THE MADISON DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN, as a member of the National Council of Catholic Women, acts through its member to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.

The mission of the Council is carried out through the work of three commissions which reflect the mission statement: SPIRITUALITY, LEADERSHIP and SERVICE. Each commission works to support and enhance the activity of council, educates about issues of concern to Catholic women, and empowers women to respond in faith, with justice, and compassion.

Commission Structure:

Since 1995 NCCW's program and advocacy initiatives have clustered around one or more of its six commissions. In 2009, the commission system was re-organized into three commissions to align more consistently with the mission statement of NCCW. The new commissions encompass the previous six. The following illustrates how the previous commissions "match-up" with the current commissions:

SPIRITUALITY = Church and legislation
SERVICE = Family, Community, and international
LEADERSHIP = Organization

Commission Chairs are women who are knowledgeable in the specific program area of their particular commission. Regardless of whether her commission position is in the national ring of council, the arch/diocesan, or the local affiliate, each commission chair has the same general responsibilities:

• To provide leadership in her specific commission focus
• To continue to educate herself about the issues under her commission
• To monitor parish, community, state, or national developments that relate to her commission’s focus
• To stay informed about program activities on her ring of council
• To share information with others, including new resources.

Informational Resources for Commissions:

Information for commission chairs comes from three important NCCW sources:

• Written materials from the national office, including Catholic Woman and Bulletin Board
• Ideas generated during special meetings convened by the a/dccw chairs and vice chairs with their deanery/district chairs.
• Resolutions adopted at previous a/dccw conventions and at the NCCW national conventions.

Communication through the Rings of Council

• The National Chair sends materials – inspiration, “how-to” descriptions, current media coverage – to the a/dccw chairs, who send them to deanery/district chairs, who send them to local chairs. Each chair at each ring uses the materials as appropriate to her organization: for information, for programs, for project development, for publicity, etc.
• Local chairs report to deanery/district what materials were use, and how and with what results, and if not, why.
• Deanery/District chairs report likewise to their a/dccw chairs.
• A/dccw chair report to the national chair of her commission annually using the Annual Report Form sent from the National Office.
• National chairs report to the national president and board of directors about implementation of their program suggestions and the results and significant programs developed by the affiliates. They also recommend future action.

Leadership Commission

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The Leadership Commission provides organizational development, leadership training, public relations resources, and publications to ensure the successful organization and management of Council and its programs. A further aim of the Leadership Commission is to establish our organization as a leader in the Catholic Church and in our local, state, national, and world communities. The National Council of Catholic Women has led the way with programs that recognize the basic human dignity of all persons such as those on domestic violence and human trafficking, We must continue to take a leadership role in the protection of the dignity of life and respect for life from conception to natural death. (p.87 NCCW Resource Manual)

*Taken from NCCW Revised Guidance and Resource Manual

Diocesan Leadership Commission Chair: .
National Leadership Commission Chair: .

Leadership Commission Objectives:

• Promote and facilitate activities to increase membership, such as: Council Sunday and other forms of membership drives.
• Implement ways to communicate with members and non-members, for example bulletin announcements, new releases, affiliation newsletter, flyers (emails, facebook).
• Plan programs for monthly meetings.
• Handle protocol issues.
• Facilitate hospitality.
• Encourage members to attend regional and diocesan training days, workshops, conventions, etc.
• Promote the use of NCCW materials such as:
  • Membership materials from the NCCW website
  • Catholic Woman magazine
  • Bulletin Board
  • NCCW Connect newsletter p.88
  • also NCCW programs:
    • WE ARE CALLED TO WITNESS
    • FOLLOW ME, Called to Serve, Chosen to Lead
    • Conference Calls

Leadership Role Summary

• Programs
• Publicity
• Protocol
• Hospitality
• Communication
• Membership Recruitment

RESOURCE DOCUMENTS:

ABCs OF LEADERSHIP ARTICLE

FINANCE A CUSTOMIZED LTD PROGRAM

NEW EVANGELIZATION PROGRAM

WE ARE CALLED TO WITNESS BROCHURE

EIGHT WAYS YOU LIVE OUT YOUR CALL TO SERVE

“WE ARE CALLED TO WITNESS” TIPS FOR PRESIDENTS

NCCW IDEAS FOR "SWAP SHOPPE"

MAKE TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU

10 Things that the Leadership Commission Can Do:

1. Obtain a copy of the NCCW Guidance and Resources Manual and become familiar with the contents.
2. Be organized and plan ahead. Comply with deadlines.
3. Prepare a directory. This directory should include a calendar for the current year, a copy of the NCCW bylaws, a copy of the local organization’s bylaws, Standing Rules, job descriptions, and any other pertinent information for your CCW organization.
4. Be a team player! Support, affirm and converse with the other Commission Chairs as frequently as possible. Keep up with the actions of these commissions in order to be current and knowledgeable to the members of your CCW.
5. Contact diocesan offices and introduce yourself to your diocesan news editor and other diocesan staff members. Request information about upcoming events, speakers or programs that your Council of Catholic Women members might be interested in.
6. Provide training for parish leaders, deanery officers and commission chairs to explain the goals of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and program of the National Council of Catholic Women.
7. Promote Council of Catholic Women Sunday in your parishes. This will inform parish members about the council and the advantages of being a member of the nation Council of Catholic Women
8. Delegate responsibility. This creates opportunity for other women to become involved and may motivate them to take leadership roles in the future.
9. Listen to the members of your council. Welcome new members with a smile and a listening ear.
10. Take time to enjoy your term as chairperson. Have a good time – this will show in the work you do.

