Councils:
About:
On February 26, 1928, Bishop James A. Griffin, Bishop of Springfield, convened a meeting in the Knights of Columbus building to launch the National Council of Catholic Women in the Diocese of Springfield, IL (now called the SDCCW). Over 800 women from every part of the Diocese were present. He said the need was so great and that women were responsible for "safeguarding the home and family." In addition, he asked the women to participate in civic affairs, as well as "made a plea for unity in action on the part of the Catholic laity." (N.C.W.C. Bulletin, Page 11, April, 1928).
A constitution for the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women was created with the motto of St. Ignatius -'Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam'- to the greater Glory of God. Bishop Griffin told the audience, "In America, life today is largely secularized. In the political, industrial, literary and social world, we find a distinct background of materialism and refined paganism." In order to provide a channel for the spread of Catholic ideals as an antidote to the false philosophy, as well as to consolidate the activities of our Catholic women, this society was conceived and brought into being."
"Its spirit is the virtue of charity which is love and which I would write on every line of this constitution. Its methods are spiritual and its reward will be stability and perpetuity of both Church and State. May God bless this Council, and may no selfish thought, word or deed ever find lodgment in the deliberation and activity of this Catholic society. With a prayer for vision, courage, fortitude and peace, with God and our neighbor, we do hereby ordain and promulgate this constitution and by-laws."
At the opening meeting, 31 organizations became affiliates of the N.C.C.W. Plans were set to hold a first annual convention May 27 and 28, with anticipated representation from every parish in the Diocese.
"Miss Isabel Fogarty of Springfield was appointed temporary president. Temporary deanery presidents were appointed as follows: Mrs. Jane Fixmer, Springfield; Mrs. W. H. Mason, Jacksonville; Mrs. Jolin Holland, Litchfield; Mrs. Alfred Trierweiller, Decatur; Mrs. Margaret Moran, Granite City; Mrs. Mary Finkilder, Effingham; and Mrs. Sophia Wavering, Quincy."
The Springfield in IL Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) shares in the mission of the National Council of Catholic Women (nccw.org), as we are part of the Province of Chicago. A province is an ecclesiastical territory of the Church. It consists of an archdiocese and one or more suffragan sees. There are 27 Provinces in the USA and there are six archdiocese in Illinois. The province takes its name from the diocese in which the archbishop resides. Present membership of the Province of Chicago includes the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford and Springfield. The Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki is the Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield and patron of the SDCCW.
Our Mission Statement:
As an affiliate of the NCCW, we act through their guidance and our affiliated organizations and members to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Like the NCCW, the SDCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the church and society in the modern world.
Leadership:
The SDCCW is comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Parlamentarian.
Commissions:
The mission of the SDCCW is carried out through the work of three commissions, each under the direction of a national commission chair and often mirrored at archdiocesan, diocesan and local parish levels.
The Spirituality Commission reinforces faith and supports service to the church and to the world through discipleship and spiritual growth; and encourages legislative advocacy aat the local, state and national levels, guided by Catholic social teachings.
- The Service Commission engages the members of SDCCW, and all people, in working to address the needs and concerns of their individual communities; and supports and enhances family life within the Church and society.
- The Leadership Commission provides organization development, opportunities for training, as well as public relations resources, and publications to strengthen leadership.
All Women Welcome!
With support and unity from all Catholic women, we can contribute much more than one parish can provide alone, thus having more energized ministries and services.
You Can Expect:
- Solidarity with other Catholic women in learning, working and growing together in response to Christ's call for discipleship.
- Guidance and support from the current Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Allen Kemme, Pastor, Church of the Little Flower, Springfield, IL.
- Programs directed towards spirituality, leadership and service.
- Opportunity for education, spirituality, friends and fun at the Lenten Retreat, Women of Distinction Mass and Awards celebration, quarterly deanery meetings, the Annual SDCCW Convention and other diocesan events.
Locations:
The Springfield Diocese consists of five deaneries: Alton, Jerseyville, Mattoon, Quincy and Springfield. Leadership: Each Deanery is comprised of: a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. A Diocesan Priest, Spiritual Advisor is also designated for each deanery. Which county and what parish you belong to will decide which deanery you fall under. A map of the five deaneries may be found here.
There are 37 parishes in the Springfield Deanery, and each deanery holds quarterly meetings at rotating parishes throughout the year. Parish groups such as Altar & Rosary Society, Legion of Mary, guilds, auxiliaries, and other women's groups may become parish affiliates of the SDCCW. There is an annual form to complete with a small registration fee.
Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel:
God of heavenly wisdom, you have given us Mary, Mother of Jesus, to be our guide and counselor. Grant that we may always seek her motherly help in this life and so enjoy her blessed presence in the life to come.
O Mother of Good Counsel, patroness of the National Council of Catholic Women, Intercede for us that we may be wise, courageous, and loving leaders of the Church. Help us Dear Mother, to know the mind of Jesus, your son.
May the Holy Spirit fill us with reverence for God's creation and compassion for all God's children. May our labors of love on earth enhance the reign of God and may God's gifts of faith and living hope prepare us for the world to come. Amen.
Connect and Join:
For more information about joining the SDCCW, please email [email protected],
Follow our Facebook page.
Or call the Cathedral office at 217-522-3342
Mailing Address:
Springfield in IL Diocesan Council of Catholic Women
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
524 E. Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703
The College of Consultors is a required body in the diocese, presided over by the diocesan bishop, whose membership is constituted by not less than six nor more than twelve bishops and priests, appointed from among the membership of the Presbyteral Council for a period of five years. The functions of the College are dictated by a variety of canons of the Code and pertain primarily to matters of diocesan governance and administration.
