In Unity and Charity La Bonne Nouvelle Des Amis (The Good News, Friends) Catholic Daughters of the Americas Louisiana State Court March 2018 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. Message from the Louisiana CDA State Regent Connie Dronette My Dearest CDA Sisters, Lent is a time to focus inwardly. It is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-2 When I read this verse, I feel very small. Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights, but on Ash Wednesday when I couldn t eat between three meals, I was hungry greedy. The first Friday of Lent came around, and I craved meat. I do not eat seafood, so Fridays are truly a sacrifice for me. Sometimes I get a little hungry, and when I get a little hungry, I get a little moody. Shame on me, could it be the devil s way of tempting me? You betcha! I have been receiving local Court forms informing me of the delegates and alternates that your Courts can send to National Convention. I know that many of you do not send the entire amount, but I do hope that you are considering sending a few members to represent your Court. If you have not sent the form into national with a copy sent to me, please do so as soon as possible. The form was sent out by the national office at the end of December. A great big thank you to all of the District Deputies that came to the District Deputy Retreat in Rosaryville at the end of January. It was a spirit filled time and was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Court St. Francis of Assisi #1915-Baton Rouge who made rosaries for all in attendance. I am excited to report that we have three new district deputies. Linda Portie, Court Our Lady of LaSalette #1255-Sulphur, was added to the Diocese of Lake Charles District Deputies. Carol Ann Hymel, Court St. Philip #1504-Vacherie, and Mary Benoit, Court St. John the Baptist #2079-Brusly, were added to the Diocese of Baton Rouge District Deputies. Thanks to all three of them for saying yes when asked. Welcome aboard. (Continued on next page) LA State CDA Officers 2017-2019 State Regent Connie Dronette 610 Pitre Street Sulphur, LA 70663 337-802-6136 conniecda@yahoo,com First Vice State Regent Dawn Fortenberry 44475 Daniel Guidry Road St. Amant, LA 70774 225-324-8610 dawniecda@yahoo.com Second Vice State Regent Pam Melancon 9325 Jeff Street Gonzales, LA 70737 225-937-1135 pammelancon17@gmail.com State Secretary Margaret Comeaux 215 Public Road Rayne, LA 70578 337-581-4910 margaretcda17@gmail.com State Treasurer Becky Shillings 44207 Robert Road St. Amant, LA 70774 225-921-1853 bshillings@eatel.net LA State Chaplain Reverend Edward Richard, M.S. 1109 Cypress Street Sulphur, LA 70663 337-527-5261 revedrichard@olpssulphur.com National Regent Helene Shepard Supervisor of Louisiana PO Box 455 Washingtonville, New York 10992 845-496-9213 misshelene2018@gmail.com Newsletter Editor Karen Fills 1513 Anita Street Sulphur, LA 70663 337-304-8424 mkfills@suddenlink.net Webmaster Joyce Stein 19415 Paul Stein Street Vacherie, LA 70090 225-206-0375 joycestein@bellsouth.net LA State CDA Website www.lastatecda.webs.com CDA National Office www.catholicdaughters.org
Message from the Louisiana CDA State Regent (Continued) Connie Dronette During the Leadership Conferences in the fall and at the District Deputy Retreat/Workshop, the state officers presented an organized step by step method to conduct the financial reviews. After talking to many Courts, we realized that there was not a uniformed process to conduct the audits, so that was one of our first tasks as new state officers. The end of March is approaching, and the financial reviews should be done between April 15 to May 15, 2018. Waiting until March 15 ensures that the national office will have the updated roster. All Courts should request a roster and check it with their roster prior to their financial audit. Please have three auditors at the financial review. The District Deputy is there to conduct and supervise the financial review and is not to be an auditor. The officers need to move to another room while the audit is being conducted. If the District Deputy has a question, they will go get you. What a wonderful time to have an officer s meeting. I am still searching for two new district deputies in the Diocese of Lafayette. We need one especially in the Franklin area. A district deputy should have some experience with bookkeeping, possibly having served as a treasurer or financial secretary for their local Court. Please contact me if you are interested. I want to encourage you to pay close attention to the March 15 deadline for so many projects and activities. Please fill in your Circle of Love forms. Do it together with your board or ask for suggestions at your next meeting. I am so inspired by the many great projects that I read about in your newsletters that are sent to me. I also want to say a special thank you to my fellow state officers. They are the best of the best. I often call them the Fab Four. They work so hard. There is always something to do, but when we do it together, the work isn t that difficult at all but an opportunity to serve Our Lord and you in joy and laughter. Our state is blessed to have these ladies as leaders! Praying that your Lenten journey will open your heart and soul to the graces that God has in store for you! Your Servant Leader, Connie LA State Chaplain Reverend Edward J. Richard, M.S. Dearest Catholic Daughters, I am grateful to St. John Paul II for a lesson from the Theology of the Body concerning the Garden of Eden and Jesus temptation in the desert. In his writings, he brings out an ancient teaching from the Fathers of the Church concerning what is known as the three-fold structure of sin. That structure is mentioned in 1 Jn 2:16: the lust of the flesh, the enticement of the eye, and the pride of life. John tells us that this comes from the world and not from the Father. John admonishes us not to love the world or the things of the world. He says that if anyone does love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The structure of sin of which John is speaking originates in the Garden of Eden. In the fall, our first parents surrendered to temptation and exchanged love for the Father with love for the world and the things of the world. The three-fold structure of sin appears first in the Genesis account of the fall. When Eve looked at the tree of knowledge of good and evil, she saw that the fruit of the tree was good to eat, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. When our Blessed Lord is tempted in the desert, the temptation of the enemy is reminiscent of the temptation in the Garden of Eden. He is tempted by the devil to exchange the world for the Father s plan--with food, making a spectacle of himself in the sight of others and a very grotesque temptation of pride. There is that three-fold structure of sin again. The Lord rebukes the adversary on all accounts, thus instituting a reversal of the pattern of the fall that all of us must follow. (Continued on next page) 2
