The Lone Star Messenger Newsletter of the Texas State Court Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Transcription

1 The Lone Star Messenger Newsletter of the Texas State Court Catholic Daughters of the Americas MESSAGE FROM THE STATE REGENT December 2007 Edition Texas State Officers My Dear Sisters in Christ, It is the time of year we all prepare for the coming of Our Savior. It is the joyous time of year that we share our wealth of gifts and love with those we hold dear. As we decorate our homes for this festive season and prepare meals and desserts fit for a king, let us remember that there is only one King we need to prepare our mind, heart, and soul for Our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us not forget those who are less fortunate and share our wealth of gifts and love with them. In addition to enjoying the Christmas Season, this is also the time of year when the weather forces us to stay indoors. As we bundle ourselves up in our favorite blankets and settle in for the next several months, let s put this quiet time to good use. During these next few months as we hibernate in our homes, let s be thinking about and preparing for the works of service, the talents we can put to good use, and the love we can share with others in the spring. I know 2008 will be a prosperous year for CDA if we listen for the Lord and prepare ourselves to accept His call to service. He will guide us to the work He wants us to undertake and accomplish. In 2008, there will be many contests to enter, forms to fill out, and deadlines to meet. Regents and State Chairmen, remind your court chairmen to begin looking over, preparing, and organizing their materials for the members. This is the season of giving; remember the ultimate gifts you can give are the gifts of love, patience, time, and talent. May the Lord bless you and your family with a joyous Christmas and a healthy New Year! Carolyn Bachmann Together We Are Strong Eccl. 4:9 Carolyn Bachmann State Regent FM 172 Scotland, TX carolyn1349@msn.com Sheila Martinka First Vice State Regent 2401 Primrose Pasadena, TX smartinka@earthlink.net Carolyn Malik Second Vice State Regent P.O. Box 243 Shiner, TX CDAcarol@sbcglobal.net Peggy Rosales State Secretary 8003 Doe Meadow Drive Austin, TX prosales@austin.rr.com Eve Trevino State Treasurer 1102 Delta Drive Corpus Christi, TX evetrevino@yahoo.com Reverend Donald Ruppert State Chaplain P.O. Box 1325 East Bernard, TX FatherRuppertCDA@hughes.net Olga Samaniego Immediate Past State Regent 1801 Billy Casper El Paso, TX olgasamaniego@hotmail.com

2 Mission Statement Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives 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. State Mission Statement The members of the Texas State Court love Christ and His Church and are dedicated to leading others to Christ and His service through the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Goals To encourage and provide opportunities for spiritual growth for all Catholic Daughters through prayer services and retreats To extend a hand to our CDA sisters in their time of sickness, sorrow, or need To encourage courts to be more family oriented in their court activities To complete the Habitat Build in Wichita Falls with the support of all Catholic Daughters To select particular project/projects to work with our brother Knights of Columbus To continue to increase membership and seek areas for new courts To continue to develop strong leaders from court members Activities Utilize our State Spiritual/Retreat Chairman to organize multi-district retreats and/or spiritual talks Encourage districts to come together to pray and interact in local activities Emphasize that we are women of God and must not only show this in our work, but also show this in our actions and words Encourage courts to promote activities that involve the family in Spiritual and recreational activities Complete the Habitat Home Build in Wichita Falls Encourage courts to work with our brother Knights in parish and community activities and other selective areas Spread the word to all Catholic women that CDA is a spiritual/service organization to and for all Continue court incentives for increasing membership Continue the St. Bernadine of Siena Award for Court Development Provide support and training through the Out Reach Program for courts struggling to exist and structure for newly instituted courts Continue leadership and training workshops to develop future CDA leaders Continue to work for the enhancement of bringing CDA into the 21st century The Lone Star Messenger is a quarterly publication of the Texas State Court of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Courts or individuals may purchase a sub- scription to the newsletter for $7 annually. To contact the editor send to: Mary Watkins 2628 Horizon Way Little Elm, TX or blondie478@sbcglobal.net 2

3 A Message from Father Don Ruppert State Chaplain My Dear Catholic Daughters, Christmas Day should mark the beginning of our celebration, not the end. As soon as the Thanksgiving turkey is off the table and in the refrigerator, some family members are hustling off to the first Christmas party of the season. Work places, schools, civic organizations, and even church groups have parties throughout the season of Advent: days when we should be preparing for Christmas, not celebrating it. My family had a schedule for everything, and Christmas was no exception. After lunch on the first Sunday of December, the whole family headed for the cedar woods to cut down a tree. When we found the perfect tree, we brought it home, shaped it up and put it a bucket of sugar water. Catholic schools always had a holiday on December 8 th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. My dad would bring the tree into the house the evening of December 7 th, place it in front of the living room window, and put the lights on. The next day we went to Mass at 6:00 a.m. and then mother, my brother, and I spent the day decorating the tree. We lit the tree that night and went outside to make sure it looked OK from the street. The shades were pulled down and the living room door was closed. Other than to answer the telephone (which only rang four or five times a week), we didn t go into the room until Christmas Eve. After that, the Christmas tree was lit every night through January 6 th, the Feast of the Epiphany. Times have changed. Now I can drive around town and find Christmas trees thrown out for trash pickup before sunset on Christmas Day. Christmas is so commercialized by vendors and the media. Don t lose sight of the TRUE meaning of the season: Jesus was born and came to be our savior. Now that s something to celebrate! It s the unity He preached and the charity He showed to all that we Catholic Daughters strive to imitate in our daily lives. We sing about the twelve days of Christmas: Why not celebrate them? I wish you and your families a most blessed and happy holiday season. May God bless you and your loved ones throughout the coming year. Sincerely yours in Christ, Father Don Ruppert 3

