Left to right pictured: Michel Rochel-Secretary, Sharon Thomas-Treasurer, Gayle Johnson-President, Yvonne Glonchak-Director at Large & Publicity Chair, Lucille Brandner-Milwaukee Province Director-Elect, Electronic Secretary & Individual Membership Co-Chair. (Submitted photo)
The Superior Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held its 65th Annual Convention June 15-16 at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Rhinelander.
During the annual board meeting Monday afternoon, Sharon Thomas was re-elected treasurer for a second two-year term.
Every two years, one woman from alternating dioceses is elected as director of the Province of Milwaukee, representing the entire state of Wisconsin. Lucille Brandner, Holy Rosary Parish, Medford, was elected province director-elect.
Fifty-seven women attended the banquet held at the Days Inn. The Trillium group of women from the Minocqua area provided entertainment.
The SDCCW convention day began with hospitality served by the women of Nativity of Our Lord Parish. Rhinelander Mayor Dick Johns welcomed the group to town, and they were welcomed to Nativity of Our Lord by Barbara Young, CCW president.
Keynote speaker was Jane Carter, NCCW leadership commission chair. Her presentation, “Share the Good News,” was based on the “New Evangelization: We are Called to Witness” NCCW program.
Council of Catholic Women members are sisters united in faith and mission, Carter said. They are called to actively participate as members. Each act of service is vital to the success of the organization, and together, they can do more than any one woman can do individually.
In the afternoon, Carter led an interactive workshop, “We Are Called to Witness.” During the day, attendees also heard from Jean Kelly, Province of Milwaukee director, and from Fr. Gerard Willger, spiritual director of the SDCCW.
In celebration of the 65th anniversary, many parishes processed with a banner from their SDCCW parish. Past presidents in attendance processed in before the Mass began. Processing were Evelyn Lompa (1986-1988); Pat Stine (2004-2006); Jane Schiszik (2006-2008); Pat Williams (2008-2010); Lucille Brandner (2010-2012); and Yvonne Glonchak (2012-2014).
Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Jim Powers; Fr. Willger; Fr. Mike McLain; and Fr. Pat Hardy.
Fr. Powers presented the Pax Christi Award to Carol Landry, St. Patrick, Hudson. Nominated for the honor were Amy Geisler, St. Mary, Bruce, and Murlene Wiener, Most Holy Rosary, Mellen.
Mary Werner, scholarship committee chair, presented the Mary Jane Morancyk Hennessey Scholarship Award to Alison Roush, Phillips. Unable to attend was Hannah Bellrichard, River Falls.
