NCCW holds national convention in Indianapolis

Nearly 700 women leaders from around the country attended this year's National Council of Catholic Women annual national convention in Indianapolis, Indiana Sept. 7-10. Founded on March 4, 1920, the NCCW celebrated its 96th year with a convention theme of “Catholic Women: Instruments of Mercy.”
The U.S. Catholic bishops created the National Council of Catholic Women to give women a unified voice, a program of service and a vehicle for collaboration.

"This annual convention brings together women from around the U.S. to pray, learn and share ideas. Our projects reflect our concern for the life and dignity of each person like anti-trafficking efforts, support for vocations and respite care for elderly homebound," NCCW President Sheila Hopkins said.

Speakers for the 2016 National Convention included Katerina Rosenblatt, Ph.D., author and survivor of human trafficking; Judy Johnson, a motivational speaker; Cuban-born author Maria Morera Johnson; and Sister Donna Markham, OP, CEO of Catholic Charities USA.
Archbishop Joseph Tobin of the Diocese of Indianapolis; Bishop Gregory Parkes, NCCW Episcopal Liaison and Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee; and Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, celebrated convention Liturgies.
A new NCCW logo and a “new look” for  Catholic Woman magazine were unveiled at the convention. Workshops on spirituality, leadership and service provided information and resources for women to take to their home parishes and dioceses. New Province directors and NCCW treasurer were installed at Saturday’s session.
NCCW’s mission is to act through its members to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Its programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.   
The 2017 NCCW Convention will be held in Dallas, Texas.