4 Libby Ramirez National Regent Elect My dear sisters in Christ, I was privileged to attend the ground breaking and dedication of the CDA Habitat Home in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was a pleasure meeting Mrs. Lewis, the owner of the home. It was good to see a home going to such an appreciative lady. I was honored to get to work a day on the landscaping of the home. That red clay dirt did not give an inch to the grubbing hoe, but we got it done. The ladies that came from Houston worked all day outside as well. It was a good day. The men there said that the grass is going to grow. I want a picture when this happens. Surprisingly, I was not as sore as I thought I was going to be. I thank you, Lord, for giving us the opportunity to be of service that day. It was a pleasure to welcome National Secretary Treasurer, Shirley Seyfried to Texas to work on the home and to be present for the dedication. It was good to be on a road trip again with Carolyn Malik, Eve Trevino and Terrie Vacek. The friendships that we build in Catholic Daughters are like our Habitat Homes: they are full of love and good times. The seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us again. My goodness, where has the time gone? I only have to look at my grandson to be able to see that he is getting taller and bigger by the day. We again prepare ourselves for all the hustle and bustle of the busy days. Don t forget to take time out for yourself and to meditate on the things are most important for you and your family. January 21 will be the Vigil Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC at 7:00pm. January 22, 2008, will mark the 35 th March for Life event in Washington, DC. You will be able to get more details on the CDA website later in December or in early January. Have you thought about joining the march and attending the Vigil Mass? It is something very worthwhile. I will be taking pledges for the walk once again. Half of the money stays with the Education & Defense Fund in Washington, DC. The other half comes back to the Texas State Court. I will be taking pledges until February 15, If you or your court wishes to make a pledge for the walk, please send me a check made payable to me, and I will send the Education & Defense Fund one check. You will get a thank you letter from Nellie Gray for your contribution. I wish you and your families a very Blessed Christmas and a very prosperous and Happy New Year. God bless you all as you continue to do the work of CDA for the glory and honor of Our Lord. 4

5 Court Development Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent Wow, ladies. What an exciting time with the Christmas Holidays so close and the season of giving continues! I am so excited to report (actually from the San Antonio airport) that we will have a new gift in the state of Texas. A new court from St. John Neumann Parish in San Antonio will be instituted on December 16, 2007! These ladies are so eager to give and excited to serve God s people! This court is a joint effort spearheaded by a member, Valeria Brandt who moved from Victoria (court St. Ann) to San Antonio. Guess what she took the initiative to get information about why St. John Neumann did not have CDA. Libby Ramirez put me in touch with her and Barbara Britton and the rest is history! These ladies are so excited and ready for CDA. Their parish and their priest are also very excited and apparently have been waiting for CDA. They will have their first project about a week before they officially become a court. They will be hosting a reception for the deacon who will be ordained a priest. Great job ladies!! The fun is just beginning!! Ladies, if you know of anyone interested in CDA, invite them to your meeting. If they are in a different parish, find out why they don t have a CDA court, and then tell them why they need CDA in their parish! With Pen in Hand... Peggy Rosales, State Secretary As Christmas draws near, I reflect on the Habitat House built in Wichita Falls. What a wonderful gift the Catholic Daughters of Texas gave our recipient, Karen Lewis. It probably is the ultimate gift we have given: a house built with love. As I reflect on her speech at the dedication this is what we are all about, sharing our God-given talents with the community and the world in which we live. State dues for November were mailed out around the 15th of the month. The National Office has also mailed out their November dues. Please mail your payment as soon as possible. National and State dues do not need a vote of the court for payment. If you do not agree with the number of members that you were billed for, please do not change it. It is too late to make this change. However, please go ahead and order an updated roster from National and get it reconciled before the next assessment in May The deadline for reconciliation is March 31st for the May dues. If you owe for past dues, it was noted on your statement in red. Please bring your dues up to date ASAP. Please remember to have all checks with your correct court number on them. If you do not have it printed on the check next time you reorder checks have it put on. This gives us a system to double check court name with court number. It is very helpful if the memo area of the check makes reference to what your payment is for. Make checks payable to CDA State Court of Texas; please do not make them payable to the state officers. May the peace and joy of this Holy Season be with you always. At Christmas, all roads lead home. -Marjorie Holmes, 5

6 Dollars & Cents... Eve Trevino, State Treasurer Wishing you and your family a very joyful and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year. The holidays seem more meaningful if we have Jesus Christ in our hearts and when we take time to share a gift with those most in need. Thank you, Catholic Daughters for all the good that you do during the year, and thank you for your generosity and kindness for the many projects that you do during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Your projects are always appreciated, and you bring much joy to many needy children and families during the holidays. But, most of all, thank you for saying, Yes, to CDA and for your dedication and commitment in serving our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. Every time you give of yourself to Him, you draw a little closer to Him. That is where we want to be as close to our Lord as possible. Some helpful tips When using forms with carbon or self-carbon copies make sure that you can read each copy before mailing. Usually the last copy is not legible. Take inventory of your forms. Many forms have changed or have been replaced. If you are still using old forms make sure that they are mailed to the proper office and/or state officer. Regents, please provide a copy of the national and state officers mailing list to your treasurer and all other officers. Do not hold on to your state court checks, please send the checks to the state secretary in a timely manner that way I can make the deposits and your check will clear your bank. Remember that all checks must have TWO signatures. And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more? - Dr. Seuss 6

