The Lone Star Messenger

Transcription

1 The Lone Star Messenger Catholic Daughters of the Americas September 2015 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: What an honor it is to be serving as State Regent for the State of Texas. I am very excited and looking forward to the next two years working with all of my Catholic Daughter Sisters and the state board. I am honored to announce that our new State Chaplain is Reverend Bob Dunn of Corpus Christi. Father Bob is a wonderful holy Priest, and I am happy that he agreed to be our State Chaplain. Many of you met Father Bob at the Austin State Convention and at my reception in Corpus Christi. We are blessed to have his guidance, support and prayers as we begin the new term. The goals and activities for the term are listed in this newsletter. One of the five goals is to increase membership. We have already increased our membership by 115 new members with the institution of four new courts. State Regent s Message Eve Trevino, State Regent The state officers attended the National workshop in Belleville, Illinois, on July 16-19, at Our Lady of the Snows Retreat Center. The national theme for the workshop was CDA on Fire, and the national officers want all states to work on court development and membership. Texas has been and is on fire for court development. The first court instituted for the new biennium was in Corpus Christi on June 28; the next on July 20 in Longview; on July 22 the third was instituted in Commerce, and on July 26 the fourth in Corsicana. The new courts are listed in this newsletter. Please send them prayer cards and welcome them to CDA. Instituting a new court is very exciting for us and the most exciting part is to see the enthusiasm of the charter members and chaplains. I have appointed sixty out of the sixty-two district deputies and thirty-two state chairmen to assist the Texas State Board. Without them, we could not accomplish all that needs to be done. I have two vacancies for district deputies in district #8 for the area of Orange, Beaumont and Winnie and #27 for the area of Waco, West and Hillsboro. Please contact me if you would like to be considered for District Deputy in these two districts. The State Organizational Meeting was held on August at the Oblate Retreat Center in San Antonio. It was a weekend filled with energy, prayer, love and joy that was generated by all who attended. We were filled with the Holy Spirit and the blessing of Father Bob. I cannot thank all the District Deputies and State Chairmen enough for saying Yes to their call to serve CDA. We have a great team. The Habitat for Humanity ground blessing and raising of the walls is scheduled for September 19, 2015, in Corpus Christi. This will be the 7 th Habitat for Humanity build for Texas. National has approved a $25,000 grant for this build which will pay for half of the cost of the home. We are asking that each court assist with a monetary contribution to help with the funding of the construction of a two-bedroom home for a single mother with two children. We will be working at the home on Saturdays after the ground blessing. See Regent s Message, Page 13

2 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 2 A Message From The State Chaplain Glory To God! poured out in service to others. Seeking joy is like running after a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Like a thirsty person in the desert chasing after a mirage only to be left more thirsty, people who run after joy often times find themselves to be with less joy than before. Joy is the outcome of love and a life in the service of others. Ultimate Joy is the Love of GOD and love of God is a life Often times Christians say their goal in life is "to get to heaven," but seeking our salvation is not or should not be our top priority. Our main purpose as Christians is to bring glory to God by our love. If we bring glory to God through loving service, then our salvation will follow. Salvation, like joy, are both gifts derived from glorifying God through loving service. In glorifying God, wouldn't life in Christ be more enriched if every morning we would jump out of bed and pray: Firstly, "Thanks for another day God." Secondly, "Jesus what can You and I do today to glorify Our Father?" Thirdly, "I am Yours and You are mine, do with me what You will!" It is not enough to just serve God by serving others. As Christ s followers and intimate friends with Jesus, our service must be permeated with thanksgiving and a docility to the Holy Spirit lest our service be only a good humanitarian practice. May our service be shaped by the words of the Great Doxology: Through Jesus, and with Jesus, and in Jesus, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, forever and ever. Amen. To be specifically Christian service, our actions must be imbued with the spirit of Christ. In prayer we must examine our interior motives as to why we serve and pray that our motives for service are not performed for our own glory and recognition. We should ask the Holy Spirit to sanctify our interior motives so that our service will be directed solely to the glory and edification of God. The scripture passage, "When giving alms do not let your right hand know what your left hand is doing" can also be applied to our giving of ourselves in service. In other words, let us faithfully serve God for His glory and likewise pray and beg God that our motives for serving are indeed a humble reflection of our gratitude to God and that our service, through His grace, will not be performed out of a hidden desire for self-importance. Dear Lord, grant us zeal and strength to serve you faithfully and humbly. Purify our motives and intentions and help us more and more to live a life of loving service solely for the sake of giving glory to You here on earth knowing that salvation and joy come from bringing You glory. May we truly live the words proclaimed at the end of Mass: "Go in peace glorifying the Lord by your life." Amen. Father Bob CDA State Chaplain Whatever you Do Do for the Glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31

3 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 3 Message From National CDA Director Carolyn Bachman carolyn1349@msn.com Summer is slowly approaching an end with autumn around the corner bringing in the change of fall leaves and also the change in command for the next two years. You have elected some outstanding State Officers to lead Catholic Daughters across Texas. The State Officers attended their Leadership Workshop held in Belleville, IL, in July. The theme was CDA on Fire. The VIP s of Texas attended their workshop in San Antonio in August where the State Officers laid out the goals for the term and shared what was presented at their workshop in Illinois to train the VIP s. The State Regent and District Deputies will be bringing all this information to your courts. It is the responsibility of the Regent and her officers to bring this to the membership. You are our hands on. We must share starting at the top from the National Regent and her Board, to the State Officers to the District Deputies, to the local Court Officers to the membership. CDA has to spread the fire of who we are and what we do to get women to want to be a Catholic Daughter. The National Regent Shirley Seyfried set a goal for each member to participate in BOGO! Bring One; Gain One. This is not asking much of anyone of us to accomplish. Regents, have you shared this with your membership? Have you set a date to have a membership drive and reception of new members? Have you brought in the number of new members your court is responsible to gain? There are eleven months to complete this, so I ask all of you to do your part to make Texas shine at the next National Convention in Just think how many new members your court will have if each member brings in one new member. It is a win-win project, so please get started today. The National Regent informed the State Officers and National Directors at the Belleville workshop of some new changes. 1. Small stud earrings that do not hang below the ear lobe can be worn with robes, Only one earring may be worn on each ear. 2. Nylons do not have to be worn with robes. If nylons are worn, they must be nude or skin color. 3. Ordering from the National store for supplies or merchandise can be done by going on the website and by using Pay Pal. Anyone can setup an account and order. It is a free setup, and other credit cards will not be accepted. 4. All orders placed with the National store plus postage have to be paid in advance before the items will be sent out. Personal checks will be accepted. 5. The National Convention in July 2018 will be in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Circle of Love Program has added a new area called Family. National Projects will be removed from the spoke, and Family will replace that spoke. National Projects will remain as charities that donations may still be made too. Further information on the Family project will be announced later. I want to express my sincere thank you to all my CDA sisters and friends who sent prayers, Masses, and cards to my husband Chris and I the past several months for our healing of the medical procedures we have gone through. I ask for your continued prayers as I continue with my journey of healing for the next several months. May God s blessings and peace be with you, Carolyn Bachmann Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

4 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 4 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. Promote programs centered on youth and families. 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. 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.

