The Lone Star Messenger Catholic Daughters of the Americas March 2017 Edition

Transcription

1 March 2017 Page The Lone Star Messenger Catholic Daughters of the Americas March 2017 Edition CDA State Board Reverend Robert D. Dunn State Chaplain 3502 Saratoga Blvd. Corpus Christi, TX Eve Trevino State Regent 1102 Delta Drive Corpus Christi, TX Rosie Stockwell First Vice State Regent 315 Alamo Street Edinburg, TX Melodie Brunt Second Vice Regent 1243 N FM 2148 Texarkana, TX cdambrunt@gmail.com Rebecca Brown State Secretary P.O. Box 1478 Angleton, TX rebecca.rhea@hotmail.com Terri Beltran State Treasurer P.O. Box 407 El Campo, TX theresabeltran200@gmail.com Peggy Rosales Immediate Past State Regent P.O. Box Austin, TX prosales128@hotmail.com Newsletter Editor Rosie Rodriguez 4909 Lake Medina Dr. Corpus Christi, Texas cdarosierodriguez@gmail.com State CDA Website: National CDA Website: State Regent s Message Eve Trevino, State Regent Educate by example to all our brothers and sisters! My Dear Sisters in Christ, victory over death; it gives us final and irrefutable proof that He is the Son of God, and He conquered death so that we can be saved. The Resurrection guarantees eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. Because of Jesus and His life, death, and Resurrection, we know we are born into to a new life in Him, and we are called to love and serve His people. The State convention in Corpus Christi is just around the corner. The state convention will be held on April 20-23, To get more We as Catholic Daughters need to information about the convention, please continue to follow the examples given to refer to the Call to Convention packet or us by our previous Catholic Daughter go to the Texas CDA leaders to continue to website at texascda.org. educate our Catholic Please be aware of all the community and to lead by We must serve dates and deadlines that example. We must serve you need to meet. The wherever we can and use our wherever we can and block of rooms reserved at gifts to help bring others to use our gifts to help the Omni Hotel has all the saving knowledge of others to the saving been filled. However, an God s love. I wish you and knowledge of God s additional block of rooms your family a blessed and has been reserved at the joyful Easter as you love. Holiday Inn so please experience the presence of make your reservations the Risen Lord. early. The convention committee has been working very hard and is making the final preparations for all Catholic Daughters to have a memorable and spiritual experience. Please make sure that your court is represented. We need to hear your voices, and we need your input to ensure that our organization continues to meet the needs of today s women. We cannot wait to see all of you at the convention in Corpus Christi. Easter Sunday comes at the end of 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Easter is the greatest feast in the Catholic Church. It is the celebration of Christ s resurrection from death. Easter is Jesus Eve Trevino State Regent "Everything is possible to the one who has Faith." Mark 9:23

2 March 2017 Page 2 Texas CDA State Chaplain s Message Father Bob Dunn, State Chaplain mpb@mpbchurch.org Jesus, I give my heart to you. I love you. Help me be faithful to you. The Liturgical Season of Lent is now upon us, so I wanted to focus on that this month. Lent is meant to unite us to the time that Jesus was in the desert for forty days (hence Lent is also forty days). During his time in the desert, Jesus fasted and prayed; then he endured a battle with Satan, in which he was victorious. Then he set out on his public ministry, which was completed by the work of the Cross and Resurrection. Many times, during Jesus public ministry, he implored his followers to repent and believe in the gospel, or the Good News. To repent is to basically turn our hearts back to God. To say, I am sorry. I can t do this on my own. I need you. Lent is a great time to get serious about that! The Church is now asking us to unite ourselves to the same type of journey that Jesus took in the desert. We are also asked to fast, to pray, and to give alms. How often do we enter Lent with the intent to give something up? It s such a part of our Catholic culture. We ask each other, we broadcast to all our family and friends what we ve chosen to give up. When we put all of our focus on what we are giving up, I think Lent ends up becoming all about us and our own ability to have self-control. If we put our main focus on increasing our prayer life during Lent, our efforts at fasting and almsgiving will be properly focused on God s grace working in us, not on our own prideful efforts. you. God TIRELESSLY calls each person to Himself! He waits day in and day out for you to choose to be with Him. I d like to point out that we can learn to pray from Jesus example. For instance, before he calls the 12 apostles, he goes to a mountain to pray. He also teaches us to pray with certain formulas, like when he teaches the Our Father. We see in other instances that when he offers prayers to the Father, he usually includes acknowledging the Father and blessing him, offering thanksgiving, then saying yes to what the Father has willed for Him. So, using Jesus life of prayer, I want to offer this as inspiration for our own prayer time during Lent. First, go to pray by yourself, on a mountain, like a quiet room. Follow a formula to your prayer time: place yourself in God s presence, give God praise by saying, I praise you Father, I worship you, I adore you. You are mighty God. Then, pray with confidence, knowing God will hear your petitions. Lastly, focus on repentance, acknowledging that we need God in our life and say, Jesus, I give my heart to you. I love you. Help me be faithful to you. I hope all this helps, and may God bless your Lenten journey! Father Bob CDA State Chaplain The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, Thus the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of God and in communion with him. This communion of life [with God] is possible because, through Baptism we have already been united with Christ. This gives me hope. By way of our baptism, it IS possible to have a union with God, to be in His presence. All we have to do is try, and the Holy Spirit WILL come to our aid. When we go to pray, we can focus on putting ourselves in the presence of God by just saying, Come, Holy Spirit. Breathe in and out a few times, focusing on the God being all around us by way of Creation. He created the universe! And that includes the smallest molecules that exist in our air, in our bodies, etc. Have confidence when you pray that God DOES show up to just be with

3 March 2017 Page 3 CDA National News National CDA Director s Message Carolyn Bachmann carolyn1349@msn.com Those of you who attend the convention are the messengers for your membership. My Sisters in Christ, It is time to prepare to bring a close to the past two years. The State Officers are working very hard to prepare for a great convention with wonderful speakers, helpful workshops, and loads of knowledge to take back home to the members of your courts. Those of you who attend the convention are the messengers for your membership. It would be nice for every court to send someone to the state convention. Conventions are learning tools to learn more about the work of Catholic Daughters and to visit and talk with ladies from across the state to share ideas. Your State Regent Eve Trevino will soon say goodbye to the many years and hours of hard work, late nights answering s, phone messages, and opening the piles of mail that come every day. After serving ten years on the state board Eve has made many sacrifices and given many hours voluntarily to serving the membership of Texas CDA. This is true love for CDA. Eve will become a part of Texas CDA history for the many years of giving and sharing her life for the good of the Order. I want to say to those of you who will run for state office at the convention to be prepared to dedicate a part of your life in serving the membership of Texas. CDA State Officers must sacrifice and be willing to give many hours from family activities and personal commitments. You pledge to the 16,500 members of Texas that you will be there for them. This is a big undertaking, but the rewards and joy you receive from your CDA sisters is a gift that you will cherish for a life time. I am looking forward to convention to visit with my many CDA sisters and close friends I made through the years working with Catholic Daughters. May God bless you for your service and may the members continue the wonderful work they do in their courts. Carolyn Bachmann National Director