LA State Chaplain Reverend Edward J. Richard, M.S. (Continued) Lent is a time to be with the Lord in the desert for those 40 days. It is a time to be victorious with him in rebuking the enemy. In Lent, we determine that we will not follow the pattern of Adam and Eve but the pattern of the New Adam, Our Lord Jesus, and the New Eve, Our Blessed Mother, who said Yes to God. May you have a Blessed Lent and a glorious celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord! In Our Lady, Rev. Edward J. Richard, MS Message from National Regent Helene Shepard Supervisor of Louisiana Dear Catholic Daughters of Louisiana, Congratulations to each of you for all the new Courts in Louisiana. You are certainly on a roll, so please don t stop. I know you will reach 100 Courts before the deadline. The TEAM is outstanding! Almost 20 months of this term has gone by! Can you really believe that statement? I can remember writing one of my first articles to you. It is now time to begin writing one of my last articles. The remainder of the term we will be concentrating on the plans for the 57 th Biennial National Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Will you be there? If your answer is yes, you will have the opportunity to kick off the convention with the spiritual concert led by Kathy Troccoli, who is a spiritual entertainer. Cardinal Dolan will be the Celebrant and Homilist at one of the Masses. Father Shenan Boquet, President of Human Life International, will speak at one of the business sessions. You will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. You would not want to miss all of this?? Would you?? There will be wonderful workshops that you can attend. I do hope and pray that members in the local Courts are thinking about stepping up to the plate to serve as an officer of their local Court. If you answer yes to the call, you will find it to be rewarding work. I want to wish you a Happy Easter! As you celebrate Easter, may you remember God s perfect love for all mankind, and may that love fill you with hope for the days to come. In Unity and Charity, Helene Shepard National Regent Find Father Pierre A picture of Father Pierre (pictured to the left) will be appearing somewhere else in each of the LA State CDA newsletters for 2017-2019. Scan each of the newsletters and see if you can find him! One winner will be chosen from entries received. Contest will begin with the June, 2017, newsletter and end March 1, 2019. Drawing will be held at our LA State CDA 48th Biennial Convention. Please tell us where you found Father Pierre by emailing your entry to mkfills@suddenlink.net or mail to Karen Fills, Newsletter Editor, 1513 Anita Street, Sulphur, LA 70663. You will have several chances of winning the contest prize of $50.00 for your Court if you enter the contest after each issue of the newsletter. Have fun and enjoy getting to know our LA State CDA newsletters a little better! 3
Message from our First Vice State Regent and State Court Development Chairman Dawn Fortenberry My Dear Sisters in Christ, I am feeling like I am on. We recently held a workshop/retreat for our District Deputies. It was awesome, and I wish we could have had all of them attend. Rosaryville is such a beautiful place; too bad we couldn t have stayed longer to enjoy all it has to offer, but our work is ongoing. While there, I received an email. It was about the potential for yet another Court in the state. I have that song in my head, I m so excited, and I just can t hide it! I just can t get it out of my head. We are instituting a Court in Bell City at St. John Vianney in the Diocese of Lake Charles on February 25, 2018, at 9:30 A.M. Mass. This will be Court number 97 for Louisiana. Thank you, Vickie Melanson, for that lead. Also thanks to District Deputy Christie Melancon assigned to the new Court, District Deputy Linda Portie, and District Deputy Karen Fills for their help. Then, upon leaving the retreat we headed to Mandeville in the Archdiocese of New Orleans to recruit for yet another Court at Our Lady of the Lake Church. What an awesome response we received. I cannot thank enough the four District Deputies, Trisha Crombie, Sheila Moore, Crystal Holdridge, and Diane Grego, and the other State Officers for all the help recruiting. This is a big job, and they all had smiles and positive attitudes. When I got back home, I called the church from the email on Monday, and YES!! we have another set up to do pulpit talks. It will be April 14th and 15th in Mandeville again, this time at Mary Queen of Peace Church. Our goal is 100 plus!!!!!! If the two mentioned above become Courts, that would be 99! Ladies, are you on fire for CDA? If not, why? Ask yourself that question. Is it because your Court is stagnant, or is it the leadership, or is it you? If either of these are true, then maybe that s a sign that you are being called to help make a change and/or lead! We all have our own unique style of doing things, but sometimes change is good. With elections upon us, we need ladies who are on fire to step up and move our state forward. That person might be you! I would like to wish everyone a spirit filled Lenten season. May God call you out of your comfort zone into bigger and better things. Wishing all of you a very blessed and happy Easter! Love to all, Dawn Boudreaux was shopping at the Wal-Mart when he ran into his old friend, Thibodeaux, right outside the jewelry section. Thibodeaux noticed that Boudreaux had a small, gift-wrapped box in his hand. "So,what you done bought dere, Boudreaux?" Thibodeaux asked. "Mais, now dat you done axed me dat," replies Boudreaux, "it was time to buy Marie's birthday present, and dis morning when I axed her what she want me to get her, she say, Oh, mais I don't know me cher. Just so it got a lot of diamonds in it. "So, what you got for her, Boudreaux?" Ole Thibodeaux asked. Boudreaux, smiling proudly, replied, "Mais, I got her a deck of cards!" IMPORTANT: MEMBERSHIP FORMS Please send all membership forms to LA State CDA First Vice Regent Dawn Fortenberry, 44475 Daniel Guidry Road, St. Amant, LA 70774. Faith helps you succeed when everything else fails. Dawn Ewing 4
Message from our Second Vice State Regent Pam Melancon As this Lenten season is upon us, it offers us an opportunity to reflect on the path we are taking in our lives. At an early age, we learned the word YES. Yes can be to questions that are not real significant in life, or they can be to questions that are life changing. We say yes numerous times a day, but what does it truly mean? More than 6,700 beautiful ladies in the State of Louisiana said Yes to the Catholic Daughters! That YES was because something moved our hearts. The Holy Spirit is working in all of us! So now what? What are we doing with our YES to move us closer to God? Are you positive to other CDA sisters? Are you supportive of the officers of your Court? Are you volunteering in your Court? Are you brainstorming for new projects and ideas? Are you praying for the sick, lonely, and deceased? Are you reaching out to family and friends to join CDA? Are you a living example of our mission of Unity and Charity? Are you serving the poor? Are you standing up for the rights of those who cannot? Are you growing in love? Are you part of a Bible Study group? Are you writing in a prayer book or journal? Are you finding time for God each day? Are you reading the Bible daily? All of these questions have an opportunity for us to say YES which allows us to grow closer to God and others. In the remaining days of Lent, reflect over these questions. Are there some that should have a YES behind them? Use this Lenten season to discern your YES. I pray they enlighten your journey and keep you growing close to GOD! Pam Project Rainbow Louisiana State CDA Project Rainbow Each local Court is asked to contribute $45.00 or more annually to the Louisiana State CDA Project Rainbow. These donations help fund the following projects: Disaster Relief; Scholarship Fund; and CDA Kids. Court checks made payable to Louisiana State CDA are sent to the LA State Secretary Margaret Comeaux. WHERE DO YOUR CDA DUES GO? Your CDA Court member dues obligation to the National CDA Court is $15.00 per member per year ($7.50 payable in April; $7.50 payable in October). Your dues obligation to the LA State Court is $3.00 per member per year ($1.50 payable in April; $1.50 payable in October). That leaves the remainder per member per year in your own local Court treasury to meet your charitable and budgeted needs. Can you see why it is so important that each and every member pay her dues and pay them on time? Seminary Fund Donations from local Courts to the LA State CDA Court for this purpose will be given to the Bishops each year. If your Court has not yet made your annual Seminary Fund donation to the LA State CDA Court, please do so now to have your Court name added to the letter going to the Bishop of your diocese along with the check. 5