7 Leadership Carolyn Malik, Second Vice State Regent Begin the new year by making a resolution to be a good leader in your court in 2008 by following these 10 tips to build a stronger organization Go to meetings. Do more than just pay dues or lip service. Offer active support. 2. Set and stick to specific goals. Side issues can bog you down. 3. Be thoughtful and reflective. Don t rubber-stamp proposals. Make decisions based on reason, principle and the common good. 4. Back up words with deeds. Discussion isn t a solution. If action is needed, take it. 5. Promote a spirit of teamwork. Keep your organization from being hobbled by hostile or uncooperative cliques. 6. Persuade persons to assume leadership positions, who will face problems, take initiative, get along with others. Be ready to accept such a role yourself. 7. Develop your ability to communicate. First, know what you re talking about. Then polish your skills in speaking, writing and listening. 8. Promote your group with enthusiasm. Make participating worthwhile and enjoyable. Tell others about it. 9. Do some thankless tasks. Mundane yet necessary chores are important to the behind-the-scenes running of any organization. 10. Seek God s help. Call on divine strength to work with wisdom, courage, integrity, cooperation and good humor. (Taken from Christopher News Notes) REGENTS PLEASE FORWARD THE CIRCLE OF LOVE REPORTING FORM FOR LEADERSHIP TO YOUR LOCAL CHAIRPERSON. DEADLINE TO BE POSTMARKED AND SENT TO ME IS MARCH 1, Habitat for Humanity Contributes to Quality of Life As State Quality of Life Chairman, I wondered upon what my quarterly report could focus. Then, I realized that as the Catholic Daughter Build Habitat for Humanity house in Wichita Falls neared completion, such activities can certainly be listed as Quality of Life projects. I was privileged to have worked on the house and surroundings several times and feel blessed for so doing; therefore, I strongly recommend that all Catholic Daughters continue being or become active in the raising of the quality of life for others by volunteering their time, talents, and treasures to their local Habitat for Humanity organization even it is not a Catholic Daughter Build. I also strongly encourage all CDA members to contribute in whatever manner possible towards the CDA project of building 40 houses in Mexico during the 40 days of Lent in Aid towards these projects will not be spent in vain, but will help to elevate the quality of life for all God s people! Regents, please remind the Quality of Life chairman to collect and record hours and activities to be included in the report to be sent to me, which must be postmarked by March 1, Thanks and God bless you! Lillie Wolf State Quality of Life Chairman 7

8 Remember the Less Fortunate ~ National Projects/Charities It is the beginning of a wonderful time of the year: a time for giving and a time for receiving. Let s always remember the less fortunate. Be very kindhearted to the Five National Projects and the Nine National Charities when you write out those donation checks. So many people depend on us to help them out, and this is the time of the year to be charitable. These charities depend on our contributions. Mother Teresa said, Spread love everywhere you go Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God s kindness I will again list the Projects and the Charities from which you can choose: Ø Five (5) National Projects (give at least $15.00 per charity, recommended all five.) 1. Disaster Relief Fund 2. Habitat for Humanity 3. Holy Cross Family Rosary/Father Peyton 4. The Smile Train 5. SOAR (Support our aging Religious) Ø Nine (9) National Charities (voluntary ~ choose and give what your heart recommends.) 6. American College at Louvain 7. Apostleship of the Sea 8. Catholic Relief Services 9. Covenant House 10. Mother Teresa 11. Morality in Media 12. North American College 13. Project Handclasp 14. Tutwiler Clinic I do want to remind you to mail in one (1) check for your donations with a cover sheet detailing each project/ charity for which you are donating and the dollar amount for each. Mail this to Peggy Rosales, State Secretary, 8003 Doe Meadow Dr., Austin, TX ALL REPORTS ~ it is time for each court to think of filling out their reporting forms. Keep in mind, the Circle of Love Reporting Form (March 1, 2007 February 29, 2008) must be filled out and returned to me no later than March 1, The State s reporting forms (National Projects & National Charities) are to be completed and returned to me also no later than March 1, My mailing address is: Ginger Shea, State National Projects Chairman, Kirkdale Dr., Houston, TX Please contact me if you need more information. Thank you. Ginger Shea State National Projects Chairman ginshea@swbell.net The mystery of the Holy Night, which historically happened two thousand years ago, must be lived as a spiritual event in the today of the Liturgy. The Word who found a dwelling in Mary s womb comes to knock on the heart of every person with singular intensity this Christmas. -Pope John Paul II 8

9 Catholic Daughters of the Americas State Legislative Report November, 2007 NATIONAL ISSUES The state courts received a notice from National regarding new Legislative Policies which will affect things that can be done at the State and local level. This new policy requires approval from national before legislative communications can be disseminated to membership on any national issue, i.e., abortion, Medicaid, etc. STATE ISSUES On strictly state issues, information to be disseminated to membership must be approved by the State Regent prior to dissemination and a copy sent to the National Co-Legislative chairs. For local courts or legislative chairman, prior to dissemination of legislative information, they must get the approval of the State Legislative chair or State Regent. The State Legislative chair will obtain State Regent approval. UPCOMING EVENTS Roe v. Wade January 22, 2008, will mark the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. We should all pray that this terrible decision be overturned. Remember, as stated above, any action to be taken as a Catholic Daughters Court must be approved. Of course the Pro-life March in Washington is a National event that we are invited to take part as possible. NEW DOLLAR COIN A new dollar coin is to be released by the Government without the words In God We Trust on the back. A request is being made that we refuse to accept these coins when they are given to us as change or in any other manner. You can ask for a paper dollar instead of the coin and that is what is being suggested. Perhaps if we all do this the coin will not be useful to the government. CONTEST FORMS New deadline for completing contest forms is March 1, Remember I need the information from EACH court to prepare a report that goes to national so even if you do not want to be judged please send in a report for information purposes. Should you need any help contact me. Peggy Supak, Legislative Chairman, Texas State Court, Catholic Daughters of the Americas address: fayetteatty@hotmail.com/ P. O. Box 518, La Grange, Tx /(979) Celebrate the Reason for the Season What good news we have to celebrate this season: Emmanuel - God is with us! Take time in your meetings and Christmas gatherings to celebrate the Reason for the Season. There are many wonderful ways that you can ensure that Jesus is in your gatherings. You can have a candle lighting ceremony to Prepare the Way of the Lord. Ask someone to lead a meditation over a favorite religious song or Christmas carol. You might have a living rosary that focuses on the joyful mysteries. Between decades, court members might bring up gifts for the Christ Child that can later be distributed to children s shelters. You might even have a prayer to rededicate your court to Jesus and the Blessed Mother in Be creative. Your goal is to help your members take a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, and baking, and to give them time to concentrate on Jesus and to allow Him to infuse their holidays with real and lasting joy. If I can help with ideas, please call me at or me at olgasamaniego@hotmail. com. Meanwhile, here is a short prayer that we can say often to help keep us in the true Spirit of Christmas! Christmas Prayer God of love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word, that we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Remember to send me your Circle of Love forms by March 1, Merry Christmas, and I wish you joy! Olga Samaniego Spiritual Enhancement Chairman 9