4 March 2017 Page 4 CDA National Quarterly News Articles - March 2017 The Committee to Study the Proposed Name Change Joanne Tomassi, Past National Regent In October 2016, National Regent Helene Shepard contacted nine CDA members from across the country. She requested each serve on the committee to study the proposed change to the bylaws regarding the name of the order. Each of these women said yes and are now working on their assigned duties. Calling on the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, the team has identified eight areas to study: Procedure and steps to change a corporate name in the State of New York Effects on our brand, our identity Effects on banking; required steps due to name change; local, state and national Supplies, paraphernalia, jewelry, brochures, etc. Consideration of timing the change; should there be required milestones first? The Bylaws; how will this be integrated? International laws and their effect JCDA Each team member has been assigned two areas of study and has been teamed with another member. Over the next several months we will communicate with our work partners as we carefully study each area. Periodically we will meet by conference call or computer to share our findings. Each of us will also report to the team through . Eventually we hope to plan a long weekend together to finalize our written report. The team has agreed the duties of this committee are three-fold; 1. Gather information 2. Make suggestions 3. Report our findings in writing The final decision will not be ours. We are charged with studying the necessary steps, costs and consequences of making such a change. It is our duty to provide information for the members and the national board to allow an educated decision based on facts and figures. Through this study we hope to help lead the order to a strong future based on a well thought out plan. Our final report is to be included in a quarterly letter as well as published in SHARE Magazine. This will not be accomplished overnight. There are many, many questions in each of the eight areas. It is our hope to provide enough information to allow our members to make a good decision that will help carry our order forward. Please pray for us as we move forward in this study. We welcome comments and input. This is your organization as well as ours.

5 March 2017 Page 5 CDA Texas State Officers Message from First Vice State Regent Court Development and Membership Rosie Stockwell rosiestockwell@gmail.com C D A on Fire! Congratulations Texas Catholic Daughters! Texas CDA continues to grow in membership and new courts with the addition of two courts in February, bringing the total of new courts in Texas to thirteen (13). Congratulations in the area of Court Development & Membership to Mary Jane Albert, DD #54 and the organizer, Gloria Riley, for the 12th court this term in Spring at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish and to Bobbi Lockwood, DD #55, and the organizer, Mary Puntureri, for the 13th court this term in Ft. Worth at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Please continue to send me referrals for new courts as we wind down this last year of the current term. I wish to sincerely express my gratitude for your help in going out in your areas and looking for parishes that are receptive to a CDA court. Be creative in ways to retain membership such as building programs around the Circle of Love program of work and especially including spiritual enhancement activities at every meeting. Remember to log on to this link to hear Olga Samaniego, First Vice National Regent, speak to us about membership: BOGO! Bring One, Gain One The State Court of Texas is sponsoring a membership contest this term; the dates for this contest are from April 1, 2015 to March 31, Three (3) prizes will be awarded in each of the five categories at the Texas CDA State Convention in Corpus Christi on April 20-23, The winners in each category will be the courts that bring in the largest increase in membership, including renewals and transfers; for newly instituted courts, members added after the 1st meeting, including renewals and transfers, will determine the increase. I look forward to working with all of the local courts and remember: Membership Extension Refer to Tools of the Trade 2nd Ed., July 2010; Procedural Manual: Section 1, pp. 1-19; and Section 9, pp "Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will." St. Pio of Pietrelcina

6 March 2017 Page 6 Message from Second Vice State Regent Memorial Scholarship Fund Melodie Brunt cdambrunt@gmail.com Regents and Treasurers: Some of the other state officers are receiving your court s enrollment forms and checks. When that happens, it may be a couple of weeks before I receive them. That takes a lot of time and wasted postage to correct. Items to check and remember: 1. Write court # on check. 2. Two signatures are required on all court checks. 3. The current Enrollment Form is on the Texas website. Memorial Scholarship Applications Thank you to all the courts who sponsored students for the State Memorial Scholarship program. The deadline for applications was January 31, So much goes into this process, and the students who participated need to be congratulated on a job well done! There are a lot of talented students out there! The judges are busy reading and scoring the essays as you read this. Winners will be announced at the 50 th Biennial State Convention in Corpus Christi in April State Chairmen, District Deputies, and Regents please continue to encourage your courts to send in their Mass enrollments monthly with their donation of $2.50 or more per Mass. There are still several courts not participating in this worthwhile program. All courts should be praying for their deceased members, praying for their members who are ill, or praying for their loved ones. Please use up all the cards you have by May. If you have more cards than you will use in the next couple of months, please contact me so I can redistribute them to courts who will use them. Our State Chaplain, Father Bob Dunn, Corpus Christi, prays for all our intentions the first Friday of each month during the Celebration of Mass just for us! What a powerful prayer for our loved ones living or deceased, ill or celebrating, graduations or weddings, Easter or Christmas. I have enjoyed traveling around the state of Texas training and celebrating with you. Thank you to all who have invited me to court celebrations, retreats, and events. I wish I could attend all of them. I certainly know where a lot of Texas towns/cities are now. WOW! What a big state! I have a Texas map on my wall that I mark the towns/cities I have visited these past 6 years. I started out using pins, until I realized I was totally ruining the wall behind the map now I just Highlight the towns. Have a blessed day! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 Court Memorial Scholarship Contest 2017 NO FORM to fill out! The contest criteria: Total donations sent in to Memorial Scholarship Fund Between April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 Contest categories based on membership as of September 30, 2016 That s it! So easy to participate! Certificates will be awarded at the 50 th Biennial State Convention in Corpus Christie in April 2017.

