Structure

Parish Representative

ACCW strives to serve primarily the woman in her parish. In each parish there is an ACCW Parish Rep appointed by the pastor. She is the base of our organization and we are very fortunate that pastors have appointed women of high caliber to fulfill this position. The Parish Rep stays closely connected with the president of her District and posts notices of District Meetings and other pertinent ACCW news in her Parish Bulletin. If the District Meeting is in her parish she helps co-ordinate it.

District

ACCW is divided into 14 Districts covering the entire 8,762 sq. miles of the Archdiocese. Each District is placed in one of the five Pastoral Regions and further separated within the Region by Deaneries (including one or several). Each District has 3 or 4 meetings a year held in one of the parishes or a Catholic site in the District, e.g. hospital, school, retreat house, etc. A priest Moderator is assigned for each District.

The District Board consists of

  • President
  • First Vice President
  • Second Vice President
  • Third Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Moderator

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors form the General Board and meet the first Thursday of every month (except July) at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center. The membership includes the District Board Officers, the Committee Chairs, the Executive Officers and the Executive Moderator.

Executive Board

The Executive Board is the top leadership of the Council and meets the first Tuesday of every month (except July), and consists of:

  • President
  • First Vice President
  • Second Vice President
  • Third Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Immediate Past President
  • Parliamentarian
  • Moderator

Moderator

A priest moderator is assigned by the Cardinal Archbishop to be a direct link to the Archbishop and to guide, advise and serve as a chaplain for the organization. In 1994 Fr. James Gehl, pastor of St. Bede the Venerable Parish, became our Moderator. Prior to being named a pastor, he served as the Director of the Archdiocesan Office of Family Life. This background enables him to be a tremendous asset for our organization as well as, personally, he is very caring, enthusiastic, charismatic and displays a strong interest in promoting the work of the Council.

Episcopal Moderator

The Council was instituted in 1923 by Bishop John J. Cantwell and has always stayed under the direction of the hierarchical episcopate who today is Cardinal Roger M. Mahony. He is the Episcopal Moderator and through him the Council (ACCW) is provided an office and telephone in the Archdiocesan Catholic Center (ACC).

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By-Laws

ARTICLE  I - NAME

This organization shall be called the LOS ANGELES ARCHDIOCESAN  COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN.  The organization is an association of women in parish and interparochial organizations of the Archdiocese of  Los Angeles.

ARTICLE II - INSIGNIA

 The insignia of this organization shall be the medal of Our Lady Queen of  Angels.

ARTICLE III - OBJECTIVES OR PURPOSES

Section 1  -  The purpose of this organization is to promote among its members the greater devotion to Christ and His true Church and to share with Mary her role in bringing others to Christ.  The organization is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and members are encouraged to commend their lives and apostolate to her motherly concern.  This organization seeks to stimulate spiritual and intellectual development, build community among its members, and provide the opportunity for apostolic endeavors.

Section 2  - The spiritual benefits are derived from the two Commandments of the New Law:  Love of God and love of neighbor.

Section 3 -  The objectives of the organization shall be attained through:

  1. Cooperation with Regional Bishops, Moderators, Pastors and Directors of Archdiocesan programs.
  2. Carrying out specific work entrusted by the Ordinary.
  3. Initiation and implementation of new programs as needs arise.
  4. Communication and cooperation between the Executive Board, Districts and Parishes.
  5. Creation of an atmosphere of Christian community through liturgical, social, cultural and civic activities.
  6. Continual evaluation of all programs for effectiveness.
  7. Affiliation with National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW).

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Any parish or interparochial organization enjoying Episcopal approval may become affiliated with this organization.

Section 2 - This organization shall not in any way interfere with the government of, or violate the autonomy of any affiliated society or association.

Section 3 -  The dues of interparochial affiliates shall be determined by the Board of Directors, and are payable on January first of each year.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section 1 -  The Board of Directors shall meet monthly, with the exception of July, to conduct the business of the organization.

Section 2 -  The fiscal year for the organization shall be July 1st to June 30th.

Section 3  -  The Executive Committee shall meet at the discretion of the President or at the request of a majority of the officers.

Section 4 - If a matter is to be brought up for discussion at a meeting, it shall be prepared in writing and submitted to the President prior to the meeting.  Proposals for discussion may be made from the floor, but, in the judgment of the Chair, the vote on any motion resulting therefrom may be postponed until the next meeting in order to allow mature consideration by all the Board.

Section 5 - The Los Angeles Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women shall hold an annual Conference, the time and place to be arranged by the Board of Directors.  In an election year the outgoing President shall serve as Honorary Chairman of the Conference.