5 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 5 State Officer Messages Rosie Stockwell, First Vice State Regent Court Development and Membership rosiestockwell@gmail.com Catholic Daughters: I am excited to be the First Vice State Regent responsible for Court Development and Membership for the term. As soon as I began my new responsibilities, I jumped into the process of instituting four (4) new courts for the state of Texas! These four (4) courts were instituted between June 28th and July 26th which contributed to an exciting summer in the area of court development and membership with a gain of more than 100 members for Texas. Congratulations to the following DD's and organizers for work in court development and membership: Chris Morin, DD #48 and Ernestina Martinez, Organizer -- Corpus Christi, June 28th; Juanita Cantu, DD #6 and Rosanne Waggoner, Organizer --Longview, July 11th; Marcia Hernandez, DD #5 and Brittany Zebendon, Organizer -- Commerce, July 12th; Joyce Ellis, DD #52 and Benji Pardee, Organizer -- Corsicana, July 26th. There are still many parishes in Texas that do not have CDA courts; please let me know if you hear or see an interest for a new court in your area. I will send recruitment materials which includes a packet for the priest in the parish. Court Development and Membership is important not only to gain in membership but also to find ways to retain membership within the local courts. Please log on to this link to hear Olga Samaniego, First Vice National Regent, speak to us about membership: It is truly an eye opening video! You have been hearing about BOGO! Bring One, Gain One for the past year. This is a national contest that will award dollar prizes to local courts for the recruitment of new members and state courts for the institution of new courts. Please do your part locally to be part of the "winner's circle." The State Court of Texas will sponsor a membership contest this term. Three (3) prizes will be awarded in each of the four categories. More information will be in the Regents' Resource Packet which will be sent to all local regents in September 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 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 6 Melodie Brunt, Second Vice State Regent Memorial Scholarship cdambrunt@gmail.com Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Texas State Court was established in June 1980 as a memorial to the living and deceased Past State Regents. This scholarship is funded from contributions made by local courts and individuals. It is a State Project that has three (3) goals: 1) gives graduating seniors who are JCDA members and/or relatives of CDA members the opportunity to apply for an academic scholarship 2) encourages CDA members to give the gift of prayer for the living or deceased 3) honors past State Regents. Mass enrollments are $2.50 for the period of one (1) year with the celebration of the Mass by Reverend Bob Dunn, Corpus Christi, Texas State CDA Chaplain, on the first Friday of each month. The spiritual benefits of the Mass for our loved ones cannot be measured! The monies generated from this project through the local court Mass enrollments are awarded on a yearly basis to graduating high school seniors who meet the criteria. This spring we awarded $38,250 to forty-one (41) students. The students eligibility requirements and application will be mailed with the Regents Packet in September Deadline for student s application is January 31, Please do not hesitate to contact me any time at the above addresses or by phone for more Mass Enrollment Cards or if you have any questions regarding the Memorial Scholarship Program. I look forward to serving you, the members of Texas CDA, as the chairman of this worthwhile program. Rebecca Brown, State Secretary Rebecca.rhea@hotmail.com Greetings and blessings to all my CDA sisters. Summer is over and fall is about to start with court meetings, fundraisers, financial reviews, socials, volunteering, service projects, and all we do is in Unity and Charity. As your new State Secretary, one of my responsibilities is receiving your court s dues, national contributions, and state contributions. Most of the courts have mailed in their dues, but we still have a few outstanding. Regents, please check with your court treasurer to be sure your dues have been paid. Another responsibility I have is to send invoices to all the courts for State dues, which is done in November and May of each year. So be on the look-out for your court s next invoice. I also have the privilege of recording the minutes of the State Board meetings. When I think of someone in the future reading what was written about now well just pray for me. The weight of getting the necessary information included can be overwhelming. With your prayers and God s help, the minutes will be well written. In August we held the Organizational Meeting at the Oblate Center in San Antonio. I helped present a workshop on Financial Reviews. If you are interested in having a copy of our handouts, please let me know by . I ll be happy to share the information with you and hope to make your Financial Reviews go smoothly. I appreciate all the invitations to court functions and will attend as many as possible. If you have any questions concerning dues, contributions, and your invoices be sure to contact me. Thank you again for your support, and I look forward to serving my CDA sisters for another term. In Christ We Live

7 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 7 Terri Beltran, State Treasurer theresabeltran200@gmail.com I would like to thank everyone who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to serve in the office of State Treasurer. Faith and perseverance and trust in Jesus is the glue that holds us together, and this glue is what will make these two years a success. What a wonderful journey it has been bonding with my CDA State Officers as we traveled to Belleville, IL, for the State and Territorial Officers Training. What an awesome opportunity it was to meet the state officers from all over the nation including the state officers from Puerto Rico. The National Officers provided us with the tools we will need for these next two years and Texas is blessed to have Olga Samaniego as our National First Vice Regent and Carolyn Bachmann as our National Director. State Regent Eve has kept us busy instituting new courts and working with the new local court officers; it is amazing the gifts these ladies will bring to CDA. I take this position seriously and will do my best for you. My duties are to balance the budget, to deposit monies, to write checks, and to make sure the state funds are in order for both the State CDA and State JCDA accounts. Here are a few tips for the court treasurers to remember: Checks are sent to the State Secretary. Checks are made out to Texas CDA State Court. Checks must have two signatures. Please make sure the amount written and the dollar amount are the same. Example Two hundred fifty four dollars and 50 cents should be $ Please make sure all numbers are legible. If God is for us who can be against us...rom: 8:31 Texas State Court Calendar August November August 20-23, 2015 August 23, 2015 September 13, 2015 September 19, 2015 September 19, 2015 October 4, 2015 October 9-11, 2015 October 10, 2015 October 11, 2015 October 24, 2015 November 1, 2015 State CDA Organizational Meeting San Antonio JCDA Institution Court St Helen of the Cross #2679, San Antonio (12:00 noon Mass) 40 th Anniversary Court St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Garland Habitat for Humanity Build, Ground Blessing and Raising of Walls, Corpus Christi (10:00 AM) Spaghetti Dinner/Dance- Court of the Cross #2374, Humble Save Date- 20th Anniversary Court Sister Mary #2401, Rosenberg State Board Meeting Edinburg JCDA Institution- Most Precious Blood #2380, Corpus Christi JCDA Institution Ct Daughters of St Elizabeth of Hungary #2584, Alice (11:00 am Mass) 5 th New Court Institution Saint Antony of Padua, The Woodlands Deadline for State Newsletter Articles