Message from our Recording Secretary Margaret Comeaux My Dear Sisters in CDA, First and foremost, I would like to thank all of you for the prayers, messages of condolence, the many cards, requests for Masses, and spiritual bouquets that I received in the last month since the passing of my mother. I can never tell you how much it meant to my family and me. We truly felt the power of the prayers, and it gave great comfort to know that even if you didn t know her, you were concerned for our family. Mother was a strong woman of German descent, and the most important things to her were God, her family, a well-cooked meal, and a clean house, most of the time in that order, but sometimes I think that clean house may have come before that well-cooked meal. She raised eight children with a strong hand and lots of prayer, and I thank God for being a part of her family. Another Lent is upon us, and we look forward to spring and Easter celebrations. I love this time of the year when we try to better ourselves in the way of penance. So many times, we are trying to do without as a way of doing penance, and we forget to do things that can also help us to grow, like reading a book to increase your knowledge of your faith. A great one that is out right now is called, The Case for Jesus by Brant Pitre. There are some Courts which are having Days of Reflections in their parish, some with guest speakers. If your Court is hosting one of these, please contact neighboring parishes and Courts to attend. A reminder ladies, you do not have to be a CDA member to attend, and this is a great recruit time for the Court. Whatever your means of growing in faith this Lenten season, do it well, and you will continue to grow in faith and love of Christ. CDA is continuing to grow here in Louisiana, and we are so proud that all are doing such a great job of helping the sisterhood grow in Unity and Charity. Pat yourselves on the back. You are doing it, and it is making the job of the LA State CDA Board such a joy for the five of us on the Board. Holy Lent and a Happy Easter to all of you and your families. Love and Prayers, Margaret Message from our Treasurer Becky Shillings By the time you read this, we will be well into Lent. What are you doing for Lent this year? Most people give up something for Lent. Others try to do something extra during the season. I usually give up something but never seem to make it to Easter. A couple of times, I tried attending daily Mass. This lasted for the first week. The next couple of weeks the number of times attending Mass became less and less. Back then, I wasn t ready to commit to Jesus completely. I am not totally committed now but I am on a straight path to being there. So this year I feel I can do both. I am going to give up potato chips (sounds silly, but I m addicted to them), and I m going to attend Mass daily. I feel I can do this now because of the people I ve met who have slowly but surely led me on the journey to becoming closer to God. That s when I was introduced to our local Catholic Daughters Court. These ladies became a definite influence on my religious life and continue to be today. Not only are they there when I need prayers or support, but they have truly become life-long friends. I m sure most of you feel the same way about your local Court sisters. Sure, there s that one who is an annoyance to you and others, but she is the one you need to become closer. Who knows why she is annoying? It could be that she never developed social skills or that she is extremely shy and overcompensates, or it s just her personality. Whatever the reason, use the Lenten season to practice what Jesus preached. Get to know her. I ve been consciously working on this, and believe it or not, it does get easier to deal with this type of person. And it has had added benefits to myself. Remember, your CDA sisters are always there for you. Their support is there for the asking, and more often than not, no asking is required. Have a blessed and fulfilling Lenten season, Becky 6
State Fundraiser Calendar Raffle The LA State CDA board decided to try something different for a fundraiser this year. We were not certain we would collect enough entries to be able to make it happen. The potential was exciting and achievable, but you just never know. To our astonishment, we exceeded our expectations. We have made over $12,000 with the Calendar Raffle. We cannot thank the ladies enough who took the time to sell above and beyond. The winner of the $500 prize for most individual sales went to Laurie Gautreaux of St. Amant from Court St. Rose de Lima #1194. The winner of the $500 prize for the Court with the most sales was just across the river from the other winner. This Court was St. Philip #1504 in Vacherie. The photo to the left is of LA State CDA First Vice Regent Dawn Fortenberry and LA State CDA Treasurer Becky Shillings working on preparing all the entries for the first drawing. As per government guidelines for raffles, all entries needed to be numbered. We were new to this and weren t sure how we would do the drawings. We decided to purchase a raffle drum, but all the entries got stuck together when we tried to rotate it. So the decision was made to cut each entry and make it easier to rotate and shuffle. That worked perfectly. Each week, two or more of the State Officers get together and draw the names for a week. The checks are written and mailed that day. Each Monday the winners are listed and sent out by LA State CDA Regent Connie Dronette. LA State CDA Website editor, Joyce Stein, includes these winners on the State Website. We are continuing to receive entries as of today. You can buy one at any time during the year. Each time a person wins, their entry is put back into the barrel for the next drawing. Good luck to everyone, and thank you again making this happen. CDA Deadlines Please keep this list available and handy for quick reference. It will assist you in meeting the deadlines. March 15, 2018 - State Education Contest - 1st place winners from the local Courts are to be sent to State Chairman Elaine Trahan, 4011 Drozan Ct., Lake Charles, LA 70605. March 15, 2018 - Seminary Fund Contributions - Local Court donations to Seminary Fund in all dioceses along with a list of donor Courts will be mailed to the Bishops. Court checks should be sent to LA State CDA Secretary Margaret Comeaux, 215 Public Road, Rayne, LA 70578. March 15, 2018 - State Court Scholarship Awards - These entries from local Courts for 8th and 12th grade graduating students are to be sent to State Scholarship Chairman, Pat Myers, 802 Sundale Drive, Lake Charles, LA. 70607. These forms were included in the LA State CDA September 2017 Newsletter. March 15 2018 - Circle of Love Annual Report Forms are to be sent to each respective chairman listed on the form. These forms were included in the LA State CDA December 2017 Newsletter. March 15, 2018 Newsletter Contest - Local Court entries are to be mailed to State Chairman Tracy LeMieux, 319 W. Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. These forms were mailed to the local Court Regents from the CDA National Office in September. CDA 57th Biennial National Convention Program Booklet Journal Ad Due by May 1, 2018 The sponsorship form for local Courts and individual member s sponsorship and applicable payments (Court checks made payable to Catholic Daughters of the Americas) are to be mailed to Sherry Niles, Convention Journal Ads, 711 25th Avenue, Sheldon, IA 51201. You must send all artwork by email. Email your ad to Sherry at ljnilles@nethtc.net. Send a copy of your ad with the check. For additional information call (712) 324-0125 (home) or (712) 348-1218 (cell). Proceeds from the 2018 Convention Program Booklet will help to further provide assistance to our charities and alleviate some of the costs of the convention. Your support is greatly appreciated. 7