7 March 2017 Page 7 Message from State Secretary Becky Brown Rebecca.rhea@hotmail.com Message from State Treasurer Terri Beltran theresabeltran200@gmail.com Greetings and blessings to all my CDA sisters. Winter is a wonderful time of year to evaluate your goals, clean house, and forge new paths. What goals have you already completed, what goals need to be thrown out, or what goals need to be added are several questions you can contemplate during the winter months. Your local court needs to evaluate goals as well. Look at your programs and ask if they are still meeting your court and community needs. Do not be afraid to replace or spruce up projects, and do not fall into the trap of having a project because we have always had this project. Set your goals for the year and be sure everything you do is in unity and charity. Cleaning house is a great way to clear your mind along with your physical space. What belief have you held onto without really searching out the truth? We live in an incredibly electronic age where you can look up anything you want with a click on your computer or cell phone. Research and find the truth because changing your beliefs might turn into a great blessing. Spending time in prayer can help clear your mind. Be sure to have quiet prayer time to allow your soul to listen to God s words for your path. Step out in boldness. Because of God s grace and mercy, we are all called to be his disciples. A new idea you might think about is your court s financial review; which will be coming up in April. God might be calling you to be on the review committee and if so, have a joyful heart knowing you are following God s call. District Deputies will be contacting court regents to set times for the financial reviews. All officers are required to be present at the review, but they do not review the court books. In March, financial secretaries need to request a court roster from the national office and compare the roster with the court membership records for any corrections. All courts should have paid their National and State dues, and the amounts are included on the review paperwork. If you have all your paperwork in order, the court review will run smoothly. The State Convention will be held in April. All court s sending delegates must have their national and state dues paid. Several courts have not paid state dues, so treasurer s check your records to be sure dues have been paid. You can contact me if copies of invoices are needed. My is: Rebecca.rhea@hotmail.com. What path will be you be on this year? Will you serve your family, friends, parishes, communities, and country with unity and charity? Will your goals bring you closer to God s will? In Christ We Live. Hello and blessings to all CDA sisters and Father Bob! I pray everyone is starting off their 2017 new year in good health in body, mind, and spirit and full of energy and ready to do the works of unity and charity in the name of Jesus! Ladies, there are so many exciting things happening with CDA that we will need energy to do all that is required of us! One good way to energize ourselves is by studying the word of God as we enter this holy time of Lent. Jesus is inviting us to spend time with HIM, inviting His Spirit to renew us and enlighten us with the wisdom and joy we need to continue His good works. I have listed what is happening in CDA and a few very important reminders! Financial Reviews for the period of October 1, 2016 March 31, 2017 is coming up. Treasurers, it is important to work closely with the Regent, keep her posted on the court funds and give a treasurer s report at each monthly meeting. It is important to keep track of all the monetary donations contributed to the State, National, and local projects and charities by using the donation forms that were mailed in September to the Regent. It is important that the treasurer s books, ledgers, bank statements, and receipts are up to date. The Financial Secretary will need to have her member s ledger books and receipts up to date. The Secretary needs her minutes, and it is a good idea to have the motions highlighted. If your court has a JCDA court, bring their books as well, by doing this the Financial Reviews will be a breeze! You will also need General ledger pages for bank accounts and bank statements from final month of previous review for both CDA and JCDA Send Financial Review forms to National, State Regent, State Secretary and State JCDA Chairmen if your court has a JCDA court. Application for Membership Forms this is a gentle reminder to mail to State Secretary not to State Treasurer. CDA is designated as a Non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The funds we raise are public funds used for charitable purposes. We have an obligation to protect these funds and/or property and to ensure to our members the funds are used correctly. If God is for you who can be against you. Romans 8:31

8 March 2017 Page 8 C D A CDA Mission Statement Catholic Daughters of the Americas strive to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all. CDA Texas State Court Goals Be women of Faith Encourage Spiritual Growth Increase membership Promote the motto of Unity and Charity Build a Habitat for Humanity home for a deserving family Approach to Success Re-evaluate our priorities and ensure that God is first in our lives and in our courts. Work together in peace and harmony. Be the shining examples of Christian sisterhood that God has called us to be. Continue to increase membership and develop new courts. Work together as a team to build Unity and Charity. Provide programs and opportunities for all Catholic women to experience spiritual growth through JCDA, Campus Courts, and Local CDA Courts. Be an active witness to our faith by our actions, reactions, and interactions. Encourage our membership to attend multidistrict meetings and retreats. Work with our brother Knights of Columbus members with new court development, joint projects, and a joint Memorial Mass and dinner. Utilize our sister CDA members; empower them to grow in and share their leadership abilities through workshops, as speakers, and through programs. Build a Habitat for Humanity home for a deserving family. Promote programs centered on youth and families. Participate in two pro-life activities each year. Promote women s health awareness. Be consistent and creative in our ways to promote CDA as a vibrant organization. Encourage courts to support or develop events that follow the seven prong Circle of Love program highlighting the needs and personality of their membership and parish. Be creative with court incentives for increasing membership. Continue to recognize members with the St. Bernadine of Siena Award for Court Development. Provide support through the Court Outreach program for courts that are struggling. Continue to develop future CDA leaders with officer training and leadership workshops. Spread the message that if God brings us to it, He will see us through it. Utilize all media resources to spread the good works of CDA and encourage every local court to appoint Public Relation chairmen.

9 March 2017 Page 9 Texas State Court News 2017 State Convention Mellie Smithwick, Chairman (C) (H) cdamsmithwick@gmail.com It is the hope of the convention committee that you will be packed and ready to party-on in celebration of our 100 th anniversary. Remember ladies; this event is a once in a lifetime. Conventions will happen every two years, but the 50 th Biennial/100 th Anniversary will only happen ONCE April 20-23, March 1, 2017, was the postmark deadline for registration. Late registration is now being accepted. Submit as soon as possible and be sure to include ALL required fees. The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, the host hotel, has been booked since mid-january. Reservation deadline is March 18, for the Omni. Please be courteous and release rooms ASAP to give others a chance to reserve at the convention rate. The Holiday Inn Bayfront Marina (formerly Omni Marina), is the overflow hotel. As of March 1, rooms are still available, the phone number is , and use Code: CDA. Reservation deadline is April 5, You may want to call the Omni Hotel to see if any rooms have been released at , before contacting the Holiday Inn Marina. Daisy Charter Bus line will shuttle from both hotels to the Corpus Christi Cathedral and American Bank Center. Let s talk registration! Make plans to register after Opening Mass, (8:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m.), Thursday, April 20, at the American Bank Center. Should you arrive early Thursday, come by the American Bank Center to register and give a helping hand. Don t forget Past Regent s Club (PRC) will also have a Meet & Greet after Opening Mass below the Cathedral in St. Joseph s Hall. Buses will be shuttling to all locations. Now let s talk food! Just an FYI, the American Bank Center has a No Outside Food policy. Don t take a chance of being embarrassed with a bag check; order your Lunch Box Sandwich. Ring-a-ling-a-ling! Do you hear bells ringing? You will at convention! Be among the first to own the first ever Texas CDA Bell pendent, Bell charm, and 100 th Commemorative Convention Charm. To pre-order with convention pickup and payment after Opening Mass at American Bank Center, call The Bell Collection at I ask for your prayers for the convention committee, for State Regent Eve, for everyone involved in making this convention happen, as well as myself. I pray for your safety and the safety of everyone in travel. There are so many people working to make this 100 th celebration/convention the most memorable ever. Thank you to all who have extended well wishes, to all who purchased and/or sold ads, to all who have volunteered to help, to all who are just as excited as we are. YOU ARE THE BEST! SLATE OF STATE OFFICERS FOR THE TERM Eve Trevino, State Regent The 2017 Chairman of the Nominating Committee submits the following slate of state officers for the coming term: State Regent Rosie Stockwell, Edinburg First Vice State Regent Melodie Brunt, Texarkana Second Vice State Regent Rebecca Brown, Angleton State Secretary Terri Beltran, El Campo State Treasurer Mary Jane Albert, Houston Candidates wishing to run from the floor for any state office position must submit a packet containing the following information: a statement of qualifications with a current picture, a statement of endorsement from your local court signed by a majority of the courts officers, and a letter of consent to serve. Packets must be handed to the State Regent Eve Trevino before the convention is called to order on Friday, April 20, In addition, if there is opposition for any office, your regent or delegate from your court will have the opportunity to speak on your behalf for one minute from the floor after all nominations are made. Candidates shall be limited to a campaign poster and a résumé. No other handouts will be allowed.

