ATLANTA—“Women Working Together for Peace and Justice” is the theme of the 58th annual convention of the Atlanta Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (AACCW) Friday to Saturday, Sept. 12-14, in Atlanta.

The convention will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria, 200 Interstate North Parkway, in Atlanta. The program will include presentations, exhibitors, Masses, adoration and time for fellowship.

An international dance and party will be held Friday, Sept. 12, and a banquet withAA entertainment will be held Saturday, Sept. 13. Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory will celebrate Mass on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

Father Bill Williams, AACCW spiritual advisor. Photo By Michael Alexander

Guest speakers for the AACCW convention are Martha Smith, spiritual director at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Sandy Springs; Father Bill Williams, pastor of St. Gerard Majella Church in Fort Oglethorpe and spiritual advisor to the council; and Leslye Colvin, program specialist with Justice and Peace Ministries of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

While this is not an election year for officers, members will have the opportunity to review and amend by-laws and vote on proposed resolutions.

The AACCW serves as a channel through which the women of the archdiocese can use their unique talents in service to God and others. Opportunities to serve the community will be made available at this year’s convention, including bringing baby layette items for B.I.B. (Better Infant Births) clinics. Items needed for layettes are diapers of all sizes, baby shirts, receiving blankets, bibs and baby care products.

The Service Commission of the council is also asking for items for personal care bags, which will be given to the Ignatius Spirituality Project of Catholic Charities. Often these kits are given to detainees represented by the Immigration Legal Services program of Catholic Charities.

Items needed for the personal care bags include: body wash, soap, conditioner, toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrushes and socks.

Financial contributions will be collected at the convention for the Women of Social Justice Project to assist female veterans with employment and other opportunities.

All priests and women religious are invited to attend the entire convention without registration cost.

The convention registration fee is now $55 for AACCW members. Costs for the luncheon, banquet and brunch events are additional. Members may obtain a complete registration packet from their respective CCW/guild presidents.