Forums
True Feminism for Real Women Series
This series of forums examines different aspects of Blessed Pope John Paul II's letter for women, Mulieris Dignitatem, on the Dignity and Vocation of Women.
Did you ever wonder about gender and complementarity? The feminine genius? The redemptive value of suffering? Or the truth about beauty? Or how about women as bearers of truth? The reality of marriage and how to raise children in today's age?
All these topics are covered in the different forums depicting the seminal letter of the late Pope written at the end end of the Marian year of 1988, Mulieris Dignitatem.
The different forums were hosted over a period of 6 years, with the last forum awaiting production.
The participant's talks are available with a Donation to the CCWF, and the different forums, with accompanying descriptions are described below.
Past Forums
February 26, 2005 | True Feminism for Real Women
The Church's Perspective
Our beloved Pope John Paul II was a man made for our times, and CCWF in this inaugural conference aspires to getting his message out in layman's terms. He wrote extensively over the years on the authentic role of women in today's society. Included is his Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignitatem, On the Dignity and Vocation of Women, written in 1988. Who are we? Who are we meant to be? Where is the substantiation for our role in society to be found? You will open the door to a better understanding of the true vocation of women, as well as gain insight into how to put these ideals into practice: in the home, workplace, and in relationships.
Our Speakers:
Rebecca Teti, Pope
John Paul II's Apostolic Letter, On the Dignity and
Vocation of Women Part
I: Teasing the Document Apart.
Marjorie Campbell, Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter,
On the Dignity and Vocation of Women Part II: From Betty Friedan to JP II:
A Reformed Feminist Tells Her Story.
December 3, 2005 | Truth & Beauty: Tools of the Feminine Genius
Our second conference featured the "feminine genius," a term coined by John Paul II. In this conference we discussed the feminine genius, then looked at it from the vantage point of Truth - that is, God's truth - and Beauty, which is a reflection of Truth. We looked at several different kinds of Beauty as represented in our culture today, in particular visual art and the theater arts, as one of our speakers has a career in cinema. Finally, we discovered how we can, as women, discern beauty and use our feminine genius to affect the direction of the culture.
It was an enjoyable and intellectually stimulating morning, and we welcomed any person, men and women, with an open and inquisitive mind. God made ALL women, not just Catholic ones!
Our Speakers:
Terry Polakovic, Executive Director of Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women (ENDOW)
Barbara R. Nicolosi, Director, screenwriter, theater producer and Executive Director of ActOneProgram,
Inc.
April 21, 2007 | Marriage & Family: Now That's Good
for the Children!
The Catholic View for Women of the 21st
Century
The third conference in our series looks at marriage and family from the eyes of the Church, taking the 'feminine genius' one step further. Woman is the bearer - of life itself. From Mulieris Dignitatem, our guiding document: “The mutual gift of the person in marriage opens to the gift of a new life . . the woman 'discovers herself through a sincere gift of self'” Fidelity, Marriage, Family, Society - the Pro-Life, Pro-Family vision - THAT is True Feminism for Real Women. Holiday Inn San Jose (formerly Hyatt San Jose), 1740 N. 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Our Speakers:
Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D.
Martha McRoskey, Mother of 7
- Build the Culture of Life One Woman at a Time Press Release, April 1, 2007
- Full information about this forum
- CD/DVD now available for donation
November 10, 2007 | True Grit: Women Confront Life
The Feminine Genius Realized
The fourth conference in our series continued its exploration of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter of 1988, Mulieris Dignitatem (no. 19), with an exploration of what Pope John Paul II calls "suffering," especially the kind of suffering that women put up with on a daily basis, how God has permitted this, and how the way we weather these tribulations can add or subtract from our happiness as people. This "heroic virtue" in everyday life IS True Feminism for Real Women!
This forum was held on November 10, 2007 at the Saratoga Foothill Club 20399 Park Pl, Saratoga, CA, from 8:30 - 1:30 and included a boxed lunch."
Our Speakers:
Dr. Lisa Klewicki, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Arlington, VA
Tracy Tomiak author of Thriving Not Surviving, Living Abundantly
With Pain
- True Grit: Women Confront Life Press Release, September 8, 2007
- Full information about this forum
- CD/DVD now available for donation
November 8, 2008 | Vive La Difference: Gender Differences and Complementarity
Gender Differences in the Growing Years, W. Paul Parker,
M.A.
Biology's Role in the Theology of the Body, Vicki Thorn, founder, Project
Rachel
The fifth forum in the series looks at the complementarity between the sexes
from two vantage points. Gender differences are explored in the growing
years with an emphasis on the person as a being and the meaning of gender.
In the second talk the biochemistry of sex is explored and used to buttress
the concept of complementarity as a part of Pope John Paul II's Theology
of the Body.
April 25, 2009 | Women of the Bible: Trailblazers for Life
Finding a Voice: Transforming Words into Action, Gail Buckley, founder,
Catholic Scripture Study International
The Rebirth of Woman: Understanding Our Purpose in Life, Yvonne Florczak-Seeman,
founder, A Time to Heal Scripture Study
Today Catholics are confronted with many challenges and difficult
decisions. The Bible helps in the discovery of the answers. In this
forum, two prominent women authors of Bible studies share their own
trials and the women in the Bible who help them on their personal
path to holiness.
They will also help you discover how you can be part of the new evangelization,
too.
February 7, 2010 | LOLEK, Before He was Pope
A play in two acts, by Jeremy Stanbary, Epiphany Studio
Production Date to be Determined
Totally Yours: Walking in the Footsteps of Pope John Paul II
The seventh out of 8 forums on the dignity and vocation of women, this full day conference (8:00 - 5:00) focuses on the life and work of Pope John Paul II and his relationship to the woman he loved most. On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of his death.
“The Holy Father found the purest reflection of God’s mercy in the Mother of God. He, who at an early age had lost his own mother, loved his divine Mother all the more. He heard the words of the crucified Lord as addressed to him personally: ‘Behold your Mother’. And so he did: he took her into his own home. Totus Tuus.” - Pope Benedict XVI
Join Catholics from across California to build a Culture of Life. This dynamic event brings together speakers and leaders from the Culture of Life who share their vision for our culture and how our living faith calls us to action. Youth Rally to follow Conference.
more info about the Totally Yours forum