Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark: National Council of Catholic Women

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
	What is the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW)?
	National Council of Catholic Women is a federation of Catholic Women's organizations that was founded March 4, 1920 in Washington, D.C. at the call of the U.S. Catholic Bishops. It is an umbrella organization for all groups and individual Catholic Women. It unites, inspires and spiritually strengthens them to fulfill their roles in the Church.
	What are the goals of the NCCW?
	There are three distinct goals: To give Catholic women in the United States a common voice and an instrument for united action in all matters affecting Catholic or national welfare. To insure Catholic representation on, and the proper recognition of Catholic principles in national committees and movements affecting the religious, moral and material well-being of the United States. To stimulate the work of existing Catholic women's organizations to greater service and usefulness in meeting the needs of the time.
	What role do women play in the Catholic Church?
	Women play varied roles in the Catholic Church -- lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, CCD instructors, members of Parish Pastoral Councils, religious orders for women, and many others. NCCW assists and encourages all of its members to actively participate in all parish activities. It unites Catholic organizations and individual Catholic women of the United States and assists them in acting on current issues in the Church and society.
	How can women participate in leadership roles of the Catholic Church?
	Any leadership role that is not mandated as a position only a priest can fill is available to be held by a woman. Through its aggressive Leadership Program, NCCW trains as many women as are interested in refining and honing their leadership qualities. Participating actively in the NCCW is a great step toward undertaking leadership roles in the Catholic Church.
	How is the NCCW structured?
	Local Level The "grass roots" of the NCCW consist of individuals, parish women's groups, rosary societies, CDA, etc. District Level Local organizations are represented in parochial districts (groups of two or more parishes) There are nine districts in the Archdiocese of Newark. Archdiocesan Level The nine districts of Newark each select a representative from among its members to represent them at the Archdiocesan level. Province Level The Archdiocese of Newark is represented geographically along with other dioceses, including Metuchen, Paterson and Brooklyn National Level All Catholic women are represented by their Diocesan Councils.
	How is the NCCW run? (Officers, etc.)
	Officers include President; First, Second and Third Vice Presidents; Recording and Corresponding Secretary; Treasurer; and six Commission Chairs, as follows: The Church Commission creates a community of God's people that is educated, spiritual and dynamic. We've been involved in evangelization, social justice, peace and human rights. Family Concerns assists families in achieving a true Christian life and preserve Christian principles in these areas that pertain to the welfare of all families: Right to Life; Rainbows for All God's Children; Ministry to the Divorced, Separated, Widowed & Bereaved; Domestic Violence; Pornography (a particularly successful program has been the White Ribbon Against Pornography Campaign). Community Concerns involves people in working to answer the needs of their individual communities in all areas that affect the life and well-being of the people living in the United States, ie.: housing, urban development, rural life, agriculture, safety, health and welfare, economic policies, education and government. Concerns about pornography are also included in this function, as well as concerns raised by negative attitudes toward Catholicism in the media and elsewhere. International Concerns awaken in all a conviction of each individual's responsibility for the international society and to create through this conviction a unity of all people. We have been working closely with CRS for over 50 years. Programs include: Madonna Plan to meet the health, nutritional and educational needs of women, as well as development projects that help women improve their economic security and improve the life of each family. Water for Life includes projects that contribute to bringing water to drought-afflicted communities. Works of Peace, Help-A-Child Africa, India, Brazil, Global include emergency and long-term projects to meet the various needs of children. Works of Reconciliation is the Refugee Women Emergency Fund which assists CRS to provide gender-sensitive services for women who are displaced in their own country and refugees in another country. Legislation provides members with the technical information needed to influence legislation in their respective areas and background information on selected issues. Organization Services maintains all aspects of organizational structure - constitution, by-laws, membership programs, publicity and leadership development. NCCW-sponsored Leadership workshops take place periodically in various locations. We send a bimonthly newsletter (UPDATE) to all affiliated members. This is our way to let membership know what is going on locally and nationally.
	What is the White Ribbon Against Pornography campaign?
	Morality in Media, a very active group in New York City, has declared the last week of October as a time during which everyone who is against pornography should wear a white ribbon to show how they feel. The NCCW took this program a step further and had white ribbon lapel pins created that could be worn year-round. Through our efforts this program has circulated to groups in California, Minnesota, and in all of the counties in New Jersey, as well as Brooklyn, New York. We stress that the pin is just a sign and should be followed up with action. Write your radio, television and cable stations and let them know if you see or hear something you don't like. Also, let the advertising companies be aware that you won't buy their products if they appear on a show you find objectionable. Last year, Governor Whitman, Bergen County Executive William Schuber and Paramus Mayor Clifford Gennarelli declared the last week in October as "Pornography Awareness Week."
	What is the Madonna Plan?
	Through our cooperation with Catholic Relief Services, contributions to the Madonna Plan make it possible to meet the needs of mothers and children by assisting clinics by provided several services: classes in baby care, the nutritious use of local foods, as well as simple hygiene and the all-important basic for health -- the provision of clean water. When we contribute to the Madonna Plan we are saying "yes we care" to these needy mothers and children who look to us for help.
	What is the Refugee Women Emergency Fund?
	This is the most recent undertaking between Catholic Relief Services and NCCW (a joint effort that has been going on for 50 years). Those who suffer most as refugees are the women and children. They are displaced from their own countries and forced to live in refugee camps with their children. Many times their husbands are separated from the family and these vulnerable women must put up with terrible ordeals. Recognizing these poor women and children and their great need, this fund was established and is being supported by all of the NCCW membership.
	How many times a year do you meet?
	We have only four meetings a year: September, November, March and May.
	Are there any other events planned by your group which members would be expected to attend?
	We have one fund raiser per year -- a Christmas Luncheon and special auction held on the first Saturday in December, that members are expected to attend. We also encourage members to attend our Biennial Mass/Communion Luncheon and Biennial Convention, both of which are held in late April.
	Can anyone attend an Archdiocesan Meeting of NCCW?
	Anyone interested in finding out more about NCCW is invited to come to our meetings. For further information, contact Mary R. Loftus, president, at (973) 497-4356 or (973) 265-2048.