How does one living on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee lead and guide a national organization of Catholic women? That is the challenge Patty Johnson, newly elected president of the National Council of Catholic Women, faces during her two year term of office. The NCCW, representing members from across the U.S., gave its support to Patty at their recent convention in Jacksonville, Florida.
Eager and ready to take on this daunting task, Patty lists communications as a key element in her plan and vision for the future of the organization. Patty is not afraid to get involved in service to the church and the community. “My love for the council and the fact that it has nourished me throughout my adult life, both spiritually and as a leader gave me cause to run for the presidency.“ She has served the Council for 45 years at all levels, including six years of leadership on the NCCW board.
The new president explains that the organizational structure of the NCCW is like a wheel. The elected board of directors is at the hub, providing guidance in spirituality, leadership, and service to the membership. They must connect with the 28 Province Directors from various parts of the country. Then through the diocesan and deanery levels information and leadership must flow to the local organizations, the largest ring around the wheel. “That’s where the rubber meets the road,” says Patty. “All levels of affiliation have responsibilities to build, assist, and support the parish councils.”
Administrative offices and headquarters for the NCCW are located in Arlington, VA., and yes, it will require two official meetings per year at that location. However, Patty is quick to add — “we don’t meet at a hotel as some might think, but at a very spartan retreat site.”
There will, of course, be other times requiring her to travel. Her presidency calls for her to meet in November with the National Council of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore as an observer. Also on the horizon will be visits to many local affiliates. She already has received an invitation to visit Hartford, Connecticut.
Conference calls will be an important part of her agenda. Patty explains, “A conference call is held when it is necessary to conduct Council business outside of meeting dates. An agenda is sent prior to the call and includes detailed information on the topics to be decided. Each person has an opportunity to ask questions, votes are taken and business completed. This is considered an official meeting and minutes recorded. The calls generally last 1 to 2 hours.”
Patty is fortunate to have an understanding husband and a home office with many filing cabinets. Her computer keeps her busy 6-8 hours each day handling information from the NCCW headquarters, NCCW members, and other National organizations affiliated with NCCW.
Since coming to Tennessee from Nebraska at the age of 10, Patty’s journey has taken her through St. Mary’s School of Nursing, marriage to Shelton, a family of four sons, and moves to four parishes, including 30 years at St. Bridget in Dayton, TN before coming to Fairfield Glade in 2002.
A dedicated worker at her St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, Patty has chaired and participated in many parish ministries and activities, including a mission trip to assist hurricane victims. In the community she has served on the Hospice Auxiliary board and worked at fund raising for the Avalon Center, assists the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of the Medical Reserve Corps -— trained to act in disaster emergencies.
Johnson explains what she calls, her Five-Point Plan, to move the NCCW into the future. She says, "(1) I would like to broaden the membership; (2) develop a plan for the organization to be financially secure; (3) make provision for staff training using updated technology; (4) provide more leadership training opportunities; and (5) make available an informative, user-friendly NCCW website.”
When not working in her home office or traveling, you might catch our new NCCW president at a bridge table, a Bible study session, the Wellness Center, or on the golf course.
Glade Sun
Related Photos
NCCW elects Patty Johnson as national president
- Glade Sun
-
-
FG First Baptist Church all smiles as their 'ship comes in'
Fairfield Glade First Baptist Church was right in the path of the right-of-way for the new widening project for Peavine Road. With a new site selected and the new church building well under way, on Feb. 6, TDOT officially presented Fairfield Glade First Baptist Church a check for $1,435,550 for their property.
-
SMHS Rocket Club visits FG Rotary
Fairfield Glade Rotary Club warmly welcomed eight accomplished Stone Memorial High School students. The members of the SMHS Rocket Club team presented a detailed account of their most recent competition in the Team America Rocketry Challenge National Finals in Washington D.C.
-
Dr. Smith to speak Feb. 15 on women's health
William E. Smith, MD, will speak on women’s health on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at a free Community Seminar, in the conference room at the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complex in Crossville, at 130 Woodmere Mall, on Hwy. 127. Non members of the facility are welcome.
-
Lake Tansi resident wins Holiday Challenge drawing
Betty Smith of Lake Tansi won a six-month membership for the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complex at Crossville because she successfully completed a Holiday Challenge to maintain or lose weight from Nov. 24 through Jan. 4.
-
Read the latest edition of "The Bulletin"
The Crossville Chronicle-Glade Sun also publishes a newsletter called "The Bulletin" in which you'll find a schedule of Glade activities and events, a restaurant and dining guide, golf information, and even tour schedules. Click here for the latest PDF edition of "The Bulletin."
-
Playhouse favorite Daniel Black to appear this Sunday at the Southern Stars Concert
The Southern Stars Symphonic Brass will be presenting their second concert in the Crossville Music Series on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m. in the beautiful auditorium at Stone Memorial High School.
-
Iles is Lions Student of the Month for January
Cumberland County High School senior Dimi Iles has been honored by the Fairfield Glade Lions Club as January “Student of the Month.” She was selected by Guidance Counselor Robin Hull to be so honored by the Lions Club.
-
Three musicians join Big Band Sound
Two talented Tennessee Technological University students and a veteran drummer have joined the ranks of the Big Band Sound. They are Kurt Snider, Brant Poindexter and Sarah Ransom.
-
Avalon Center asks you to "Let Your Heart Rule" in February
In 2010 Congress began dedicating the entire month of February to Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in youth relationships and promote programs intended to help youth with teen dating violence issues. Throughout February, individuals and many organizations nationwide highlight the need to educate young people about healthy relationships, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse.
-
ENJOYING NATURE: How ‘fur’ would you go to get a great coat?
I saw in one of the magazines, that I sometimes read, that the Tennessee Fur Harvesters Association was having a fur sale in Crossville. “Fur harvesters” is another word for trappers. Trappers try to catch fur bearing animals like coyote, mink, and beaver for fun and profit. I talked Gary into going with me to see what we could learn.
- More Glade Sun Headlines
-
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
Coroner: Houston Autopsy Results Weeks Away
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
79 Turtles Seized at Shanghai Airport
Severe Cold Wreaks Havoc in China
Fuel Removal Under Way on Capsized Italian Ship
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
