By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) concluded its 64th biennial convention at the John XXIII Center in Lincoln April 27.
The significant event, themed “Celebrating with Gratitude, Serving with Joy,” brought together women from across the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln to celebrate their shared commitment to faith and service.
Valerie Able, first vice president, and a member of St. Clara Parish in Peru, emphasized the inclusive nature of LDCCW, explaining that all Catholic women in the Diocese of Lincoln are considered members. She highlighted the integral role of the women in parish life and beyond.
“They are the women in the pews, growing in their faith and serving God through their activities on the parish level and reaching beyond their communities by being a part of the LDCCW.”
Able further underscored the foundational role of women belonging to Parish Councils of Catholic Women (PCCWs) or altar societies, calling them the “bedrock” of the LDCCW. These faith-filled women play a crucial role in carrying out the mission established by Bishop Kucera in 1932, which aimed to address the need for women to collaborate in performing the Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy.
The 64th biennial convention brought together women from across the diocese, including first-time attendees and long-standing members like Linda Schaben from St. Germanus Parish in Arapahoe, who has been attending the LDCCW conventions for more than 60 years. The presence of leaders from other dioceses, such as Kim Estes from the Omaha Archdiocese and Darleen Schulte from the Grand Island Diocese, and Province Director Kay Wessel highlighted the interconnectedness among Catholic women across Nebraska.
Trudy Burenheide from Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Falls City and LDCCW president from 2022-2024, reflected on the organization’s rich history and mission.
“The LDCCW was an answer to my prayer,” she said.
She emphasized the transformative power of community and service in deepening one’s faith, stating, “Getting to know the wonderful women of our diocese who also sought a stronger connection with their faith through service and charity was an eye-opener and a powerful inspiration.”
Burenheide chose St. John Paul II as her patron saint for guidance and inspiration during her term as president.
“He taught the world about the dignity, beauty, and sacredness of marriage and family life. This is where my heart lies, with families and the struggles they encounter. The theme I selected was, ‘Together, sharing our faith as Catholic women so the power of the Gospel shines forth in our families.’”
Financial contributions from parishes play a vital role in supporting LDCCW’s initiatives, reflecting the generosity and commitment of Catholic women across the Diocese of Lincoln. Each year, parishes are invited to contribute $1.52 per woman, with these funds meticulously allocated to various projects and commissions aimed at advancing the mission of LDCCW. Notable among these initiatives is the Msgr. Riordan Scholarship, which provides vital support for Catholic education, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality schooling rooted in faith.
Additionally, significant attention is given to projects such as the Bishop’s Project, a cornerstone endeavor that addresses needs within the diocese. For the 2022-2024 term, the Bishop’s Project focused on the creation of the “St. John Paul II Family Prayer Garden,” designed to inspire prayer and reflection within the cathedral grounds. This project stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of St. John Paul II and serves as a symbol of spiritual renewal within the diocese.
In addition, the LDCCW demonstrated its commitment to the youth of the diocese through the President’s project. This term’s project, “Youth Spiritual Formation for the Good of the Family,” received generous contributions totaling $10,829 from women across the diocese.
Burenheide expressed her hope that these funds would provide scholarship opportunities for diocesan youth to attend camps, retreats, and other faith-filled experiences sponsored by the diocese. At the convention, Amy Reisen, coordinator of youth and evangelization and discipleship, shared her personal testimony of how her relationship with Jesus changed through a diocesan-sponsored event.
LDCCW further dedicated resources to support seminarians through a burse, along with aiding Funds for Nuns, the annual pro-life diaper drive, and Apostles for Life (distributed among the five pregnancy help centers in the diocese). These endeavors, in addition to many other projects, are aimed at fostering spiritual growth and nurturing a vibrant faith community that will endure for generations to come.
The convention featured engaging speakers who addressed pressing issues and provided spiritual insights. Father James Meysenburg, dean of the Falls City Deanery, delivered a message of gratitude and service, while keynote speaker Donna Cori offered practical advice on integrating spirituality into daily life, in addition to providing beautiful singing during the convention.
Paul Yates, director of “I’ve Got a Name,” raised awareness about the scourge of sex trafficking in Nebraska, urging attendees to take action against this injustice.
Looking to the future, Judy Weston from St. Michael Parish in Hastings, the newly elected LDCCW president for 2024-2026, expressed her commitment to serving the women of the diocese. She emphasized the council’s role in fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
“We are chosen to glorify God through our service,” she said.
Weston plans to continue the longstanding efforts of collaboration in performing the Corporal and Spiritual works of Mercy throughout the diocese.
SNR photos | Natalie Bender