10 March 2017 Page 10 Texas State Court News Public Relations Terrie Vacek, Public Relations & State Website Chairman NEW COURT INSTITUTIONS Celebrating new and valued Friendships!!! State and Local officers welcome the 247 th Court in Texas. Court Christ the Good Shepherd # 2731 was instituted on Sunday, February 5, 2017, at Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Spring, TX with thirty-six (36) charter members. State Regent Eve Trevino, Corpus Christi presided over the institution of the twelfth (12 th ) court of her term. Also attending was First Vice State Regent Rosie Stockwell, Edinburg; State Secretary Becky Brown, Angleton; State Treasurer Terri Beltran, El Campo; Past State Regent and Past National Director Duchess Collins, Fulshear; State Public Relations and State Website Chair Terrie Vacek, Willis; District Deputy #19 Pat Koteras, Houston; District Deputy #20 Mavis Kathryn Dugas, Houston; District Deputy #54 Mary Jane Albert, Houston; with officers and members from Court Our Lady of Victory #234, Houston; Court Christ the King #1750, Houston; Court Our Lady of the Pines #2065, Spring; Court Kraljica Mira #2308, Spring; Court Blessed Mother Immaculada #2493, Houston; Court of the Holy Family #2597, Houston; Court Mary, Mother of the Redeemer #2680, Houston; and Court St. Jane Frances de Chantal #2699, The Woodlands. Charter officers are Regent Gloria Riley, Vice Regent Charlotte Prieve, Recording Secretary Sheryl Andrews, Financial Secretary Priscilla Hargraves, and Treasurer Veronica Arnold. Deacon John Hagyari was installed as Chaplain. They are assigned to District #54, Mary Jane Albert. Duchess Collins served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The Host Courts were #234, #2597, and #2680. The celebration meal was provided by the Knights of Columbus Father Joseph Plummer Council # Grand Knight Jay Richardson presented the court with a Certificate of Welcome and a check for $ The court also received a basket full of cards, Memorial State Scholarship Mass Enrollments, and monetary gifts. The state court presented the new court a statue of the Blessed Mother and an engraved gavel. Like Paul, Catholic Daughters are bond-servants of Christ Jesus, called and set apart for the Gospel of God. Romans 1:1

11 March 2017 Page 11 Court Luz de Vida #2732 becomes the 248 th Active Court in Texas! By Terrie Vacek, State Public Relations Chairman Our National Regent Elect asked all CDA Courts across the nation to get on the Membership Train. Texas has once again done that in a very big way. Throughout the current term, Texas has added thirteen (13) new courts with 692 Charter Members!!! We extend a very warm welcome to our newest and last NEW COURT of the term under State Regent Eve Trevino. Court Luz de Vida was instituted on February 25, 2017, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Fort Worth, with twenty-five (25) charter members. Honor Guard for the special occasion were members of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly General Worth #1089, Fort Worth. Celebrant for the Mass was Reverend Lucas, Alejandro Olivera, Pastor was also appointed Court Chaplain. The host court was Court Mother of the Americas #2506, Fort Worth. The new court will be assigned to District Deputy Barbara Lockwood #55, Fort Worth. Charter Officers are Regent Mary Puntureri, Vice Regent Virginia Rodriguez, Recording Secretary Cassandra Garcia, Financial Secretary Tere Farias-Carter, and Treasurer Virgie Mello. Special Guests were State Regent Eve Trevino, Corpus Christi; First Vice State Regent Rosie Stockwell, Edinburg; Second Vice State Regent Melodie Brunt, Texarkana; State Secretary Becky Brown, Angleton; members of Court Louise #209, Ft. Worth; and wives of the KC Assembly General Worth #1089. The Laughter Box Hymns for People Over 50 Give Me the Old Timers Religion Precious Lord, Take My Hand, And Help Me Up Just a Slower Walk with Thee Go Tell It on the Mountain, But Speak Up Nobody Knows the Trouble I Have Seeing Guide Me O Thou Great Lord God, I've Forgotten Where I've Parked The Car It Is Well With My Soul, But My Knees Hurt

12 March 2017 Page 12 Texas State Court Projects Missions of Mercy Cathy Bittner, MOM Chairman Benji Pardee, MOM Co-Chairman It is with great sadness that we report that the co-founder of Casa Juan Diego, Mark Zwick, passed away this past November. He and his wife, Louise, started CJD in This has always been a safe haven for immigrants, battered women, and so many families through their House of Hospitality and a medical clinic in the Houston area. The mission will continue to serve the less fortunate though! I spoke with Louise last week and in memory of her husband, their mission MUST continue. All courts in the Houston should consider what they can contribute towards keeping this worthwhile program running. Casa Juan accepts no government funding and operates strictly on donations. Also in the news: The Missionaries of Charity (St. Teresa of Calcutta) has a new Mother Superior. Please help us welcome Sr. Alokesh to the Dallas area. I had the pleasure of visiting via telephone with Sister last week. She is in desperate need of some infant car seats, strollers, and diaper bags. She even made another phone call back to me this weekend. Can the courts in that area PLEASE find it in your hearts to see that Sr. Alokesh gets these items she needs ASAP! Maybe the district could go together and purchase them for her. These ladies don't mind if you go to the second hand store or whatever. We do not get a plea very often, so let's pitch in! Pictured above (left to right) are MOMS Chairmen, Benji Pardee. and Cathy Bittner. Last on the list-- Benji and I invite all of the Texas State convention attendees to our lunch workshop Saturday, April 22. We will be providing updated information on the four MOMS projects. We always have a great time at the workshops and just maybe, there could be some wonderful door prizes for you! Hope to see you then! Texas State Court Information - Deadlines/Events Calendar STATE CALENDAR February 1, 2017 February 4, 2017 February 18, 2017 February 25, 2017 February February 26, 2017 March 24-26, 2017 Deadline for State Newsletter Articles; Institution of 12th New Court, Court Christ the Good Shepherd #2731, Spring; District s New Members Mass, Mercedes; Institution of 13th New Court, Court Luz de Vida #2732, Fort Worth; 37th Anniversary-Court St. Theresa of Lisieux #2211, Sugar Land; 65th Anniversary- Court St Rose #1597, Schulenburg; Board Meeting & Financial Review, Seguin; April 2, st Anniversary Court Annunciation #1962, La Grange April 20-23, th Biennial State Convention and Texas Court s 100th Anniversary, Corpus Christi; Deadline for State Newsletter Articles. May 1, 2017