Corrections to the LA State CDA Directory Clip and paste the corrections below on the page indicated. Be sure to check your information in the LA State CDA Directory and send corrections to LA State CDA First Vice Regent Dawn Fortenberry to keep the directory current. 993 Anna Maria-Thibodaux Jackie Gilfour 210 North 12th Thibodaux, LA 70301 985-446-8014 jackiegilfour@gmail.com page 10 1980 Our Lady of the Snows-Maplewood May Hill 2801 Roxton Street Sulphur, LA 70663 337-625-8119 wwmayhill@gmail.com page 16 2161 St. Theodore-Carlyss Rebecca Link 1170 Armentor Road Sulphur, LA 70665 337-583-4939 (h) 337-526-8314 Rebatlink@yahoo.com page 16 2496 Genevieve of Paris-Thibodaux Jessica Harvey 1813 Himalaya Avenue Thibodaux, LA 70301 985-414-1149 englishmajorerror@gmail.com page 10 Save the Date March 28-31, 2019 Catholic Daughters of the Americas 48th Biennial Louisiana State Convention Sulphur, Louisiana West-Cal Event Center "Serve one another humbly in love" Galations 5:13 Congratulations on the Following Court Anniversaries March 10, 1966 - St. George #1960 - Baton Rouge - 52 years March 10, 1968 - Our Lady Queen of Peace #1985 - Jennings - 50 years March 11, 1962 - Pope Pius X #1883 - Cut Off - 56 years March 13, 1949 - St. Philip #1504 - Vacherie - 69 years March 14, 1954 - Sacred Heart of Jesus #1674 - Ville Platt - 64 years March 24, 1971 - Our Lady of Good Counsel #1401 - Loreauville - 72 years March 30, 1913 - Castile #197 - Shreveport - 105 years March 31, 1968 - St. Joseph the Worker #1986 - Vinton - 50 years April 2, 1950 - Immaculate Conception #1531 - Church Point - 68 years April 8, 1945 - St. Raphael #1377 - Iowa - 73 years April 11, 1926 - Anna Maria #993 - Thibodaux - 92 years April 11, 1954 - Assumption #1672 - Franklin - 63 years April 11, 1976 - Padre Pio #2141 - Cotton Port - 42 years April 13, 1947 - St. Paul #1434 - Breaux Bridge - 71 years April 13, 1980 - Assumption Blessed Virgin #2214 - Mire - 38 years April 14, 1977 - St. Leo #2168 - Robert Cove - 41 years April 17, 1994 - Our Lady of the Americas #2388-Westlake - 24 years April 20, 1941 - St. Joan of Arc #1334 - LaPlace - 77 years April 26, 2014 - St. Margaret Queen of Scotland #2678-4 years April 29, 1923 - St. Mary Magdalene #801 - Abbeville - 95 years May 15, 1949 - Our Lady of Fatima #1506 - Lake Charles - 69 years May 16, 1920 - Immaculata #503 - Lafayette - 98 years May 18, 1924 - Materi Dei #868 - New Orleans - 93 years May 19, 1996 - Blessed Sacrament #2428 - Evangeline - 22 years May 20, 1923 - Isabella #809 - Morganza - 95 years May 20, 1934 - St. John #1214 - Plaquemine - 84 years May 20, 1973 - Bishop Greco #2072 - Pineville - 45 years May 21, 1950 - Alice Boucher #1537 - Lafayette - 68 years May 24, 1925 - St. Anthony #968 - Bunkie - 93 years May 29, 1955 - St. Theresa #1693 - Duson - 63 years 8
CDA District Deputy Retreat/Workshop A Vessel for the Master s Use was the theme for the CDA District Deputy Retreat and Workshop that was held on Friday and Saturday, January 26-27, at the Rosaryville Spirit Life Center in Ponchatoula. Eighteen of 30 District Deputies attended. The retreat began on Friday evening after dinner as LA State CDA Regent Connie Dronette shared the touching story of her grandmother who lived her life as a vessel for the Master s Use and how we can all become vessels for Him. The District Deputies and the LA State CDA Officers then reviewed Court locations, and changes were made in assignments. The evening ended with Bunco! The next day we began with the Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary. After the rosary, training for the new Financial Review procedure began. The District Deputies took the role of auditors and did a Financial Review for an imaginary Court. The day ended with the Divine Mercy Chaplet. We cannot explain why these little signs mean so much to us. But the fact is that a word of thanks for some small thing can transform our day. Jeanne Reidy 9
Diocese of Baton Rouge My name is Sheila Moore. I am originally a Mississippi gal, but due to my husband s work, I have been in Louisiana for over 30 years. I am currently the secretary of St. Amant Primary School and have been with the Ascension Parish School Board for over 25 years. I have been married to my husband, Raymond, for 40 years. We have two daughters, Mindy Kramer, a dentist in Denham Springs, and Jen Schmolke, an avid dog rescuer and volunteer. We have one granddaughter, Addison Kramer, who is nine years old and attends Oak Grove Primary School. My sons-in-law, Shawn Kramer and Brandt Schmolke, are two of the best, and I love them dearly as if they were my own. I have been an active member of St. Rose de Lima Court #1194 of Duplessis, LA, since July, 2009. I must admit that I was coaxed into joining the Catholic Daughters of the Americas by a truly dear friend. I mean, how can you say no to a friend. I had never heard of the Catholic Daughters. Well, to this day I am so thankful that she invited me to join. I have been the Recording Secretary, the Financial Secretary, and I am currently the Vice Regent. I have met so many CDA sisters and can truly say my circle of friends has grown tremendously. I have attended many State and National Conventions and will continue to do so as long as I am able. I was appointed District Deputy by LA State CDA Regent Connie Dronette in June, 2017. What an honor it is for me to serve in this capacity. I am a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and enjoy giving my time to the church and community. I am a doer in all capacities, and the word NO has not entered my vocabulary yet. Diocese of Lafayette I am Christine Gaspard, a 23 year member of Court St. Martin #793-St. Martinville. I was fortunate enough to be appointed by LA State CDA Regent Connie Dronette as District Deputy this year. I have chaired many committees for our Court and have held the office of Recording Secretary and Regent of my local Court. I am one of five siblings and have strong family ties, with 12 nieces and nephews and their families which keep me busy. I have been married to my husband, Kelvin, for 29 years. I love animals, music, good movies, and meeting new people. I am retired but still subbing part time in high school and as a special educator. I am also active in the community, serving on the ACS Iberia Parish Event Leadership Team, the Acadiana Healthy Communities Coalition, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Council 3425. Lastly, but not the least important by any means, I am a liver transplant two year survivor! I look forward to working with my Courts as well as the LA State CDA Board as the years progress! Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux My name is Fabian Whitney. I have been a Catholic Daughter for 25 years, as my mother was before me. I have been married to my husband, Gregory, for 47 years, and we have raised four very wonderful, successful children. They are Greg Jr. (retired from Air Force and a Veteran of Desert Storm), Sebastian (ER nurse in Kingwood, Texas), Tara Lynn (former sheriff deputy for 15 years and working on her graduate degree in psychology), and Abraham (a diesel mechanic). We have seven beautiful grandchildren ranging in ages from 2 to 14. I have held many positions in our CDA Court Our Lady of Perpetual Help #1848 in Houma. I served as Treasurer, Vice Regent, and Regent. I was appointed a District Deputy for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by Past LA State CDA Regent Joyce Stein approximately eight to nine years ago. I have been Regent for about eight years now. I have been a nurse for 47 years and have held many positions, both clinical and supervisory. I have currently been practicing as an acute care nurse practitioner for 18 years. I have been active in various nursing organizations over the years. I have enjoyed helping my husband, working at our local live theater, being active in our church in many projects, sewing, and gardening. We enjoy season tickets to the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans. I have supported and been active in all organizations my children have been involved in over the years. 10
Diocese of Lake Charles I am Cindy Vincent from Court #1980 Our Lady of the Snows. Being a member of CDA for 10 years, I have held the office of Regent and am now a District Deputy. Traveling to National conventions as well as to our State ones and to workshops and retreats has brought me to a broader view of what we do as Daughters and the impact a group of women can have on our country as well as the world. LA Past State CDA Regent, Barbara Michael, asked me to serve in this position which was such an honor to accept. I am married to Lee Vincent who works at Citgo and have two sons, Brandon and Justin Vincent. Being a MEME to Hannah, Hallie, Collyne, Brian, and Weston is a blessing beyond words. In my spare time, I am a member of the Sulphur Sunrise Rotary Club, and Krewe of Cosmos for 28 years, being Queen in 2006 and Captain in 2016. I am a founding member of Krewe of Athena, being bestowed the honor of being Captain Athena 1. At church, I m also a Linen Sister, an Altar Society member, and a church social committee chairwoman. This has been a memorable experience being a part of such a wonderful group of women whom I call My Sisters. Archdiocese of New Orleans I am Diane W. Grego. I was appointed by LA Past State CDA Regent Lois Dugas or maybe LA Past State CDA Regent Ruth Guidry (can't remember which one). I have been a District Deputy since then, serving all past LA State CDA Regents to our present LA State CDA Regent Connie Dronette. I like to collect miniatures and angels. I serve at church as a Eucharistic Minister. I have been married 36 years to David Grego and have two grown children, Tony and Donna. I have been a Catholic Daughter since March of 1975. Love being a Catholic Daughter! Diocese of Baton Rouge Court St. John #1214 in Plaquemine has been busy this past year sending rosaries to hurricane victims in Texas as well as funds to both Florida Victims and Metanoia. We host receptions for RCIA candidates, make food donations to local food bank, are greeters for our church, and work dessert tables at our outdoor Mass. We are now having the Adoration Chapel kneelers upholstered. It s the friends you can call up at 4 A.M. that matter. Marlene Dietrich 11
Diocese of Baton Rouge Court St. Francis of Assisi from Baton Rouge was the 1915th Court to be established in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Court St. Francis of Assisi #1915 was instituted on February 2, 1964, with 90 charter members and Ruth Jones as our first Regent. There are three charter members still active on our rolls today: Dorothy Devillier; Eileen Hill; and Carolyn Talbot. We began meeting at St. Thomas More Church, but due to the lack of a consistent meeting space, we moved to St. Louis King of France Parish where we functioned quite well until that parish closed in November, 2017. We have come full circle, again meeting at St. Thomas More where we first began. Our Court has been a very successful one for all these many years. We have won numerous state and national awards, not only for our program but for our Court newsletter as well. We boast an average of 35-40 members at our monthly meetings, and we have been blessed with excellent officers leading our Court in unity and charity. Diocese of Houma - Thibodaux Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Massabielle #1134 was established in Morgan City on August 25, 1929. Since its inception, Court Massabielle members have served the community of Morgan City and surrounding areas through a variety of activities which include: Baptismal Garments: We provide them for Sacred Heart and Holy Cross Parishes. Catholic Education: Each year a donation of $100.00 is given to Holy Cross Elementary and Central Catholic High School. Traveling Chalice: Given each week to a family as a reminder to pray for religious vocations. Seminarians: We support our seminarians in the Diocese of Houma - Thibodaux with prayers and with a monetary gift given at ordination. Members donate to our Seminary Fund. Rosary: The Court offers to say the rosary for our deceased members at their wake. In addition, we say a rosary every quarter for our recently deceased member(s). The Court participates in community rosaries. Deceased Members: We have two Masses said for deceased members at their parish church. We also invite family members to a Court-sponsored Memorial Service each year in November in remembrance of recently deceased members. Charities: Each Christmas season, members donate needed items and make monetary donations to local charities. Our current Giving Project provides needed materials to the Tri-Parish Veterans Shelter. Lenten Meal: Each year during Lent, we cook a meal at the Sacred Heart Cafeteria which is enjoyed after the Way of the Cross for those attending the Lenten service. Service to Parishes: We have teams that count the Sunday collections at Sacred Heart and Holy Cross. We are always ready to support our churches in special projects. The Court celebrated its 88th Anniversary this year at the vigil Mass at Sacred Heart. Court Members shown in the picture to the left are: (left) Ellen LaHoste, Treasurer Sundra Deshotel, Nathalie Weber, Betty Rulf, Financial Secretary Betsy Grizzaffi, (right) Regent Veronica Governale, Evie Bertaut, Marguerite Landry, Judy Blanco, Mary Siracusa, Joann Blanchard, and Elsie Medine. 12
