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Catholic Daughters of the Americas

The CallingNational Offi cers Discuss

Their ResponsibilitiesEmbracing Life InWashington State

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Catholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasSHARE

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The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 1

National Regent’s Message

AbouttheCoverThe eyes of this nun refl ect the deep

commitment required of those who heed

“the calling.” See page 10.

Image: Zefa / fotosearch.com

Share SUMMER2008

Catholic Daughters of the Americas

The CallingNational Officers Discuss

Their ResponsibilitiesEmbracing Life InWashington State

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SUMMER2008

SUMMER2009

Catholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasShare

Catholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasCatholic Daughters of the AmericasShareMission 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.

Teamwork Is the Key to Effective ServiceMy dear sisters in Christ,

What a whirlwind of activities. The states have just fi nished their state con-ventions, and I was able to attend three of them. Each convention was different and, in its own way, very special. While attending the Texas State convention, I took a day to attend the Cardinals’ Dinner in Houston, Texas, hosted by His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The evening started with a standing-room-only Mass at the new cathedral in Houston. This was the fi rst time that I had been in the cathedral, and it was very impressive. Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro Sambi and nine American Cardinals attended the Mass. On behalf of the National Board, we wish to extend our CONGRATULA-TIONS to the newly elected state offi cers. To the retiring offi cers, we offer our thanks for your dedicated service during your term of offi ce. At this juncture we need to remember that we must all be supportive of one another. While the National Board asks members to be supportive of the new state offi cers, know that the National Board stands strong in our support of all of our members. Every new regime will make changes, and that is all right. We are all different and we all have special gifts given to us by God. You are all urged to support the new state leadership. Use your gifts for the betterment of our organiza-tion. In order for a local court or a state court to function at its best, it is imperative that teamwork be implemented. The Catholic Daughters cannot be an effective organization without teamwork present on every single level. Summertime brings us many beautiful gifts: “Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fi ght for your dreams,” Ashley Smith. Enjoy your summer, appreciate the small moments, and take this time to grow in the Catholic Daughters. It is important that you attend the national offi cers’ workshop, your state workshop, or your court program planning meetings. Attend these meetings, ask questions, and learn so that you may go back to your courts and membership brimming with knowledge to impart and enthusiasm to share. The National Board looks forward to welcoming the state offi cers who will be attending the State Offi cers’ Workshop in Belleville, Illinois, in July. They will have information to share with you from the workshop. Be receptive to this information and look for ways to implement any new ideas. May our organization remain strong in faith as we continue to do the charitable work of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. May we be blessed in knowing that “for in Him we live, and move, and have our being.” It is in keeping the Lord fi rst that we will continue to fl ourish.

NationalRegentLibbyRamirez

National Offi cersNationalRegentLibby Ramirez

Texas

NationalRegent-ElectJoanne Tomassi

Florida

FirstViceNationalRegentAnne Nelson

Maryland

SecondViceNationalRegentShirley Seyfried

Minnesota

NationalSecretary-TreasurerTheresa KocerSouth Dakota

National Directors Helen Arndorfer

Lois Nelson Iowa Minnesota

Letty Calvetti

Evelyn Saxton Pennsylvania

Oklahoma Duchess Collins

Helene Shepard Texas

New York Maryann Grabasky

Lorayne K. Zimmerman North Carolina

Oregon Janet Martineau Montana

National ChaplainMost ReverendDavid Fellhauer

National Clergy ConsultantReverend Donald Ruppert

National Offi ce StaffExecutiveDirector/Publisher

Margaret O’Brien

LegislativeAdvisorJoseph Leary

Editorial StaffEditor

Peggy Eastman

SHARECatholic Daughters of the Americas

2 Share Magazine • Summer 2009

Summer 2009Volume 39 • Number 3

www.catholicdaughters.org

®

Editorial Offi ces: Advertising SalesShare Magazine Representative:Catholic Daughters of the Americas Tom Panas

10 West 71st Street 212-877-3041

New York, NY 10023 Email:

(212) 877-3041 [email protected]

18 NationalOfficersDiscussTheirResponsibilities

14Fightingthe“AidinDying”WashingtonStateInitiative

13 Multi-DistrictRetreatSeeks“FaceofGod”

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas �

Contents

Submission of materials for publication in Share: All articles, stories, and items must be cleanly typed, double spaced on 81⁄2 × 11 sheets. Include your name and address and phone number. Photos must be clear with complete identification typed and attached and are unable to be returned. Deadlines for final mailing of materials for publication are: Spring Issue—January 4; Summer Issue—April 14; Fall Issue—June 30; Winter Issue—September 16. Send all materials to The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, 10 West 71st Street, New York, NY 10023-4201. Due to limited space all material appearing in SHARE is evaluated for interest to readers, theme in keeping with the purpose of Share, educational, informational, and religious value to readers and date received. The publishers are not responsible for factual errors in information submitted by authors and readers.