13 March 2017 Page 13 Texas State Chairmen s Messages CIRCLE OF LOVE - EDUCATION CIRCLE OF LOVE - FAMILY Iris Hinojosa, Education Contest Chairman Carolyn Malik, Past State Regent and COL Family Chairman irishinojosa43@gmail.com Lent is a season of being invited by God in a deeply personal way. "Come back to me, with all of your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning, declares the Lord. Now return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate. (Joel 2:12) May each of us increase our faith, hope and charity throughout this Lenten Season. A sincere thank you to all the district deputies, regents and local education chairmen who encouraged their courts to participate in this year s competition. I am definitely convinced that involving our youth in these education contests will enhance their confidence and leadership needed to succeed in their future endeavors. This year s topics, Whatever You Do For The Least of My Brethren, You Do For Me Matt. 25:40 and Helping the Needy Where I Live are outstanding. Judges are excited and ready to begin their task of reviewing all the entries for each category. Entries must be mailed on or before March 1st. All first place entries will be submitted to the national contest on April 1st. All state and national winners will be announced in the June newsletter. Next year, let us have a greater participation from our local courts. New topics will be announced early September Local courts should also participate in an education contest specifically designed for you. Happy Easter To All cdacarol@sbcglobal.net As we begin this new year of 2017, let us continue to promote family life activities that involve our immediate families, especially with the upcoming Lenten season. Make an extra effort to attend Mass as a family unit daily during the Lenten season or at least once or twice during the week in addition to Sunday. Participate as a family by attending the Stations of the Cross during Lent. Make an extra special effort during the Lenten season to begin reciting the Rosary together daily so that you will continue this practice throughout the year. Also, in the month of May, pray the Rosary daily as a family unit to honor Our Blessed Mother, or plan a weekend family retreat and invite others in the community to join you. Our Blessed Mother s messages to our world through various visionaries have always been to PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY. The promotion of family ensures that children are enabled to grow in stature, wisdom and grace. Pope St. John Paul II is quoted on many of his pictures as saying, As the family goes, so goes the Nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live. Families are irreplaceable in our modern-day society for establishing strong bonds, for teaching harmony and respect for one another and others. Strong families build a strong society which builds a strong country and a much stronger world for all of God s people. Now is the time to build stronger families considering all the turmoil and controversy happening in our world. Our family units have grown disrespectful and grown apart. Let s pray to get the families back with God and our nation back in God s control.

14 March 2017 Page 14 CIRCLE OF LOVE - LEADERSHIP Melodie Brunt Second Vice State Regent & Leadership Chairman cdambrunt@gmail.com CIRCLE OF LOVE - LEGISLATION Judy Evanicky, Legislation Chairman devanicky@smithville.liveair.net District Deputies Leadership is not just a training date twelve months ago, it is on-going. With your help, the Court Regents and Officers should be: Using Parliamentary procedures; using Motion Forms Creating or updating Standing Rules Creating Budgets Maintaining and Increasing Membership Hosting Memorial or New Member Installation Masses Reviewing their court books in preparation for Financial Reviews Court Officers Leadership is not just a noun it s action! If you are a court officer: Stand when you give your report Look up and make eye contact with the members Know what you are talking about Be prepared with Article and Section of the Bylaws Use the Tools of the Trade to polish your report Be positive and motivating Circle of Love Reporting Forms - Thank you so much for each of the COL forms you have sent to me. I love reading about what your court is doing to encourage members to take leadership positions. Let s encourage and help each other in building our court! Thank you to all the courts who have sent me invitations to your many functions! I wish I could have attended all of them. I have enjoyed visiting with you in person, on the phone, and through . I have seen many towns and cities of this great state of Texas. I have traveled through the beautiful countryside and bustle of the great cities, and enjoyed every minute! I hope to see you in Corpus Christi in April for the 50 th Biennial Convention and the 100 th Anniversary of the State Court. Read more about leadership styles and traits in the Tools of the Trade 2 nd Edition, July 2010; Circle of Love, Leadership section. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm Happy New Year!!! Here in Texas, the Texas State Legislature, began its 85th session January 10th, which faces the deliberation of more than 1,700 bills throughout the next five months. Here are a few of laws of interest that are being introduced during this session. As the session goes on, I will keep you posted as to what actions are being taken regarding these bills and others. A bill relating to health plan and health benefit plan coverage for abortions, A bill relating to a prohibition on the performance of dismemberment abortions; providing penalties; making it a criminal offense; A bill relating to the waiting period before a physician may perform an abortion; A bill that that requires the proper burial or cremation of unborn children lost through miscarriage or abortion; A bill that allows for an expansion of Medicaid in certain border counties; A bill that terminates the rights of a parent who has been convicted of sexual assault of the child s other parent; A bill that changes the Texas statue recognizing marriage as between one man & one woman to between two individuals regardless of gender.

15 March 2017 Page 15 CIRCLE OF LOVE - SPIRITUAL ENHANCEMENT Mellie Smithwick, Spiritual Enhancement Chairman cdamsmithwick@gmail.com March 1, 2017, begins the forty days of Lent; excluding Sundays, and last until Saturday before Easter. As we attend Ash Wednesday Mass and receive ashes of palms burned from previous Palm Sunday we are reminded "For dust you are and to dust you shall return." This tradition reminds us that life is too short and we should live it according to the Will of God. The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops announced the theme for Lent 2017 is "GIVE UP, TAKE UP, LIFT UP!" During our individual lenten journey we are asked to pray, fast and give alms. We are also asked to "devote ourselves to the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that 'remind us that faith finds expression in concrete everyday actions meant to help our neighbors in body and spirit.'" During Lent we are called to do penance for our sins. On all Fridays of Lent we must abstain from eating meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday we are called to fast and abstain from meat. Fasting means eating only one full meal on that day. It does allow eating some food for the other two meals that day. Remember to pray often, go to confession, do penance for our sins, fast (obligatory from age 18 to 59) and give alms in reparation for our sins. On the USCCB website, Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, former chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the U.S. Conference of Catholic (USCCB). offers "Journey to the Foot of the Cross - 10 Things to Remember for Lent": 1. Remember the formula, 10 Commandments, 7 sacraments, 3 persons in the Trinity. 2. It's a time of prayer. 3. It's a time to fast. 4. It's a time to work on discipline. 5. It's about dying to yourself. 6. Don't do too much. 7. Lent reminds us of our weakness. 8. Be patient with yourself. 9. Reach out in charity. 10. Learn to love like Christ. I encourage you to visit the website and read the explanations for each one; it's very enlightening. God bless us all as we journey to the food of the Cross. Prayer of the Faithful Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit, Come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayers. + For Pope Frances' monthly intention (March); That persecuted Christians may be supported by the prayers and material help of the whole Church. + For Pope Frances' April intention; that young people may respond generously to their vocations and seriously consider offering themselves to God in the priesthood or consecrated life. + For the sake of "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." + For world leaders to respect humanity dignity and religious liberty. + For an end to all acts of violence and hatred; + For Pope Frances, Clergy, Deacons and Religious, that they may be protected and guided by the light of Christ as they lead us to lead and guide us to Christ and heaven. + For the sick, lonely, for those who have no one to pray for them; + For our State Convention, that God's Will be done. In your name Lord, we pray.