8 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 8 Messages From State Chairmen Leadership Melodie Brunt, Second Vice State Regent cdambrunt@gmail.com One of the goals of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas is to prepare women to assume positions of leadership. Leadership is defined as the art and science of helping others to decide on goals and to work toward those goals. A leader: 1) Coaches the members 2) Inspires enthusiasm 3) Says team 4) Sets the pace 5) Is always early 6) Shows how to get a project done 7) Makes it fun forms will be included in the Regent s Resource packet. I encourage every court to participate in the Leadership Circle of Love program. I would love to hear about your leadership activities in your church and community. Take a stand fill out the form be counted! Read more about leadership styles and traits in the Tools of the Trade 2 nd Edition, July 2010; Circle of Love, Leadership section. Throughout the leadership section of the Circle of Love program, there is information on the importance of clearly communicating goals to members, involving members in the pursuit of the goals, and supervising and supporting them as they work toward realization of these goals. As Second Vice State Regent, one of my responsibilities is Leadership Training. The Texas State Leadership Circle of Love State Website A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. - John C. Maxwell Terrie Vacek terriecda@cebridge.net I said yes to State Regent Eve Trevino. I am honored to serve as the Public Relations and State Website Chairman. At the 2013 State Convention, I retired to spend more time with my growing family. And I mean growing; I now have nineteen (19) grandchildren! However, I have learned that in CDA, there is no such thing as retirement! I invite every local court regent in Texas to appoint a Public Relations (PR) chairman. A yes often follows an invitation. It s absolutely awesome to watch local court membership increase; remember, we do not want to be the best kept secret in Texas. By providing feature stories, reports, and photos, local PR chairs promote and publicize the works of Unity and Charity to their communities. Written communication is a statement of praise and thanksgiving. Each is an opportunity for our service to draw us and others closer to God, community and country. Communication often moves someone in your community into charitable service as they hear God s invitation; it awakens a servant heart, and growth occurs. Local courts have the readily available means to promote their court, projects, love, and dignity for all. Exposure not only brings pride to your members, it stimulates interest in CDA, and this keeps membership strong. Before your courts resume normal business meetings in September, the State Website will be updated and ready to serve you as a valuable source of information. If you forget No worries, it s easy to remember; Catholic Daughters of the Americas Texas State Court! Members of local courts in the past were not given the opportunity to read every hard copy issue of the quarterly state newsletter, The Lone Star Messenger. But now, with the use of the state website, both the senior court newsletter and the JCDA JR. Jazz newsletters are available. In addition, the State Court Website serves as an archive resource. Be informed.

9 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 9 Public Relations Terrie Vacek terriecda@cebridge.net 26th Biennial JCDA State Convention Footprints in the Sand June 26-28, Corpus Christi The Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas 26th Biennial State Convention, June 26-28, 2015, Emerald Beach Hotel, Corpus Christi, began with dinner and a beach party to welcome the Juniors, Juniorettes, advisors and guests. Special guests were CDA District Deputies, State Chairmen, State Officers, Past State Regents, and National Director Letty Calvetti, National Youth Chairman. It was a weekend to celebrate and share the successful programs JCDA members have participated in as they walk in faith through the Orders three fold program of Message, Service, and Community. The assembly began the first day of business with morning praise and the "You're my sister, you're my friend" action song. With one rap of the gavel JCDA State President Clella Evans, Court Our Lady of the Hills #2415, Round Rock, opened the convention for the 367 in attendance. There were a total of 32 Court banners on display throughout the convention! National Youth Chairman, National Director Letty Calvetti shared a message from the National Order of the Catholic Daughters. You are wonderfully and beautifully made was the theme of guest speaker Jan Bethancourt, Sugar Land. L-R Kaya Price, Olivia Perez, Clella Evans, Emily Malinovsky, Marissa Hernandez Pena Each court in attendance presented a three minute JCDA Sisters in Action PowerPoint presentation report highlighting their activities over the past two years! The Jette s (girls 6-10) enjoyed several activities during the PowerPoint presentations, A Meeting Etiquette and Tea Party presented by Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Cheryl Supak with Juniorette Activity Chairman Erica Garcia, and the Art Workshop presented by Jan Bethancourt. State Regent Eve Trevino congratulated the girls on their activities and amazing Power Point presentations. She commended them on the creative and many positive ways that they are being useful and making a difference. Eve closed her message by encouraging them to build their membership. Having all their paperwork in proper order, the following were nominated and elected by acclamation: President, Alison Muldrow, Court Ancillae Mariae # 1886, Crosby; First Vice President, Rebecca Rodriguez, Court Lydia Miller # 2187, Harlingen; Second Vice President, Emma Greene, Court Annunciation # 1962, La Grange; Secretary, Elyssa Wagner, Court St. Paul # 1604, Shiner; Reporter, Kristian Castro, Court Our Lady of the Hills # 2415, Round Rock. The JCDA State Officers established a new Be Useful JCDA State Pin based on the threefold program of Message, Service, and Community. The first members to receive this award are Sydney Herman, Emma Greene, Claire Supak, Cynthia Garcia, Sky Garcia, Alexandra Flores, Alyssa Ruiz, Josephine Castro. The Making a Difference Starfish awards were presented to Rosie Rodriguez; Linsay Tomlinson; Peggy Rosales; Benji Pardee and Cathy Bittner; Msgr. John Peters; Belinda Gonzales, and Gracy Zambrano. See JCDA, Page 20

