DCCW Convention

The 75th+2 Anniversary Convention of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) will take place June 8, 2022, at Holy Family Church, Steubenville.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the business meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Following the meeting, a memorial service and Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton. Immediately following Mass, attendees will return to Malara Hall for lunch and the afternoon program.

The theme of this year's convention is "Doing Small Things with Great Love."

Rose A. Hawkinberry, executive director, Catholic Charities of Southeastern Ohio and director of diocesan Social Concerns, will be the morning speaker. Hawkinberry has more than 25 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in the treatment of trauma in children and adolescents. She also holds a National Counselor Certification and is a Certified Trauma Therapist. Additionally, Hawkinberry brings more than 10 years of experience managing mental health treatment centers as both clinical director and operating director to her position with Catholic Charities. She has been an invited speaker on various mental health topics and behavioral health management concepts for groups all over Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. She has served as a consultant with the state of West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in developing community assistance programs and is a past member of the Southeastern Trauma Informed Care Collaborative in Athens. Hawkinberry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from West Liberty University, a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Non-Profit Leadership and Management. In the course of her doctoral work, she has been published in several professional journals regarding leadership and business management. A lifelong resident of the Ohio Valley, she is a lifelong member of St. Paul Parish, Weirton, West Virginia, and lives with her husband, Brent, and their three “fur children;” Butch, Brutus and Dexter in Weirton. She is an avid golfer.
 
Yvonne Whaley Pygatt will be the afternoon speaker. She has a B.S. degree in social work, Master of Education and Masters in Therapeutic Counseling. She is a Retired Licensed Social Worker. After 38 years of service in the field of Social Work as a Children Protective Services Worker, Clinical Counselor for The Department of Mental Health, School Social Worker, and  Social Worker/Assessment Worker at a private Psychiatric Hospital, she ended her career and began volunteering in her church and community. Pygatt holds a B.S. Degree in Social Work, Master of Education and Masters in Therapeutic Counseling. She has served in many capacities of CCW on the state and local level. On the state level in South Carolina, she has served as president of the Columbia, SC Deanery, Vice President, and Secretary. She has served as Service Commission Chair, Legislative Chair and Membership Chair, both in her Deanery and on the state level. On the National level, she currently serves as Chair of Service Commission for NCCW, she has also served as Chair of Resolutions Committee, Member of the Leadership Team, Member of Nominating Committee, and member of Legislative and Advocacy. On the State level, Pygatt was the Recipient of the South Carolina Council of Catholic Women (SCCCW) President Award.  Pygatt is a lifelong Catholic and was also featured on the cover of Catholic Woman in 2018. She is a widow and mother, as her husband, Samuel Jr. of 38 years passed away in 2017. She has one daughter, Whitnee Ashley. Pygatt enjoys traveling, spending time with family, meeting new people, reading a good novel, and assisting others by providing service.

Deanery and Parish Unit Fees (covers five reservations) cost $125 and additional reservations (each person) cost $25.

Checks can be made payable to DCCW and sent to DeDe Kidder, DCCW treasurer, P.O. Box 31, Toronto, OH 43964. Reservations are due by Monday, May 23, 2022.