PICTURES ARE IN FROM THE 3-DAY CONVENTION!
Dear Ladies,
Pictures are in from our 3-Day Convention and what a splendid convention it was! Father Joe's pictures are posted now.
Congratulations to the new VDCCW Board on their Installation at the luncheon Wednesday May 6, 2009 at the Crowne Plaza, Bell Shop, Ft. Myers, Florida! Pictured above, our Immediate Past-President, Joyce Maenpaa installing the new officers: President, Marilyn Bogen;
First Vice President, Dolores Garvis; Mary Elizabeth Carey, Outgoing Recording Secretary; Charlotte Boland, Treasurer; Susan Abisso, Incoming Recording Secretary.
Catholic Days at the Capitol was March 10-12. Governor Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp spoke with President Joyce Maenpaa and First Vice President Marilyn Bogen during our recent visit. Marilyn Bogen steps up as President after the Installation Luncheon.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE:
VDCCW THREE-DAY CONVENTION, "Alive With the Gifts of the Holy Spirit." Pictures posted from Father Joe! Send any of your great photos to barbarachamberlain@embarqmail.com.
VDCCW POST CONVENTION BOARD MEETING, Wednesday, June 17, St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall. Contact Dolores Garvis or Betty Galvano for more information.
VDCCW POST CONVENTION BOARD MEETING, Wednesday, June 17, St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall. Contact Dolores Garvis or Betty Galvano for more information.
LAKE YALE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: KEYS to Success. ODCCW Training Symposium at Lake Yale, July 25-26, 2009. To plug into your GPS': Lake Yale Baptist Assembly, 39004 CR 452, Leesburg, FL 34788 Registration here. Directions here. If you have never attended, the price is right! Price includes, registration, room and all meals! A great take for $78 for the weekend! See description here.
NCCW CONVENTION, September 24-27, 2009 HYATT REGENCY in Jacksonville, FL. Registration form here. Highlights here. Invitation. Tours
40 DAYS FOR LIFE, FALL 2009: September 23-November 1, 2009.
VDCCW FALL BOARD MEETING, OCTOBER 9, 2009: St. Peter in Naples, FL.
STATEWIDE RESPECT LIFE CONFERENCE, Orlando, OCTOBER 15-17, 2009: Contact Jeanne Berdeaux for more information.
VDCCW RETREAT, January 16, 2010: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) Retreat House in Venice.
CAPITOL DAYS AT THE CAPITOL, Tallahassee, FL; March 9-11, 2010: Contact Jeanne Berdeaux for travel arrangments for your local parishes.
LEAVEN CONFERENCE, March 13, 2010: Sarasota. Contact Peace and Justice Department at the Venice Diocese for more information.
ONE-DAY CONVENTION, May 1, 2010: Eastern Deanery
NCCW GENERAL ASSEMBLY, MARIOTT in Hartford Connecticut, September 15-19, 2010.
THREE-DAY CONVENTION 2011: Northern Deanery. Contact Cornelia Zanetti for more information,
VOICE COPIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY OF SEPTEMBER 2009 here ; MARCH 2009 here-- all in living color!
Marilyn Bogen, President VDCCW
54th Biennial Convention in Jacksonville, Florida!
It is with great pleasure that NCCW invites you to attend our 54th Biennial Convention this year in Jacksonville, Florida, over the dates of September 23 - 27, under the theme "NCCW - Moving Forward with faith and Joy." Catholic women's council leaders from around the country are expected ...
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MARCH SAINTS by FATHER JOE CONNOLLY, OUR VDCCW MODERATOR
What wonderful saints we celebrate during the month of March — Saints of great stature who defied all the odds and give to us premier examples: Joseph who took to his heart and home a young girl who challenges his very faith, yet opens him to the voice of the Holy Spirit. His ...
40 DAYS FOR LIFE: National Campaign to end Abortions in the USA!
You are cordially invited to participate in the second National 40 DAYS FOR LIFE Campaign for 2008 taking place September 24 - November 2 (www.40DAYSFORLIFE.com). In selected cities from coast to coast across the USA, 40 DAYS FOR LIFE takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing ...
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BISHOP DEWANE INITIATED THE 2008 NOVENA OF MASSES FOR LIFE, MARCH 31, 2008!
Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice Florida initiated the 2008 Novena of Masses for Life by celebrated Mass at Epiphany Cathedral on March 31, 2008 at 11 a.m. Following Mass, Father Peter Sousa from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center in Venice spoke at the Bishop's luncheon about the ...
DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL OCCASION CARD SENT TO A LOVED ONE?
Thank–you to everyone who has contributed to the Seminarian Fund in the past. To clear up any confusion for our new members, the donation cards are sent to the requestor so the requestor can send the card along to the intended. Donation cards can be Memorial Cards, Birthday Cards, Get Well ...
FCCW: CATHOLIC WOMEN: JOYFUL SERVANT LEADERS PHOTOS
Here are some great photos passed along from Dolores Garvis and Pat Clarke of Miami from the 18th Biennial FCCW Conference in Sarasota, October 23-26, 2008.
What a great time was had by all at the NCCW Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah! Next year, it's in Jacksonville! Start planning now to attend!
"Women of Faith, Women of Action" and that's who we are and what we do so well! We had Masses concellebrated with Bishops, Monsignors, Priests, Deacons and all of us! There was quite a group
attending and it was so good to see people from other states that we met the last few times that National convened! Pictures posted soon, so check back for the latest!
CENTRAL DEANERY -- FALL DEANERY DAY
Central Deanery FALL DEANERY DAY was held at St. Maximilian Kolbe's in Port Charlotte on October 6, 2007. We had a great turnout!
NORTHERN DEANERY --- FALL DEANERY DAY
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at St. Martha's in Sarasota was the site for the Northern Deanery FALL DEANERY DAY. A great time was had by all! Here's the photo of Cele Van Winkle, Northern Deanery Church Commission Chair & Pat Consolmagno, Diocesan Board of Directors Parliamentarian. They were honored at the Northern Deanery Day for 50 years of Service. The Awards given at the NCCW 2007 Convention in Columbus Ohio was presented to Cele & Pat by President, Joyce Maenpaa and Past National President, Ellen Bachman. Congratulations on your awards from all of us awed by your efforts!
VDCCW at OLPH Retreat Center
We had a wonderful retreat in the woodsy area of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center.
Father Peter Sousa was a listening gift in perpetual motion! The luncheon was magnificent. The Volunteer staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The Mass was great as always and the music provided by our President, Joyce Maenpaa and the singing lead by Marilyn Bogen was another treat!
Thanks to all who made it a wonderful day!
VDCCW VISITS THE CAPITOL DAYS IN TALLAHASSEE IN RECORD NUMBERS!
Record numbers appeared in the Capitol during Catholic Days in Tallahassee from all regions in Florida! It was a magnificent sea of Red and a sight to behold as thousands of Catholics from the State of Florida visited the Capitol in support of Pro-Life Issues and to let our voices be heard by our state representatives in the House and Senate! The "Red Mass" was a vision to behold as the three trumpets blared along with the French horns, the Knights of Columbus in full regalae flanked either side of the main alter where every priest and Bishop's robes were a vibrant red and the Archbishop made his grand entrance flanked by two angelic young students. It came with all the pagentry and festivities of a royal court. Even two groups of children entertained us with their pristine melodic voices; the first group, the younger children followed by the young adult group before the main procession began.
Historically, we call upon the Holy Spirit to grant us light, inspiration and guidance to all those serving in the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government. This custom dates back to the 13th Century. The first recorded Red Mass was 1245 in Paris,France.
The liturgical red signifies the willingness to defent the truth inspired by the Holy Spirit even at the cost of shedding one's blood. Since the Mass asks the Holy Spirit to keep lawyers and judges true to the truth of justice, the devotion is called the Red Mass. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
Enjoy the pictures, as you look at them may you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and the joy of those who attended for His sake.
PHOTOS OF THE CHRISM MASS WITH BISHOP DEWANE AND BISHOP NEVINS
A spectacular CHRISM MASS was held at Epiphany Cathedral on March 18, 2008 in Venice. If you were not able to attend, we hope that you enjoy the photos.
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JANE CARTER, NCCW, GUEST SPEAKER AT EASTERN SPRING DEANERY DAY
Eastern Spring Deanery Day was lots of fun as you can see from our pictures!
We had representation from Northern, Central and Southern Deaneries, as well. It was great to see everyone again and to see the support from the other Deaneries. A special treat was the guest speaker, Jane Carter, NCCW, whose wisdom in captivating an audience is apparent!