16 March 2017 Page 16 CIRCLE OF LOVE - STATE YOUTH/JUNIOR CDA Peggy Supak, JCDA State Co-Chairman fayetteatty@hotmail.com Sheila Martinka, Past State Regent & JCDA State Co-Chairman smartinka@earthlink.net It is that time of year when we begin the Lenten season. During this time, we must all be mindful of the great sacrifices God made for us. It is during this time that CDA members Pictured above are JCDA and courts have the opportunity to interact with Co-Chairmen (L-R), Peggy Supak and Sheila Martinka. our youth and educate them regarding these sacrifices. CDA courts can participate with the youth during Stations of the Cross, through Passion Plays, by sponsoring activities during Holy Week, or by hosting a Spiritual Easter Egg Hunt. It is through efforts such as these that courts continue to help the youth grow in their faith and develop themselves as better Christians. Graduations will be coming up in May. Courts should be acting to honor graduates in their parishes and to encourage them to continue going to Mass and practicing their faith whether going to college, trade school, or straight to work. Many of our youth these days, graduate and fail to continue to attend Mass and find themselves lost spiritually. Sponsoring programs/activities in your parish for young adults (18-25) is a way to help keep them connected. Also, providing graduates that you know are going off to college with information on a CDA court or KC council in the area where they may be going can provide the young person with a connection to get involved with the church in that area. Don t forget to encourage any of the young ladies who may be staying in the area or going to a community college to join CDA. The 27 th Biennial State JCDA convention is coming up in McAllen, June 23-25, We are in the planning stages and welcome any and all help. We hope CDA courts will encourage their JCDA courts to attend and offer to help get them there. Our state project CHRISTMAS IN JUNE MAKE A CHILD S WISH COME TRUE is in full bloom. We are accepting donations to sponsor a child through an area wish granting organization. We hope to have the child and family at the state convention. We will have a Christmas tree at the convention with ornaments hung for all courts, individuals and businesses making donations to the project. The JCDA court raising the most money for the project will be recognized and honored at the convention. For information or to make a donation, contact Peggy or Sheila. JCDA State Project Christmas in June - Make a Child s Wish Come True JCDA is partnering with an area wish granting group to sponsor a wish for an ill child to make his or her wish come true. We hope to host our wish child at the State convention in June in McAllen. We are encouraging CDA and JCDA courts to make whatever donation you can towards this most worthy cause. Each court, individual or business will be recognized at the convention by having an ornament hung on our Christmas tree. Attached are templates for the ornaments for donating to the project. We ask that you use the appropriate template below for the donation amount, copy it, enlarge it no bigger than 5 X 7, cut it out, decorate it, put court, business or individual name on it and send it in with the donation. Continued on page 17, See JCDA State Project

17 March 2017 Page 17 CIRCLE OF LOVE - STATE YOUTH/JUNIOR CDA From Page 16, JCDA State Project All checks shall be made payable to: State JCDA and mailed to Sheila Martinka, 307 Spur Drive, Victoria, Texas For any questions contact Sheila Martinka at smartinka@earthlink.net or Peggy Supak at fayetteatty@hotmail.com JCDA CHRISTMAS IN JUNE State Project Make a Child s Wish Come True

18 March 2017 Page 18 CEREMONIALS Duchess Collins A Bit of History of the Flag of the United States of America Let me begin by saying that the Flag of the United States of America represents the courageous men and women who fought in wars and who gave their lives for what they believed. They did this so that we could enjoy the freedom we now have and to secure the future of our free society. The American Flag of the United States was adopted in 1776 and is also known as the Old Glory which indicated a strong love of the Flag. Therefore, the presentation of the Flag of the United States of America is not only an honor, but a very meaningful ceremony. Presenting the Flag as part of our opening ceremonies reminds us of the greatness of our America. We respect our flag because we have respect for the people who have given us strength as a nation and pride as citizens. On the website, Section 4 of the Flag Code states: the proper wording of the Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, (there is no pause and no comma after Nation ) Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. When the Flag is on display at a court meeting the flag should be clearly visible in its place of honor. It should always be positioned to the right of the Regent (facing the members). When in the sanctuary at a Mass, it should also be placed to the right. Always consult with Chaplain/Clergy for permission to use Color Guard with flag prior to conducting ceremonials in church. Appoint a ceremonial coordinator and develop a color corps within your court. Learn about flag etiquette and practice the presentation of the flag, which should include the Texas flag. When participating in ceremonials, all participants such as a banner bearer and members of the color corps wear white dresses, white shoes and white gloves. Shoulder sashes will be worn by the banner bearers and color guard, except for the person presenting the American flag. For more information regarding flag etiquette and displaying the flag, is located in the Tools of the Trade Second Edition, Section XI, pages 3-4. State Convention Anniversary Committee 100th Anniversary Celebration CDA members attending the 50th Biennial Texas State Convention will have the opportunity to send a message to their CDA sisters attending the 2067 Texas State Convention. The time capsule will be opened fifty years from now! Forms will be available inside convention tote bags and will be formally presented to State Regent Eve Trevino at the Formal Banquet on Saturday, April 22, Send an inspiring message to your future court sisters!

