Come Closer to Christ Through Council
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The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) is a lay organization supported by the Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska. We are called to live the gospel mandate to serve Christ by serving others, especially the poor, sick and marginalized. Our focus is the sanctification of our members, Let us walk with you on your journey of holiness.
Mission Statement: The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, under the authority of the Bishop, seeks to grow in holiness and to live out our faith through the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy in the service of God and His Church.
President's Message 
Dear Sisters in Christ,
Since May, your officers and commission chairs have been actively learning, planning, and carrying out the many responsibilities entrusted to us in our leadership roles.
Website & Communications
In May, we met with Fr. Coulter to review updates to the LDCCW website. If you haven’t visited recently, you’ll notice a refreshed design, our revised Mission Statement, and ongoing updates to our forms and resources.
Leadership Manual Review
A committee began reviewing the Leadership Manual in June. Kathy Rowell, Donna Havlat, Judy Weston, and I have spent more than 14 hours together on Zoom—plus many additional hours individually—carefully reading, discerning, and praying about the revisions needed to strengthen this important resource.
Executive Board Gathering
The Executive Board and Commission Chairs met in York at Chances R for fellowship and a collaborative discussion of our goals for the upcoming term. It was a joyful time of connection, accompanied by a delicious lunch.
Province Meeting & Newly Ordained Priests
In July, Teresa Koch and I met with the newly ordained priests, presented their blessed palls, and shared information about the LDCCW. Ahead of the Province Meeting in Grand Island, the Finance Committee worked diligently to prepare the 2026–2028 budget. The following day, we attended the Province Meeting hosted by the Archdiocese of Omaha. Next year, the Lincoln Diocese will host, which includes planning the Mass, selecting a speaker, and arranging lunch. This meeting is always held on the third Monday of July.
Focus on the Domestic Church Project
This summer, we ordered materials for our first Focus on the Domestic Church project. With the help of St. Clara’s Altar Society, we assembled 35 packets centered on the foundation of family life—marriage. Couples preparing for marriage through Engaged Encounter will receive a Family Fully Alive: Building the Domestic Church booklet, a congratulatory card, and a Holy Family medal from the LDCCW. Engaged Encounters occur about 12 times a year at the Good Counsel Retreat House in Waverly, with roughly 25 couples attending each session. I will be reaching out to PCCWs and Deaneries for help assembling future packets.
NCCW Convention
At the end of August, seven of us attended the NCCW Convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This year’s theme, “Speak, Lord, Your Servant is Listening,” set a beautiful tone for the gathering. Keynote speaker Mary Lenaburg inspired us deeply with her lived faith, encouraging us to notice and accompany the people God places right in front of us.
Faith Enrichment Boxes
One new NCCW service project that caught my attention was the Faith Enrichment Boxes. Parishes are encouraged to identify individuals who would benefit from a box filled with items to support and enrich their spiritual lives. Examples included First Communion, Confirmation, and Grief Ministry boxes. Our diocese is already ahead in this area—we provide Baptism materials (Parent Educator book, Bishop‑signed holy card, and medal) and Engaged Encounter bags. While these items are not boxed, parishes are welcome to package them in whatever way best serves their community.
As we continue focusing on the domestic church, I invite you to consider additional ways we can bring Christ into the homes of families across our diocese. One idea is a Home Blessing Box. More details and suggestions are included in your deanery packets. Please share any new or creative ideas your PCCW develops.
Closing
The greatest blessing of attending the NCCW Convention is being surrounded by women who share our faith, our commitment to service, and our desire to contribute to Christ’s mission. It reminds us that while our work is local, we are part of something much larger.
Thank you for your dedication and your continued service.
Valerie Able, 2026-2028 President
Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
