Over 600 women from across our nation attended the National Council of Catholic Women’s (NCCW) convention in Indianapolis, Ind., September 7-10, 2016. The theme was “Instruments of Mercy.” The mission statemtent of NCCW is to act to support, empower and education all Catholic Women in spirituality, leadership and service. The council unites Catholic organizations of women, diocesan areas and parish affilitates for the purpose of producing activities, providing service and education, fostering spirituality by responding with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world. Eight women from the of Winona Diocese and their spiritual advisor, Msgr. Tom Hargesheimer of Winona, were in attendance. Various bishops celebrated Mass daily and a rosary was said each day. Being merciful often depends on our willingness to be open to God and to be open to those around us. Speakers were very informative on pertinent issues which are facing our society today.
One speaker, Judy Hehr, is a speaker, coach, trainer and radio host and resides in Wisconsin with her husband and four children. Her topic was, “A slave in her kingdom to a servant in His.” Her personal testimony is an opportunity for all to know the infinite love and mercy of our God. It is never too late to become all God has created you to be and that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in all His children. She stated that “the way in which God has created a message from the mess of my life is nothing short of a miracle. He has made beauty from the ashes and redeemed a life of unworthiness to a spirit-filled existence, leading souls to His son, Jesus and our mother, Mary. A life from the highest highs to the lowest lows and search for significance that only God knows. Bankrupt at 20, to a millionaire at 30. Single homeless drug addicted at 22, a healthy mother of four at 34. College dropout at 22, a seminary graduate at 42. Scorned, broken, almost divorced at 37, sanctified in a thriving marriage at 45. The story of being captive to a life of freedom includes a journey that encourages and inspires all who hear it. Women of all ages and stages of faith and being will fall in love with God and be reminded of the tremendous privilege and responsibility of living lives worthy of the call we have received. My history has truly become my destiny.”
The topic, “There is HOPE for Me,” was given by Katarina (Kat) Rosenblatt, PhD. She is a survivor of human trafficking and related her personal experience, as well as told of her work with trafficking survivors and with local and federal law enforcement agencies. Her story was compelling, gripping, heart-wrenching, and uplifting as she related how her faith in God carried her through terrible experiences in life. She now exhibits His mercy as she tends to rescued trafficking victims and alerts the general population to the fact that human trafficking is a problem everywhere in the U.S. and is not isolated to big cities or developing nations. The book Stolen is the true story of a sex trafficking survivor, Kat herself. There is HOPE, even on the darkest of days. Minnesota is third in trafficking in the U.S., with Interstates 94 and 90 crossing the state.
There were also many other speakers with great messages at this convention.
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