Membership Subcommittee

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The Membership Subcommittee of the Leadership Commission focuses on retention and expansion of membership in MDCCW. The purpose of this subcommitte is to reach out to women of our diocese through the development and implementaion of promotional initiatives.

Diocesan Membership Subcommittee Chairs: and .

Benefits of Individual Membership

1. Individual Membership in MDCCW unites Catholic women throughout the Madison Diocese.
2. You will experience personal growth and spiritual enrichment while sharing the camaraderie of other Catholic women.
3. You will expand the influence of Catholic women, creating positive, spiritual change.
4. You will have a voice on a diocesan scale, speaking on behalf of women and children in need.
5. You will be eligible to vote in MDCCW elections and at the Annual Business meeting.

RESOURCE DOCUMENTS:

MDCCW INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP BROCHURE

INVITATION TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

MDCCW MEMBERSHIP FORM

NCCW INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP FORM

NCCW AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP FORM

Service Commission

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Three commissions, Family, Community and International, are now grouped under the Service Commission. The aim of this commission is, therefore, threefold:

• Support and enhance the importance of family life within the church and society. The commission works to assist families in achieving a truly Christian life and to carry out their responsibilities within the Church, the civic community, and the world.
• Engage the members of NCCW and all people in working to address the needs and concerns of their individual communities. It focuses on action that affects the life, growth, productivity and well being of all people, especially women and children and the communities in which they live.
• Promote global solidarity and the conviction that our wealth and resources must be shared with all peoples. The commission creates awareness and educates about the needs of women and chi8ldren throughout the world. The commission encourages NCCW members to support generously the Works of Peace and the Works of reconciliation implemented in partnership with Catholic Relief Services as well as other programs through Catholic Charities and other similar groups.

Diocesan Service Commission Chair: Vacant
National Service Commission Chair: .

Service Commission Objectives (NCCW Guidance and Resource Manual p.88)

• Review you affiliation's current service programs and determine how the commission will facilitate the programs.
• Consider partnering with other organizations in your parish such as the respect life and youth groups.
• Utilize information received from regional and diocesan service commissions.
• Learn about resources available from NCCW such as:
  • Campaign for Human Dignity Resource Packet
  • Make the CASE for Children's Health Resource Packet
  • Respite Manual, 2nd Edition
  • Mothers Outreach to Mothers Resource Manual
  • Women Healing the Wounds brochure
  • Domestic Violence Resource Packet
• Educate members about the NCCW - Catholic Relief Services partnership programs and support these programs. (also, Cross International and Donkey Project)
• Read Catholic Woman, NCCW Connect, and Bulletin Board for information on current issues and programs.

Service Summary (Guidance and Resource manual p.90)

• Family Awareness programs on wireless technology and family values
• Community assistance to domestic abuse shelters
• International NCCW Day of prayer and Fasting to End World Hunger
• CRS Programs (Water for Life, Madonna Plan, etc.) (also Cross International, Madison Diocese Donkey Project)

RESOURCE DOCUMENTS AND WEBSITES:

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

“HEALING THE WOUNDS” DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCE

“HEALING THE WOUNDS” CUSTOMIZABLE SAFETY FLYER (Word Document)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CUSTOMIZABLE SAFETY FLYER (Word Document)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING FACT SHEET

PORNOGRAPHY FACT SHEET

10 WAYS TO PREVENT DOMESTIC ABUSE

IMPACT OF MEDIA ON THE FAMILY AND MARRIAGE

JUSTICE FOR IMIGRANTS

FAIR TRADE

DIVINE CHOCOLATE SALE PROPOSAL

DONKEY BREEDING PROJECT SUMMARY (2009)

DONKEY PROJECT (DIOCESAN LINK)

