Catholic women from Siskiyou to Solano counties came together in Sacramento to attend a convention and went away challenged to continue answering their calling as women embracing peace.

The Sacramento Diocesan Council of Catholic Women held their 70th annual convention April 26-28 and also honored a priest who has been their spiritual advisor for half a century and women who have lived their faith through service.

“It was a time for thinking about how the women of the SDCCW in the church and in their communities can provide peace through their ministries,” said Sue Westerfeld, the council’s outgoing president.

Reflecting the convention’s theme, “Women Embracing Peace,” Msgr. Patrick Nolan, keynote speaker, focused his comments on the power of inner peace to empower people to grow in their faith. Msgr. Nolan, a retired diocesan priest, said that with peace of self, amazing things can be accomplished.

“Peace is not a static thing, it’s pro-active,” Father Nolan said. “If you want peace, you work for justice.”

Workshop topics included presentations on ministry to women inmates by Deacon Eldon Vignery from St. Isidore Parish in Yuba City; legislation targeted by the California Catholic Conference for debate at Lobby Day on April 29; and the calling and blessing of the Catholic Church in Third World countries by Father Steve Foppiano, pastor of St. Thomas More Parish in Paradise.

A highlight of the event was recognition of Msgr. Edward Kavanagh, pastor of St. Rose Parish in Sacramento, for 50 years of service as moderator of the SDCCW. June Phayer, a longtime friend, has worked as a leader in SDCCW and in other Catholic organizations with Msgr. Kavanagh for much of those 50 years. She said through all that time he has been a “loyal, caring” friend to members.

“He immediately puts out his hand, making sure to get your name and then never forgets it,” Phayer said. “With Msgr. Kavanagh, everybody (in the organization) is a saint, really something special.”

Duties as moderator for the council include serving as spiritual advisor on a wide range of priority issues for both SDCCW and the National Council of Catholic Women, celebrating liturgies for meetings and special events, and traveling with delegates from the diocese to national conventions.

Margaret Hinshaw, a former president of the SDCCW and past province director for the San Francisco Province of the NCCW, was among those present to honor Msgr. Kavanagh at the convention.

“We all feel very comfortable asking his advice. He knows so many people and always comes up with great ideas for speakers,” Hinshaw said.

Dorothy Thomsen, another former SDCCW president, values the organization’s moderator both for his good advice and inspiration to members.

“You could go to him and get the straight goods, and his devotion to young people and education of children in the faith is unstinting,” she said.

Of the special recognition he received at a dinner in his honor, Msgr. Kavanagh said he has long admired the women’s organization and their work.

“They’ve been very helpful in evangelizing, spreading the word of God,” Msgr. Kavanagh said. “These are women who are always leaders in the parishes and take on their responsibilities throughout the diocese.”

Another highlight of the three-day event was the introduction of the “Woman of the Year” awards. This year’s selections were Sue Holderegger, Gold Country Deanery; Betty Barlage, Marysville Deanery; Marie Welchert, Sacramento Deanery; Marti Senf, Siskiyou Deanery; and Marion Doss, Solano Deanery.

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