In addition to the all the Deaneries present, at the head table, as a guest of honor, was the President of Florida Council of Catholic Women (FCCW), Marianne Torgler. In case you heaven't heard, the FCCW Conference is being held in Sarrasota, October 23-25, 2008. So, mark your calendars! It is going to be a three-day conference with a circus theme!
Also, as a Guest of Honor, and seated at the Head Table was their very own member, Joyce Maenpaa, President of the Venice Diocese Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW).
There was a myriad of posters around the hall, candy bars for sale by the International Commission, a poster on St. Paul, and harvesting the coffee beans with some coffee for sale by International, as well.
We had raffles, great food, laughs and tears of joy! Kudos to the Eastern Deanery!
NORTHERN SPRING DEANERY DAY by Nancy Mondo
The Northern Deanery Spring Deanery Day was held on March 27, 2008 in North Port, Florida with San Pedro Council of Catholic Women as Hosts of the day. There were approximately 85 members and 3 Moderators present.
It was a busy day. After the 9 Presidents gave their Annual Reports, our Venice Diocesan President, Joyce Maenpaa, told us about the One Day convention scheduled for May 3 at St. Williams Church in Naples, Florida. Then Board Member, Wendy Dawson, dressed as St. Frances Cabrini, told us of the many accomplishments of St. Frances during her lifetime. Wendy had the relic of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini's veil on display for veneration (see picture).
The Presidents’ reports confirmed that Commissions Members had actively hosted social Parish functions, as well as continuing their Spiritual, Charitable and Fund Raising Activities all year. 1,223 Northern Deanery Members reported 228,026 Volunteer Hours for the year of February 1, 2007 through January 31, 2007. (We have now been advised of a new directive from NCCW for totaling volunteer hours from April 1 to March 31 beginning this year.)
A noon Mass officiated by the Venice Diocesan Spiritual Moderator, Rev. Joseph F. Connolly, was co-celebrated with San Pedro’s Pastors, Father Patrick and Father Jim. Following Mass, a tasty lunch of Road Pork and Rice was served by the San Pedro Affiliation. The San Pedro Ladies did a great job all day seeing that we were comfortable and well fed.
The speaker of the day, Kathy Bonner, an international motivation speaker and author, gave some creative and positive thoughts on how to have interesting meetings.
We were reminded of the upcoming FCCW Convention scheduled for October 24-26, 2008 at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Sarasota, Fl. The Northern Deanery Affiliations will be the welcoming committee on Friday evening, which will be a Circus-Carnival Theme. We will also be responsible for transportation and the Brunch to be served Sunday Morning.
After we were asked to go back to our affiliations and “toot our horn” about the things we learned today, the meeting was adjourned.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Convention on May 3, 2008.
NANCY MONDO, DIRECTOR
SOUTHERN DEANERY HOSTS ONE DAY CONFERENCE IN NAPLES AT THE MARIOTT RESIDENCE INN!
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the recipient of a $5,000 check from the VDCCW at the Naples' One-Day Conference!
PHOTOS FROM CATHOLIC DAYS AT THE CAPITOL 2009!
The Bishops' Bus started at North Fort Myers where people from as far away as Naples meet it at 6 am! (For those of you doing the math, it meant they had to get up around 3:30 am if they had already packed!!!) Then, the bus stopped at Port Charlotte and then on to Venice and Bradenton! After a sleepy bus ride (for me, at least) , we arrived at our luncheon location, a beautiful picnic area where we could absorb some of our great Florida weather and the day was just perfect with a light balmy breeze!
We checked in at our hotel around 2:30 and then back onto the bus for briefing of the issues at hand.
We had a lovely reception and some night owls went out on the town after that! The next day we met with our respective Representatives and Senators, saw the historic tour of the Old Capitol and met Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor, Jeff Kottkamp. We met mostly with success and then had a great luncheon with the Florida Catholic Conference where our own Deacon Pat Macauley received a special award and plaque. I think he was surprised!
We attended the Red Mass , where Bishop Frank Dewane was homilist, and attended a reception afterwards at the Co-Cathedral in Tallahassee. All remarked how well Jeanne Berdeaux and Marina Kopko organized the trip. We didn't lose anyone! We had a record number! Plan to go next year if you can!
Father Joe is the first to send his pictures in! Send your pictures in to webmaster's email
Wow! Wasn't that Three-Day Convention great! Kudos to Dolores Garvis and Betty Galvano for Co-Chairing and to Joyce Maenpaa, Immediate Past-President and Pat Consolmagno, Parliamentarian, too!