10 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 10 Spiritual Enhancement Mellie Smithwick cdamsmithwick@gmail.com Greetings my Sisters, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and Sisters in Christ: I am honored that State Regent Eve Trevino appointed me to serve as the Circle of Love Spiritual Enhancement State Chairman for the Biennium and 2017 State Convention Chairman. I am also your State contact for prayer requests. I ask for your prayers as I serve our Lord and you through these appointments. I am looking forward to helping you. Every CDA Regent has in her possession a manual or DVD, Tools of the Trade, Second Edition, July Please refer to the Spiritual Enhancement section, pages 1-6, for valuable information that can be used in your court. I will keep you, your Court and your family in prayer and ask you to join me in praying, Come Holy Spirit, come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your wellbeloved spouse. I am also honored to have been asked to be the State contact for prayer intentions. There is power in prayer. Uniting in prayer can make a difference for the person in need of prayer. When you or someone you know is in need of prayer, your request to me at the provided above and I will notify others to pray for your loved one. I will also add, in the , an accompanying prayer appropriate for the person in need of prayer. Please include these prayer intentions during your Court meetings, when praying the Rosary, and/or during your daily prayers. May our Lord Jesus Christ and Blessed Mother Mary embrace you each time you pray. Lord hear our prayer: Quarterly Prayer Intentions For Pope Francis as he travels to the United States of America, September 22 27, 2015, visiting Washington D.C., New York City and Philadelphia and celebrating Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families. For the Catholic Daughters of the Americas newly elected State officers, newly appointed State Chaplain, State chairman and all leaders, may they continue to lead others to Christ and to His service. For a new school year, that administrators, faculty, staff, students and their families may always keep You, Lord, with them in school to guide, protect and to do Your will. For the sick, that they may be restored to good health and give thanks to You, Lord, and Your church. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 Habitat for Humanity Minnie Dennis Chair minden816@ aol.com Patsy Cantu Co Chair patsycantu@yahoo.com The city of Corpus Christi will be the site of the seventh Habitat for Humanity build. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Wm. Michael Mulvey, Bishop of Corpus Christi will begin the festivities with a ground blessing and Raising of the Wall on Saturday, September 19, In order to meet costs for this wonderful gift, we are asking that all CDA Courts make a $100 contribution. The National CDA has provided a $25, 000 grant however, this is only half of what we need. Your donations will enable a deserving family s dream to become a reality. Further details about your court s future contribution and an invitation to join us in the ground breaking celebration are forthcoming in the mail. If you have any questions, please call Minnie or Patsy at the phone numbers above.

11 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 11 Ceremonials Duchess Collins duchessdrc@gmail.com Ceremonies emphasize the purpose of meetings, the duties of officers, and the significance of recognition given to individuals. Ceremonies have always had a place of special importance in CDA. They are a celebration of special occasions that members feel are important. Let s ask ourselves, why use a ceremony? Ceremonies are used to highlight or recognize special accomplishments and goals attained. Ceremonies can be used to convey a message, to challenge and inspire all the members to reach greater heights in personal growth in CDA, and a ceremony must convey that you and this moment are special. Ceremonies can create a feeling of affiliation with and acceptance by an ever expanding circle of acquaintances. You may ask, When a ceremony should be used? Anytime a member has completed a goal, fulfilled a special accomplishment, or has been recognized for a noteworthy task. The accomplishments on the part of the court should also be recognized by ceremonies. As state chairman, I would like to encourage everyone to bring back some ceremonial activities that you may not be doing any more. You would begin by having the Regent appoint a ceremonial coordinator. Ceremonies can include: Installation of Court officers; Reception of New Members; Memorial Services that give us a wonderful opportunity to remember our deceased sisters. Ask your Financial Secretary to order the book, Memorial Services for Deceased Members from the national office. There is also a beautiful Resolution of Condolence you may order from the national office to present to the family during the funeral of a member. Each court should have a couple of these available for when needed. Ceremonies are about important occasions, so why are we not taking time for the ceremonies of our Order? If time is the element, most do not take more than fifteen minutes. The Tools of the Trade also has a Prayer Service section that has a lot of resources for many occasions. Inviting our state officers to attend special occasions of the court such as court anniversaries, holiday dinners, etc. adds to the celebration. If you would like to have state representation you should check the state calendar posted on the state website at to see if there is anything the state board has anything scheduled for the day you would like to have your event. Then contact the state regent to see if arrangements can be made to have state representation. For example, it is not necessary to have your event on the exact date of the courts anniversary; an alternative date for your event may work out better. Please call me if you have any questions about ceremonies, flag etiquette, the planning of a ceremony, etc.. Remember in the planning of your next ceremonial presentation to keep it simple, impressive, and enjoy the moment. Court Bishop Mariano Garcia, #1935 recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a Mass at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church and a luncheon afterwards. Local and state dignitaries attended the festivities. They were blessed with many of the surrounding courts joining them for the occasion. Two of their original charter members were in attendance. They are looking forward to the next 50 years!

12 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 12 Local Court Scrapbook Contest Georgia Mikosh georgia43@cableone.net Congratulations to our newly installed State officers. The State Convention held in Austin in April was a huge success. We had 26 local court scrapbooks entered into the scrapbook contest. As a reminder, your next scrapbook should begin at the last convention and record your court s history up to the next convention in April Your local court s scrapbook records and archives the actual history of the events, activities and achievements of your court. These historical events should be housed safely in one area, available for access by the entire court, year after year, regardless of who serves as officers of your court. It should be considered court property and remain as the historical archives of your court. It should be simple and precise to allow viewers to be able to focus on what the court did, rather than how it was documented. You should be collecting items now for your scrapbook that will State Regent Scrapbook Aimee Garza aimee@pcswirelesstexas.com I will be working on our State Regent s Scrapbook over the next two years. I am asking that you send any pictures or articles of special events, memorable moments, and any other CDA Happenings to me so that they can be included in Eve s scrapbook. You can items to me. When you send me pictures or articles, please date them and give a description of the event. Thank you in advance for your help and your pictures! If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. I want to make this scrapbook a very special one and capture all the greatness that you do! Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it. L.M. Montgomery be submitted in Organize your data monthly (chronologically) even if you plan on working on it at a later date. As you archive the personality of your court, the scrapbook committee becomes a valuable tool in compiling a successful display of leadership, loyalty, laughter, spiritual guidance, unity and charity that is used to promote membership and greater participation of court members. The first page of your scrapbook must contain the name of the regent for and (even if it is the same person). If your scrapbook is going to be over 4 thick, you may want to make it into two volumes (Volume 1 and Volume 2, with the same title pages). Some of the scrapbooks submitted during the last convention were over 6 thick, making it very difficult for the judges to handle during judging. It also made it difficult to handle during viewing. The guidelines and scoresheets are on the State website. I look forward to having more scrapbooks submitted at the next convention. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call me. National Education Contest Iris Hinojosa irishinojosa43@gmail.com Greetings to all CDA sisters. The education contests are very important mainly because our youth from the local parishes are involved. These contests will enhance creativity and responsibility. With school just around the corner, this seems to be an appropriate time to begin promoting the education contests. There are six contests: art, essay, computer art, music and photography. CDA ladies may also compete in some of these contests, so, participate. You are very talented, so take the time to share your talents. This year, the themes are 1) We Are Stewards of God s Creations 2) How Do We Care for the Environment. District Deputies, your help is vitally important!!! Inform all the courts in your district about the topics and the different contests. Encourage participation. The deadline for all entries is March 1, 2016.