10 Youth/JCDA Report Terri Beltran It s with great pleasure I report that there has been a tremendous surge of interest in our local courts to start up Junior Courts. I am getting calls from different courts in this great state of Texas. Our newest court is from the valley; we send our congratulations to our JCDA Court Our Lady of the Body of Christ #2543, Corpus Christi, TX, instituted October 22nd, Chris Morin, Chairperson. At present we are working with two more courts, and hopefully we can institute them before the year ends. I was so excited to receive newsletters from different courts and to read all the exciting ideas they are working on in their parishes. They are truly blessings to their parishes. I want to remind all the JCDA chairmen of the following deadlines: JCDA Day Proclamation February 10, 2008 Texas JCDA is celebrating its 83rd birthday. I challenge the courts to plan a special celebration for this event. Circle of Love Youth Report March 1, 2008 National Youth Scholarship Applications for 8th grade entering 9th grade in Catholic High School May 1, 2008 National Youth Scholarship Application for 8th grade entering 9th grade in a Public/Private High School May 1, 2008 In closing, the State officers and I traveled to Houston and visited a shelter called Soups & Loaves Kitchen. It houses homeless women and feeds up to 300 men, women and children daily. We were grateful and humbled to be allowed the privilege to help prepare the meal and serve these children of God. He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. Proverbs 19:17 Attention Court Regents National has changed their Circle of Love reporting form deadlines to March 1, These forms can be found in the Regents Packet in the Chairmen section. State forms show a reporting date of March 31, To keep confusion at a minimum, the State forms are going to be due on March 1, Regents you will need to inform your court Circle of Love chairmen of this change and make the change on the forms. Please do not delay in doing this. Don t run the risk of having forms being sent in too late and having to be disqualified. These date changes will be for Education, Legislation, Youth, Quality of Life, National Projects, Spiritual Enhancement, and Leadership. Newsletter contest will be March 1, Deadlines for Texas Project contests will be March 31, 2008: Memorial Scholarship Court Contest, Read Across America, and Local Court Web Site. 10

11 Information Sparks Membership Sheila Martinka, Membership Chairman I had the opportunity and privilege in October to visit a court in my area and share with them the wonderful work that CDA is doing. They let me share our Habitat Build pictures and information. After that, they listened as I talked about and showed pictures of the Juarez Mission School. Of course, we had time, and you know I love to talk, so we discussed Sr./Dr. Anne Brooks and the wonderful work she does in Tutwiler Mississippi. So, was I trying to focus all their attention on our work outside of Texas? Absolutely not. The ladies were hungry for information. One project they were interested in Tutwiler will not cost anyone any money other than postage. They have a lot of sample medications given to them by drug representatives. These usually come in packages of 4 or 6. Sr./Dr. Brooks writes prescriptions for 30 days, and it is so much easier to count out 30 and put the medication into one bottle with one label. So, if you take meds and throw out the brown pill bottles after you are done STOP! Take the label off, collect a few and mail them off to the Tutwiler clinic. It is a great way to help out and recycle! The people in Tutwiler, which is in the heart of the Delta, are some of the poorest of the poor and the sisters are doing awesome work to help and teach the people how to take care of themselves. So, if your membership is not excited anymore, get them that way. Regents, share the information in your packets from National and State. Share the newsletters you receive with your members. Spark their interest with what other courts are doing around the nation and around the state. Everyone, get excited about CDA, and spread not only the word, but the joy each and every one of you has in giving! Have a blessed and safe Christmas! Scholarship Deadline Nears Carolyn Malik Memorial Scholarship Chairman Thank you for your continued support of the State CDA memorial scholarship program. Masses continue to be offered for those enrolled every First Friday of the month by our State Chaplain Rev. Donald Ruppert in East Bernard, Texas. The State memorial scholarship fund is a different program from the State Theological Fund. The State memorial scholarship fund was established to honor living and deceased past state regents. Monies generated through the State memorial scholarship fund are used for scholarships to graduating high school seniors, who meet the criteria set out in the guidelines. The State Theological Fund is an annual assessment made to the local courts of $1.00 per member. This money is sent to each of the 15 dioceses in the State of Texas and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate for education of the seminarians. If anyone is still confused about this, please contact any one of the State officers. REMINDER!! DEADLINE for applications to be sent to me for scholarships in Scholarships MUST be postmarked no later than January 31, We will not consider any applications postmarked after this date. So, don t wait until the last minute and get those applications in early. Regents, check with your scholarship chairmen to be sure that the applications have been distributed to the eligible students in your area so they have sufficient time to complete the applications and write their essays. Guidelines, applications and criteria for scholarships were included in your September regent s packet which the State Regent sent out in the fall. My wish for you and your family is for a safe, happy and spirit-filled holiday season. And remember to Keep Christ in Christmas. Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. Ralph Waldo Emerson Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. -Hamilton Wright Mabie 11

