison, Mount Horeb, Verona, Ashton, Martinsville, La Valle, and Berlin.
In the welcome packet, Ropers, outgoing president of the West Dane Vicariate CCW, wrote, “We hope you will find it relaxing, renewing, and energizing and that you take away ideas offered to you today to share them as you continue to empower, support, and educate other members of your parish.
Music, prayer, speeches, meditation
The virtual convention started with the music of “How Great Thou Art” in the background before viewers saw Becky Frederick standing at the entrance of St. Martin of Tours, Martinsville.
She served as emcee for the three-and-one-half hour session, which included presentations by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison and Jeannie Ewing, spiritual writer and speaker; the Divine Mercy Chaplet by Anna Nuzzo; prayer and meditation led by four young women on four women saints; and a prayer service.
Breaks with music were interspersed throughout the convention.
Fr. Chris Gernetzke, pastor of St. Martin of Tours and St. Peter Parishes, opened the prayer service which was led by MDCCW President Judy Lyons, Fort Atkinson, and members of the MDCCW board.
The prayer service was printed in the program brochure provided ahead of time to registrants, who were asked to follow along and sing “Mary’s Song of Praise” to the tune of “Amazing Grace.”
Our Lady of Good Counsel
The prayer service ended with the prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel, the patroness of the National Council of Catholic Women.
Asking for Mary’s intercession “that we may be wise, courageous and loving leaders of the Church,” the prayer continues, “Help us, dear mother, to know the mind of Jesus, your son. May the Holy Spirit fill us with reverence for God’s creations and compassion for all God’s children. May our labors of love on earth enhance the reign of God and may God’s gifts of faith and living hope prepare us for the fullness of the world to come.”
In the convention folder were brochures that suggested projects for councils and information on social justice issues.
Coreen Marklein, MDCCW service commission chair, included recommendations for service projects, including Boxes of Joy, Walking with Moms in Need, and Care of Our Earth.
The program ended with a “trip down memory lane,” a slide show of pictures from the start of the NCCW to current MDCCW activities followed by a video about NCCW featuring President Jean Kelly, who lives in suburban Milwaukee.
The closing song was “Hail Mary”.
Following the convention, MDCCW President Judy Lyons said she was pleased with how it turned out, thanks to the “endurance, hard work, and persistence” of the West Dane Vicariate CCW. “All in all, I liked everything so much.”
The virtual convention will be available for a limited time by going to YouTube and searching for “MDCCW” (a photo of Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt will appear standing next to a 2020 NCCW birthday banner and Madison MDCCW in small writing).