A group of dedicated Catholic women has answered the call of Christ as they imitate Him in how they live their lives each day.
These women are members of the Venice Diocese Council of Catholic Women (VDCCW) and are an example of dedication in serving the Church, and in being open to the Holy Spirit.
Each year members gather for a convention with the goal of unifying their efforts to do good for the benefit of all. With a theme of “Trust-Surrender-Believe-Receive,” the 39th annual Convention took place May 16, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Venice.
As a central part of the gathering, the women participated in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.
Bishop Dewane praised the VDCCW for coming together and giving witness to the Faith by how they are believers and followers of Jesus Christ and called forth to reach out to others. He also thanked them for their outreach throughout the Diocese and in their home Parishes.
“You respond to the call of the Lord is your life in a very particular way and the Church within the Diocese of Venice is the beneficiary of your response,” Bishop Dewane said. “I encourage you to continue to live your life as a child of God in the good works you do.”
Following the Mass, Bishop Dewane installed VDCCW President Katie Morris, President-Elect Karen Verveer, Betty-Ann Busby as Secretary, and Mary-Jo Snyder as Treasurer. As part of the ceremony, Past National Council of Catholic Women President Ellen Bachman presented the women with candles wrapped in a colored ribbon which symbolically represent the characteristics of each position.
The VDCCW acts through its membership to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Council programs exude Gospel values and serve the needs of the Church and society in the modern world.
VDCCW President Morris said the Convention serves to unify and inspire members as they work throughout the year in support of the Catholic Church at the Parish, Diocese and national levels.
The women heard from Susie Harting, National CCW Secretary, as well as Erika Pineros, of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., who spoke about the anti-human-trafficking program. A check was also presented to Catholic Charities from the VDCCW Hugs for Homeless Fund. A check for $12,750 was presented to Bishop Dewane for the Diocesan Seminarian Fund, from the annual Priesthood Sunday campaign.