SERVV FAIR TRADE

10 Things that the Service Commission Can Do:

1. Have a program on mental health for an affiliation meeting, concentrating particularly about its effects on women and children. Be sure to have handouts listing local agencies which can provide assistance. If there is a residential treatment center or hospital for the mentally ill in your area, arrange for your group to visit and host a party for the residents.
2. Sponsor, or co-sponsor, perhaps with your parish family ministry, a program on domestic violence. Ask thoseattending to bring in clothing for women and children, used cell phones, bedding, and used suitcases for a shelter or safe house.Make sure your parish office staff knows the number for a shelter for women in need.
3. Have a food drive for an affiliation meeting in the spring and/or arrange to collect canned goods and paper products during the summer. Thanksgiving and Christmas collections won’t last the year.
4. Contact your local parks and recreation agency to see if there is a “Park Cleanup Day” in which your affiliation can participate. Supply sunscreen and bottled water to members.
5. Sponsor a “Back to School” safety day for your parish in mid-summer. Have a qualified person to check care seat installations, and have handouts available on vaccinations, nutrition and household safety tips.
6. Have seasonally appropriate clothing drives for under privileged children. “Back to School” in August, winter coats, hats and gloves in November, and summer clothing in May.
7. Arrange for members of your affiliation to visit a nursing home, assisted living facility or adult day care center on a regular basis. Take time to talk with residents, bur remember to ask them questions. You can learn much from their life experiences.
8. Plan a program on “Preparing for Life Alone” for women in your parish. Invite speakers to address topics such as health issues and insurance, getting a will, financial planning, and avoiding scams. Provide a list of resources, and/or persons willing to assist on a sliding fee basis.
9. Co-sponsor, along with your youth or life teen group, a program on safety and social issues for teenagers. Topics should include: alcohol and drugs, dating relationships, managing money, applying for a job, and preparing for life after high school.
10. Begin or join in your parish’s prison ministry program. Contact local authorities to see how you can help women in prison and those coming out to halfway houses. Consider having mothers in prison record children’s books on tape, which can then be given to their children or sponsor a NCCW book collection for a prison children’s visiting room.

Rural Life Subcommittee

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The Rural Life Subcommitte of the Service Commission focuses on issues that are of importance to many of the parishes in our diocese that located in rural and farm communities.

Spirituality Commission

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The aim of the Spirituality Commission is to create a community that is educated and dynamic. Catholic women called to discipleship and holiness respond with personal witness and service to the Church and to the world. It serves as a conduit for helping councils focus on the spiritual aspects of our faith and how we can act on our convictions in the public sphere, through daily Mass attendance and praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church that unifies us with women and men throughout the world in giving glory to God; promotion of Eucharistic Adoration, the personal connection we have with our Savior here on earth; praying other favorite devotionals which keep us connected to God; and providing support materials. The commission also provides information and materials from the United States bishops on Catholic social justice principals and issues that form the basis for legislative advocacy. The commission work reinforces faith and assists in meaningful ecumenical dialogue.

Diocesan Spirituality Commission Chair: .
National Spirituality Commission Chair: .

Spirituality Commission Objectives:

• Opening and closing prayers for all meetings and CCW events
• Prayer services
• Memorial Masses
• Days of reflection
• Living Rosaries
• Liturgy of the Hours
• Encourage members to participate in regional or diocesan retreats, days of reflection, etc.
• Visit USCCB website for updates on social justice issues that are central to our Catholic faith.
• Encourage members to attend legislative days and to sign up for alerts from their state's Catholic conferences.
• Read Catholic Woman, NCCW Connect, Action Alerts, and Bulletin Board for information on current issues and programs.
• Utilize and promote the use of Spirituality Resources available from NCCW:
  • A Spirituality Monograph: Reading Scripture, Church Documents
  • Enhancing Our Spirituality: A collection of prayers and readings for personal or group reflection
  • Our Lady of Good Counsel Prayer Card
  • Prayer Card for the Membership of the National Council of Catholic Women

Spirituality Summary (NCCW Guidance and Resource Manual p.89-90)

• Opening/Closing prayers at meetings
• Liturgy of the Hours
• Study of Theology of the Body
• Memorial Mass
• Legislative updates
• Living Rosaries

RESOURCE DOCUMENTS:

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION OF UNBORN HUMAN LIFE

MARY'S MANTLE: A PRAYER MINISTRY FOR BRIDES AND GROOMS

10 Things that the Spirituality Commission Can Do:

1. Set goals for the two years – long and short.
2. Perhaps a sponsored program from NCCW on inter-religious dialogue that could be carried out on a parish level.
3. Offer education on social justice teaching of the Church and how to correlate it with everyday life
4. Share anything you find on the spirituality of women with your councils.
5. Encourage your board to have a small retreat (scheduled before fall activities begin).
6. Be knowledgeable about diocesan vocation programs and offer support whenever possible.
7. Develop an article on a pro-life issue, building on the belief that all life is precious from conception to natural death.
8. If you haven’t seen the NCW Common Ground Intiative Package, now might be a good time.
9. Secure a copy of the USCCBN Publications Catalogue. Call 1‑800‑235‑8722 or visit on internet at www.usccb.org.
10. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

Legislative Subcommittee

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The Legislative Subcommittee of the Spiritual Commission works to inform our members of pending legislation and legislative issues related to the dignity of human life, the common good, care of the environment, human rights, and other issues related to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church.

Diocesan Legislative Commission Chair: .

RESOURCE DOCUMENTS:

HOW TO MEET WITH YOUR FEDERAL OR STATE LEGISLATORS

HOW TO WRITE YOUR FEDERAL OR STATE LEGISLATORS