Share (ISSN 0192-7418) is published quarterly Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter for $4.00 per year by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, 10 West 71 Street, New York, NY 10023-4201. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to Share, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, 10 West 71 Street, New York, NY 10023-4201.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas has 85,000 members in 1,328 courts in the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Departments

1 NationalRegent’sMessage 6 CDAinAction 24 Anniversaries

4 NationalClergyConsultant’sMessage 8 FocusonYouth 26 News&Notes

5 FromtheEditor’sDesk 2� BookCorner �0 People

10 TheCalling:CatholicDaughtersSupportDocumentaryFilmonVocations

16 NationalOfficersAttendKnightsofColumbusConferenceonVolunteering

National Clergy Consultant’s Message

Defending Devotion to Mary

My dear Catholic Daughters of the Americas,

Within a month’s time, state and territorial CDA courts hold biennial conventions. This schedule keeps the national officers and directors constantly on the road or in the air. Our national regent and I attended the Texas state con-vention in McAllen, Texas. Almost a thousand CDA members and guests filled the convention center for the three-day event. Mingling with the crowd, I always feel like I am at a family reunion. I started attending conventions around 1984, and some of the same people faith-fully attend every convention. It is also a joy to meet new members of the family: those just beginning the CDA journey. Their excitement and enthusiasm indi-cate that the future of our organization is in good hands. I admire the dedication and commitment of CDA leaders on all levels – national, state and local court. On May 2nd my parish kept the tradition of crowning the Blessed Mother “Queen of May.” This year, how-ever, instead of having a young girl crown the statue of Mary, a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary did the honors. I planned to briefly introduce my homily with how often Catholics’ relationship with Mary is criticized by other Christians. When I looked over the congregation, I realized that many non-Catholics had been invited for the anniversary. I chose my words carefully and proceeded to dissect the prayer to our Blessed Lady, the “Hail Mary.” I explained that the first half of the prayer should not be difficult for any Christian to accept since it consists of two direct quotes from Sacred Scripture: the salutation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation (“Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you.”) and Elizabeth’s greeting when Mary arrived for the Visitation (“Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb”). The Church added the word “Jesus” to name the “fruit of Mary’s womb.” How often have you asked someone to pray for you? You may do this before a difficult exam, during a medi-cal crisis or marriage difficulties, and during financial uncertainties. Other Christians, maybe even more often than Catholics, also ask others to pray for them. Prayer chains, prayer lists and even Internet prayer are commonplace. If we can ask relatives and friends to pray for us, why can’t we ask God’s mother to pray for us? That is all we do in the second part of the “Hail Mary” which was added by the Church (“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”). The most successful single of Tammy Wynette’s career was “Stand by Your Man,” recorded in 1968. As Catholic Daughters devoted to the Blessed Mother, we should, “Stand by Our Woman.” When people question our prayer to Mary, walk them through the words. If they still don’t understand, they probably don’t want to. Have a restful summer and continue the great work you do for the Church.

Rev.DonaldR.Ruppert NationalClergyConsultant EastBernard,Texas

Rev.DonaldR.Ruppert


From The Editor’s Desk

Confronting the Poverty Trap

Throughout the Bible, there are scriptural passages stating God’s love for the poor and directing God’s people to alleviate poverty. During the three years of his min-

