The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) consists of over 23,000 women in 13 deaneries and over 130 parishes working together for their Church, community and families.

With the LDCCW beginning in 1932, the Most Rev. Louis B. Kucera, Bishop of Lincoln, appointed Rev. Monsignor Peter O. Laughlin as moderator.

Early projects supported by the Council were National Catholic School of Social Service, Youth Work, Shrines in the Home, Farm Extension Work, Immigration Follow-Up, Essay and Oratorical Contests, Crusade Against Indecent Literature and PTA Contests.

During World War II, the council assisted in many phases of war effort such as the Red Cross, U.S.O. work, helping on Ration Boards and Bond Drives, attending First Aid and Nutrition Classes, housing people in defense areas and collecting salvage. St. Thomas Orphanage received 4,210 service hours. Magazines, Christmas packages, Catechisms, and prayer books were donated to the State Reformatory.

In 1958, the following new goals were outlined for the women by the succeeding Bishop, His Excellency James V. Casey: 1. To develop leaders; 2. A plan to asses each woman in the diocese $1.00 annually for the support of the Council; 3. Support of the Newman Center and St. Thomas Orphanage; 4. Apostleship of Prayer in each parish.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Burse asked each woman of the diocese to contribute a penny a week ($.52/yr.) towards this Burse. The interest from the Burse investment, which is app. $3500/yr., helps in the educations of our diocesan seminarians. The Parent Educator Program, which presents booklets, medals and cards signed by the Bishop are presented to each newly baptized baby in the family. The Knights of Columbus has always donated to this worthwhile project. These projects were started in the 50's.

In the 60's, $10,000 was presented to the Cathedral of the Risen Christ for the bronze statue of the Risen Christ. The Msgr. Riordan Scholarship, a $100 scholarship, was presented annually to a deserving student in a Catholic High School in the diocese. NCCW reorganized the committee system into 5 commissions, which avoided much overlapping and duplication of committee work.

Of critical importance to women of the 70's and is still today, the destruction of the unborn by the legalization of abortion. Since it's beginning, Birthright, Inc. of Lincoln, AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center of Hastings and ABC Pregnancy Help Center of McCook have been supported financially and with volunteers from the LDCCW. The Propagation of the Faith was implemented as well as the color-coded NewsNotes for each commission during this time period. "Showers of Roses" began and publicity feature was 'Council Corn' in which the Southern Nebraska Register highlights council work and activities. In 1979, Rev. Peter Gadient was called to be the LDCCW's 4th spiritual moderator.

The Prayer Auxiliary to St. Monica, implemented in the 80's, promoted women to join together at Mass on the Feast of St. Monica, August 27th, to pray for our families to "come home" to the faith. The Council Women of the Eucharist was established by the LDCCW Past Presidents organization. The purpose was to pray for one hour a week for holy, happy families and vocations. The Legislative Information Committee was formed in response to Pope John Paul II's words, "The Christian has the duty to take part in the organization of the life of the political society." In 1984, Legislation was made a separate committee and later became the 6th commission.

Apostolate of the suffering, which administers to the suffering and sick, was promoted in 1992. His Excellency, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz was installed as Lincoln Diocesan bishop that same year. Today, Bishop Bruskewitz is the National Spiritual Moderator of the Apostolate. In the late 1990's, Divine Mercy was placed under Church Commission.

A Mission Statement was the outcome from a strategic planning committee. It was approved by Bishop Bruskewitz and adopted by the LDCCW in 2000. Also, a Public Relations/Marketing committee was organized to publicize and promote the programs of the LDCCW. NCCW renamed the commissions to the following: Organization Commission, Church Commission, Community Concerns Commission, Family Concerns Commission, International Concerns Commission, and Legislation Commission. During that same year, Prison Ministry and the Coalition for Compassionate Care were added to the Community Concerns Commission.

The Past Presidents project of Adopt-a-Priest encourages each Altar Society/PCCW to pray for and communicate with their adopted priest. It was adopted in 2002 by the LDCCW.

The LDCCW has been a dynamic force in promoting programs in cooperation with the Family Life Office and Catholic Social Service. The Diocesan Council sponsors an annual Retreat on Ash Wednesdays in Hastings and Lincoln.

The $1 contribution to the Diocesan Council from the women in the diocese continues to form the bedrock from which new programs are developed.

The accomplishments of the Council could not be better stated than through the words contributed by one of the moderators, Msgr. Flynn, "The glorious achievements of these years reveal a magnificent dedication on the part of thousands of Catholic women in the Lincoln Diocese. These devoted and faithful servants of our Lord have developed through their innumerable programs, a strengthening of Catholic life among God's people over the years. The splendor of her fidelity is known in every deanery and parish of the diocese."

All 22,000+ women in the Lincoln Diocese are called to perform the spiritual and corporal works of mercy for God and His Church. We, as Catholic women, have the capacity to serve the Church and community beyond the confines of parish boundaries. Each woman is supported and urged to realize her potential in various levels of Council rings and programs.

God has blessed each with a talent to serve Him. Are you using your talents to His glory? You are invited to share and utilize your special gifts in the Council of Catholic Women. Please contact your Altar Society/PCCW for more information.