12 Take Three For Troops Dear Ladies, I hope you re having a very special holiday season, and that you can find some time in all the hustle and bustle to spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection and to give thanks to God for all your blessings. I want to tell you about a project our court just completed. Members made 300 sets of prayers beads (like the ones we were given at the state convention). These were attached to cards explaining about the Take Time Take Three Peace Beads with the Hail Mary printed on the cards. The members then wrote messages in Christmas cards and stuffed them with the prayer cards. These cards are being sent to the military. Our ladies had a great time doing this project, and I think your court might like to try it as well. May God bless you and your family. Janis Wright State Financial Review Committee Chairman Create Crafts Now for Convention This is the time of year for all sorts of craft shows. As you spend time looking over merchandise and selecting that perfect Christmas gift for loved ones, please consider purchasing a homemade craft for the 46th Biennial CDA Texas State Convention. You might also just do some window shopping and get some great ideas so that your courts crafters can make something wonderful for the raffle. Creative ideas will make our fundraiser another huge success! I realize that we are a year and a half away from the convention in McAllen, but time passes quickly, and it s never too early to get started! Thank you all for considering contributing to this fundraiser! Your commitment to funding helps Texas lead the way in CDA! Have a blessed holiday season. Cathy Bittner Ways and Means Chairman Local Court Newsletter Contest It s time for you to start working on your newsletters for the upcoming contest. Be sure to follow the newly implemented rules. All DD s should have received a copy at the workshop and the Regents in their packet from State. The deadline is March 1, Each newsletter must be postmarked by midnight March 1, 2008, or you will be disqualified. My address is as follows: Charlene Gwosdz 4525 Westwood Lane Manvel, Texas If you have any questions; ; coconut51@juno.com Phone: home cell Let s see if we can beat the number of last year s entries. God Bless you all and happy writing. Just follow the instructions. Charlene Gwosdz State Newsletter Court Chairman There s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. -Erma Bombeck 12

13 Scrapbooks Archive Court History Many of you are currently working on a scrapbook for your court. This is a great way to maintain all your information in proper chronological order. Remember to include all your thank you notes and try to take a photo or two at each meeting. Scrapbooking is a way to blend ephemera; memorabilia collections and journaling. Even Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain were scrapbookers! One of the key components of modern scrapbooking is the archival quality of the supplies which are designed to preserve photographs and journaling in their original state; materials are of a higher quality than those of many typical photo albums commercially available. Consider using acidfree, lignin-free papers, stamp ink, and embossing powder, and pigment based inks, which are fade resistant, colorfast, and often waterproof. I have received numerous phone calls about the difficulties in locating the larger scrapbooks. Having a scrapbook for your court history is of more value and importance than the size. Your state regent and I have discussed this problem and have agreed to allow scrapbooks that are readily found in today s market. Scrapbook guidelines have been changed to allow scrapbooks no smaller than 12 X 12. This should eliminate the problem and we hope to have 225 scrapbooks at the 2009 Convention. For further questions or information please or call me at Keep up the good work and may God manifest Himself today in ways that you have never experienced. Terrie Vacek State Scrapbook Chairman terriecda@cebridge.net Alert!! Alert!! Any courts that received any type of form from the IRS need to send the form to the National Headquarters in c/o Peggy O Brien 10 West 71st St. - New York, NY The Navigator Have you visited our State Website? With the help of my husband, Maurice, the site is in for something BIG! We are creating a Court Locator page. In order to make this happen, we need your help! Please send in the location, time, and regular meeting date for your Court. EX: Court Our Lady of St. John #2557, 7500 Hirsch Rd., Houston 77016, OLSJ Hall every 3rd Sunday of the Month, at 3pm. With this tool, visitors to our site will be able to locate a nearby CDA Court! They will also be able to request more info from our Court Development Chairperson. Remember your Court can create its own website and have it listed on our State site. You can then enter the Court Website Contest. Do you have Court news you want to share? How about questions or suggestions? Please feel free to send them to me. Dates or events you would like to share can be added to the calendar. When sending your event information, please remember to include the location, time and date. We have been working on the page views in different browsers, IE7 for example. If you are having issues viewing our site please let me know. Ladies, this is OUR site, and I want to make sure we are properly represented, so please feel free to send in suggestions. Teresa Maltbia State Website Chairperson webadmin@texascda.org 13

14 The Annunciation Maternity Home Story Christie and Mike Aaronson began Annunciation Maternity Home in Georgetown in 2001 after acting as angel on a crisis pregnancy hotline and hearing so many times that so many young women were contemplating abortion because they would be forced to become homeless if they carried out their pregnancy. Now they have a home on five acres of land that can provide housing for up to 15 girls and their babies. In the past six years, they have cared for over 100 mothers and their babies. Last December they welcomed three young religious from the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Mercy, who will live in poverty and staff the home along with the lay persons. There is also a large roster of volunteers on hand. The home offers long-term care for young, homeless women and teens that begins when the resident arrives and ends when she and her baby have a safe environment in which to return. During this time, these young women and girls are offered access to medical care, drug and alcohol dependency counseling and prenatal education. There are lessons on abstinence, parenting skills, anger management, life skills such as budgeting, house cleaning, cooking, and auto care, continuing education K-12, job assistance, spiritual development and adoption referral. Their wish list includes diapers, all kinds of baby clothing, booties, blankets, high chairs, toddler toys, golf cart, and cribs, and of course, the most needed item of all, funds to purchase day-to-day needs. Please consider Annunciation Maternity Home in your budget. For more information, go to This MOMS project was visited by the State Board and adopted early this year. Lillian Hansen, Chairman Cathy Bittner, Co-Chairman 717 Hoskins 3307 Pecha Lane El Campo, TX Rosenberg, TX lilhansen3@sbcglobal.net cathybittner@sbcglobal.net Read Across America By now, many Court functions are up and running, with members looking forward to the holiday season as a time for celebrating. Don t forget to celebrate Reading!! If your court still has not designated a chair for Read Across America activities, now is the time to do so. This will allow your chair ample time to plan how your court will participate. As part of your court s activities, your local chair may need to contact various schools, day care facilities, or other. For those of you who are planning to work with public elementary schools, please be aware that the 2008 celebration of Read Across America is scheduled for March 3, which is the day before the official TAKS Reading Test. Some schools may wish to postpone major activities until after the test, while some may choose to use it as a way to pump up kids for the exam. For Texas CDA reporting purposes, any of the activities within a reasonable time frame of the national R.A.A. date are acceptable. This is also a time for her to approach other organizations to consider joining with CDA in this venture. The first that comes to mind is your local Knights of Columbus Council. Our Worthy State Regent recommends increased cooperation with the Knights as one of the Texas State Court s goals. What a fun and easy way to accomplish this goal!! Also, by teaming with Knights, our members can offer a strong, upright male role-model that many of today s children lack. Children enjoy having adults read to them, and having both female and male readers stresses the importance of reading for everyone. There are many other ways our Courts can celebrate reading let s share with each other as we prepare for the grand celebration in March. Anne Martin State Read Across America Chairman 14

