Welcome to the August Council Connect | | Know Him, Love Him and Serve Him! | | | | |
President - Val Able
Sisters in Christ,
Sometimes we just need to get away from it all. So, this past week I went fishing with my husband Leroy. It was a few very HOT days out on the water, getting up super early (like 4:30 am and filling our catch one fish at a time.
We were fishing out in the Sandhills of Nebraska at Merritt Reservoir. A beautiful area of our state. There is something about those rolling hills that relaxes me.
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Sunday, one of our Gospel stories was about the disciples casting out into the sea and pulling in a net so full of fish they could hardly handle it. Once on shore they started sorting through the fish, tossing out the bad ones and saving the goods ones. It was the same with our catches, there were those that were too small to keep, some drum , that we didn’t want to eat, and some really nice walleye, crappie, and catfish that were very tasty.
Of course, the Gospel was more than finding the choicest fish to eat. It had a much deeper meaning. When the Lord comes at the end of the time. He will sort out the good from the bad and send the bad into the fiery furnace. The good will enjoy everlasting life in heaven. I wonder if there will be fishing in heaven? My husband sure hopes so!
Your servant in Christ,
Val Able, President LDCCW
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HALOS
St. Catherine's Altar Society held a Guest Day for all our area church ladies, June 13, 2026. Brenda Hayes organized a great presentation of " Women of the Bible. Altar Society members or family members portrayed Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Lydia, and Eunice, while Brenda gave us information on each lady. The event was enjoyed by many with a light lunch was served. Thank you, Agnes, for sharing!
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SPIRITUALITY COMMITTEE
Chair: Shelly Chloupek & Chris Cooney
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Divine Mercy
Chair: Bonnie Damrow
Divine Mercy for America Novena: the first 9 days of every month.
Pray for our country the same way St. Faustina was told to pray for hers by Jesus and Our Lady. This is a holy hour where the Mothers of Mercy Messengers zoom into the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Vilnius, Lithuania for a live feed of perpetual adoration.
The original painting of the Divine Mercy is displayed above the tabernacle with Jesus exposed in the monstrance on the altar. An act of Contrition, unity prayer, spiritual communion prayer, rosary, novena & chaplet will be prayed throughout the holy hour. You can zoom in live or listen at your convenience. https://DivineMercyforAmerica.org
54 day Rosary Novena for our Nation:
August 15-Feast of the Assumption of Mary to Oct 7-Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This novena is especially important to pray during these special feast days. Find the prayers here.
Bonnie Damrow
Divine Mercy Chair
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SPIRITUALITY COMMITTEE REPORT:
During the past two years, the Spirituality Commission for LDCCW has focused on revitalizing and renewing awareness of programs that already fall under the Spirituality Commission. A special effort was made to remind all women of the diocese to remember the priests residing in their deaneries under the Adopt a Priest Program. In the next two years, we hope to find a way to reach all priests with special messages of prayer and thanks, especially to those who are retired or not serving in a regular parish assignment.
We also printed and distributed to all parishes very beautiful, nicely printed St. Monica Prayer Cards as part of the St. Monica Prayer Apostolate. Each deanery is assigned a month and asked to pray the prayer daily in their churches.
Our Spirituality Commission also continues to provide a Parenting Booklet, a Holy Family Medal, and a prayer card to each child baptized in our diocese. A beautiful new prayer card was created by the diocese and it includes the signature of the bishop and a place to write the date of baptism as a keepsake for the family.
Our Spirituality Commission also continues to encourage support and recognition for the religious sisters in our diocese. We have tried to publicize and support retreats for women. We continue to collect money from all of our parishes for the burse to support our seminarians and a check is presented to the bishop each year. Also, our monthly newsletters have attempted to publicize the many monthly Catholic devotions, liturgical feast days, Popes Prayer network, and other devotionals for the spiritual enrichment of the women of our diocese.
As we enter the new term for the LDCCW we hope to continue awareness of our current programs, and to promote our Bishop Conley’s One Heart In Christ, Pastoral Plan. We also plan to promote our new president's motto of “Know Him, Love Him, and Serve Him” and incorporate Val’s efforts to support the domestic church into our Spirituality Commission activities. Val has included in her presidential plans several pilgrimages to convents of cloistered nuns, she has invited religious sisters to speak at our meetings, and she has planned visits to special churches as we hold our LDCCW meetings around the diocese. Our Spirituality Commission will look for ways to support her spiritual goals.
