Each parish in the Springfield diocese has been asked to select a “Woman of Distinction” to be recognized by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki during Mass. Following the Mass a recognition luncheon for honorees, family members, friends and parish priests will be held at the Northfield Conference Center in Springfield.

Event information has been sent to all parish priests and parish women’s organization presidents. Organizers hope that all 130 parishes in the diocese participate in order to honor women “who have actively lived their Catholic faith and shared their time and talents by doing acts of service and leadership in their parish and the community. These honorees truly demonstrate the mission of the National Council of Catholic Women to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.”

The deadline for nominations is May 30. A registration form for honorees is available from parish rectory or office or from the parish women’s organization president. Forms are to be sent to Joyce Knodle, 20345 N. 13th Av., Fillmore, IL, 62032. Nominations received after May 30 will be honored but parish honoree’s name and information may not be included in the event booklet.

Final deadline for the luncheon reservations is June 10. For more information or additional registration forms, please call Joyce Knodle at (217) 538-2085 or email to or Alma Frohock, SDCCW president at (618) 363-1539 or e-mail .