Archdiocesan Women To Convene Sept. 12-14

Published: August 21, 2003

PEACHTREE CITY—The Atlanta Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its 47th Annual Convention at the Wyndham Hotel and Convention Center, Peachtree City, Sept. 12-14.

The keynote speaker will be Msgr. Henry Gracz, pastor of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Atlanta. The theme is "Shining Our Light for All To See."

Registration begins Friday, Sept. 12 from 3-6:30 p.m. followed by a rosary and opening reception from 7:30-10 p.m. Registration continues Saturday, Sept. 13 from 7:30-9 a.m.

The Saturday program will begin with Mass from 8-8:45 a.m. followed by an open session at 9 a.m. A business meeting is scheduled from 9:15-11 a.m. Workshops, to be held from 11:15 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., will include a presentation on world hunger by Kathleen O'Toole from "Bread for the World."

During afternoon workshops from 2:15-3:30 p.m., presenter Espiretta Dorsey will discuss her experiences with the Kairos prison ministry. Deanery meetings will be held from 3:45-5 p.m. and there will be a social hour at 7 p.m. followed by a banquet at 8 p.m. where vocalist Patsy Lewis will perform.

Msgr. Gracz will speak at the luncheon. Msgr. Gracz was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and has lived and ministered in Georgia for over 37 years. He studied with the Jesuits at Canisius College and attended Christ the King Seminary in Buffalo. He also did graduate work at Fordham University in New York and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has lectured on worship and led renewal weeks in various parts of the country and has a love of good liturgy and worship, a just church in a just world and the engaging search for spirituality.

The Sunday program will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. celebrated by Archbishop John F. Donoghue and Father Paul Berny, AACCW spiritual moderator, at which new officers will be installed. Cenacle Sister Barbara Young will speak at a closing brunch at 10 a.m.

At least three delegates are requested to attend from each parish or mission of the archdiocese. Convention registration is $90, which does not include the cost of hotel rooms. Registration information and checks should be sent to Rose Kinkela, 207 Highland Hills Road, Riverdale, GA 30296. Deadline for registration is Sept. 4. Baby layettes and used eyeglasses that are being collected for ministry groups may be left at the registration desk.

The hotel is located at 2443 Highway 54 West, Peachtree City. For information call Mary Hargaden, president, at (478) 452-0892, Celeste Ganey, executive vice president, at (770) 808-0106 or Mae Fern Baron at (404) 243-0869.