By Carol Campbell / Sun contributor
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.
