Southern Deanery
President: Carolyn Paternoster
Spiritual Advisor: Rev. John Bosco Maison
Southern Deanery Council of Catholic Women (SDCCW) encompasses all of Brevard County that is widely referred to as the Space Coast. The Space Coast is home to NASA-Kennedy Space Center and also home to 80,000 Catholics.
The Southern Deanery Objectives are to:
To serve as a medium through which Catholic women may speak and act as a unit.
To unite and stimulate the work of Catholic women’s organizations of the SDCCW in purpose and direction, and action in religious, education, social, civic and economic fields.
For more information, contact Southern Deanery President, Carolyn Paternoster.
Southern Deanery has six energetic and active affiliations. Our affiliations meet monthly from September through May. They are as follows:
Ascension Council of Catholic Women was formed in 1959 with the establishment of the parish in Melbourne. While care of our families, our work, hobbies and responsibilities are priorities - deep inside there is a relationship with Our God - an abiding peace that gives possibility, courage and strength to all that we do. It is that relationship that brings us together as Catholic women. We know it in ourselves and we see it in one another.
It is that same relationship which commits us to our national mission to "support, empower and educate all Catholic women." Thus, most of our business is conducted in committees, so that when we gather on the second Tuesday evening of the month, we can enjoy special programs and guest speakers of interest to all women.
We serve in almost all of the 80 ministries in the parish and we contribute to the empowerment and well-being of women and children especially through our many charities: Catholic Charities, Genesis House, High School Scholarship, Vocations, the monthly support of a disabled woman and more. We enjoy retreats and times of reflection; participate in legislative issues, Catholic Days at the Capital and conventions. We celebrate our womanhood with teas, craft fairs and family socials.
ACCW is truly a sisterhood modeled on the generosity and hospitality of Our Blessed Mother. Every woman finds acceptance, affirmation and the opportunity to be the gift that she is. Together - we most truly are Catholic women in the world today.
Divine Mercy Council of Catholic Women is located on Merritt Island in Brevard County home to the Kennedy Space Center. Divine Mercy Parish and Council have existed for over 50 years. Primary fund raisers include the Divine Gift Store, the Phantom Tea Party, and the February Card Party Fashion Show and Luncheon. Our charities include the Divine Mercy Academy, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Catholic Relief Services, Birthright, Genesis House, Divine Mercy Youth Group, the Sister Diocese in the Dominican Republic, Burse Club, the Bishop’s Appeal, and Daughters of High Brace Orphanage for Girls located in the city of in Bani, Dominican Republic. The general membership meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month. Celebration birthday luncheons are held quarterly. We are always seeking out new members to assist with service to our church, community, and school.
Holy Name of Jesus Council of Catholic Women
Holy Spirit MIMS Council of Catholic Women
Our Lady of Lourdes Council of Catholic Women was originally established in 1948 and we are currently blessed with 126 members. The Parish serves 1,242 families from Melbourne, West Melbourne, and the Palm Bay areas. The Council continues to collect and distribute food, clothing, toiletries, and toys to local shelters, nursing homes, and sharing centers. This year, we will be having three Craft & Bake sales at the main entrance to the Church; they will be held on October 6th & 7th, December 8th & 9th, and March 16th & 17th. The sale in December will include our annual Christmas Raffle. The weekend prior to Valentine's Day, we will be having our successful Chocolate Chips & Pretzel sale. We will close the year with our Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon. With some of the funds the Council raised during the past year, we were able to make a substantial donation to the Church’s Organ Fund, a donation for the Church’s Nativity Set, and donations to several other worthwhile organizations. Our Lady of Lourdes Council of Catholic Women meetings, including lunch, are held in the Parish Hall the Wednesday following the first Sunday of each month at 12:30 pm. The Craft meetings are on Tuesdays at 6pm in the Ministry Building. Everyone is welcome.