The purpose and desire for the conference was to gather women from around the Diocese of Corpus Christi from all ages and stages of life to experience fellowship and learn about spirituality, leadership and service, Margaret Alarilla, director of the diocese Department of Evangelization and Catechesis said.
 
The DCCW kicked off the conference the day before with their biennial convention at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. DCCW members are women who practice their faith in many areas of the Church and assist in many aspects of the diocese’s mission, including helping with vocations. 
 
On Friday, Oct. 26, members elected new officers for the next two-year term. Father James Stembler, the DCCW’s Spiritual Advisor, installed new officers, including President Elva G. Garcia of Palito Blanco; Vice-President Barbra McGill of Beeville; Secretary Rose Hickey of Kingsville; and Liz Garza. 
 
Outgoing President Tina Munoz from Beeville presided over the meeting. Father Stembler, pastor of Saint Gertrude Parish in Kingsville and the Spiritual Advisor of the National Council of Catholic Women, celebrated Mass with the assistance of Deacon Russell Duggins of Saint Joseph Parish in Beeville. Following the Mass, a banquet was held in Saint Joseph Hall where “years of Service” awards were presented.
 
The Saturday activities at Most Precious Blood began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey, with Father Stembler and Father Robert Dunn, pastor of Most Precious Blood, concelebrating.  At the Mass, Elsie Gessling and Olga Alaniz presented the bishop with a check for $21,889.19 from the Burse Club for use in vocations.
 
The Bishop also received a “hand sewn Tapestry” of the 100-year logo that Catherine Strickland of Virginia, and daughter of Pat Thorndike of St. Joseph Parish in Beeville, devoted six months of hard work in order to be able to present it to Bishop Mulvey on Saturday.     
 
During the rest of Saturday, women attended programs presented by speakers on various topics. Bishop Mulvey directed his homily towards “Spirituality;” Eunice Washa, Austin Area DCCW President, presented a program on “Leadership;” and ENDOW coordinator Eileen Love presented a program on “service.” Every member of organizations within the Catholic Church have a responsibility to be leaders and to serve where service is needed, Love said.
 
Participants enjoyed lunch in the parish hall at Most Precious Blood and had the opportunity to shop for goods, such as religious books, cookbooks, jewelry, wall crosses and Rosaries, from the many vendors in attendance.
 
“All in all, I believe that everyone who attended received good information to take home with them and renewed friendships. I can say, from the bottom of my heart, ‘Thank you, DCCW’ for allowing me to join you.  It has surely been a blessing,” Alarilla said.          
 
If you would like more information on DCCW, visit their Web site at diocesecc.org/dccw.