Section 6  -  If deemed necessary, other general meetings may be held.

ARTICLE VI - THE ARCHDIOCESAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 - The Archdiocesan Board of Directors shall consist of:

  1. All elected officers.
  2. District presidents and vice-presidents
  3. Chairmen and co-chairmen of standing committees
  4. Immediate past president
  5. Archdiocesan Priest Moderator (appointed by the Archbishop)

Section 2 -   The Archdiocesan Board of Directors shall have full administrative power, including jurisdiction over revision of By-laws, over elections, and of the annual budget.

Section 3 - An officer may resign at any time by submitting a written notice of resignation to the President, or to the Executive Board.

Section 4 - Nine members, three of whom shall be officers, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 5 - Non-attendance for three consecutive meetings without sufficient reason shall be considered a resignation, and the vacancy shall be filled in accordance with Article VII, Section 6 of these By-Laws.

ARTICLE VII - OFFICERS

Section l  - The officers of the Archdiocesan Board of Directors shall be:

  1. President
  2. First Vice President
  3. Second Vice President
  4. Third Vice President
  5. Secretary
  6. Treasurer

   Section 2 - Nominations and Elections

  1. New officers of the Council Board shall be elected by the Board of Directors in the odd-numbered years for a two-year term.
  2. In an election year, at the March meeting, a Nominating Committee of five members shall be chosen.  Three shall be appointed by the President, one of which shall be immediate past president.  Two members shall be elected from the body of the Board.
  3. Committee elects chairman.
  4. Members of the Nominating Committee are not barred from becoming nominees for office themselves.
  5. At the May meeting the Nominating Committee shall present a slate of one member for each office, each of whom shall be selected from membership of the Board of Directors, past or present.  Said slate is to be presented to the Moderator for approval.
  6. Each candidate must have on file, or present to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, a letter from her pastor as to her qualifications.
  7. The election shall be held at the June Board of Directors meeting of the election year.  Nominations may be made from the floor, but any person so nominated shall have the qualifications mentioned herein.
  8. Each officer shall be elected by a majority vote.
  9. The new officers shall assume office on July 1st following election.

   Section 3 - Terms and qualifications

  1. The officers shall be elected for a term of two years.  No officer shall be eligible for election to the same office for more than two consecutive terms.  The President may serve but one term.  The elected officers must be practicing Catholics.

   Section 4 - Duties of Officers

  1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.  She shall perform such other duties as her office may require.  She shall appoint an Auditing Committee of three to audit the books at the close of each fiscal year. She shall appoint Committee Chairmen and select Nominating Committee as per Article VII, Section 2, item b.  She shall be free to appoint a Parliamentarian.  She shall represent ACCW and NCCW Conventions, Assemblies and Province meetings with expenses paid.  One Vice President, according to rank, shall have expenses paid to NCCW Conventions, Assemblies and Province meetings.
  2. The First Vice President shall be responsible for helping arrange programs for the Council, including the Annual Conference and District meetings, and is a resource person for speakers and topics.
  3. The Second Vice President shall coordinate the work of the District Presidents and assist in developing communication with Parish organizations.  She shall be the liaison for the Regional Conferences if they occur.
  4. The Third Vice President shall be responsible for the Interparochial Coffee (with the Interparochial chairman), assisting in developing communication with Interparochial organizations and the planning for the Christmas luncheon and the June luncheon meeting.
  5. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, and copies of the minutes shall be sent to each Board member.  She shall also keep minutes of the Executive Board meetings.
  6. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all monies belonging to this organization.  All funds shall be deposited by her in a bank designated by the Board of Directors.  She shall pay all bills that have been authorized by them and shall keep an account of all receipts and disbursements.  She shall co-sign all checks with the President.  She shall be treasurer of the annual Conference.

Section 5 - Each officer shall keep a written record of her activities in a procedure book.

Section 6 - Vacancies

  1. When a vacancy in an elective office occurs, the President, with the assistance of the Executive Board, shall appoint a person who is now or has been a member of the Board to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.  Such appointment shall meet with the approval of the Moderator.

ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1 -  The Executive Committee shall consist of:

  1. All elected Officers
  2. The immediate Past President
  3. The Archdiocesan Priest Moderator (appointed by the Archbishop)
  4. The Parliamentarian

Section 2 - The Executive Committee shall have power to make policy decisions, if required, between the regular meetings of the Board of Directors.

Section 3 - The Executive Committee shall have jurisdiction over all matters relating to the management of the affairs of the organization, excepting By-Laws revision and Elections.

