Commission on Women in Church & in Society

The Commission serves as a resource to the Bishop on issues relevant to the dignity and vocation of women.

Commission Committees

Bishop’s Network Committee:

This Committee acts in conjunction with the Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN) to respond to significant legislative issues impacting the dignity of women and the good of the family. They advocate for an informed response by the laity to address these issues. Additional areas of interest include United Nations policies and the specific concerns of Catholic healthcare workers.
http://www.nyscatholic.org

Basics of the Faith Committee:

This Committee seeks to assist the Church in its mission to evangelize and catechize by developing or suggesting resources to help people encounter Christ and deepen and enrich their faith. They provide resources for catechists at the annual Journey of Faith Conference. More info can be found here (pdf).

Media Subcommittee:
Maintains the Commission link on the Diocesan website and produces a column for the Catholic Sun featuring local Catholic women who are working to transform the culture.

In 2001 the Commission helped to promote the development of a video series, "The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexualtiy: Guidelines for Education" to assist parents in teaching their children about human sexuality. For more information go to www.catholicparentsprogram.org or call 607-754-1824.

The Women, Family and Life Issues Committee:

This committee networks with the Diocesan Natural Family Planning Office to promote an understanding of the gift of NFP and to support education in the various NFP methods. This committee also seeks to work with the Respect Life office to inform and educate on important life issues.

For more info on NFP contact:
Joan Nolan, Creighton Model Fertility Care Practitioner
315-488-3139 Ext. 26

Helpful websites:

Youth, Vocations and Adoration Committee:

This committee was formed to support work being done in the area of youth evangelization and vocations promotion as well as continue the initiative to promote Eucharistic Adoration in the Diocese.

Advocating the Vocation (AVOW) Committee:

This committee seeks to support the development of the AVOW outreach to women. AVOW International Center, Inc. was founded as an extension of the initiative begun by the Commission to share a new understanding of the dignity and vocation of women inspired by the teachings of John Paul II with other women like themselves: professional women, wives and mothers. AVOW's mission is to facilitate each woman's recognition of her dignity, acceptance of her remarkable role in family, business and society for the benefit of her own personal fulfillment, and to implement her unique 'feminine genius" to build a moral and just world.

AVOW International Center with the Commission on Women sponsors the Breakfast Speaker Series featuring contemporary topics related to faith and culture along with Study Groups designed especially for women to explore the depth and authenticity of the Church's teaching on the human person, based on the writings of John Paul II, Edith Stein, and others.

AVOW Study Groups use approved materials and resources based on the teachings of the Church that lead women to a deeper understanding of their personal dignity and role as women. Facilitator training is provided.

For more information and calendar of current AVOW events, Study Groups, course offerings, and facilitator training, please contact Karen Stein at (315) 655-3837 or by email at Karentkc@aol.com.

Study Group Resources:
ENDOW Study Groups provide women with a much needed forum to grow in understanding of their God-given dignity and vocation as women. www.endowonline.com

Staff