19 March 2017 Page 19 RESPECT LIFE Mary Rose Barta, Respect Life Chairman COURT OUTREACH Fran Stegge, Court Outreach Chairman Lord, provide us with the gifts to inspire Catholic women to join our organization. What is Foster Parenting? May we always care for our children, not counting the cost so that they may never believe themselves to be mistakes, but always know their infinite worth. Pope Francis When children can't live safely at home and no appropriate non-custodial parent, relative, or close family friend is willing and able to care for them, the legal courts can give temporary legal possession to Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS temporarily places these children in foster care. The goal for a child in the foster care system is usually reunification with the birth family. However, when parents are unable, unwilling or unfit to care for a child, the child must find a new home. Foster care is meant to be temporary. However it can become permanent if a foster parent chooses to adopt or accepts permanent managing of a child. CPS strives to provide quality services for the thousands of children in foster care and works closely with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). My recent volunteering at an area home for foster children, has led me to research this topic. I was amazed at the number of children who are in need of foster parents. As of December, 2016, there were 15,594 children in the foster care system in Texas. This number is astounding! Foster care settings include: foster family homes, foster family group homes, residential group care facilities, and facilities overseen by another state agency. These children are from every race and practically every area of Texas. This information was taken from the Texas DFPS website: Child_Protection/. This website can get you started on researching the vast amount of information available on foster parenting. Other websites and search engines can help you find agencies located throughout Texas who are looking for individuals willing to open their hearts and their homes to a child in need of loving care and they can dispel many of the myths associated with foster care. It can also open your eyes to the need for volunteers who are willing to share their time for the benefit of children in need of love. Continued on Page 20, Respect Life Thank you Membership Chairs (listed below) for your energy, effort, determination to continue to scour your communities and parishes for women to join our wonderful organization. The first quarter (August- September 2016) of this past year produced 20 new members from among 10 small courts. That is an average of 2 per court per quarter from courts with 25 or less members. This reaffirms that the size of the court or parish does not count nearly as much as genuine effort to reach out to Catholic women in our communities. Irma Escamilla, Court Monsignor Claude Jalliet #1149 Kathy Halfmann, Court St Monica #1262 Lily Herrera, Court Reina Isabel La Catolica #1581 Diana Canales, Court Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal #1855 Mary Helen Williams, Court St Elizabeth Ann Seton #2123 Shirley Lopez, Court Sister Mary Walter #2401 Sonya Gomez, Court Sacred Heart of Jesus #2422 Maria Socorro Vicinaiz, Court Father Thomas Billimek #2425 Oralia Beller, Court Father Thomas Buergler # 2433 Gracie Flores, Court St Joseph of Corpus Christi #2544 Diana Gurecky, Court Our Lady of the Blessings #2546 Cheryl Hansen, Court Ladies of St Mary #2565 Delma Pillot, Court Pope John Paul II #2580 Ramona Moreno, Court Sisters of Pauline #2605 Gloria Mejia, Court Archangels of St Michaels #2618 Frances Vera, Court Daughters of St Joseph #2619 JoAnne McElligott, Court Our Lady of the Hill Country #2626 Althea Chavez, Court Our Lady of Knock #2652 Meredith Schenk and Suzanne Stevens, Court St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross #2668 Elva Resendez, Court St Joan #2694 Again thanks ladies for accepting this opportunity as Membership Chairs to spread the word about Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Every new member potentially represents a new friend, a teammate, a spiritual companion, a set of helping hands, a program or activities chair, or perhaps court officer. It all begins with an invitation.

20 March 2017 Page 20 PAST REGENTS CLUB Darice Miksch, Past Regents Club Chairman STATE WAYS AND MEANS Cynthia Novak, State Ways and Means Chairman Please join us for a Meet and Greet immediately following the opening Mass at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. This is open to all attendees. This will be a time to reconnect with members of CDA that we may only see every other year. Please join us for the PRC biennial meeting and luncheon at the 2017 CDA State Convention. Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. American Bank Center Harbor View Room, Rm. 225 Corpus Christi, Texas The luncheon is open to all members who are current on their PRC membership. The membership newsletter and invitation to the luncheon was mailed the week of February 13 th. If you did not receive yours please contact Second Vice President Alicia Alvarado at betsy802@elp.rr.com or at Membership in the Past Regents Club of Texas is open to any regent who has served at least one year and one day as regent. Membership in Past Regents Club of Texas gives CDA sisters an opportunity to support the activities of Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Texas while enjoying the fellowship of other past regents. Dues are $20 for the coming two years and will be used to fund Club activities through If you want to join PRC, contact Alicia Alvarado (info above). For we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 See you in Corpus Christi in April. From Page 19, Respect Life If every CDA court in Texas would help spread the word about the need for foster parenting in their area of the state, I can t help but think that there are more individuals and families in our midst who are willing to share their love with the most vulnerable people in our society our children. And if you think you don t qualify, keep these words in mind from one of the foster care websites When God calls you to do His work, He s going to make sure you re equipped to do it. The 2017 Raffle is in full swing. There are 35 prizes listed. All regents should have received the raffle tickets for their court. If you have not received your packet, let Cynthia Novak know as soon as possible. Please sell tickets to all your court members and have them sell to their family and friends. You do not have to be present at the convention to win a prize. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. Please return the stubs with a court check payable to CDA TX State Con 2017 before April 8 to Cynthia Novak at the address listed below or bring them to the convention. All tickets must be turned in no later than 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017 to be included in the drawing. If you need more tickets, please contact Cynthia as soon as possible. Please do your part to help make this a successful fundraiser. Lucky Lotto tickets will be sold at the convention on Saturday, April 22, 2017 after the morning raffle drawing. Tickets will be sold separately for three drawings to take place on Saturday after lunch, before workshop breaks and at the banquet. A Silent Auction will be held during the convention. Auction items may be submitted to Darice Miksch in advance at the address listed below or brought to the State Convention. The deadline to submit auction items in advance is Saturday, April 8. If you will be bringing an item to the convention please notify Darice by Friday, April 14, so that proper arrangements may be made to have space and bid sheets available. We already have several great items. Items will be on display for bidding starting Thursday and bidding will close Saturday after lunch. Highest bids will be posted. The winners must pay and collect the items after the workshops. Uncollected items will be donated to the JCDA convention auction. Thank you to all the courts, district deputies, state chairman and others who donated prizes to the raffle and silent auction. Cynthia Novak State Ways and Means Chairman 777 E. Eblin St. La Grange, TX cynovak@verizon.net Darice Miksch State Ways and Means Vice Chairman 1154 Dee Allen road Columbus, TX dtm54@hotmail.com

21 March 2017 Page 21 COURT SCRAPBOOK CONTEST Georgia Mikosh, Chairman STATE SALES Terry Burto, Chairman Greetings everyone, especially all the ladies who are feverishly working on their court s scrapbook trying to finish before the Convention. April 21 st is the deadline for your books to be submitted for judging at the convention. The scrapbook room will be open for registration starting Thursday at noon, and the cutoff will be noon on Friday, April 21 st. Judging will take place Friday afternoon. All scrapbooks will need to be picked up Saturday morning before lunch. If you have any last minute questions, please feel free to call ( ) or me (georgia43@cableone.net). Hope we have a lot of courts participating in our contest this year. Be sure to come by during the convention and look at what some of the courts are doing. The Easter season is fast approaching, with Ash Wednesday being on March 1 this year. This is the time to intensify our Christian life with prayer, self-denial, and good works. It is also a time to reach out in active concern for others and do what we can to improve the well-being of others in our community. Let us walk with Jesus during Lent, recalling His love for us. May this Lenten season serve to open your hearts so that you and your loved ones may share in the joy of His Resurrection. Hello CDA Sisters, It seems like just yesterday that we were saying goodbye at the Texas CDA Convention in Austin. Now convention is upon us again. It s a lot of work to put on a convention, and it takes a lot of volunteers to help. I am asking for help to work at the CDA State Sales Booth. We need help from Thursday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. We especially need help at noon on Friday and Saturday. The more volunteers we get, the fewer hours you have to work. If you are interested in helping please call or me. Praying that the Holy Spirit will move you to help for a couple of hours at the CDA State Sales Booth and asking that He and Blessed Mother guide and protect us as we travel to convention. Looking forward to seeing you in Corpus Christi. The Laughter Box My Dad's Better Than Your Dad Three boys on the playground were bragging about their dads. One said. "My dad scribbles a few words, calls it a song and they pay him 50 bucks." "Oh, yah. My dad scribbles a few words, calls it a poem and they pay him 100 bucks." "That's nothin'," said the third kid. My dad scribbles a few words, calls it a sermon and it takes six people to collect all the money!"