ARTICLE IX - COMMITTEES

Section 1 - Standing Committees represent areas in which the Council participates with agencies of the Archdiocese.  The Chairman of these Committees bring to the Board pertinent information which can incorporated into the program of the Board and taken by the Districts to the parish level.

Section 2 - Chairmen of Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President.  Special Committees shall be initiated by the President, or by a vote of the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Moderator.

Section 3 - Each chairman shall:     

  1. Keep a procedure manual to be given to her successor.
  2. Submit a written report (if such is available) at time of presentation and submit a two-year report of committee activities to the Archdiocesan President at the end of each term of office.

Section 4 - In order to successfully develop and implement the programs of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, each District President, when feasible, shall appoint chairmen to correspond with chairmen serving on the Board of Directors.

Section 5 - All chairmanships expire with the term of the President.

ARTICLE X - DISTRICTS

Section 1 - The Archdiocese is divided into Districts, which act as liaison between the Board of Directors of the Council and the parish or interparochial organizations.

Section 2 - The governing body of each District shall be a Board consisting of President, Vice President(s), Secretary, and Standing Committees.  Chairman to correspond to those on the Archdiocesan Board of Directors, which pertain to the area.  A Priest Moderator who resides in the District, approved by the ACCW Moderator, shall be present, if possible, at the District meetings.

Section 3 - Term of office begins July 1st following election.

Section 4 - Duties of the President, with the help of the Vice-President(s):

  1. Represent the District on the Board of Directors of the Archdiocesan Council.
  2. Implement and establish the programs of the Council Board of Directors.
  3. Assist and cooperate with parish women’s councils and interparochial organizations.
  4. Assess programs in her area and keep the Council Board of Directors informed.
  5. Establish programs on the District level.
  6. Plan and conduct District meetings.
  7. Meet with her District Board prior to a District meeting, one of which shall be January/February of election year.
  8. Maintain procedure manual to be given to successor at the end of term.
  9. A two-year report of activities of the District shall be submitted to the Archdiocesan president at the end of a two-year term.

Section 5 - Nominees for President and Vice President(s) shall be approved by the Council Executive Board.  Each nominee shall submit a letter of recommendation from her pastor.  Officers shall be chosen in the same year as officers of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.  Officers may serve for two consecutive terms.

Section 6 - The immediate Past President shall serve on the District Advisory Board only as an Advisory member with no vote.

Section 7 - Vacancies – When a vacancy in an elective office occurs, the ACCW, with the assistance of the Executive Board, shall appoint a person who is now or has been a member of the District Board to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.  Such appointment shall meet with the approval of the District moderator.

Section 8 - If an elected officer misses three consecutive board/district meetings, without written notice to the Executive committee, she shall be removed from office.

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new By-Laws may be adopted, by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors present at any regular or special meeting, provided that at least thirty days’ notice has been given of this intention.  All revisions shall be subject to the final approval of the Priest Moderator.

ARTICLE XII - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern all meetings of this organization when not inconsistent with these By-laws.

These By-Laws were unanimously adopted on April 2, 1987.

Revised By-Laws adopted May 4, 2006.

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Standing Rules

LOS ANGELES ARCHDIOCESAN COUNCIL
OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

STANDING RULES

I. MEETINGS

A. The Executive Committee shall meet at the discretion of the President when deemed necessary to discuss matters of policy

.B. The Board of Directors shall meet on the first Thursday of each month except July.

1. Meetings shall begin at 9:30 a.m. with an opening prayer.

II. AFFILIATIONS

A. The ACCW Board shall have membership in the following:

1. N.C.C.W.

2. Any organization under the magisterium of the Catholic Church in which we would like to have a voice.

III. CHAIRMANSHIPS

A. Chairmen of the following committees shall be on the Board of Directors.

1. Catholic Charities
2. Communications
3. Elizabeth Ministry
4. Ethnic Ministries - African American, Asian Pacific, Native American, and Spanish Speaking
5. Hospitality
6. Inter-parochial Affiliates
7. Legislation
8. Ministry for Persons with Disabilities
9. Newsletter
10. Pontifical Missions
11. Public Relations
12. Respect Life
13. Senior Citizens
14. Spirituality/Vocations
15. United Way
16. Women's Ecumenical
17. Women's Health
18. WICS (Women in Community Service)
19. NCCW Commissions

a. Church Commission
b. Community Concerns Commission
c. Family Concerns Commission
d. International Commission
e. Organization Commission
f. Legislation Commission

