LCWR Jubilee Sample Press Release

The following sample press release is provided as an idea for how regions may publicize their LCWR jubilee commemorative events.

Catholic Sisters Commemorate 50 Years of Service and Leadership in (Geographic Area)

[Your city, state] Catholic sisters in (geographic area) will commemorate the founding of a national organization of women religious leaders by hosting a _______________________ on _________. The event will highlight the significant contributions that Catholic sisters have made to this region, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, social service and pastoral care.

Approximately (number) of orders of Catholic sisters have served in this area since 18__. Some of the well-noted contributions of these women include: the founding of _________ University, the _____ Hospital and _______________________. Catholic sisters have staffed throughout the years ## elementary and secondary schools, # colleges and universities, # hospitals, as well as numerous other works.

The event is planned as part of the commemoration of the founding of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in 1956. LCWR is a membership organization of leaders of orders of Catholic sisters. Historically, this organization has helped provide resources and support to Catholic sisters who assumed leadership positions in their orders and in the public arena at times when few women occupied leadership positions in the United States. Today, LCWR has approximately 1000 members who represent about 95 percent of the 71,000 women religious in the United States. LCWR assists its members to collaboratively carry out their service of leadership.

The local observance of the LCWR anniversary is part of a larger plan to commemorate these 50 years. Beginning with its national gathering this August in Anaheim, CA; and concluding with the August 2006 national gathering in Atlanta, GA; LCWR will observe its 50th anniversary nationally as well as within its 15 regions and its approximately 450 member orders. A key element in the anniversary observance is to publicly recognize the past and present contributions of women religious to the church and the country.

“By raising awareness of LCWR during its anniversary year,” said ___________, “LCWR members hope that current women religious leaders will be inspired in this work and that future leaders might be encouraged to value leadership as viable, life-giving and necessary.”

For more information on the LCWR anniversary year, contact (contact name/phone number) or go to www.lcwr.org.

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Leadership Conference of Women Religious

8808 Cameron Street – Silver Spring, MD 20910

301-588-4955 – www.lcwr.org