The Lincoln Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (LDCCW) was founded in 1932 by Bishop Louis B. Kucera, who recognized the need for a unified organization of Catholic women devoted to the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Rev. Monsignor Peter O. Laughlin was appointed as the first spiritual moderator, helping establish a lasting foundation of faith-filled leadership and charitable service.
The accomplishments of the LDCCW are well summarized in the words of the late moderator, Monsignor Flynn:
“The glorious achievements of these years reveal a magnificent dedication on the part of thousands of Catholic women in the Lincoln Diocese. These devoted and faithful servants of our Lord have developed through their innumerable programs, a deepening of Catholic life among God's people over the years. The splendor of her fidelity is known in every deanery and parish of the diocese.”
From its earliest years, the LDCCW promoted programs that fostered Catholic family life, education, and charitable outreach. Early projects included support for the National Catholic School of Social Service, youth ministry initiatives, farm extension work, immigration assistance, essay and oratorical contests, PTA programs, and campaigns encouraging Christian morality and wholesome literature.
During World War II, Catholic women across the Diocese of Lincoln responded generously to both national and local needs. Members volunteered with the Red Cross and U.S.O., assisted with ration boards and bond drives, attended first aid and nutrition training, housed families in defense areas, and collected salvage materials. More than 4,200 service hours were given to St. Thomas Orphanage, while magazines, prayer books, catechisms, and Christmas packages were donated to the State Reformatory.
Under the leadership of Bishop James V. Casey in the 1950s, the LDCCW emphasized parish involvement, support for seminarians and Catholic institutions, and the Apostleship of Prayer. During this decade, the Our Lady of Good Counsel Burse was established, encouraging women throughout the diocese to contribute annually toward the education of diocesan seminarians. This initiative remains one of the organization’s enduring legacies. Parent Educator programs also began during this period, welcoming newly baptized children and their families with spiritual resources and encouragement.
In the 1960s, the LDCCW contributed $10,000 toward the bronze statue of the Risen Christ at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln. The organization also established the Monsignor Riordan Scholarship to assist Catholic high school students. During this era, the National Council of Catholic Women reorganized its committee structure into commissions, helping streamline and advance the work of Catholic women nationwide.
In 1967, Bishop Glennon P. Flavin was installed as bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln. During his episcopacy, the LDCCW expanded its diocesan outreach through pro-life advocacy, communication initiatives, leadership formation, and increased involvement in spiritual and charitable ministries throughout southern Nebraska.
The 1970s brought renewed commitment to pro-life ministry and diocesan communication efforts. Following the legalization of abortion, the LDCCW became a strong supporter of pregnancy-help organizations including Birthright of Lincoln, AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center in Hastings, and ABC Pregnancy Help Center in McCook through financial support and volunteer service. “Showers of Roses” and the “Council Corn” publicity feature in the Southern Nebraska Register also began during this period. In 1979, Rev. Peter Gadient became the fourth spiritual moderator of the LDCCW.
In the 1980s, the LDCCW expanded its spiritual and legislative outreach. The Prayer Auxiliary to St. Monica encouraged women to unite in prayer for fallen-away family members, while “Council Women of the Eucharist” promoted weekly Eucharistic prayer for holy families and vocations. Inspired by the teachings of Pope John Paul II, the LDCCW also formed a Legislative Information Committee, which later became a permanent commission dedicated to educating Catholic women about public policy and civic responsibility.
The 1990s saw continued growth in ministries of compassion and evangelization. The Apostolate of the Suffering was promoted to support the sick and suffering through prayer and outreach. In 1992, Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz was installed as bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln and later served as National Spiritual Moderator of the Apostolate. During this decade, Divine Mercy devotion was also incorporated into the Church Commission.
In 2012, Bishop James D. Conley was installed as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln. During his episcopacy, the LDCCW has continued to promote the spiritual growth, leadership, and charitable outreach of Catholic women across southern Nebraska, reflecting Bishop Conley’s emphasis on Eucharistic devotion, evangelization, and Catholic family life.
Entering the new millennium, the LDCCW adopted a formal Mission Statement through a diocesan strategic planning process approved by Bishop Bruskewitz. Building upon this strong foundation, the organization revised its mission statement in April 2026 to more clearly reflect the evolving needs, leadership, and faith-filled service of Catholic women across the Diocese of Lincoln. New commissions and committees were organized to expand communication, leadership formation, public relations, prison ministry, and compassionate care outreach. In 2002, the Adopt-a-Priest program was introduced, encouraging parish councils and altar societies to spiritually support diocesan priests through prayer and personal correspondence.
To further educate parish leaders and spiritual moderators, the LDCCW developed the educational video Mary and Martha in Service to the Church along with a comprehensive training manual in 2004. Deanery-wide training sessions followed across the Diocese of Lincoln to encourage parish participation and leadership formation.
Over the past two decades, the LDCCW has continued to advance its mission of faith, service, leadership, and charitable outreach across southern Nebraska. Through diocesan conventions, winter symposiums, leadership workshops, retreats, and deanery meetings, Catholic women have been encouraged to deepen their spiritual lives while actively serving their parishes and communities.
The LDCCW continues to support numerous diocesan ministries and charitable works, including Catholic Social Services, diocesan prison ministry, Villa Marie Home and School, Spirit Catholic Radio, Teens Encounter Christ, Summer Youth Camps, and outreach to the poor through collections of eyeglasses, rosaries, and other humanitarian efforts. Ongoing support for seminarians through the Our Lady of Good Counsel Burse Fund remains one of the organization’s most significant commitments.
Organizational communication and parish collaboration have also expanded in recent years through online newsletters, diocesan-wide charitable surveys, updated training resources, and increased cooperation among parish and deanery councils. The LDCCW has actively encouraged younger women to assume leadership roles within parish councils and diocesan programs while continuing to foster strong relationships among Catholic women across the Diocese of Lincoln.
Today, the LDCCW serves more than 22,000 Catholic women across 13 deaneries and more than 130 parishes within the Diocese of Lincoln. Guided by its longstanding mission of faith-filled service to God and His Church, the LDCCW remains a vibrant force for faith, family, and charitable service throughout the diocese and beyond. For more information about current programs, leadership, retreats, and diocesan initiatives, visit the official LDCCW website
