CAROL PALMER, INCOMING president of the Orange Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, recently led more than 50 women in marking a milestone: over 50 years since the chapter was incorporated into the Diocese of Orange, which was formed at the same time. The anniversary celebration and conference, held at Christ Cathedral, began with a special Mass celebrated by the chapter’s spiritual director emeritus, Fr. Joe Robillard.
The liturgy was followed by a luncheon, an inspiring presentation by Catholic speaker and recording artist Annette Hills, and a special visit and piano performance by Bishop Kevin Vann.
The Orange County chapter of the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) operates locally as the Orange Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (ODCCW). Affiliated with the NCCW, the organization exists to empower, educate and support Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. The council sponsors initiatives such as an annual baby shower for mothers and babies in need, support for vocations and international aid projects, relying primarily on freewill donations for fundraising.
The council’s new spiritual director is Fr. Tim Nguyen, who also serves at the diocese’s Marriage Tribunal. As the liaison between the women and the bishop, he sees firsthand the members’ dedication.
CAROL PALMER SINGS AT THE ORANGE DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CELEBRATION MASS FOR THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY ON MAY 19.
“These ladies are very kind, patient, caring, and loving,” he said, “and they want to invite all the women in the diocese to come to their gatherings for prayer, sharing and Mass.”
The women are often called on by the bishop to help with various projects in the diocese. Their main mission, however, is to support mothers in troubled pregnancies and vocations.
“In conjunction with Catholic nonprofits focused on helping crisis pregnancies, we sponsor an annual baby shower to help new moms ease into parenthood,” said Palmer. “We also help support seminarians as they pursue their priestly vocation.”
Palmer added that the group supports Vocations Purse, an organization that helps pay off student loans for women who want to become religious. It also supports Cross Catholic Outreach through the Box of Joy program, where members assemble shoeboxes with gifts around Christmas time, and those usually go to developing countries.
“We support Catholic Relief Services, the Madonna Plan, and the Water for Life project,” Palmer said. “We donate money to dig wells in developing countries.”
The day’s keynote speaker, Annette Hills, recently authored a book titled “New Insight into Seeing the Holy Spirit at Work in Your Life.” After a 22-year career in the corporate world as an executive recruiter, Hills moved into the world of Catholic inspirational speaking, teaching audiences how to see what God has planned for their lives.
Today, the ODCCW has about 40 to 50 active members and is working to increase its visibility among priests as a resource for women in their parishes, while also adapting to the schedules of working women. In addition to in-person gatherings, the council now uses Zoom meetings and maintains a website (odccw.org) to help connect and engage Catholic women across the Diocese of Orange.
ODCCW has representatives in several parishes; for more information, please contact Carol Palmer at [email protected]