More than 450 members of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women gathered at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in Los Angeles Oct. 6 for ACCW's 62nd annual conference centered on the theme, "Reaching Out to Make a Difference."

Setting an audio ambiance before his keynote talk, Dr. Michael Brophy, president of Marymount College in Rancho Palos Verdes and an accomplished pianist, played musical selections by Debussy. "There is always something you can share with others, no matter how modest your means or your situation. So, we give the things that we can give," Brophy said.

He noted Marymount College's new mission statement emphasizes its commitment to the spirit of its founders, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, in its challenge to students to pursue lives of leadership and service. The RSHM motto, "that all may have life," has inspired recent projects at the 600-student co-ed college to help increase educational access in the community.

"The intent of Marymount College is to not let our geographic isolation isolate us from the rest of the city," explained Brophy. "As a Catholic college, we have a mission for access and outreach that requires us to get out into the city and go to schools and develop relationships."

The college partners with several groups in the community working to increase high school graduation rates and college access. Marymount has partnered with Project Grad LA, creating a college bound culture in K-12 schools in economically disadvantaged areas, as well as Verbum Dei High School in Watts and the Boys and Girls Club of LA Harbor, among others.

"Marymount College's outreach efforts in education and social justice help students, faculty and staff gain an appreciation for our Catholic traditions and our dedication to service," said Brophy. "These projects set an example for helping those in our community who need it most, while reinforcing our place as a superior institution for higher learning with an affinity for personal and community service."

Cardinal Roger Mahony, presiding at the concelebrated Mass, spoke in his homily about the importance of making time for God in spite of busy lives, citing the day's Gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42) where Martha chides her sister Mary for not helping.

"We need to help people be both Martha and Mary, listening to God in their lives," said the cardinal, who urged ACCW members to help young people take a break from text messaging once in a while to set aside time for God.

Following the liturgy, new ACCW officers were installed, including Patricia Granja, president; Domie Lopez, first vice president; Jan Kubani, second vice president; June Myles, third vice president; Lorraine Rasmussen, secretary; and Liz Fan, treasurer.

The annual Moderator's Award was bestowed on Trudy Kaun, ACCW Pontifical Mission Chair since 1985, who has been an active member of Holy Family Church in Glendale since 1951.