Diocese of Houma - Thibodaux Court Genevieve of Paris #2496, located in Thibodaux, LA, has been focusing on building fellowship through service over the last year. One of the Court's goals was to do service projects together to benefit our parish and the greater community. As we are building momentum on this, we started small. We purchased Christmas gifts for the Toy Drive that our parish participates in and hosted a wrapping party to wrap the gifts to be dropped off at church. This simple change, from donating the funds to going out and buying the gifts and then getting together to wrap them, made the Toy Drive an experience for us to share instead of just another item of business on the agenda. Our Court is looking forward to continuing the wrapping party, which will be going into its third year in 2018, as well as exploring new opportunities for us to grow closer together while serving our community in unity and charity. Diocese of Lafayette Court St. Martin #793-St. Martinville is now 71 years old and has a membership of 72 sisters. Our Court participates in many community activities; such as visiting shut-ins, hosting monthly nursing home birthday parties, and making and providing the baptismal bibs for all newly baptized infants in our church parish, to name a few. We belong to a church celebrating 250 years of age this past year. We also can boast that our church parish is home to the famous "Evangeline Oak." We are a very spiritfilled, hard working group of ladies who come together both in times of happiness and sorrow. We proudly lead the rosary for all the deceased of our parish and enjoy the fellowship and friendship of the members of our community. Court St. Francis #1519-Iota is very busy at this time of the year. We strive to have a viable presence in our parish and community through our many services, one of which is our Christmas for Children project in which we give $200 to one family in need in each of the five area schools. We give an engraved Holy Bible to every couple marrying in St. Joseph Church in Iota or St. Michael Mission Church in Egan. We also promote Catholic education by helping our parish school, St. Francis, in various ways. This school year we had laminate floors installed in the Pre-K classroom. Each First Communion child is presented a gift, and each confirmation candidate is presented with a Holy Bible at the reception we host after Confirmation. This Lenten season, we are sponsoring a Lenten weekly reflection, free of charge, on the book, Perfectly Yourself by noted Catholic author Matthew Kelly. All this and much more is funded by our annual syrup pie sale and booth at the Te Mamou - Iota Folklife Festival in downtown Iota on Mardi Gras day. There we, along with the help of our families, friends, and confirmation students, make and fry beignets, coffee au lait, coffee, sweet dough cookies, and our much sought after syrup pies. We all feel very blessed that we are able to serve the least of our brethren by celebrating our beautiful Cajun Heritage. When we walk to the edge of all the light we have, and must take a step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. Either there will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught how to fly. Patrick Overton 13
Diocese of Lafayette Court Assumption #1672-Franklin completed a successful "Warm-Up-A-Senior" project this winter. The project was done in three phases: (1.) 110 "Santa Bags" were filled with easy to prepare food items, a small festive gift, and a prayer card and distributed to seniors in the community who would not be getting meals delivered to them during the Christmas holidays. (2.) 281 pairs of socks, for men and ladies, in every size and color needed, were donated by CDA Court members for needy residents in the Franklin Health Care Center. (3.) Forty fleece, pocketed shoulder wraps were made by our sewing members for warming-up needy elderly in our community, and several were also sent to some of the retired Marianite Sisters residing at their home in Opelousas. This project allowed our CDA Court to reach out to over 200 needy seniors. Court St. Gregory #2490-Parks was established on October 6, 2001. We are a small Court with 26 members, but we are a group of faith filled Catholics eager to help our church and our community. Some of our activities are receptions for First Communion, Confirmation, St. Joseph Altar, and our Prolife Walk. We also recite the Patriotic Rosary. We participate in Dersomeaux Foundation with the Baby Bottle Campaign and aid for flood victims. The success we had this year with our cake sales help us to aid people with their electric bills and with water bills. We also help our kids whose parents were incarcerated by purchasing school supplies and also with Christmas gifts. Lent Word Search Y C P J P T W C Y E K K P E N W A M O Q C L D C C E J U N G X U D E Y A D K N I E N R W M B N B S B J H Y R F W H P M R O L R L E S N A S I J W L D F E S O S A N G Q P R A Y E R K S A U H M N D P B C T N E L P P S S N I U W E O A H O T U M T A M T V P C M W S M W V V W Q C S W E P K F L O S T M O P U A T W L R B W H H N M F C L F A H L D C W J M W F O N D N S F V K E E W Y L O H G Q Y A I V J G N I V I G S M L A A W Z S P H E Z T M D V D V V O T ASH WEDNESDAY SACRIFICE ALMSGIVING PRAYER FASTING LENT HOLY WEEK EASTER PURPLE JESUS 14
Diocese of Lake Charles Court Mother Cabrini #1468-Jennings celebrated their 70th anniversary on Saturday, February 3rd, at St. Mary s Center in Jennings. Sister Kateri Mitchell was the guest speaker at the annual CDA/ KC banquet. Sister Kateri is a Sister of the Sisters of Saint Anne and a member of the Mohawk Nation adjacent to New York State and Quebec Province. She was the longest serving executive director of the Tekakwitha Conference, a Catholic Nation American association that had transformed itself from a Northern Plains Catholic Indian missionaries group. In 2014, Sister Kateri moved the national center from Great Falls, Montana, to Alexandria, Louisiana, where it secured a permanent home. She spoke about her part in a lifesaving miracle that has been attributed to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. In 2006, Sister was at the bedside of six-year-old Jacob Jake Finkbonner who was hospitalized at Seattle Children s Hospital. Sister Kateri said that she and Jake s parents were at his bedside praying intercessory prayers through Saint Kateri. Sister had brought the first class relic of Saint Kateri with her, and she and Jake s mom placed the relic on Jake s body. Jake recovered, and Sister was able to be a part of the process which canonized Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha to sainthood. On October 21, 2012, Sister Kateri Mitchell took part in the procession at St. Peter s Basilica, carrying the first class relic of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Saint Kateri was the first Native American saint from North America recognized by the Catholic Church. During the banquet, awards were presented to Daughter of the Year Betty Caraway and Worker of the Year Cynthia Kratzer. Twenty-five, 50, and 60 year membership pins were presented to several members. Nine members were recognized for perfect attendance. CDA members in attendance at the annual banquet were Betty Caraway, Kelly Caraway, Earline Angelle, Didi Cassidy, Joyce Arceneaux, Mable Fontenot, Linda Miller, Cindy Cheramie, Cynthia Kratzer, Debbie Hylton, Diana LeBlanc, Dee Dee Savoy, Lillian Seaux, Flo McNally, Janet Doucet, Renee Bourgeois, Monica Gary, Lillian Benoit, Debbie Ardoin, Faye Miller, Barbara Lantz, and Cindy Satchell. Court Our Lady of Grace #1964-Raymond is based at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. We are a small group of wonderful ladies who are always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Some of the projects we do include a Sweetheart Dinner for the shut-ins in the community in February, sending Bingo prizes to our local nursing homes, and sending birthday cupcakes for the nursing home residents at Camelot during September, October, and November. Pictured to the left, seated members are Court Chaplain Deacon Mike Tramel, Alice Tramel, and Sylvia Guilotte. Members standing from the left are Mildred Sonnier, Financial Secretary Estelle Fontenot, Vice Regent Helen Landry, Recording Secretary Darlene Guidry, Regent Misty Thibodeaux, and Sharon Leblanc. 15
