ACCW convention highlights support for seminarians, advocacy efforts
LAKEWOOD
A $10,000 check to support seminarians in the archdiocese was presented to Archbishop J. Peter Sartain during the annual convention of the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.
The convention, Oct. 11-12 at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Lakewood, brought together Catholic women from across Western Washington under the theme of “The Voice of Catholic Women, Calling All Home.” The gathering showcased the group’s charitable and advocacy efforts, while providing fellowship and prayer.
Archbishop Sartain celebrated the opening Mass and presented Our Lady of Good Counsel awards to Katie Kiefer, Lori Margetan, Bernadine Robertson and Jan Neudorfer. The awards honored the women for their service, leadership, example and support of ACCW.
President Kathleen Tansey presented the group’s check to the archbishop for the Seminarian Aid Endowment. The ACCW funds came from Mass card donations from Catholics throughout Western Washington. Archbishop Sartain regularly remembers in prayer those named in the Mass cards.
The practice dates back to 1935, and each year, the ACCW board names the gift in honor of a significant person or event. This year, St. Josephine Bakhita was chosen, as the slave-turned-sister connected with this year’s ACCW efforts to combat human trafficking.
During the convention, a dessert auction raised money for the National Council of Catholic Women and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations. A lunchtime auction brought to $2,000 the total yearlong collection for its anti-trafficking efforts. The council also voted to buy and loan out the “Chosen” anti-trafficking DVD series from Shared Hope International.
Treasurer Barbara Townsend reported that the group raised $25,000 to fund Catholic education scholarships, support pregnancy aid centers and help the poor. Members volunteered more than 50,000 hours in 2013 through projects including prison, school, pregnancy aid center and international aid efforts.
Other convention activities included prayer and faith reflections, a memorial service for deceased members, and an update on archdiocesan seminarians the council has “adopted.”
How to donate All Catholic women in the Archdiocese of Seattle are invited to join ACCW. The council’s mission is that of “spirituality, leadership and service, mixed with business, food and fun.” Annual dues are $20 per person. Visit http://seattleaccw.org for more information.
December 10, 2013