IV. EXPENDITURES

A. Special

1. Ads in The Tidings for special editions.

2. Partial payment for June Luncheon meeting.

3. Expenses of President and one Vice President to attend NCCW Conventions, Assemblies and Province Meetings, according to rank

.B. General

1. Contributions to affiliated organizations

2. Executive President or her representative should be reimbursed for the cost of their lunch at District Meetings.

3. Reimbursement to Executive officers and District Presidents for ACCW business calls.

4. Travel allowance of $10 each to Ventura and North San Fernando District Presidents when they attend regular Board Meetings

V. CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

A. Gift to each of the following:

1. Moderator (Spiritual Bouquet)
2. Cardinal Roger Mahony (Spiritual Bouquet)

B. Christmas cards sent by President

VI. INTER-PAROCHIAL AFFILIATES

A. Dues of $10.00 a year, payable in January, billed by office.

B. Special event to be held at least biannually.

VII. CONFERENCE

A. Appointment of Chairman

1. President shall appoint Chairman and Co-chairman of the next year's Conference as soon as possible after current Conference. Chairman and/or co-chairman need not be members of current ACCW Board.

2. Chairman and President appoint committee chairmen (who need not be members of current Board).

B. Date

1. President and/or Chairman coordinate date with Chancery office and with hotel, in order that Archbishop can be present.

C. Speakers


1. President, Chairman, and First Vice President prepare a list of suggested Conference speakers and present to Moderator for approval.

2. After speaker has been chosen, President or Chairman will contact and hire the speaker.

D. Guest List

1. President prepares guest list with suggestions from Conference Chairman and immediate Past President.

2. Bishops are invited by personal letter at time invitations are sent, but their offices are notified of date as soon as it is determined.

E. Schedule of Day (see files for details)

1. Installation year (odd numbered year)

a. Outgoing President is Honorary Conference Chairman and presides until the luncheon session, at which time the new President will preside.
b. Elected officers shall be installed by the Archbishop after Mass.
c. Pictures in VIP Room should be taken of Archbishop with the new officers.

2. Non-installation year (even numbered year)

a. President presides at morning and luncheon sessions.

3. Each year

a. Immediate Past President shall serve as head table chairman and shall arrange head table seating and line up for luncheon.
b. First Vice President introduces speaker.
c. Liturgy

(1) Liturgy and music are chosen by Conference and Liturgy Chairmen with approval of President and Moderator.
(2) Have programs at places for all concelebrants, and have extra programs at podium.
(3) Communion stations arranged by liturgy co-chairman.
(4) Chairman and President arrange for petitions.
(5) President shall serve as Lector.

F. Hotel Arrangements

1. First Vice President arranges accommodations for speaker

.2. ACCW President, Conference Chairman, Reservation Chairman and Treasurer shall occupy the complimentary suite (usually made available by hotel).

3. The outgoing President shall also occupy the complimentary suite in odd years.

4. The Conference Chairman arranges for a VIP room and a Priests' vesting room.

G. Publicity Chairman

1. Arranges appointment with the Archbishop for publicity photos with District Presidents and Board members for pre-Conference publicity, in off numbered years.

2. Keeps separate account of expenses for Conference photos and for individual purchases.

3. Arrange for photographer with approval of Conference Chairman and President.

H. Budget

1. Budget shall be prepared with previous year's actual expenditures as guideline.

2. Final Conference financial report shall be prepared.

VIII. MEETING PROCEDURE

A. The selling and/or distribution of items at any ACCW District meeting or Conference must receive the written approval of the Executive Board. Materials, such as books, records, tapes, etc., to be sold as part of the Speaker's presentation will be considered on an individual basis.

IX. DISTRICT NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

A. District Nominating Committee shall consist of five members, three members of the committee, including two past presidents, shall be appointed by the president; two members shall be elected by the District board.

B. In the event of a new District being formed, there being no Past Presidents serving on the nominating Committee, two other members of the District board shall be appointed to take the place of the two past presidents.

C. Nominating committee shall elect the chairman^

X. NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

A. Is responsible for directing the work of the Nominating Committee and guiding it in reaching decisions.

B. Participates in all meetings of the Nominating Committee.

C. Sees that the biographical information and letter from the Pastor is secured and filed for each nominee before the slate of officers is presented to the body.

These Standing Rules were unanimously adopted on January 8, 1987.

Revised Standing Rules: Sept. 1993. 1997.1999. Oct. 2006.

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Los Angeles ACCW

3424 Wilshire Blvd, 2nd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90010-2241

Phones: (213) 637-7394 & 7395

Fax: (213) 637-6394

jgleason@la-archdiocese.org