13 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 13 Regent s Message from Page 1 The State Regent s Packet and September Newsletter will be mailed out the first week of September 2015, to the local courts. Please review and share the information with your members. As you can see we have been busy, and it is just the start of the term. The work we do is very humbling and rewarding. We are doing God s work because it is His plan for us. Together we can accomplish our work in Unity and Charity for the term. Please keep the state board in your prayers. We ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us spiritually and to help us have a very successful term. Everything is possible to the one who has Faith Mark: 9-23 Out Reach Fran Stegge cdafstegge@yahoo.com The Invitation It was a dry summer evening when the phone rang. My husband Bob answered it and handed the receiver to me. The caller introduced herself as a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and asked if I had heard of their organization. I mentioned I had but didn t know very much about them. She described an organization composed of Catholic women who engaged in charitable and social activities. I recall her saying, We say the rosary at each meeting. After a little more discussion, she mentioned that the monthly meeting was coming up and offered to drive me over. Still not sure and not wanting to inconvenience her, I hesitated. However, she insisted, saying she was just down the street from me and would be happy to oblige. I accepted her offer but warned her I didn t have much time to contribute since I had a family and full time job. In hindsight, I m astounded to reflect how this invitation positively changed my life in so many ways. I grew up in San Antonio and attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. It was familiar for me to be with other Catholics, but joining Catholic Daughters brought new facets to my life I never expected. And now here I am, talking to others about outreach for our organization. Regardless of the state of your court, there are countless Catholic women awaiting an invitation. These women can have a positive impact in your life and the success and health of your court. It all begins with a simple invitation. Scriptural Reflection: Lk 14:15-24, Col 3:12-17 Court Activity: Notify your court in advance they will participate in a 15 minute open floor discussion during or after a regular meeting about invitation. The discussion can be about an invitation they received (to anything), the process of inviting someone, or even how to make something more inviting and welcoming. Blessing: Lord, Bless us with the gift of invitation Open our hearts to be as yours To engender welcome in our words and works Amen.

14 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 14 Circle of Love Family Carolyn Malik cdacarol@sbcglobal.net Thank you State Regent Eve Trevino for appointing me a Circle of Love State Chairman. The National Board has approved the removal of the National Projects spoke and replaced it with the spoke called FAMILY. Family is a big part of everyday life and family activities are more in keeping with the other COL spokes on the circle. Individuals relate to groups of people who provide them with emotional and spiritual connections as a family, even if they share no legal or genetic bonds. For example, a church family has spiritual connections and shared values, even though the members are not formally related. A work family has common experiences and shared activities in long term relationships without a formal bond. College fraternities and sororities often share familial bonds through experiences and consider one another brothers and sisters without formal relationships. Technology, especially social networking, has created online virtual families of individuals who share beliefs, hobbies, and values even if they have never met in person. Family can be broken down into three areas: immediate, extended, and inclusive. The immediate family is made up of the closest loved ones: wife, husband, children, and may include parents, grandparents, or siblings. The extended family is composed of the next closest loved ones which include our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The inclusive family is friends, church members, local community members, organizational members, military, etc. Our family, be it immediate, extended, or inclusive, surround us at all times teaching us life s lessons, giving us the tools to make the rights decisions or choices, and invest in our well-being, comfort, and love. Throughout the year courts should strengthen family relations by interacting with one another in service and work of the family community. Areas of work would be broken down into activities for family togetherness, religious, promoting volunteer and service, and fun activities. While we are trying out new family activities this year, remember that National Projects and National Charities have NOT been removed from the National program of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas just from the Circle of Love. You are encouraged to continue donating to the national projects and charities to assist our brothers and sisters in various places. Jesus calls us to serve others, and not just those we love. We don t have to create a foundation or run a nonprofit to be of service. Like Mother Teresa said, I can do small things with great love. Please continue your budgeted contributions to the national programs as small amounts of money donated add up to great amounts of dollars for charities. A Prayer For My Family Father. Thank you for my family. I ask that you bless them with your favor. Provide for all of their needs. I ask You to protect them from harm and evil. Surround them in the shadow of Your wing. Go before them and prepare the way for them. If any path is crooked, I ask you to make it straight. Protect them from the schemes of the enemy and keep them from deception. Bring Your perfect peace to their hearts. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Source:

15 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 15 Respect Life Mary Rose Barta mrbarts@flash.net Human Trafficking Modern Day Slavery One of the suggestions made by attendees at the Respect Life Workshop held at the 2015 CDA Convention in Austin was to include the topic of human trafficking in future Respect Life presentations. As a result of this suggestion, I researched this very unpleasant but unfortunate reality in today s world. While I cannot do the topic justice in the small space allowed in this column, perhaps I can make you aware of a few basic facts and offer websites and suggestions as to the importance of educating CDA members about this topic and related problems. Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain. It involves the recruitment, harboring, transporting, or procurement of a person for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or servitude. It disregards all decency and respect for human life in the worst conceivable ways. It is a hidden crime, as victims rarely come forward to seek help because of fear of the traffickers and/or fear of law enforcement, or language barriers. In the United States, Texas is believed to have the second largest number of victims of human trafficking, exceeded only by California. Among Texas cities, Houston ranks number one in human trafficking victims, according to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. A common misconception is that human trafficking is a crime found only in the streets and dark motel rooms of the larger cities. While there may be a greater number of victims in the larger cities, we must realize that this crime can take place in cities of all sizes and affects people of all ages and races. With the popularity of social media and cell phone use by children and teens, children can easily become victims of sexual predators and human traffickers. According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Internet Project, 75% of year olds have cell phones; 54% percent reported receiving unwanted texts or spam; and 15% have received sexually suggestive text messages. One can never be too cautious in warning children about these very real dangers concerning cell phone and Internet use. Programs at court meetings can be very effective in publicizing information on these current and very real problems in today s society. I have listed below several websites that contain extensive information on human trafficking and other related topics of course there are numerous other website resources available. Don t overlook your local law enforcement and other area protective services when looking for program information to share with your members. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website offers literature, programs, awareness raising, how your donations can help. Catholic Relief Services - provides information, action links, suggested prayers, donation links. media_and_communications/2014/ txhumantraffickingassessment.pdf - Assessing the Threat of Human Trafficking in Texas produced by Texas Department of Public Safety. - National Human Trafficking Resource Center, a national hotline ( ) and resource center serving victims and survivors of human trafficking.

