On Aug. 6 at the Chancery in St. Cloud, Bishop Patrick Neary, CSC, signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 12 Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Day in the St. Cloud Diocese. The proclamation reads:
“For generations, women in our parishes have strengthened the life of the Church — through service, prayer and community. They’ve cared for one another, nurtured devotion and embodied Christ’s love in times of joy and hardship.
Recognizing the importance of this work, Bishop Peter W. Bartholome established the St. Cloud Diocesan Council of Catholic Women in 1953 — a movement designed to unite, empower and celebrate the faithful women of our diocese. Since then, the DCCW has been a force for good —providing a network of support, deepening spiritual formation and building connections across the wider Church.
Today, the mission of the DCCW is more vital than ever. In our evolving Church, women continue to serve as leaders, companions and disciples, ensuring that faith isn’t just something we practice — it’s something we live.
I am honored to proclaim October 12 as Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Sunday in the Diocese of St. Cloud. Let us offer our prayers in gratitude for the women of the DCCW, and let us encourage every woman in our parishes to embrace this invitation — to step forward, to lead and to deepen their journey of faith.
May Mary, under her title of Our Lady of the Rosary, continue to bless this ministry and inspire all women to live their faith boldly.”