Welcome to The March NewsNotes
President's Message
Schottenfreude – Shameful Joy

The first time I heard this word was when I was listening to a CD by Bishop Robert Baron. It was entitled Seven Deadly Sins; Seven Lively Virtues. You experience schottenfreude when you feel pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. I highly recommend listening to this talk as it goes a little deeper into the Deadly Sins. So that got me thinking about our words and how we use them.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. What a joke! Words can leave a more lasting scar than any broken bones or stitches. Words can hurt us inside where the wounds are harder to heal. There are no band aids that can stop the hurt of words said in frustration or anger. No matter how many times we say we are sorry or wish we could take it back, the damage is done.    

Friendships, relationships, and our own self-worth can be damaged when we use words to get back at someone who has hurt us. Negative talk – telling ourselves that we are no good, degrading or demeaning another or spreading false rumors can be devastating.

And when we are in that state of lashing out, aren’t we sometimes secretly glad that the other person has been bested by us? Schottenfreude.  

Then comes that time we are sorry we hurt them, but how can we un-say the words and undo the damage we have done? When we sin, we hurt the other person, God and ourselves. Mending these hurts will take some work on our part.

We need to not only say we are sorry, but really mean it. The words, “I’m sorry” come too easily nowadays. It is the standard apology – one size fits all. It covers circumstances, but little thought goes into saying the words. They are just the expected response. But it is a start to rebuilding that relationship.

Now it is time to take a serious look into our heart. Repentance is sincere remorse about the wrongdoing, the hurtful words and results - the sin. It is a deep regret. It is “I’m Sorry” on steroids. This begins the healing of ourselves.

Another step involves asking for forgiveness from those we have hurt. We need to be sincere in our asking. That person needs to know and feel our sorrow and regret. We admit our guilt and begin to mend the relationship. When they forgive us, they will begin to heal. 

May you have a Blessed Lent………..Kathy Rowell 2022
 

 
Spirituality Commission - Ellen Jirovsky
ellenjirovsky@outlook.com - 402-643-4802
 By the time we receive the March News Notes, it will be the beginning of Lent. Spring arrives three weeks later, halfway through the 40 days of Lent. The first half of these days may be a trial, with Lenten penances and those things we’ve given up or remember to add to our prayer life. 
 
This season of Lent, let’s think about giving up television. Several authors over the years have investigated television, proclaiming it the family fireplace. Just as our grandparents gathered in the evenings around the fire, we gather around the TV. Canadian theorist Marshall McKluhan said in the ‘60’s “the medium is the message.” Be mindful of what medium you listen to, whether it is social media, cable or simply the news.
 
The point we should realize is that the Blessed Mother and all the visionaries who have been visited by her since 1950 have said the same thing! 
 
We do not realize how controlled we are by television. Wonder what kind of person each of us would be if we hadn’t had this invention 24 hours a day, growing up. And, the electronics industry went on to develop so many more social media items. Every day we cannot exist without our computer or cell phone.
     
This season I was going to try fasting. Which is more difficult?
Fasting from food or from television. It’s going to be a very hard choice. Good luck with your Lenten penances. The rewards are out of this world. 
 
Service Commission - Kathy Rentschler
Krentschler21@gmail.com 402-423-8210
8200 S. 91st Street Lincoln, NE 68526 402-429-4706

The LDCCW believes in the sanctity and dignity of life from conception to natural death and endorses programs which support and advance this belief. The Service Commission addresses the concerns and needs of the family, the community and the world. It sponsors activities, works and programs that strengthen families, especially women and children. It encourages an awareness Service. The Service Commission provides valuable information about the needs of all through education and encourages women to stand together to make a difference in the world. 
Are you making a difference in your parish? Thoughts to ponder as we enter into the cold weather season. I suspect there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. 
Here’s to a successful Service Season….
Leadership Commission - Judy Weston
ldccwleadership@gmail.com 402-984-5856
Who will help tend the fields?
We are on the verge of spring time and it won’t be long before you will see the farmers planting and tending to the fields. As the leadership role, I have been watching many of the councils struggle finding officers. I realize I am speaking to the choir because you have said yes! Thank you for being willing to step out and be pretty cool parish council women.
We have many women in our church council who can step into the leadership roles. What are the reasons why there are no women at the council meetings or in the roles?
Time or lack of: Is your meeting suitable for the younger moms? Are they suitable for the older moms?
Have a program, then a short business meeting. Zoom allows more flexibility for programs from outside your deanery.
Work: An 8 hour day is not a time when a professional woman wants to leave and go to a meeting. Can you change your meeting time that works for some women?
School: Activities pull even the grandparents away. It is important to be flexible in scheduling your meetings. Maybe have your meetings on a Sunday afternoon or during CCD? Provide a comforting respite for the moms waiting for their kids. .
Kids and Family: No doubt these things come first! But you as a Catholic woman needs to tend to your soul. Bring a friend to the meetings, make sure they are enjoyable.
 
Legislative Chair - Ginger Jelinek (Hartman
ldccwlegislativechair@gmail.com 402-525-0663
From the Nebraska Catholic Conference: Everyone has a role in the fight for life. Here's how you can stand with us:
 
Look out for future Calls to Action--this is just the beginning of a long road for these bills!
Go to www.necatholic.org and sign up for updates so you can be aware of calls to action, etc.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS

Future Events - March
Plattsmouth Deanery – St. Monica Prayers
March 2 – Ash Wednesday - POPE’S DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER FOR UKRAINE
March 8 – Province of Omaha Executive Board Meeting at St. Michael’s in Lincoln
Social Gathering 6:00; Meeting 7:00
March 9 – Catholics at the Capitol
April 22 and 23 - Biennial Convention Holdrege NE
Holy Father’s March Intention: For a Christian Response to Bioethical Challenges
  ** We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.               
 
Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women| 308-991-6054
ldcccwpresident@gmail.com