So excited to share the Call to Convention Packets for the 2018 JCDA STATE CONVENTION Theme The King s Princess Complete and return your registration packets Book your hotel rooms Design a T-shirt Contest Prepare Brag Board Projects Have fundraisers if needed Prepare yourselves for a weekend filled with fun, faith, and friends! THE KING S Princess 16
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS 2018 STATE CONVENTION AGENDA Friday August 3, 2018 5:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. - Arrival / Dinner 7:00 P.M. - Popcorn / PJ / Movie Party 9:30 P.M. - Nightly Prayers 9:45 P.M. - Departure to Hotel Saturday, August 4, 2018 7:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. - Arrival / Breakfast 9:00 A.M. - Morning Prayer Opening comments: LA State CDA Regent Connie Dronette 9:45 A.M. - Meet n Greet Ice Breaker 10:00 A.M. - Breakout Sessions Game Activity Round Table 11:00 A.M. - Lunch 12:30 P.M. - 1 st Session: Crown our King Game Peer group discussions Talk 3:00 P.M. - Break / Snack Time 3:30 P.M. - Breakout Sessions Game Activity Round Table 4:30 P.M. - 2 nd Session: Guest Speaker 5:15 P.M. - Depart to hotel to prepare for evening 7:30 P.M. - Dinner / Award presentation 9:00 P.M. - Jam Session 11:00 P.M. - Depart for the night Sunday, August 5, 2018 8:30 A.M. - Arrive for Mass 9:00 A.M. - Mass - Dress for the King of Kings Sunday s Best, no jeans, sashes optional 10:30 A.M. Brunch 12:00 A.M. Departure 17
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION Registration Form August 3-5, 2018 (Please print or type the information) Court # Adult Leader s Name Address City and Zip Code Phone ( ) - Fee/Function Number Fee/Cost Amount Convention Registration Fees (includes T-shirt and Meals): JCDA Members x $50.00 = Meal Tickets Needed for JCDA members and Chaperones: Friday Night Fun Night Social Saturday Convention Banquet Sunday Brunch Convention T-Shirts: Total Shirts Needed for Members Included Total Shirts Needed for Chaperones x $15.00 = Number of each size needed (Shirts tend to run small) XS YS YM YL AS AM AL AXL AXXL Court Check # Grand Total May 31, 2018 DEADLINE TO RETURN THESE FORMS AND COURT CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO LA STATE CDA. Send to: Pam Melancon Registration Chairman 9325 Jeff Street Gonzales, LA 70737 Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the convention. Adrienne: 337-274-9139 / jcda1255@gmail.com Pam: 225-937-1135 / pammelancon17@gmail.com 18
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION JCDA Member Information Please list the names of all JCDA members attending the State Convention. Please submit a copy of the JCDA membership application and medical release for all members attending. Copy of both forms have been included in registration packet if needed. Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age Court # Age PLEASE USE ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED. 19
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION Chaperone Information Please complete for all Chaperones attending the State Convention Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese Emergency Contact Name Phone Have you completed Safe Environment Training for your Diocese PLEASE USE ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED. 20
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION Contest for the Convention Service Event (Circle of Love) Each Court is encouraged to submit pictures on a trifold board of their favorite service event completed from August, 2017, through August, 2018, with a summary of the following: 1. The name of the project 2. Why they chose (or completed) the project 3. What they learned from the project as a Court 4. Who benefited from the project Convention T-Shirt Contest: Submit with Registration Help us design the Convention t-shirt. 1. All entries should be submitted on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. 2. Entries should be a representation of the Convention theme. Convention Theme: The King s Princess Brag Board: Help us fill a Brag Board for all to see During the weekend, we will have a Brag Board to display fun activities and more. The board will be a great way for Courts to see what other Courts are doing to help and have fun throughout the year. Feel free to add as many projects, pictures, songs, prayers, and service events to the board that you would like for all to see. Suggestions of what to place on the Brag Board (but not limited to) Pictures from a fun meeting A favorite song of the court Pictures from service events Picture of your banner Picture of local Court T-Shirts 21
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION Convention Hotel Information August 3-5, 2018 Room rates $119.00 plus tax Limited rooms with double beds All rooms have to be booked by 7/3/2018 Holiday Inn Express 102 Mallard Street Sulphur, LA 70665 Phone: 337-625-2500 http://www.hiesulphur.com 22
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION Forms Needed for Convention 1. Membership Application: We ask that a copy of the Membership Application is turned in for all girls attending the convention. If you do not currently have a membership application for all junior members in your Court, we have provided one for you. 2. Medical Release We ask that a copy of the Medical Release is turned in for all girls attending the Convention. If you do not currently have a Medical Release for all junior members in your Court, we have provided one for you. 3. Permission Slip It is highly recommended that you have a completed permission slip for all girls traveling to the State Convention. We have provided a sample permission slip, but feel free to use your own. Permission slips for all girls will need to stay with the local Courts. 23
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION Membership Application Name: Birthdate: Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Parish: Court: No.: City of Court: Date: Signature of Applicant Signature of Parent or Guardian Signature of Court Chairperson *****************TO BE COMPLETED BY COURT CHAIRPERSON*************** Date Application Received: Date of Reception: 24
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION MEDICAL RELEASE To Whom it may concern: has my permission to attend all functions planned and chaperoned by the leaders of the JCDA Court. I understand that I will be notified, in advance, of any activities that take place away from Parish. I permit Hospital Care Physicians and any other physician he/she may wish to delegate to render any medical/surgical treatment required for the above-named patient in my absence. Parent/Guardian Signature Date EMERGENCY CONTACT Name Relationship Telephone Number ALTERNATE EMERGENCY CONTACT Name Relationship Telephone Number MEMBER S MEDICAL HISTORY Allergies, if any Last Tetanus Immunization Medications Other Health Insurance Carrier Policy Number PHOTO RELEASE I give my permission for my daughter to be photographed or videotaped during JCDA functions. Parent/Guardian Signature Date 25
