The National Council of Catholic Women mourns the death of George Floyd and the long list of victims that have gone before him. Racism takes many forms and can happen in many places. It includes prejudice, discrimination or hatred directed at someone because of their color, ethnicity, or national origin.

We ask our members to read the USCCB pastoral letter against racism "Open Wide Our Hearts: the Enduring Call to Love," (please click here) and engage each other in dialogue and reflection during this time of unrest and sadness. This could be a daunting task, one that will bring a feeling of discomfort and anxiety and because of this we are suggesting several tools that may assist you. The pastoral letter above as well as a study guide to this letter is available by clicking here. In addition, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has created a web portal “Talking About Race” with many free resources and reflections for you to use in this process of discernment and reflection. It can be easily accessed by clicking here.

Racism is alive in our country, although many would like to think that it is a thing of the past, events of this past month have proved it is not. We are all created in the image and likeness of God bringing to light that no one person regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin is better than another.

We remain in prayer for the victims of racism and violence and continue to reflect on aspects of peace and justice.

Jean Kelly

NCCW President

Volunteer Appreciation Event CANCELED

 Hello Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

It is with sadness that I announce formally the cancellation of the annual DCCW Volunteer Appreciation Mass & Luncheon that had been scheduled for April 30th.  Our board of directors convened via conference call last night to discuss this issue at length.  While the idea of postponing the event also came up, there is simply too much uncertainty as to when activities in our parishes and diocese will return to normal.  Any parish that has already sent in registration will have their payments returned, when we can access the mail at Spalding Pastoral Center.  We plan to hold our regular event in April of NEXT year, and we hope to make up for lost time! 

My heart breaks, because this is the Centennial year of the National Council of Catholic Women.  Please know that we are exploring ways to still commemorate this special year.  We will put out a spring newsletter in early May, and our Biennial Diocesan Convention is still on the calendar for Saturday October 10th, at St. Louis Church in Princeton.  More details will come out in the coming months.

As members of the Body of Christ, we remain connected in spirit.  Our prayers are with everyone across the Diocese of Peoria in these final days of Lent, and we will be rejoicing with you throughout the Easter season.

Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us.

Kim Padan, President

and all members of the Peoria Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Board of Directors

An Important Update from Bishop Jenky

Message from our Bishop

Happy 100 Years, NCCW!

 Together with sisters of faith across the country, we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the National Council of Catholic Women!!  We will be commemorating this special occasion at our Volunteer Appreciation event, at our Biennial Convention, and throughout the year.

Centennial Anniversary Prayer

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise

for the National Council of Catholic Women’s

100 years of service to the Universal Church.

We are thankful for the Bishops who founded NCCW in 1920

and for the beautiful and inspiring legacy

provided by our leaders, Spiritual Advisors, and NCCW sisters

who have preceded us.

We give thanks to Our Lady of Good Counsel

for guiding us to be loving and courageous leaders

in building the Kingdom of God.

Lord, we pray that You stir the hearts of all Catholic women

to realize the value of serving Your Church and society

through membership in the NCCW.

Bless us with many more workers in the vineyard

as we embark on our next century of 

Spirituality, Leadership, and Service.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, forever and ever.  Amen.

Holy Mary, Mother of God...

 Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us!

Today, we thank our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us His Mother as our Spiritual Mother.