Contact: Laraine Bennett, National Council of Catholic Women, 703-224-0990, lbennett@nccw.org

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- All women are invited to the 98th Annual Convention of the National Council of Catholic Women to be held in Pittsburgh, PA from August 29-September 1, 2018 with the theme, NCCW Reflecting God's Joy: Missionary Disciples – Mission Possible!

Held at the Wyndham Grand Downtown Pittsburgh Hotel, where Pittsburgh's famed three rivers meet soaring skyscrapers in the heart of the historic city, the 2018 Convention will welcome more than 600 Council women from across the country to join in prayer and fellowship; become empowered through workshops on spirituality, leadership, and service; hear inspiring speakers; celebrate moving liturgies; and visit a jam-packed exhibit hall.

"Our Annual Convention is an occasion to experience the scope and breadth of Council across our country; to feel the solidarity and friendship of women who share our faith though we are from different communities and cultures, to learn and pray together -and to have fun together. In short, a wonderful opportunity to see how Catholic women truly do unite in voice and presence to Reflect God's Joy!" said NCCW President Maribeth Stewart Blogoslawski.

Speakers for the 2018 National Convention include: the Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, the fifth bishop of Bridgeport, a noted catechist who has delivered WYD talks in Sydney, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, and Krakow and received a standing ovation after his exploration of just what comprises a missionary disciple at Convocation in Orlando; Holly Joy McIlwain, a youth ministry speaker, a mother and cancer survivor; Gina Loehr, a popular author, inspirational speaker, and a frequent guest on Catholic radio and television; and Bob Rice, an associate professor of catechetics and the director of the Masters of Arts program in Catechetics and Evangelization at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. In addition, attendees will learn about exciting, new NCCW programs such as an anti human trafficking project in conjunction with the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking, a Holy Land project that unites Catholic school students in the U.S. with their counterparts in the Holy Land, new NCCW formation study resources, and outreach to younger women and youth.

Founded at the direction of the US Catholic bishops in 1920, NCCW’s mission is to act through its members to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Its programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the Church and society in the modern world. To request an interview with NCCW President Maribeth Stewart please contact lbennett@nccw.org or call 703-224-0990. Visit nccw.org for more information on the National Council of Catholic Women and for all Convention registration materials.