16 S E P T E M B E R Read Across America Anne Martin 361/ apmartin@suddenlink.net Congratulations and blessings to the new state officers! Thank you Worthy Regent Eve for asking me to chair the Read Across America program for the next biennium. This national activity is celebrated annually in March to promote literacy and commemorate the birthday of Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Courts across our state have celebrated in numerous ways, from simple activities such as cash and/or book donations to local libraries, to elaborate Seuss birthday parties complete with refreshments, bookmarks and reading groups conducted by CDA members in costumes, and other activities in between. Regardless of the size of the membership, every court can find a way to promote literacy. As I mentioned above, Read Across America is an annual event. Many of our other activities are in the form of contests, which are awarded at the time of the state convention. Since this is not a contest, courts that report their RAA activities receive recognition each spring. Legislative Judy Evanicky P A G E 16 devanicky@smithville.live.air.net As your legislative chair, one of my responsibilities is passing on important information in regards to legislation as I receive it from the national office as well as on the state level. I will be forwarding this information to the district deputies, who in turn will be passing this information to the Regents or legislative chairmen in their respective district(s). In order to accomplish this, I have put together the names into one group on the computer. When the legislative alert come out, it will be easy for me to pass along the information right away. I encourage the district deputies as well as the Court Regents and/or local legislative chairs to do the same. If makes life simple!! If you have a local legislative chairman and would like her to be added to my list, let me know. My address is devanicky@smithville.live.air.net. I am excited and honored to again serve the CDA members in this capacity for the next term. Still not sure what this is all about? I am available to attend local and district meetings to answer questions and spread the word! I know that Texas can have 100% participation in this national activity. Happy Reading!!! Missions Of Mercy Cathy Bittner 361/ apmartin@suddenlink.net Benji Pardee pardeem@earthlink.net Lordy, Lordy, it's HOT out there! Seems like there is no end in sight. How blessed we are that most of us live in an air conditioned world! We are not aware that most of our MOMS beneficiaries do not have the luxury of a cool home to walk into after a long day s work. Please keep all of our fellow neighbors in your prayers. It's back to school time for the Colonias down Brownsville way. By the time you read this news article, CDA members from Austin and Roundrock made their trek to Maria and delivered much needed supplies, after school snacks, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. to San Felipe de Jesus Catholic Church. For many of these kids, this is their only means of obtaining what is needed for school. Hats off to these loyal Catholic Daughters who have made this project a yearly one for some time now. Has your court found its own MOMS project yet? Look around the neighborhood. I'm sure there is a family or a youth group, or maybe an elderly couple who need your court's help. Keep up the good work, and together we are making a difference in the lives of many!

17 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 17 State Youth/JCDA Peggy Supak fayetteatty@hotmail.com Sheila Martinka smartinka@earthlink.net Summer is over and it is not only time for school to start, but it is also time for CDA and JCDA to jump into action. What does your court have planned for the youth in your parish and community? * A great way to get involved with the youth is to volunteer to help with or donate to the RE programs. *September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness. Take action to raise awareness of this terrible childhood disease marked by the color GOLD. *October has many opportunities it is the month of the Rosary, Breast Cancer Awareness, WRAP-White Ribbon Against Pornography and Make a Difference Day month. *November--remember our veterans and give thanks to our Lord during Thanksgiving. So let s get busy courts!! We want to thank Rosie Rodriguez, State JCDA convention chairman and all the convention chairmen for the AWESOME job on the state convention in Corpus Christi. We hope all who attended enjoyed the convention. Pictures are on the state website. Check it out. Please send in your evaluations as that is how we learn for next time. Don t forget JCDA Financial Reviews are to be done and turned in to the State Chairmen in October. Past Regents Club Darice Miksch dtm54@hotmail.com What is the Past Regents Club and what does it do? Just as the name implies, it is an organization of past regents who are committed to support the activities of Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Texas. Founded in 1994, the Club has adopted projects to include assistance for new courts and districts, annual stipends to our youth through JCDA, the State Education contest, and the Memorial Scholarship Fund, recognition of courts celebrating 50 th and 100 th anniversaries, and our newest project, supporting our Women Religious in Texas. The Club meets once every two years for a luncheon during the Texas State Convention. In the offconvention year, PRC gatherings are held in various dioceses. The meetings are primarily social in nature with some time dedicated to brainstorming CDA activities. They are a fun way for regents to connect with old friends and to establish new friendships. Membership is open to any regent who has served one year and one day in office. Membership dues are $20.00, covering the time from State Convention to State Convention. Since dues are the only source of funding for the Club s project, membership is critical to our continued success. So please consider joining PRC, and encourage your friends to join as well. It s a great way to support CDA in Texas without doing any work!! Please contact Second Vice President Alicia Alvarado at or betsy802@elp.rr.com for a membership registration form. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever. -Isaiah 40:08

18 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 18 Financial Review Committee Janis Wright jj6879@earthlink.net Hi, ladies! I hope you ve had a great summer and are ready to be active in the upcoming months of busy CDA work. Congratulations to our incoming state officers! I know they are already busy in their new roles, and I wish them well. The state financial review committee met on June 6 in Seguin and reviewed the state books for March through May 2015, as well as the convention books. The books were found to be in good order, and we commend the State Board and the convention committee on their accurate recordkeeping. It is a tremendous amount of paperwork that these ladies handle. Thanks to Gennie Loggins, Christine Moore, Carol Snowbarger, Carolyn Janak and Mary Rose Barta for their diligence in conducting the review with me. What a team! 2017 State Convention Mellie Smithwick cdamsmithwick@gmail.com The 50th Biennial Catholic Daughters of the Americas Texas State convention will be held on April 20-23, 2017 at the American Bank Convention Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. This convention will be a memorable one because we will be celebrating the Texas State Courts 100th anniversary! Plans are under way to provide everyone a grand time. Mark your calendars. It ll be here before you know it! October is the month for the semi-annual financial review so it s time for District Deputies and court Regents to schedule with each other. Hope you have a great CDA year! God bless! History is a collection of stepping stones that were preserved. Please help the Texas State Court capture the history of our CDA members, officers, and their acts of love and service over the past 106 years. I am working on several projects that archive significant individuals, our growth, and achievements. If you, your mother, grandmother, or aunt, have possession of an old convention programs, court anniversary programs, or pictures of any Past State Regents or Chaplains, please me. I would love to discuss ways that you can share the treasures you have! Terrie Vacek Public Relations and State Website Chair at terriecda@cebridge.net If you wish to donate your items, please mail them to me at Aries Loop, Willis, TX If history is to remain alive in the minds and hearts of our membership, these are the facts we need to preserve now. We will establish another bin in the state storage room to house donated documents. Your attention to this project is greatly appreciated.

