Bishop James P. Powers, left to right, poses with the newly installed officers of the Council of Catholic Women, South Central Deanery: Patricia Stine, president; Evelyn Clarkson, president-elect; Donna Dowden, director at large; Lenore Krajewski, secretary; Lynn Neeck, treasurer. The installation took place at St. Mary, Bruce, April 30. (Submitted photo)
BRUCE — Vocations, technology and goals for the Council of Catholic Women were among topics discussed when Bishop James P. Powers attended a deanery meeting April 30.
Forty-nine members of the National Council of Catholic Women gathered at St. Mary, Bruce, to attend Mass and review projects in the South Central Deanery.
Province director Lucille Brandner, Medford, said the NCCW is developing new programs on human trafficking and respite care.
Service commissioner Alice Meyer reported 500 pounds of recyclable plastic caps were sent to Florida as part of the NCCW Caps of Love project. The service commission is currently making fleece blankets for those in need.
Bishop Powers concelebrated Mass with Fr. Inna Reddy Pothireddy from St. Mary, and retired Fr. Ed Mumper. They were assisted by Deacon Tom Furhmann. At Mass, Bishop Powers was honored during an Indian ceremony with a shawl and turban. He also installed the newly elected officers of the South Central Deanery.
Answering questions members had submitted, Bishop Powers told them prayer and work are needed by the CCW to increase all types of vocations: to the married life, single life, religious life, priesthood and diaconate in the Superior Diocese. Vocations have to come from within families, he said, and parents, grandparents and parish communities need to be supportive in promoting religious life as a vocation.
The bishop also noted advances in technology can make communication challenging with younger family members, and God’s call needs some silence to be heard.