Father Joe's pictures arrived today. Here is a sneak preview!
RESPITE CARE MINISTRY
FOR INFORMATION CALL: Rickie Arnold, (941) 778-3224 Arnold_8419@msn.com Respite Care Respite Care is one of the services most often requested by family/ caregivers, yet in short supply. It is estimated that 1/3 of all adults in the US are caregivers or caring for an individual/family ...
RESPITE CARE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL VENICE DIOCESEnull
"ALIVE WITH THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" is just a fond memory now!
Women Celebrate Contributions to Church 24th annual Council of Catholic Women Convention ALIVE WITH THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ...
A RAFFLE FOR BISHOP DEWANE'S ITALY TRIP THIS SEPTEMBER? HOW FAST CAN YOU PACK?
Dear CCW Ladies, By now all of you have received your Bishop’s tour raffle tickets…some of you have already sold out! Remember there are only 250 tickets available!!! That means your chance in winning is 1:250! Isn't this fun celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our Venice Diocese? If you need additional tickets, please let me ...
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO MEET DAVID BEREIT, 40 DAYS FOR LIFE FOUNDER, IN SARASOTA!
November 2, 2008 was a beautiful Fall day in Southwest Florida when we all gathered to pray for the elimination of abortions in America and throughout the World! The West wind was gently and warmly swirling around and with each swirl more people gathered just about 3 p.m. that afternoon to meet the gentleman and his family who have travelled extensively throughout the United States praying for the elimination of abortions in America and the World. Myself, I've been following David Bereit for the past three years, receiving all his emails and perpetuating them along to my like-minded friends calling out to the Interfaith in support of 40 DAYS FOR LIFE. Over three hundred people shared God's love, mingled in solidarity and vowed to unite for the cause! This year, David managed to gather up 179 communities across America to celebrate his 40 DAYS Fall campaign.
In his first visit to Sarasota, the Venice community was there to greet and meet him and congratulate him on his efforts. Hundreds more were at home or in their respective churches praying for the success of this movement and the total elimination of abortions.
Bishop Frank Dewane, Bishop of Venice; David Whitmire, Chapter Leader for Bound4LifeSRQ, http://www.bound4life.com, along with Jeanne Berdeaux, Respect Life Director for Venice Diocese, http://www.dovrespectlife.org, were among the cast of stars speaking a voice for the voiceless, praying for the unborn, and offering hope for a future void of abortions. We all hope and join in prayer that God, in His Infinite Mercy, shall rid us of the intrinsic evil of abortion soon.
CAN YOU HELP SAVE THIS CHILD: PRAYERS NEEDED!
The Sun-Herald ran an article May 8, 2009 and another on June 3rd on Meikah Heaton. June 1st she was airlifted to Gainesville to have the toxins removed from her system in preparation for her liver transplant. Can you help her get the necessary ...
PRAYER LINE REQUESTS
Please use the CONTACT US page to submit your requests to this page.
FROM THE PEN OF THE HISTORIAN, IRIS GOMEZ
PONTIFAX SUNDAY Pontifax is a Latin word meaning bridge builder. With the great desire that one day we all may be one in Christ, a group of believers started a movement under this name unifying the Episcopal Church of Southwest Florida and the St. Petersburg Diocese in the Catholic ...
NORTHERN DEANERY REPORT BY NANCY MONDO
It was great seeing so many familiar Northern Deanery Members for the Pontifax Service on Sunday, January 20, 2008, at St. Martha’s Church in Sarasota, Florida. As in the past, the service was uplifting, the refreshments were delicious and the camaraderie was heartwarming. Now we have ...
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EASTERN DEANERY REPORT BY JENNEY ULLRICH
Eleven members from Eastern Deanery attended the Lake Yale Leadership Symposium in July. The Orlando Diocesan Council of Catholic Women put on an outstanding program for their members which they kindly opened to other ...
CENTRAL DEANERY REPORT BY BETTY GALVANO
This morning I took my normal 5-mile hike in the mall.(It seems to be safer and cooler there in the summer heat). I then joined another walker for a cup of decaf at Starbucks. I had seen her other times walking, but never conversed with her. We got to talking. She was Catholic, too. Naturally, ...
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SOUTHERN DEANERY REPORT BY CAROL OLSON
Southern Deanery had a busy season. During Lent, we hosted a Day of Recollection with Sister Sally Latkovich, on Women’s Spirituality, inviting all women of our parishes to attend. This is the second ...