Speak Lord, Your Servant is Listening: National Council of Catholic Women 2026 Convention
The National Council of Catholic Women 2026 Convention took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from August 25th to August 29th. Several members of our Council of Catholic Women for the Archdiocese of Detroit attended, including Pat Dery (President), Kelly Vierk (President-Elect), Judith Lambert (Spirituality Commission Chair), Lorraine McFee (Membership Commission Chair), Kathleen Penno (NCCW Co-Chair: Purse Auction and NCCW Board of Directors: Associates), Jan Popowich (Operation Layette Chair), Marsha Wisniewski (Hospitality Commission Chair) and Zora Dziurman. Pat Dery and Judith Lambert began their journey with a bit of an adventure. Due to an issue with Judith’s car, our president was transported in the car on the back of a tow truck. Fortunately, they managed to resolve the car issue and arrived in time for bag stuffing on August 25th.
WENDESDAY: On Wednesday morning, members participated in a Pilgrims of Hope Tour, which included visits to three local churches. The first destination was the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, founded in 1875. The Cathedral was impressive and featured a distinctive bas-relief Stations of the Cross.
Bas-Relief Stations of the Cross from the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
Basilica of Saint Adalbert Altar.
The subsequent destination was the Basilica of Saint Adalbert. Construction of the Basilica started in 1907, and it was officially opened in 1913. In 1980, the Basilica of Saint Adalbert was designated as a "Minor Basilica," making it one of the few in the US to hold this distinction.
The final destination was Saint Mary Catholic Church, established in 1857 to serve the spiritual needs of the area's German community. The church features stunning stained glass windows designed by Dr. H. Oldtmann from Linnich, Germany. The docent shared an intriguing detail about stained glass windows: their stories are traditionally depicted chronologically from the bottom to the top. Among the most fascinating artifacts was the Monstrance, crafted from jewelry donated by the church's parishioners. When recently taken for cleaning, the jewelry couldn't be appraised, as it was considered a work of art.
Image of Monstrance at St Mary’s Catholic Church.
Following the tour, attendees proceeded to a welcome luncheon at the Amway Grand Hotel. During the luncheon, Kevin Matthews shared his inspiring story of returning to the Catholic faith through Mary's intercession after discovering a broken Mary statue outside a flower shop. His story inspired the book and movie "Broken Mary." Recently, he traveled with the "Broken Mary" statue to the Vatican for an audience with Pope Leo. His story illustrates that although we are all broken, we can be guided back to God. After lunch, there was an opening liturgy and a mini rosary retreat.
Kevin Matthew’s Broken Mary Statue.
THURSDAY: The day started with opportunities for Confession and Adoration. At 9 AM, the opening session took place, featuring the introduction of the NCCW officers. The keynote speech was given by Mary Lenaburg, author of “Be Brave in the Sacred” and “Be Bold in the Broken.” Mary shared a hopeful message, recounting the story of her daughter Courtney and the challenges faced by her family. After lunch, there were presentations by the Spirituality and Leadership Commission, followed by an opening liturgy. The day concluded with the Province Dinner.
Province Dinner: Judith Lambert (Spiritual Commision Chair) and Jan Popowich (Operation Layette Chair)
FRIDAY: The business meeting took place on Friday, where the agenda was approved, new resolutions were voted on, and committee reports were presented. Following lunch, the Leadership Development Team and the Service Commissions gave their presentations. The session concluded with the Liturgy for Deceased Members. The day wrapped up with the well-loved purse auction, co-chaired by our own Kathleen Penno. This auction serves as a fundraiser for NCCW. The evening's theme was Motown Magic.
Purse Auction: NCCW members including our own: Lorraine McFee (Membership Commission Chair) and Kathleen Penno (NCCW Board of Directors: Associates and NCCW Co-Chair: Purse Auction)
SATURDAY: The day began with a workshop by Mary Lenaburg titled Begin Again. Mary guided us through the “rooms” of her home, urging us to rely on God’s love to mend our brokenness. She outlined a journey everyone must undertake: starting with faith that develops into trust; trust progressing to acceptance; acceptance evolving into surrender; and surrender culminating in peace. Peace is described as stability amidst chaos. The afternoon featured a session with Bishop William Mack, the installation of Province Directors, and a closing liturgy. The evening concluded with a banquet, featuring entertainment by the Magic Carpet Theater, who engaged the audience in an adaptation of the Parables.
Mary Lenaburg: Keynote Speaker and Begin Again Workshop lead.
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