22 March 2017 Page 22 Women Of Faith: CDA Sisters Working Together Everything is possible to the one who has Faith. Mark 9-23 The following articles were submitted by local court CDA officers or selected from local court newsletters sent to the state newsletter editor. Each article was approved by State Regent Eve Trevino Court St. Rose #1597 Honors 65 Years The 65 th Anniversary celebration of Court St. Rose of Lima #1597 began with a procession of members for a Mass celebrated by Fr. Ty Bazar. After mass, the court members and invited guests walked over to the St. Rose of Lima School Cafeteria for a luncheon celebration. The caterers served a delicious chicken spaghetti lunch. The dessert was a special cake made by Lorine Machicek; a white cake with white cream frosting decorated nicely wishing the court congratulations on their 65 th Anniversary was served. Regent Rosa Galipp welcomed all the attendees and Rev. Timothy Kosler, court chaplain, opened with a blessing for the meal. A special guest in attendance was Brenda Fietsam CDA Regent from Court Queen of the Holy Rosary #2282 La Grange, TX. The program was presented by Galipp on the history of the Court, our past regents and the court s past achievements. At the closing of the 65 th Anniversary luncheon, Regent Galipp thanked all the members and invited guests for their support in being present for this occasion. She thanked the officers that put it together along with the members that helped setup for the event. Rev. Timothy Kosler also thank all for their presence and closed the celebration with a prayer. Pictured Left to Right (seated): Lillian Orsak, Annie Fietsam, Georgie Moretz, Judy Klesel Second Row: Brenda Fietsam CDA Regent Court Queen of the Holy Rosary #2282 LaGrange, TX, Pat Christ, Lorine Machicek, Dolores Wilkes, Rosa Galipp, Kathy Bertsch, Karen Miley, Jan Ripper Third Row: Phyllis Venghaus, Claudine Franz, Peggy Kusy, Anna Marie Huebner, Lorine Christ, Gloria Kolek, Peggy Kalich, Barbara Beselka, Lillian Hilscher Last Row: Sarah Olle, Joyce Dittrich, Earline Fietsam, Annie Mae Ripper, Judy Kubenka, Fr. Ty Bazar, Suzette Surman, Katy Kutac, Bernadette Gillings, Brenda Rehak, Sheila Brossmann Court Our Lady of the Snow Makes Mini-Pilgrimage to Holy Doors in Fort Worth Court Our Lady of the Snow #2100, Plano/Richardson, Texas, members made an inspiring spiritual journey when they traveled to Fort Worth's historic Our Mother of Mercy Church in order to enter its Holy Doors of Mercy and to pray the special prayers which were part of Pope Francis' Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy. This small African-American church was honored by being chosen as the principal Holy Doors location for the Diocese of Fort Worth. The pale pink church, built in 1929, is an architectural delight. Church Pastor, Rev.Bartomiej Jasilek (originally from Poland), delivered a stirring homily filled with passion for the Church and tenderness for the children. Vice Regent Suzanne Delcambre prepared the beautiful program we used entitled "The Holy Doors of Mercy... A Pilgrimage," which included the Litany of Divine Mercy, Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, and more. Included in the photo are Regent Mary Cullen, Vice Regent Suzanne Delcambre, Recording Secretary Jacelyn Hoffman, Treasurer Kitty Danek, and members Rosie Steffen, Patti Mix, Mary Clare Cieslewicz, and family and friends.

23 March 2017 Page 23 Women Of Faith: CDA Sisters Working Together Everything is possible to the one who has Faith Mark: 9-23 CDA COURT #2282 Marches For Life January 22, 2017 marked the 44 th Anniversary of the decision of Roe vs. Wade to legalize abortion. The members of the Court Queen of the Holy Rosary #2282 of Hostyn, Texas sponsored a Rosary and March for Life after the Sunday Mass on January 22. Other supporters for life joined the Catholic Daughters praying the Rosary at different stations inside the Church. The group, which included children, marched in efforts to show others the importance to respect life. CDA Court #2065 Helps KC Brothers CDA Court #1604 Thanks All Members For Homemade Cookies! Court St. Paul No of Shiner, Texas sent a big thank you to all members who donated homemade cookies for their December cookies project. They came through in a big way! They were not only able to provide cookies for the Nursing Home residents, shut-ins and parishioners who had lost their spouses, they also had cookies to share with many others. A platter of cookies was left for the staff at the Shiner Nursing Home. They donated eight dozen cookies for the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch Christmas party. Ten dozen cookies were shared with the kids at Legacy Youth Ranch, Gonzales, for their Christmas party and another six dozen for their foster parent training day program in January. In addition, they treated the teaching staffs at the Shiner Catholic School with cookies. The CCD teachers received a treat bag in appreciation for their services and the younger CCD students had cookies for their Happy Birthday, Jesus! party. Thanks went to Laverne Madala for chairing this project and to all those members who packaged the cookies as well as those who made visits and delivered the cookies. Thanks also went to the JCDA for decorating the bags. Thanks were given to everyone for caring and for sharing! STATE NEWSLETTER Rosie Rodriguez, State Newsletter Editor cdarosierodriguez@gmail.com CDA members for Court Our Lady of the Pines #2065 of Spring, TX helped the Knights of Columbus with a sweet shop booth at the Chili Cook-Off held in the Fall. CDA members Janis Hatcher and her team won best decorated booth and 2nd place overall for the best chili. Thanks went to all the CDA ladies who came out to help! The Lone Star Messenger contains information about the CDA, our courts and issues important to our members. It is posted on the website at and ed to local court regents, district deputies, and state chairmen. Black and white hard copies are mailed via postal mail to Bishops of Texas, state officers, state chaplains, past national regents, past state regents, past and present national directors, subscribers and those mentioned without capabilities. All clip art graphics were selected for aesthetic purposes. No personal or professional monetary gain was made by the editor or any member of the CDA Texas State Court. All graphics were located by using the Bing search engine filtering system under free to use and share and/or free to use, modify, and share.