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DCCW retreat empowers women to embrace call

By Rosemary Bernth
Globe staff reporter
(Email Rosemary)

The Sioux City Diocese Council of Catholic Women will host a retreat Aug. 6-8 at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge.

The retreat, “Embracing Our Call: Dignity & Vocation of Women,” is a follow-up to last year’s retreat about Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem. Women who did not go to the first one are still encouraged to come to this year’s retreat, no matter what their ages are.

“I’m hoping that all the women who went last year will return and bring a friend or two,” said Julie Storr, a commissioner for DCCW. “There’s something in Mulieris Dignitatem for all ages. It’s a neat opportunity for people to come and learn more about their church.”

Ellen Streit, DCCW president, said she would love to see young women come to the retreat because of the negative image the media has for women.

“I just feel we need to be empowering our young people, especially our young ladies of today because I feel our nation, our world does not have a positive attitude towards females,” she said. “I would just love to see the ladies go to be empowered about their gift, their talent and their dignity. Pope John Paul II had such profound respect for women and our ladies need to hear that.”

The guest speaker is Gina Bauer, who has been a feature speaker for conferences and retreats such as NET Lifeline and St. John’s Diocesan Youth Rally in Collegeville, Minn. Streit said they kept Bauer as a speaker because of her great work at last year’s retreat.

“I was impressed last year,” said Streit. “What I heard I really loved. Gina did such a nice job, a delightful lady to listen to and enjoy.”

“She has a way of relating stories and relating to women that you can actually see how it would apply to your daily life,” said Storr. “Just the way she can relate to women – she’s a mom, she’s married. It’s not like anything you’re going to have to go out and study. It’s things that happen during the course of your day that as you listen to Gina’s stories, you recognize maybe it’s the hand of God.”

Both Storr and Streit said they believe God has a plan for all women and going to the retreat to meet others will help build hope and strength.

“Julie and I are really promoting this retreat,” said Streit. “I feel that’s what we need –
something positive about our vocation and our dignity. We could change this world around, but it’s going to take a lot of woman power.”

Registration information
Registration fee of $30 per person can be sent to Julie Storr, 1104 First St. N.W., Pocahontas, IA 50574 by July 31. Registration after that date is $45. Accommodations choices can be found at www. fortdodgechamber.com. If you wish to stay at the retreat site, space is available and showers are on the site. Bring your own air mattress and sleeping bag. If you have any questions, please call Julie at (712) 358-2063.