19 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 19 Public Relations Terrie Vacek terriecda@cebridge.net State and Territorial Conference ~ Belleville, Illinois by Terrie Vacek Photo, courtesy of Terri Beltran; L-R State Treasurer Terri Beltran, El Campo; State Secretary Becky Brown, Angleton; National Director Carolyn Bachmann, Scotland; First Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego, El Paso; State Regent Eve Trevino, Corpus Christi; Second Vice Regent Melodie Brunt, Texarkana. Texas was well represented at the 2015 State and Territorial Officers Conference hosted by the National Order of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas on July 16-19, Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Illinois. The National Board hosts this conference biennially providing newly elected state and territorial officers valuable tools, guidance, and updated operating procedures. First Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego led the Membership training. National Director Carolyn Bachmann presented the Court Development training. When asked what most impressed her about the conference, State Regent Eve Trevino said, I liked that the conference started with Holy hour and Mass which got us prepared for the training. They also included daily prayers and Mass each day of the conference. National CDA is on fire, and they passed it on to all of us. They asked that each state and territory work on court development and membership. We as Texans felt proud because we continue to lead the institution of new CDA and JCDA courts. The national officers and representatives provided excellent training. The states and territorial officers are now on fire and ready to take on our duties beginning with our Organizational Meetings. National Chaplain Reverend Matthew Kuhn gave a presentation on the importance of spirituality. Concerns, goals and objectives of the state courts, including those of today s church and society, as well as issues that affect the well-being of women and children were discussed. Other presentations included talks on Membership, Recruitment, Retention, Renewal, CDA on Fire, State Projects, JCDA, Public Relations, Communication, and setting goals. The Newsletter, Website, JCDA, Youth, Education, Father Bachman, and Campus Court Scholarship awards were presented.

20 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 20 JCDA from Page 9 First Vice State President Olivia Perez, Court Mary Immaculate #1978, Roma was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Saturday banquet. Banquet guest speaker Maria Elena de la O accepted a donation of $1, for Proyecco Juan Diego Children s After School Tutorial Program, Brownsville. She extended sincere thanks to JCDA and the State Officers for their hands-on support of the program. The Saint Anne Award was presented to Cynthia Casas, Court Oblates of Mary Immaculate #1978, Roma. The Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton Award was presented to Terri Beltran, State Treasurer and Immediate Past JCDA State Chairman. The Outstanding Junior of the Year was presented to Erin Supak, Court Annunciation #1962, La Grange. Newsletter Recognition Awards were presented; 1st place to Court Our Lady of St. Hyacinth #2361, Deer Park; 2nd place to Court Annunciation #1962, La Grange; and 3rd place to Court St. Paul #1604, Shiner. Each of the JCDA State Officers shared the highlights of their term in office. Gifts of appreciation were presented to Msgr. John Peters, Ms. Peggy and Ms. Sheila. Campus Court members Cristen Gonzalez, Bianca Ponce, Bianca Peralta, and Tracy Nguyen, of Court Daughters of the Incarnate Word #2583, San Antonio, shared their college experience with CDA along with some of their court projects, goals and challenges. Scrapbook Contest award ribbons were presented; 1st place to Court Immaculate Heart of Mary #1884, Conroe; 2nd place to Court St. Paul, Shiner; 3rd place to Court St. Elizabeth #1616, Sealy; Honorable Mention, Immaculate Heart of Mary Living Rosary #2540, Mc Allen. JCDA State Chaplain Msgr. John Peters was the celebrant for the Instillation Mass. Monsignor has served as JCDA State Chaplain for thirty one (31) years. The 2017 JCDA State Convention will be held in McAllen National Awards Presented at the State & Territorial Officers Conference Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Illinois July 16-19, 2015 ART Division 2, 3rd Place, Kassie De La Rosa, Court St. Matthew # 2241, San Antonio Computer Art Division 3, 1st Place, Stephanie Mattox, Court Holy Cross #1598, Yorktown Music Division 2, 2nd Place, Hannah Blood, Court Our Lady of the Lakes #2220, Austin Local Court Newsletter Category I Division 1, 2nd Place, Court Most Precious Blood #2380, Corpus Christi Category I Division 2, 3rd Place, Court St. Isadore Patron of the Land #2340, Needville Category II Division 1, 2nd Place, Court Mary Queen of the Snows #1588, Columbus Category II Division 2, 2nd Place, Court Our Lady Queen of the Lake #2364, Lake Jackson Category III Division 1, 1st Place, Court St. Paul #1604, Shiner Category III Division 2, 1st Place, Court Immaculate Heart of Mary #1884, Conroe Category IX JCDA, 1st Place, Court St. Paul #1604, Shiner State Court Newsletter Category VI Division 1, 3rd Place, Texas State Court Scholarships JCDA, Rachel Polak, Court Saint Bernadette #1108, East Bernard

21 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 21 Public Relations Terrie Vacek terriecda@cebridge.net "Everything is possible to the one who has Faith" Mark 9:23 State Regent, Eve Trevino selects a theme for the term that reflects her journey with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. L-R State Secretary Becky Brown, Angleton; First Vice State Regent Rosie Stockwell, Edinburg; State Regent Eve Trevino, Corpus Christi; First Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego, El Paso; Second Vice State Regent Melodie Brunt, Texarkana; State Treasurer Terri Beltran, El Campo; and standing in the center, State Chaplain Reverend Bob Dunn, Corpus Christi. Catholic Daughter members across Texas, District Deputies, State Chairmen, Past State Regents, and the State Board joined First Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego, El Paso to welcome and honor Eve Trevino as State Regent of Texas. The celebration of the Mass and Reception were held at Eve s home parish, Most Precious Blood, Corpus Christi. Celebrant for the special occasion was CDA State Chaplain, Reverend Robert D. Dunn, Pastor of Most Precious Blood Catholic Church. Special guests were Past State Regents Peggy Rosales , Austin; Carolyn Malik , Shiner; Sheila Martinka , Victoria; Duchess Collins (Past National Director) , Sugar Land; Libby Ramirez (Past National Regent) , Victoria; and First Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego , El Paso. Eve began her journey with the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in 1992 as a charter member of Court Most Precious Blood #2380, Corpus Christi. Beginning with her local court and community, then as a district deputy, state chairman, state treasurer, right up the ladder of leadership to her election as state regent, Eve has displayed her love for Christ, the Church, and the Catholic Daughters across Texas with unity, charity and grace through faithful acts of service. You may review the report on the State Regent s Reception in its entirety on the state website at

22 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 22 Public Relations Terrie Vacek terriecda@cebridge.net Membership Explosion by Terrie Vacek, PR State Chair 115 new members embrace Unity & Charity Within sixteen days of the change of power meeting, the new state board celebrated the institution of a new court. One of the five goals for the term set by State Regent Trevino was to increase membership. First Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego was featured in a video at the state convention in April defining the critical role that new membership plays in the present and future success of CDA. As a member of the National Court Development and Membership Committee, National Director Carolyn Bachmann shared five steps that every court must take seriously to achieve this goal. Please review Olga and Carolyn s reports on our state website > Events > State Convention > 2015 Austin > day 2. Serving as chairman of new court development and organizing 13 new courts in the past term, State Regent Trevino has again taken the need to increase membership very seriously. Court St. Paul the Apostle #2692, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Corpus Christi, was instituted with twenty-six (26) charter members on June 28. Regent Jody Hoelscher receives the courts gavel from Court Chaplain Reverend Peter Martinez. Other elected officers are Vice Regent Renee Hill, Recording Secretary Marisa Garza, Financial Secretary Duvie Cervantes, and Treasurer Olga Bienia. See Membership, Page 23

