The Council of Catholic Women choose four causes of 2020-21. The four areas of focus are:
The Domestic Violence Committee attended several zoom meetings during 2020.
In the past the CCW collected over 100 paperback books, dictionaries, word search/crossword puzzles and calendars. Donations went to Chicago Books for Women in Prison located at 4511 N. Hermitage Ave. Chicago, IL 60640. This organization collects, packs and ships books to prisons in eight states.
This is a new initiative that CCW will be exploring; ways to reach out to new mothers in support of nurturing their children through breast-feeding.
The National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) supports the United Service Organization (USO). CCW gives financial support annually to the USO.
Coat Drive- Due to COVID restrictions this initiative was not performed in 2020. It is the hope of the CCW that this initiative will be picked up again in 2021.
A Toy Drive-The CCW collected various toy items: puzzles, books trucks, cars, dolls, games as well as hats, gloves socks and gift cards. Thanks to the generosity of St. Benedict the African parish members, the CCW donated half the toys to The Imani House and the other half of the toy collection was donated to Margaret’s Village.
In past years the CCW distributed Purple ribbons, information notices, and cards each Sunday in October. The CCW held a candlelight circle of prayer for the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. We distributed candles to each parishioner and in August 2019 organized an awareness movie called The Hunting Ground. This movie was a workshop for college-bound students and their parents.
CCW conducted two workshops in the past and look forward to planning a Women’s Retreat and Mass. Retreat date TBD in 2021.
Over half of the members of CCW have made the commitment to tithe a tenth of their earnings, as a way to give consistent financial support to the parish. Each member has also pledged $187 this year in order to meet the goal of $2,000 as an end of the year gift to the parish. We do this to alleviate the need for fundraising.
With saddened hearts, we reflect on members who have passed on and dear sisters in Christ, Former Secretary, Penny Knight and former President, Sheila Travillion.
We are stronger together with members:
Pleased to welcome new members to this Christian sisterhood:
PRESIDENT: YOLANDA DOUGLAS
VICE PRESIDENT: LISA WOOLFOLK-GRAHAM
TREASURER: ANDREA HALYARD
ASSISTANT TREASURER: BARBARA SELLERS
SECRETARY: MARTHA ARMSTRONG
CHAPLIN: VICKIE MOSBY
The matriarchs of our church have helped us to learn, to grow and to love. They have shown us the way, just as the Blessed Mother shows us the way to her son. In the May Crowning we honor the Blessed Mother for the gift of life, love and the true meaning of sacrifice. In answer to this great sacrifice we say:
“Hail, Mary full of Grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. AMEN.”
A mother is not a woman who breeds, but a woman who knows how to sacrifice...
Thank you to the Women of the CCW for always having a mission and goal of expectation to strive toward. All of you have sacrificed for others.
Thank you to Sr. Mary and Sister Joanne for your endless support and sacrifice.
Thank you to all the Women of St. Benedict the African for your contributions in raising a village and your work for the Lord.
Get In Touch!
SAINT BENEDICT THE AFRICAN PARISH
340 W 66th Street
Chicago, IL 60621
773-873-4464
SBApanullrishnull@aolnull.com