Members
| Very Reverend Brian C. Alford, V.E. |
| Very Reverend Daniel J. Bergbower, V.F. |
| Reverend Joseph Carlos, O.F.M. |
| Reverend Michael Friedel |
| Very Reverend Jeffrey H. Goeckner, V.F. |
| Reverend Monsignor David J. Hoefler, V.G. |
| Reverend William Jeffry Holtman |
| Very Reverend Christopher A. House, V.J. |
| Reverend Scott A. Snider |
| Very Reverend John M. Titus, V.F. |
| Reverend Mark W. Tracy |
| Reverend Donald L. Wolford |
The Diocesan Finance Council is a required canonical body, established by the Bishop for the purpose of advising and assisting him in financial matters in accord with the norms of canon law.
The Finance Council is responsible for (i) advising the Bishop on the development and implementation of strategies designed to assure the financial soundness of the Diocese, (ii) overseeing (but not managing) Diocesan financial operations and condition, and (iii) assisting the Bishop in achieving openness and transparency in Diocesan financial reporting. Consistent with these responsibilities, the Finance Council will make specific recommendations to the Bishop on policies, procedures and actions, and will monitor the implementation of recommendations that have been accepted by the Bishop. The Bishop will fully inform the Finance Council on matters on which it is to vote, to oversee or to provide consultation.
Finance Council Members
- Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki
- Reverend Albert F. Allen
- James A. Bock, Jr.
- Brian Brewer
- Mike Christie
- Reverend Michael B. Haag
- Robin Hake
- Linda Harcharick
- Timothy Healy
- Reverend Monsignor David J. Hoefler, V.G.
- J. Michael Houston
- Stephen Logan
- Dan McGuire
- Stan Rupnik
- John Staudt
- Kenneth Vogt
Finance Council Consultants
- Gregory Fleck
- Christopher Sommer
As outlined in Christus Dominus n.27 (Latin for Christ the Lord), of the Second Vatican Council, it is highly desirable that in every diocese a special pastoral council be established, presided over by the diocesan bishop himself, in which clergy, religious and laity specially chosen for the purpose will participate.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois serves as a means of communication between Bishop Paprocki and the laity. The DPC focuses on and fosters vibrant participation in liturgy and social concerns. Through diverse faith communities, the advisory group considers pastoral works and develops supportive pastoral initiatives. Through prayerful judgment and mutually respectful dialogue, the DPC collaborates with the Bishop, gives voice to aspirations and concerns of their communities, as well as share the vision of the diocese. The pastoral council lacks any legislative or governing power and functions solely as a consultative body.
The mission of the Diocesan Pastoral Council is to study, ponder and make recommendations on pastoral matters, which the bishop, as pastor of the diocese, presents to the council for thought, deliberation and reflection.
Members
- Sr. M. Stephanie Belgeri
- Megan Breheny-Bennett
- James A. Bock, Jr.
- Mike Christie
- Cindy Clark
- Katie Conlon
- Patty Fitzpatrick
- Jeff Heitzig
- Larry Hemann
- Reverend Monsignor David J. Hoefler, V.G.
- George Menard
- David Michael, Chair
- John Miller
- Katie Price
- Martha Rapp
- Deacon David Sorrell
- Carol Toney
- Reverend Mark Tracy
- Thomas Tucker
- Scott Ventimiglia
- Kathy Wear
- Bob Zeller
The Presbyteral Council of our Diocese is, in effect, a senate of the bishop made up of representatives of the "presbyterate" or body of priests. The council provides the bishop with a forum for the exchange of ideas, consultation, and advice regarding the pastoral work of the Church in the Diocese. The Second Vatican Council mandated such councils to ensure the welfare of the people of God and to effectively communicate all issues pertaining to parish life.
The Diocese's priests elect about half of the members to the council. All priests serving the Diocese can vote in this election. In addition, some priests are members of the council by virtue of their office. The bishop names the remaining members to the council. The main focus in electing members is to reflect the diversity of ministries and regions of the Diocese.
Bishop Paprocki presides over the council and accepts proposals from members. The members serve as a consultative body to the bishop. By law, the Bishop must seek the advice of the council on the following issues: the advisability of a diocesan synod, the modification of parishes, offerings of the faithful, norms for parish councils, the construction of a church or conversion of a church to secular use, or the imposition of a diocesan tax.
Members
- Reverend Michael Berndt
- Reverend Richard Chiola
- Reverend Seth Brown
- Reverend Michael Friedel
- Reverend Michael Meinhart
- Reverend Zachary Samples
- Reverend Hyland Smith
- Reverend Martin Smith
- Reverend Scott Snider
- Reverend Mark Tracy
Deans
- Very Reverend Daniel J. Bergbower, V.F.
- Reverend Monsignor Leo J. Enlow, V.F.
- Very Reverend Jeffrey H. Goeckner, V.F.
- Very Reverend Thomas Hagstrom, V.F.
- Very Reverend John M. Titus, V.F.
Ex officio
- Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, President
- Reverend Monsignor David J. Hoefler, Vicar General
- Very Reverend Brian C. Alford, V.E., Vicar for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations
Appointed
- Very Reverend Christopher A. House, Vicar Judicial
- Reverend Kevin M. Laughery, Liaison for Priests
- Reverend Joseph Molloy, Associate Vicar for Senior Priests
Spiritual Renewal Centers:
- Villa Maria - Catholic Life Center (Springfield)
- Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry (Vandalia)
Health Care Institutions:
- St. Anthony's Health Center (Alton)
- HSHS St. Mary's Hospital (Decatur)
- HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital (Effingham)
- HSHS Holy Family Hospital (Greenville)
- HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital (Highland)
- HSHS St. Francis Hospital (Litchfield)
- Warren Billhartz Cancer Center (Maryville)
- HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital (Shelbyville)
- HSHS St. John's Hospital (Springfield)