15 State Court Completes Second Habitat House The Second Texas Habitat CDA Home is now at the final stages of completion, and our recipient Karen Lewis should have moved in by the time you read this article. The home dedication was held in Wichita Falls, TX, on October 20th, and the state was well represented by the following officers: Carolyn Bachmann, State Regent; Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent; Carolyn Malik, Second Vice State Regent; Peggy Rosales, State Secretary; and Eve Trevino, State Treasurer. Olga Samaniego, Immediate Past State Regent / Spiritual Enhancement Chairman, also attended. Special Guests attending were Libby Ramirez, National Regent Elect, and Shirley Seyfried, National Secretary/ Treasurer and Habitat for Humanity National Chairman. Shirley presented a gift from the National Office and informed the guests that three other homes would be built by states that, like Texas, were also receiving a grant of $25,000. In addition to the National and State officers, Terrie Vacek, State Public Relations and Scrapbook chairman, Kathleen Taylor, District Deputy #38, members from the Wichita Falls court #309, members from Windthorst court # 249, and members from the Houston Area also attended the dedication. We were honored to have members from all over Texas help build this home of love. Thank you Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, East Bernard, El Campo, El Paso, Ennis, Denton, Houston, Huntsville, Nocona, Olney, Pasadena, Richmond/Rosenberg, Scotland, Shiner, Victoria, Windthorst, and Wichita Falls. I would like to give a big Thank You to each and everyone who came to Wichita Falls to help work on the Habitat House, to all the courts that helped by donating money, and to everyone who helped by donating, picking up, and serving meals! As you have blessed someone, may God also richly bless you! Susan R Walton Texas State CDA Habitat House Chairman (Top)Catholic Daughters at the dedication of the Habitat House (Bottom) Susan Walton DD#4 and Habitat chairman Court Out Reach Just a gentle reminder the best way to save a court is not to let it get into trouble in the first place. Reach out to interested women and recruit new members from the day your court is instituted. Appoint a phone chairman to check up on ladies who have not been attending meetings. Offer to pick members up if they are having car troubles or can no longer drive. Be church to one another and take care of each other. We have a great gift in our sisterhood; treasure it. If your court is having difficulties, please contact the State Regent or me. We are here to support you. Have a holy and safe Christmas season. Olga Samaniego There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. -W.J. Cameron 15

16 SState News Quarterly Prayer Intentions The following are the prayer intentions for the new quarter. Please share them with your courts. The intentions can be remembered in many ways such as in the opening or closing prayers of your meetings, at corporate communions, by your prayer ministry, and hopefully by each individual member in her daily prayers. Jesus tells us in Matthew 21:22, Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Let us place our trust in Him as we lift up the following intentions: That the love and joy of this holy season will inspire all mankind to work for peace. That those who know physical and spiritual poverty will experience God s love and His protection this Christmas season and always through the efforts of our members and all who know Christ. Remember in your prayers Please remember those who the Lord has called home: Isabel Galindo brother-in-law Libby Ramirez Mary Rodriguez sister of Alicia Rodriguez Juanita Morales sister of Carolyn Bachmann Please remember those who are sick: Missy Price, Regent Court Ancillae Mariae #1886 Sincere Thanks I want to extend a heart felt thanks to all those who sent me cards and s during my time of grief from the loss of my sister, Juanita Morales. Your expressions of sympathy and condolences for me and my family were most appreciated. With all the prayers offered for my sister, I know she has a key to the gates of Heaven. May God bless all of you for your love and your prayers. Carolyn Bachmann May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, The gladness of Christmas give you hope, The warmth of Christmas grant you love. -Author Unknown 16

17 Wichita Falls Habitat Build Dedication On October 20, 2007, the Habitat Build in Wichita Falls was dedicated and blessed by Father Hoa Nuygen. Karen Lewis, home owner, joined thirty-five other women at the site for this occasion. Due to the construction of three other homes on the site, these ladies joined the others at Sacred Heart Parish Hall for the program and meal. A special thanks to District Deputy #4 Susan Walton, Habitat for Humanity Chairman, for the outstanding job performed before and during the build. Susan and her daughters, Rhonda and Sandra, made sure breakfast and lunch was provided everyday not only for our build but for the other two homes being built on the site. Again the Catholic Daughters of Texas have performed above and beyond the call of service to others. God will bless you all for your works of love and sharing of your time and talent. Catholic Daughters climbing to new heights to finish our second Habitat House Financial Reviews National and State Offi cers and Chairman in front of our CDA built Habitat house October 31, 2007, was the deadline for the District Deputies to have the Financial Reviews for all courts in their district completed. The review covers April 1, through September 30, District Deputies need to send in a copy of the reviews to National and State and a copy needs to be kept by the District Deputy and the court for their files. If the Financial Review for your court has not been completed, you need to contact the State Regent. Multi-District Meetings and Retreats Many multi-district meetings and retreats have been scheduled on the calendar. If you plan to have one of these functions before April 13, 2008, you need to contact the State Regent to make sure a date is open on the calendar. If a date cannot be scheduled by this deadline, then you will need to look at November 2008 through March 1, 2009, to schedule your meeting or retreat. Multi-district Officers Training workshops will begin June 1, Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas. ~ Pope John XXIII 17