23 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 23 Membership, from Page 22 Court St. Margaret Mary Alacoque #2693, St. Matthew s Catholic Church, Longview, was instituted with twenty-two (22) charter members on July 11. The elected officers are Regent Rosanne Waggoner, Vice Regent Carrie Jones, Recording Secretary Shalonda Price, Financial Secretary Missy Harrison, and Treasurer Roma Jones. Reverend Msgr. Xavier Pappu was appointed Court Chaplain. Court Saint Joan #2694, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Commerce, was instituted with seventeen (17) charter members on July 12. The elected officers are Regent Brittany Zebendon, Vice Regent Elva Resendez, Recording Secretary Mary Trelc, Financial Secretary Ruth Gorman, Treasurer Sue Mitchell. Reverend Marcus Chidozie was appointed Court Chaplain. Court St. Gianna Beretta Molla #2691, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Corsicana, was instituted with fifty (50) charter members on July 26. The elected officers are Regent Dottie Brown, Vice Regent Judy Tierney, Recording Secretary Phyllis Pallanich, Financial Secretary Nikki Parker-Mazoch, and Treasurer Victoria Nekuza. Reverend Jason Cargo was appointed Court Chaplain.

24 S E P T E M B E R Women Of Faith CDA Sisters Working Together Everything is possible to the one who has Faith Mark: 9-23 P A G E 24 Court St. Bernadette #1108 East Bernard, TX held an Appreciation Banquet on Monday, June 15th. A catered meal was served and recognition was given to scholarship winners and CDA Distinguished, Lifetime, and 25 year members. Court St. Paul #1604 Shiner, TX held a Fried Chicken Fundraiser on March 1, A total of 1,770 plates were sold to customers in Shiner and neighboring towns. A total profit of $9, was realized with $4, for their court, and a matching amount for the JCDA court!! Court St. Elizabeth #1616 Sealy, TX held their Annual Turkey Dinner and Raffle on February Thanks to an anonymous donor, they were able to purchase a new acrylic raffle drum and a new utility cart. They were also able to purchase a 2nd quilt for their raffle. Court St. John the Baptist # Alvin, TX recognized thirty-two graduating high school seniors from their parish at a mass on Sunday, May 31 st. All the seniors received a rosary which was blessed by Father Taosun. Scholarship winners were also recognized at the mass. They awarded three $500 scholarships. Following mass the seniors and their families attended a breakfast prepared by their KC brothers and served by CDA sisters. Court Our Lake Queen of the Lake # Lake Jackson, TX have given away 54 blankets and are able to maintain a nice supply on hand. The blankets have been given to individuals that are grieving, in need of spiritual, emotional, or physical healing and the home bound. Our Prayer Blankets are tangible expressions of love, prayer and concern from our CDA community to those in need! Ann and Lynette are showing some of the donated blankets. Lovely!! Court Our Lady of The Bluebonnets #2268 Ennis, TX awarded scholarships in June 2015 to the following recipients, Front Row, left to right, Amanda Jurik, Sydney Pechal, Randa Liska and Caitlyn Novy. Back Row, left to right, Brandon Martinek, Mackenzie Rychlik and Nathan Novy. Congratulations!! Court Sacred Heart of Jesus #2422 Odem, TX celebrated their Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Parish Picnic on Friday, June 12, Mass was celebrated at 6:00 P.M. They celebrated the namesake of their parish with the church community. Court Annunciation #1962 La Grange, TX celebrated their Court s 49th Anniversary and Family Dinner on March 22, 2015, Immediate Past Regent Peggy Rosales of Austin and State Treasurer Rebecca Brown of Angleton celebrated with the CDA court members and other guests. Court Immaculate Heart of Mary #1884- Conroe, TX presented their Catholic Daughter of the Year Award to Jeanine LaWare who is a very active member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and CDA. Congratulations Jeanine! Court St. Helen #2330 Pearland, TX collected diapers and baby wipes after mass on Saturday, June 20 and on Sunday, June 21, Donations were dropped into a baby play crib. The title of their project was Daddy Day Diaper Drop! Court Holy Rosary #1476 Rosenberg, TX included a beautiful reflection message in their June 2015 newsletter. When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you gave me.

25 S E P T E M B E R P A G E 25 State Newsletter Editor Rosie Rodriguez cdarosierodriguez@gmail.com It is a pleasure and an honor to be the next editor of The Lone Star Newsletter for the new biennium. I will do my best to relay important information to the CDA members throughout Texas and beyond in an informative newsletter. Special thanks goes to our state regent, Eve Trevino, for guiding me through my first State Newsletter. Please continue to send your local court s newsletter to me. I love reading them! This is an excellent method to share your brilliant ideas with our sister CDA courts. I will continue highlighting your court s special activities and accolades in a section titled Women of Faith. Encourage your court s newsletter editor to send a copy of your newsletter to me. I will highlight your special projects, unique fundraisers, anniversaries, court accomplishments, and other interesting information. As the saying goes, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. You may be helping a fellow court in need of some new ideas. I wish our State Court Officers a successful term. I have had the honor of meeting and working with all of them and I can positively say we are in good hands! Pictured left to right are: Rebecca Brown, State Secretary, Rosie Stockwell, First State Vice Regent, Eve Trevino, State Regent, Melodie Brunt, Second State Vice Regent, and Terry Beltran, State Treasurer. Terrie Vacek, Public Relations State Chairman, says of the picture that Jesus has His hands extended over them to love, guide, and support each one of them over the next two years. of leadership. THE LONE STAR MESSENGER is the official publication of the Texas State Court - Catholic Daughters of the Americas. It is published quarterly; March, June, September, and December. Deadline for receiving articles: February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, November 1st. Submit all articles to State Regent Eve Trevino at cdaevetrevino@gmail.com 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 or mailed to State officers, State Chairmen, District Deputies, Bishops of Texas, and Court Regents. If you would like the newsletter sent to you and your court chaplain electronically, please the State Newsletter Editor Rosie Rodriguez at cdarosierodriguez@gmail.com. Additional U.S. mail subscriptions (black and white copies) may be purchased for $10.00 annually. Please contact Rosie Rodriguez, State Newsletter Editor 4909 Lake Medina Dr., Corpus Christi, TX cdarosierodriguez@gmail.com All free 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.