Shelly Chloupek & Chris Cooney, Spirituality Co-Chairs
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Leadership Commission
This past June, the members of the Executive Board met at Chances R to discuss the goals of the upcoming term of President Able. I am the Leadership Commission Chair. Others serving on the Leadership Commission are Judy Weston, Kay Pahla, Michele Chambers, Terry Kerr, Heather Lipovsky and Alice Licht-Anderson. We had over 30 women attend. We all agreed that one of the perks of our “service” is having an excuse to spend time with each other working, laughing and praying!
We were given the task of listing 10 “General Bucket List” ideas to make our PCCW, Deanery and Council stronger. Our list consisted of Training, Communication, Engagement, Unity, Visibility, Elevator Speech, Spirituality, Bringing to the Faith, Generational, Love/Joy/Social/Fun and Collaboration. Over the next few months, I will review what our specific goals are for our Commission for the next two years using our “General Bucket List”.
I want to wish my parish at Sacred Heart in Hebron a very happy 150th birthday! We will celebrate in August.
God bless,
Carlece
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Legislative: Alice
Licht-Anderson
SUMMER MONTHS SETTING STAGE FOR ELECTIONS AND MAKE-UP OF LEGISLATURE, SENATE AND CONGRESS
If you’ve attended a 4th of July, county fair or local community sponsored parade during these summer months, I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of candidates running for the many seats up for election this fall. Get to know those candidates and where they stand on issues important to you and our faith. Your vote counts and is important. Along with the candidates on the November ballot, you will see various amendments to the Nebraska Constitution brought about by petition drives. July 2 was the deadline to turn petition signatures in to the Secretary of State’s office for verification. At least four petitions were turned in and several others did not acquire enough signatures and were dropped or not submitted.
PETITION FOR FAIRNESS FOR GIRLS BALLOT MEASURE TURNS IN MORE THAN 211,00 SIGNATURES Garnering more than the amount needed to be placed on the ballot, the Fairness for Girls measure will most likely appear on the November election ballot this fall. In 2025, Senator Kathleen Kauth sponsored LB 89, which provided for girls sports may only be played by those who are biologically girls (a simple explanation.) The petition provides that it will appear in the Nebraska Constitution to prevent future legislative changes to the language.
The petition language specifically designates each athletic team or sport as one of the following based on biological sex: Males, men or boys; females, women or girls; or, coed, mixed. Teams designated for females, women or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex. Schools mean interscholastic, intercollegiate and intramural athletic teams or sports that are sponsored by a common school, public post-secondary educational institutions, any school or institution of learning...
Read complete report HERE
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Service Commission
During our meeting in York, members brainstormed activities that the LDCCW can focus on during Val’s term. A primary area of emphasis is supporting families in need through Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska.
Through the President’s Project, women of the Lincoln Diocese are encouraged to donate directly to Catholic Social Services. To maximize the impact of your donation, please check whether your employer offers a matching gift program. Additional information is available on the CSS website.
Local PCCWs can also support families in their communities by partnering with CSS to collect needed items or provide financial assistance for neighbors in need. PCCWs are further encouraged to support local food pantries and collect toiletries, bedding, and other essential supplies for outreach centers. Young families can receive diapers and other necessities from pregnancy centers supported by the LDCCW. The LDCCW will continue its annual Diaper Drive in October. Additional information regarding the diaper drive will be coming soon. See below for a list of agencies where you can access adult diapers at not charge.
To provide emotional and spiritual support for families in need, Trudy proposed creating and distributing flyers that identify local resources for assistance. Depression and anxiety can quickly become overwhelming and affect the entire family. Connecting individuals with available support services not only benefits them personally but also strengthens and supports their families. Details regarding this flyer project are still being developed.
Julie Rosenbaum & Trish Seidl
Service Commission Co-Chairs
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Nebraska Statewide Resources for Free Adult Diapers
Eastern Nebraska
▪ Omaha - Nebraska Diaper Bank partners, Heart Ministry Center, Heartland Hope Mission, HELP Equipment
▪ Bellevue - Salvation Army, local churches
▪ Papillion - Tri-City Food Pantry
▪ La Vista - Community assistance programs
▪ Ralston - Local church pantries
Other Eastern Cities
▪ Fremont - Salvation Army, Care Corps LifeHouse
▪ Blair - Washington County Food Pantry
▪ Nebraska City - SENCA, Salvation Army
▪ Plattsmouth - Cass County General Assistance
▪ Wahoo - Saunders County Food Pantry
▪ Beatrice - Salvation Army, Community Food Pantry
▪ York - Blue Valley Community Action
▪ Seward - Seward County Food Pantry
▪ Crete - Blue Valley Community Action
Central Nebraska
▪ Grand Island - Salvation Army, Hope Harbor, Community Action Partnership of Mid-
Nebraska
▪ Kearney - Jubilee Center, Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska
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IDEAS TO WELCOME A NEW PARISH PRIEST
- Meet the new priest who moves into your parish and ask about his preferences for food, special diets, favorite beverages, etc.