18 Texas State Calendar November 3, 2007 Multi-Dist. Retreat 16, 23, 36, 41, 43, 47, 48 Santa Maria Ranch Alice November 9, th Anniversary St. Matthew, San Antonio November 10, th Anniversary Olbates of Mary immaculate #1978, 9:30 Mass November 17, 2007 St. George Organizational Meeting, Haltom City December 1, th Anniversary St. Catherine of Seina #1762, Wall December 16, 2007 Institution St. John Neumann San Antonio January 11-13, 2008 State Board Meeting, Corpus Christi January 19, 2008 Multi-District Meeting Districts 10, 28, 37 Wallis February 9, 2008 Retreat Falls City/Hobson February 16, 2008 Retreat District 4, Wichita Falls February 23, 2008 Multi-District Meeting Districts 19, 20, 46 February 23, 2008 Multi-District Meeting Districts 25, 51 Livingston February 24, 2008 Multi-District Meeting Districts 8, 9, 53 March 1, 2008 Multi-District Meeting- Districts 16, 36, 41, 47, 48, Odem March 2, 2008 Multi-District Meeting- Districts 23, 43 March 7-9, 2008 State Board Meeting, Austin March 15, 2008 Retreat Multi-District 5, 26, 39, 49, 52, 55 March 15-22, 2008 Mexico City Habitat Build April 26, th Anniversary Our Lady of Mt. Carmel #1993, Edinburg April 26, 2008 Multi-District Meeting Districts 22, 31 May 2-4, 2008 KC State Convention, Dallas Adam s Mark June 6-8, 2008 State Board Meeting, Shiner June 8, 2008 State Financial Review, Shiner June 21, 2008 Officers Training Ft. Worth July 16-19, 2008 CDA National Convention, New Mexico August 9, 2008 Officers Training Districts 22, 31 September 27, 2008 National Regents Reception, Corpus Christi October, 2008 State Board Meeting, Port Alto November 15, 2008 Houston/Galveston Diocese Memorial Mass January 9-12, 2009 State Board Meeting McAllen January 17, 2009 District Meeting Districts 22,31 March 7-9, 2009 State Board Meeting, Houston April 23-26, th Biennial Texas State Convention, McAllen August 1-8, 2009 KC National Convention Phoenix, AZ Congratulations and Welcomes 25th Anniversary St. Matthew #2241, San Antonio - November 9, 2007 Dolly Pena s 60th Anniversary, Past State Regent, Laredo - November 10, 2007 Institution of new court at St. John Neumann Church in San Antonio - December 16, 2007 New JCDA Courts Instituted Our Lady of the Body of Christ #2543, Corpus Christi - Chris Morin Chairman Our Lady #2337, Dallas - Eilleen Thompson Chairman Send your court congratulations and Memorial Mass Cards to the new JCDA courts. 18

19 National Convention Plans It is time to start planning to attend the National Convention to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Wednesday, July 16 through Sunday, July 20, Please mark and reserve these dates on your calendars now. Chairman Libby Ramirez, National Regent Elect, is working with the current and past New Mexico State Officers and the National Committee to ensure that this is one of the best conventions to date. Texas needs to send a large delegation to New Mexico to show our support for the next 2008 Lent Build In Mexico The Habitat for Humanity Global Church Partnership Project and National CDA have joined hands for the 2008 Lent Build in Mexico. They plan to help raise 40 houses during the 40 days of Lent. The build will begin on February 4 and end on March 23, 2008, with a Mass and dedication on Sunday. Any court or several courts interested in helping to sponsor a build for $ may contact Shirley Seyfried, National Habitat for Humanity Chairman, at or Seyfried@arvig.net National News newly elected National Regent, Libby Ramirez. Attending a National Convention also broadens our knowledge and wisdom of who we are and what Catholic Daughters across the Americas is all about. We carry home new ideas and materials to share with our members. The most rewarding gifts we take with us from a National Convention are the friendships we develop with Christian women who share ideas that we, in turn, can share with our sisters in our own courts. New Mexico is just next door to Texas; so, load up your cars, and we will all meet in Albuquerque on July 16th! State Membership Teams in Action Education Contest and Scholarships Information on the Education Contest and Father Leonard Bachmann Graduate Scholarship Guidelines can be found in the Fall 2008 National Newsletter. Please read carefully and note the changes in criteria and timelines. The National Membership Drive, All Aboard the CDA Train, is still going on. How many new members have boarded the CDA train in your parish? If none, please get on track and start filling the seats on the train in your parish. Please do not let the passengers who are on the CDA train now get off. Remember retain and recruit. We want all seats filled on every CDA Train. If you need any ideas on membership drives, please contact your District Deputy or State Officers, and they will be more than willing to give you great ideas. Vickie Broussard (vmbroussard@aol.com), National Director and Membership Chairman, would like to know the ideas you have come up with using the theme All Aboard the CDA Train. I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. -Charles Dickens 19

