Called to Holiness

The holiness of the Church was the theme chosen by Pope Francis for his catechesis during the 2 October 2013 General Audience held in St. Peter's Square.  In the Creed, after professing that the Church is “one”, the Pope said, “we also confess that she is 'holy'; we thus affirm the holiness of the Church, and this is a characteristic that has been present ever since the beginning in the conscience of the first Christians, who called themselves simply 'the holy', as they were certain of the action of God, of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies the Church”.

The Church is holy because “she comes from God Who is holy, Who is faithful to her and never abandons her to the power of death and evil. She is holy because Jesus Christ, Son of God, is indissolubly united to her; she is holy because she is guided by the Holy Spirit which purifies, transforms, and renews. She is not holy by our merits, but because God makes her holy”.

“You could say to me: but the Church is made up of sinners, we see this every day. And this is true: we are a Church of sinners, and we sinners are called to let ourselves be transformed … by God.... The Church is holy, she does not refuse sinners; on the contrary, she welcomes them, she is open even to those who are most distant, she calls to all to allow themselves to be surrounded by the mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness of the Father, Who offers to all the opportunity to encounter Him and to walk the path to holiness.…

“Do not be afraid of holiness”, concluded Pope Francis, “of letting yourself be loved and purified by God. … Let us allow God's holiness to be transmitted to us. Every Christian is called to holiness; and holiness does not consist, first and foremost, in doing extraordinary things, but rather in letting God act. It is the encounter between our weakness and the strength of His grace”.

For more information, please visit: 

http://www.news.va/en/news/the-church-is-holy-and-open-to-all-not-only-the-pu
http://www.news.va/en/news/papal-audience-church-too-is-made-up-of-sinners-do

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“Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way – that is, with love, joy and faith.”

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The National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) 2013 Convention was held September 25 – 28, 2013 Fort Lauderdale, Florida with almost 500 participants from across the USA.  The theme, “Be the Voice of Catholic Women:  Confidence, Hope and Joy,” was based on the purpose of the proposed women’s council which was created by the United States Bishops in 1920:  “To give the Catholic women of the country a common voice and an instrument of common action in all matters affecting Catholic or national welfare.”

There was a spirit of excitement, energy and enthusiasm amongst the participants which exemplified the Church’s--and NCCW’s--mission of evangelization.  Gathering together as women and men, clergy, vowed religious and laity, we embraced the mission entrusted to us by our Baptism and Confirmation.  Strengthened by the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation we were renewed and transformed for our service to women and the Church.

 

Pope Francis wrote in the Encyclical Letter, Lumen Fidei (13):  "Faith consists in the willingness to let ourselves be constantly transformed and renewed by God’s call." 

Empowered by the Holy Spirit and guided by Our Mother of Good Counsel, we will grow in faith, share with others our hope, and give witness to Jesus’ love.  We will joyfully answer God’s call to “constantly transform and renew” ourselves and the National Council of Catholic Women as we offer a vital service to women and the Church.    

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Karen Hurley, NCCW President-Elect with Rita Greenwald, NCCW Past President

If you, like me, have been richly blessed by membership in NCCW, then together we must offer expressions of gratitude, according to our God-given means, and work collaboratively and creatively with our President and Board of Directors, in our affiliates, and as individual members, to achieve the financial stability required to fulfill our mission.  NCCW has launched the “We Are One” campaign which asks for $1.00 (one dollar) from every Catholic woman, or in honor of a family member or friend.  We are united as sisters and brothers in the family of God…in one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church… in one mission of evangelization.  Please also consider a contribution to the NCCW Birthday Club, Legacy Circle or an end-of-year donation.  For more information, please visit: http://home.catholicweb.com/NCCW/index.cfm

We must ensure that generations of women yet to come will also share in the outpouring of love, blessings, and opportunities which have been received through the membership or services of NCCW for almost 100 years.   Deo gratias!

Thank you in advance for sending your contributions to:

National Council of Catholic Women
200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 725
Arlington, VA  22203
 

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