LOUISIANA JUNIOR CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STATE CONVENTION JCDA State Convention Permission Form Dear Parent or Guardian, We will be traveling to Sulphur, LA, for the JCDA State Convention for the weekend of August 3-5. During the weekend, the girls will be learning more about the Catholic faith, what it means to be a Catholic Daughter, and how we can lead by example in our communities. All this while having fun and meeting other Junior Catholic Daughters from all over the state of Louisiana. We would like all girls to attend. Please read the information, sign, and return the permission slip at the bottom. Field Trip Information: Date: Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5, 2018 Location: Purpose: Cost: Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church Meet other JCDA and learn how to be a role model for other young girls Please insert cost for your Court Depending on the number of girls attending the field trip, chaperones and drivers will be needed. Please let me know if you would be interested in chaperoning or driving if needed. We will meet at on August, 2018. Leave at am/pm. Special Instructions: Arrive back at at am/pm. Save this part of the form for future reference. ----------------Cut here---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cut here-------------------------- Sign this part of the form and return. has permission to attend the JCDA State Convention at Our Lady of Prompt Succor. I give my permission for to receive emergency medical treatment. In an emergency, please contact: Name: Phone: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: I can chaperone I can drive 26
The JCDA Court St. Rose de Lima #1194-Duplessis at Holy Rosary Catholic Church has been very busy this year. At each monthly meeting, the Court has been learning about a virtue and a saint who exemplifies this virtue. Each girl is then charged with the monthly mission to find a way to live the virtue daily. In addition to finding ways to live the virtue, our Court is completing a monthly service project which will demonstrate a way to live the virtue. In September, the Court completed a garden refreshing project to create a peaceful place for our parishioners and visitors to meditate and pray near our cemetery. In October, members of our Court participated in the Born to Run - Baton Rouge walk to raise awareness and a fundraiser for the Women s Hospital New Life Center which supports mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. In November, our group helped sort donated foods to create Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. In December, we sang Christmas carols at the Knights of Columbus annual senior citizen Christmas luncheon which honors the senior citizens in our community. In January, we held a Respect for Life baby shower, where the girls donated money they earned from helping their neighbors, to provide items for mothers choosing life for their babies. They also each adopted a baby and committed to pray for this new life. We are excited for more opportunities to learn and serve our St. Amant community in 2018. The JCDA members at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Sulphur warmed the hearts of many senior CDA Court members who are not able to get out of their homes. The picture to the left shows the girls delivering a Christmas basket and singing carols to a member of Court Our Lady of LaSalette #1255-Sulphur. The Court was also asked to help in the annual CDA banquet, and we really enjoyed serving our senior CDA members, members of the LA State CDA Court, and our parish priests. We have been very busy planning for the 2018 LA State JCDA Convention with the theme The King s Princess. We are so excited about the convention and fun times to be had. The picture to the right are of the girls that are helping plan your LA State JCDA convention, having lots of fun raising money for the convention at a bake sale after Mass. 27
JCDA Court St. Teresa of Calcutta #1506-Lake Charles celebrated JCDA day with a luncheon provided by Court Our Lady Of Fatima #1506. CDA Court member Sylvia Ardoin created the sashes for the JCDA St Teresa of Calcutta Court. The girls received rosaries, bags, and sashes. JCDA Court of Visitation #1999-Moss Bluff has been visiting Grand Cove Nursing Home annually at Christmastime for the past several years. This year, the group painted the residents fingernails as they visited and sang Christmas carols together. The girls were also able to provide some Christmas spirit to several bed-confined residents. They formed a bond with one particular resident who rarely has visitors. This lady was overjoyed to hear the girls sing, and she became very emotional during the visit. The girls will be returning in April to visit this beautiful lady in order to celebrate her 95th birthday. God is good all the time. All the time God is good. Treasure this day, and treasure yourself. Truly, neither will ever happen again. Ray Bradbury Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord! Happy Easter 28
CDA Five National Projects and Ten National Charities In addition to the work done on the local level by our local Courts, Catholic Daughters of the Americas supports the five CDA National Projects and 10 CDA National Charities. Through combined giving, each local Court and members get an opportunity to support these worthwhile programs. Each year, local Courts are asked to send $20.00 to each of the five CDA National Projects and $10.00 to each of the ten CDA National Charities. CDA National Projects are: Habitat for Humanity; Holy Cross Family Ministries (counsel and support for troubled families); Laboure Society (Building the Church, one vocation at a time); SOAR (Support for Aging Religious); and National Center on Sexual Exploitation. We also send $10.00 to each of the ten CDA National Charities. The CDA National Charities are: North American College; Catholic Relief Services; Apostleship of the Sea; Covenant House; Mother Teresa; Tutwiler Clinic; Project Handclasp; Misericordia; Disaster Relief Fund; and Smile Train (cleft palate surgery for poor children). 1903 Society Please consider joining the 1903 Society. This Society has been established to ensure the preservation of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas National Headquarters which is a National Historic Landmark. Individual members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas can join for $19.03. The rewards for joining is that you enjoy the prestige of knowing that you are helping to preserve and maintain our National Office. If you are interested in joining, please send your check made payable to Catholic Daughters of the Americas with 1903 Pledge in the memo section to Catholic Daughters of the Americas, 10 West 71st St., New York, NY 10023. CDA National Magazine After you ve read your CDA SHARE magazine, please pass it on to a nonmember. We need to spread the word about our Catholic Daughters of the Americas at the National Level. Save the Date The 57th Biennial National Convention of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas will be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, July 18-22, 2018. Be sure to put the dates on your calendar and start raising funds so you can join your CDA sisters from far and near at this wonderful gathering! On August 18, 2016, LA State CDA was given written copyright permission from Publisher Compendium Incorporated to use all the quotes in this newsletter. The name of the book is Thank You, In Appreciation of You, And All That You Do. As Newsletter Editor, I was given written copyright permission to use any material from www.cajuneasy.com. The software programs used in this newsletter for some of the graphics/clipart are Microsoft Publisher, PrintMaster Version 18.1, Print Shop 4.0 Professional, and Broderbund. Some graphics were located by using the Bing search engine filtering system under free to use and share and/or free to use, modify, and share. As always, we hope this newsletter inspired you, made you think, and definitely made you laugh. Karen Fills, Newsletter Editor Remember to pray for those in the military who are serving to protect our country. 29