20 CDAngels Mary Rose Barta of Court St. Paul #1604 in Shiner is an indispensable and irreplaceable member. In addition to serving as Court Newsletter Editor she has helped institute other CDA Courts. She serves as parish secretary and is a Eucharistic Minister. She truly is an angel always flying around! Evelyn Thompson and Randa Gonzales of Court St. Monica Patroness of Women #2477 in Plano are angels. Evelyn and Randa chaired the court s recent pie fundraiser. Both ladies did an excellent job organizing this fundraiser. Evelyn server her parish as a youth group facilitator and small faith group coordinator. She also co-chairs the court s Quality of Life program. Randa is the court s National Projects chairman. She also coordinates quarterly visits to Our Lady of Guadalupe Maternity Home - state MOM project and our turkey collection and delivery for the same parish. Patricia Michulka, Yvonne Naiser, and Gloria Buxkemper of Court St. Bernadette #1108 in East Bernard are truly angels. Patricia is consistent, reliable and compassionate. Patricia is one of three Spiritual Enhancement co-chairs and presents either a devotional, skit, or interactive prayer services every other meeting. She is a Lector, EME and Usher. And when the office of Treasurer became vacant with fourteen months left in this term, she accepted those responsibilities graciously. Patricia s love relationship with our Lord is contagious and her faithfulness to the Church and CDA a blessing to all. She is a servant for her family, community, Holy Cross and God. Yvonne most recently ended almost a 5-year run as Recording Secretary taking over an incomplete term and was elected for two terms. Yvonne teaches for EBISD and is a superb example of gently service and committed unconditional love. Yvonne is readily available whenever and wherever needed Gloria is the co-chair for the Lenten Bake Sale, Chair for the Cookbook sales, and youth director for the KJT Youth group. Year after year and project after project, Gloria has minimized her health limitations and maximized her ability to serve whenever called upon for CDA and the church. Her faithfulness is greatly appreciated. Court Our Lady of Good Counsel #309 in Wichita Falls has two very special CDAngels. Rhonda Pate and Sandra Fortunas are daughters of Susan Walton, Habitat for Humanity Chairman and District Deputy #4. Both young ladies are working and going to college full time. Rhonda and Sandra got the local businesses in Wichita Falls to donate paper products, breakfast, and lunch for all the working days of the Habitat build. They picked up, delivered, and served most all the meals. These two young ladies made sure there was enough food for all the workers on our building site and the other two home sites next to us. Susan Walton, Habitat for Humanity Chairman and District Deputy #4, of Court Our Lady Good Counsel #309 is truly a CDAngel. Susan spent many hours of planning, scheduling, calling, and leg running to make sure the Habitat for Humanity was a success. She spent vacation time to make sure breakfast and lunch were at the building site each day. With the help of her two daughters, she served and cleaned up after both meals and then went back to work. On dedication day, she served the guests who were present for the ceremony. Susan is not a person for public speaking, but give her a task no matter how much work is entailed, she will give 125% For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6 20

21 Courts In Action Spiritual Enhancement Court Our Lady Queen of the Apostles #2391 in Austin attended First Friday Adoration. They also attended a living rosary with the Knights of Columbus and a parish prayer group. Court Regina Coeli # 1959 in Houston helped host the Archbishop Flores benefit dinner. They also make crafts and host an annual Nun s day dinner. They held a Memorial Mass with the Knights of Columbus for deceased members. Court Our Lady of the Snows #2100 in Richardson held a corporate communion Mass and went to breakfast in honor of CDA Sunday. Court St. Monica Patroness of Women #2477 in Plano attended a Mass in honor of Sister Nirmala, the Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity and Mother Theresa s successor. Youth Court Our Lady Queen of the Apostles #2391 in Austin hosted a Christmas children s Booth for the youth of their parish that allows children to Christmas shop for their families. National Projects and Charities Court St. Theresa Lisieux #2211 in Sugarland and Court Regina Coeli #1959 in Houston filled boxes for the Seafarer Center in Galveston. Fundraisers Court St. Monica Patroness of Women #2477 in Plano held a Red Wheel Pie Sale. Court Isidore Patron of the Land #2340 in Needville held a drive-thru chicken dinner. Court Mercy of Jesus #2407 in Tomball held a Pecan Sale. Court Christ the King#1750 in Houston held a Memorial Mass for deceased members. Court Our Lady Queen of Peace #1374 in El Campo led the rosary at a local nursing home. Legislation Court Regina Coeli #1959 in Houston held a rosary in honor of the military. Court Our Lady Queen of Peace #1374 in El Campo participated in Life Chain. Quality of Life Court St. Theresa Lisieux #2211 in Sugarland sponsored Meals on Wings program that provides meals to members in times of illness and need. Court Mother of Charity #1713 in Houston collected groceries for the poor. Court Immaculate Heart of Mary #1884 in Conroe led bingo at a local nursing home. Court Queen of Angels # 1538 in Wallis visited and delivered gifts to local shut ins. Roster Updates Terrie Vacek - Public Relations Chairman - terriecda@cebridge.net Catherine Greb DD #17 - LWGREB@gmail.com Rose Mary Slagle DD # or c Barbara Clevenger DD #27 - rclevenger@hillsboro.net Barbara Britton DD #40 - jimbarbarab@att.net or c Mary Beth Hrabina DD #53 - mbhrabina@comcast.net #18 Regent Tamara Johnson-262 Peggy St. East-Palacios johnson.tami@yahoo.com #51 Regent Pat Privitt - patandteddyprivitt@yahoo.com #118 Regent MaryAnn Petrosky - meetu123@sbcglobal. net #121 Regent Patricia Thompson Barkwood Dr. - Brookeland CharlesPat@vas.net #168 Regent Beverly Moore - BEVE710@aol.com #192 Sealy #210 Margaret Kutchka - cakutchka@sbcglobal.net 21