Meetings/Programs/Events

CCW Organization Notebook provided by the Joliet Diocesan CCW

 

Meetings/Programs/Events…What’s the difference?

 

In the middle of our busy mid-year schedules for our parishes and councils, it might be helpful to distinguish between the above; this is the time when ideas for future meetings/programs/events may germinate.

 

MEETINGS:  CCW meetings usually fall into three categories:

 

    Board meetings meetings of officers and specified commission and committee members to create, plan and organize offerings for their parish women and men

 

    General meetings scheduled meetings for all parish women - and sometimes all parish members  

 

    Annual meetings usually one general meeting a year designated as the ‘annual meeting’ at which annual business is conducted, e.g.: votes on any proposals for revision of the organizational bylaws, election of officers/nominating committee for the succeeding year, selection/election/announcement of the Woman of the Year, etc.

 

PROGRAMS: Publicized gatherings featuring speakers or special resources. Some councils aim for one program each year from each of its active commissions or committees, and most try to offer annual or seasonal spiritual, educational and social programs based on the interests of their own parish women/parishioners.

 

EVENTS: Special occurrences, often designated and timed, e.g. Fall Craft Fair, Christmas Party, Vocations Appreciation Reception, Annual Morning/Evening of Reflection, Spring Luncheon, etc.

 

In addition, because our parish Councils of Catholic Women are part of deanery, diocesan, national and even international federations, further opportunities for spiritual and educational enrichment are available from Deanery events (Fall Coffees, Spring Institutes), Diocesan events annual Commission programs, biannual Diocesan Conventions), National assemblies and conventions, etc.

 

In planning any/all of the above, parish councils should consider that parish “women...basically want :-

to be with others of similar interests, to make new friends, to share new experiences,

to become an accepted member of the group.

to use special skills and talents effectively in service to the church and the larger community to develop their spirituality”

 

“Timely and vital programs project an image of women engaged in something meaningful.  People want to become part of something that is productive, effective, and serves others.”

  

Parish CCWs should aim to:-

“Be creative in identifying with multicultural sisters …and their areas of interests

“Review and assess the needs of (younger women)

“Capitalize on the experience of (those of middle and senior years)

“Consider establishing a website and webpage…to attract possible members whose time might limit attendance at meetings and to communicate council information.