- Find out his birthday or ordination day. Remember him on special occasions and holidays with cards or even food or gas gift cards.
- Introduce yourself and invite him over to your home for a meal or blessing.
- Invite him to a community activity where he can get to know a few new people.
- Help with moving boxes in or out of the rectory. Check to see if the rectory needs anything. In our small parish in Harvard we often need to purchase some new towels, sheets, kitchen supplies etc. and we find the time between priests is a good time to clean or spruce up the rectory.
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Most importantly, Pray for all of our priests. There are many resources for prayers for your priest. If you don't have a Seven Sisters Group, check out that apostolate at Seven Sisters Apostolate.
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Fall Gathering and Full Board Meeting
September 19, 2026
Sacred Heart Church Hall - Crete, Nebraska
Registration: 8:00-9:00 AM
Come join us for a morning of spiritual enrichment. Learn about the Domestic Church, Christ the King Sisters and the Schoenstatt Movement.
Women across the Lincoln Diocese are encouraged to attend and experience the fellowship of being a part of the LDCCW.
Come Closer to Christ Through Council
Speakers:
Rachel Trvdy, Director of Family Life & Discipleship
Topic: The Domestic Church
Sr. Mary Gabriel - Christ the King Sisters
Ruth O'Gara - The Schoenstatt Movement
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REGISTRATION FEE: $20
Coffee, Tea, and water will be provided. A delicious lunch will be served by the Crete PCCW.
Preregistration is encouraged! Watch for more information on how to pre-register coming soon!
While in Crete, visit the Schoenstatt Shrine!
On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary, the Holy Father has granted a jubilee indulgence to all who visit the Original Shrine in Schoenstatt or a church or chapel of a Schoenstatt Shrine of the community between October 1, 2025 and November 4, 2026.
PLEASE BRING YOUR FAVORITE SACRAMENTAL FROM YOUR HOME TO SHARE AT THE MEETING!
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Social Media Manager
Heather Lipovsky
Keep sending pictures of PCCW events in your parishes!
Social Media is spreading the word of our organization and reaching more women across the diocese!
The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In her honor we would love to see and share your Marian gardens, prayer corners, Church celebrations or any other ways that you honor Mary in your lives.
Please send to ldccwsocialmedia@gmail.com
Be sure to like and follow our Pages at Facebook Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and Instagram--instagram @ldccw.catholicwomen
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The 2026-2028
LDCCW Executive Board Members
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2026-2028 Officers:
PRESIDENT: Valerie Able
PRESIDENT ELECT:
Kathy Rentschler
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Donna Havlat
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: Barbara Kadlec
THIRD VICE PRESIDENT: Michele Chambers
RECORDING SECRETARY: Joyce Reich
TREASURER: Carrie Magorian
FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Teresa Koch
AUDITOR: Karen Dey
SPIRITUAL ADVISORS:
Fr. Thomas Lux and
Fr. Thomas McGuire
To get to know more about them, please click HERE to find out all the details!
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Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel
God of heavenly wisdom, You have given us Mary, Mother of Jesus, to be our guide and counselor. Grant that we may always seek her motherly help in this life and so enjoy her blessed presence in the life to come. O Mother of Good Counsel, patroness of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, intercede for us, that we may be wise, courageous, and loving leaders of the Church. Help us, dear mother, to know the mind of Jesus, your God’s children. May our labors of love on earth enhance the reign of God and may God’s gifts of faith and living hope prepare us for the fullness of the world to come. Amen
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LDCCW 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.
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY:
To admonish the sinner
To instruct the ignorant
To counsel the doubtful
To comfort the sorrowful
To bear wrongs patiently
To forgive all injuries
To pray for the living and the dead
CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY:
To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty
To clothe the naked
To visit the imprisoned
To shelter the homeless
To visit the sick
To bury the dead
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Upcoming Events
August - Falls City Deanery—St. Monica Prayers
August 5 - Our Lady of Snows - Patron of CCW Secretaries
August 6 - Feast of the Transfiguration
August 15 - Feast of the Assumption of Mary
August 22 - Queenship of Mary
August 26-29 - NCCW Convention
August 27 - Feast of St. Monica
August 28 - Feast of St. Augustine
September 18 - Executive Board Meeting, Schoenstatt Shrine, Crete, NE
September 19 - General Board Meeting, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Crete, NE
Pope’s Intentions for July-For Evangelization in the City
Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
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