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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2009 /  Council to mark 70 years of service

by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published March 20, 2009

Kristin Lukowski | The Michigan Catholic The Detroit Chapter of the Council of Catholic Women office secretary Chris Wilk, president Lorraine McFee, treasurer Joan Beaton and membership chair Marge Elliott show off quilts made for the organization's 50th anniversary. They'll celebrate their 70th anniversary with Mass and lunch at the Westin Book Cadilliac April 26.

Detroit — The Council of Catholic Women will be coming full circle, in a sense, when they gather next month for Mass and lunch.

Seventy years ago, after being organized locally by Cardinal Edward Mooney, the council celebrated its first conference with Mass and lunch at the Book Cadillac Hotel. Even before it reopened as the Westin Book Cadillac last year, the council's board members have been setting up a 70th anniversary Mass and lunch to commemorate the occasion. "It's a celebration of our contributions to the archdiocese," said membership chair Marge Elliott.

The day begins with regular 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Aloysius Parish, down the block from the Book Cadillac, and continues with a reception before 1:30 p.m. lunch in the Venetian Ballroom. Socializing and reminiscing can continue for as long as the group has the room, Elliott said. And anyone is welcome, male or female, members or not.

Lorraine McFee, president, pointed out that the theme for the Council of Catholic women this year is "Women of Faith, Women of Action."

And there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether it's making layettes for newborns, or being involved with commissions for church, family concerns, the community, international concerns, or legislation. "We each do our own part, and it become a much bigger part," Elliott said. "We're united with all women across the country."

Elliott said that although members have different lives and backgrounds, they share the same faith and outlook on life. McFee added that she likes how, as chapter president, she can meet women from all over the state to share their beliefs and activities.

"I feel such unity and such support and such encouragement working with the ladies of the Archdiocese of Detroit," she said. "That means a lot."

The council is supported by Catholic Services Appeal. McFee said the board's goal is to sign up every woman in the archdiocese; even the women who can't physically be active in the group can still lend prayers and support, she added.