By Jolaine Kingery

Women desiring to work for the Church in Atlanta need not hesitate for lack of guidance or assistance. The ACCW has it – in goals, guidelines, concrete how-tos, whats, and wheres. This became evident at the ACCW Leadership Workshop held at Immaculate Heart of Mary School on Wednesday, July 17.

Over a 100 women representing some 21 different parishes throughout the archdiocese attended the program which covered every conceivable area of interest or concern to Catholic women.

The workshop was open to all women in the archdiocese, and especially directed to those currently holding positions in their parish organizations.

After a general meeting and welcome by ACCW president, Ruth Maguire, the group attended Mass at which Monsignor John McDonough, spiritual director, praised the women for their commitment and work, and emphasized how their contributions can be a real factor in making the world truly Christian.

Each of the participants chose one of the six workshops being offered according to her particular field of interest or service. Thus, the women were able to get specific information on what their parish job might entail, and also to exchange ideas about their work.

The Church Affairs Commission led by Carole Fly discussed the role of women on liturgical commissions, ecumenical projects, how to encourage retreats and Bible study, and the idea of having a monthly spiritual theme to promote in the parish. The ladies also brought up the subject of altar girls which most approved.

The Community Affairs seminar, planned by Betty Lynch, featured presentations by speakers from WICS (Women in Community Service). Ruby Valdez, who is the Southeastern Regional Director; St. Vincent de Paul and Milledgeville State Hospital, Rosalie Brown; Cancer Home and Better Infant Births, Jinny Conrads; and Birthright, Terri Weaver.

Each speaker explained her group’s work and the services volunteers can give. A list of additional groups needing help in the community was handed out. The wide range of concern for community needs exhibited by this commission is seen as proof that Catholic women are making Christianity “visible” to the community.

Betty Smith conducted the workshop on Family Affairs which was highlighted with a slide presentation given by Nick and Anna Mae Castricone on the recent World Conference of Family (CFM) International held in Tanzania, South Africa, which they attended.

This commission concentrates on ways to assist Christian families and information was given on the many archdiocesan projects which relate to the family.

The subject of International Affairs was the theme of the workshop conducted by Sarah Robillard where the women were made aware of the many opportunities for contact and assistance to foreign visitors.

Volunteers are very much needed at Villa International on a continuing basis; suggestions were put forward to encourage more young people to get involved with the Villa.

Other international projects include those by UNICEF, Help A Family Plan, Catholic Relief Services, and the Thanksgiving Clothing Drive.

Marilyn McDaniel, who organized all the workshops, held a seminar on Organizational Services which presented leadership techniques needed by leaders of parish organizations. Basing the approach on St. Paul’s advice to the Ephesians where “unity” is stressed while recognizing the “diversity of graces”, the task and maintenance functions of an organization were explored.

The task function is the organizing and setting up of goals with a plan to carry them out while the maintenance function is concerned with how to hold the group together and use the talents available. Sheila Mallon gave this group a very good “how-to” presentation on publicity and public relations.

The sixth workshop was for the priests and presidents of the various organizations and it provided the opportunity for an exchange of ideas on how each can help the other. The women need spiritual direction and the priests can use the “willing and ready women-power” which has been organized for service through the ACCW.

Concluding the workshop was a luncheon hosted by the IHM Women’s Guild under the direction of Shirley Williams, president. This was followed by a brief resume of the workshop discussions.