istry, Jesus spoke often about money and its rightful uses, even while urging His follow-ers to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) he makes it clear that money is not to be hoarded but is to be wisely invested so that it will make more money, which can then be put to good use. The U.S. economic recession, caused in part by the greed of those who should have been trustworthy keepers of others’ invested money, is exacting a high toll on millions of Americans and shining the spotlight on worsening domestic poverty. From child exploitation to home foreclosures to bankruptcy to public shootings to suicides to joblessness to homelessness to increased robberies, the recession breeds want, suffering, shattered dreams, violence and crime. Surely this misery grieves the heart of God. In this unstable environment, faith-inspired groups are stepping up to try to alleviate need. Kevin Ryan, the new president of Covenant House for abused and neglected children – which is supported by the Catholic Daughters – is launching a new initiative to fight the buying and selling of children. Poor children are often victimized, and exploitation of defenseless children as sexual slaves flourishes especially when times are tough. Many of these children may have been living on the streets – turned out by families who could not afford to feed or house them. Ryan notes that recently the FBI and state law enforcement agencies broke up one of the largest U.S. child trafficking operations ever; the FBI arrested more than 500 adults who allegedly forced children into sexual slavery in 29 American cities. While 48 children were rescued, there are probably thousands more still being held captive. And without concrete action, hundreds of others will probably slip from a street-corner existence into sexual slavery. To wage war on the domestic poverty that breeds misery, the Poverty Forum – a grassroots group of 18 diverse leaders with a strong Christian perspective – has released a report with concrete policy recommendations. One of the participants is Kathy Saile, director of Domestic Social Development for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The nonpartisan Poverty Forum has suggested these specific policy steps to combat domestic poverty, among others: lifetime savings accounts; connecting youth more securely with school and work; community empowerment grants; an in-centive fund to increase high school graduation rates; strengthening healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood initiatives; increasing the minimum wage; strengthening and expanding the child tax credit; and helping those who want to serve low-income people by making it easier to form a community group with a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. The lifetime savings account policy recommendation makes a lot of sense. It is well known that many American fami-lies have low or nonexistent savings rates, part of the reason the recession has taken such hold. New legislation would create a savings account for every child born in the United States, and each account would receive a starter sum of $500 from the federal government. Households at or below 50 percent of the national median income would be eligible for a supplemental initial sum of $500. Investments of up to $2000 per year from individuals, family members and foundations could be made in these accounts, which could not be touched until the child reached 18. At that time, these nest-egg savings accounts would be governed by rules similar to Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Helping disadvantaged youth become more committed to school and work also makes a lot of sense. This policy rec-ommendation would call on the Obama administration to encourage business and industry groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers to develop partnerships to link young adults to work experiences designed to build self-esteem and help them fight poverty. In 2005, according to the Poverty Forum, nearly 1.7 million poor American teens were unemployed and not in school. These rootless children are easy prey for exploiters. In this time of recession, there is a danger that those who have always lived on the margins of U.S. society will be pushed even further aside or forgotten entirely. But God is always bringing new life out of disaster, as we know from the resur-rection. Thus today there is an even greater opportunity to reach out and help those most in need – through gifts of time spent in advocacy on their behalf, money, food and clothing. Isn’t that what Jesus would want us to do?

ShareEditorPeggyEastman


CDAinActionwww.catholicdaughters.org


This Fund-raiser was the Real Enchilada

Court Our Lady of Fatima #1549 in North Platte, Ne-braska, partnered with Knights of Columbus St. Pat’s

Council #1211 to prepare and sell homemade enchiladas. The enchilada treats were sold at St. Patrick’s Church in North Platte after all Masses during the weekends of Satur-day, February 28th and Sunday, March 1. The funds raised will be used by the Catholic Daughters and the Knights of Columbus for different projects the two organizations sup-port throughout the year..

DaughtersandKnightswhohelpedmakethefund-raiserhappenstandinfrontoftheirdeliciousenchiladaswithfamilymembers.

Two Joans SOAR! Together

After attending the winter SOAR! Board meeting on February 2nd in Washing-

ton, D.C., past national regent and regent of Court Brookline #488 in Framingham, Massachusetts, M. Joan McKenna and fel-low court regent Joan Tillery, regent of Court Our Lady of the Americas #2344, Washington, D.C., volunteered to serve dinner to the HIV participants attending the annual Quality of Life Retreat held at the Washington Retreat House. Bitten by the “volunteer bug,” the two Joans then as-sisted Sister Patricia Sullivan, president of SOAR!, with mailing 600 letters to SOAR!’s many contributors.

Troops Express Gratitude for Gifts

Regent Betty Palmer has received letters of thanks from military personnel who received packages at Easter

provided by Court Queen of Peace #1558 in Slayton, Minnesota. Samples of the appreciative remarks include, “I think it is awesome that your people take the time and effort to send care packages; you put a smile on my face; it is nice to know that we are remembered; I love getting mail from Murray County – it makes me feel close to home….I’m going to share items with my friends.”

Frontrow,lefttoright:JoyceWynia,CleotaPlatt,MargaretShort,BarbSurprenant,LaurineSomers,AliceKnutson,BettyDahlhoff,CorrineZenkandMargaretKonkol.Backrow,lefttoright:CarolMondry,MarylsKnuth,JoannHalbur,GlennaMiller,DorisCote,DonnaGroebnerandNorineBockelman.

PastNationalRegentM.JoanMcKenna,left,withfellowvolunteerJoanTillery,right.

CatholicDaughtersMakingaDifference.


Iowa State Project HelpsFight Domestic Abuse

Iowa Catholic Daughters conduct an annual state project called Lifesav-

ers for Domestic Abuse Intervention. The project is designed to help wom-en and children caught in an abusive environment. Each court distributes 60 percent of donations received to an abuse center or intervention program in its community. The remaining 40 percent is sent to the state proj-ect chairman, who, after deducting expenses, distributes the remainder evenly to four dioceses within Iowa to help women and children suffering from domestic abuse.

Past Regents Donate to Life Choices

Each year the Past Regents’ Club of New Jersey donates to a charity within one of New Jersey’s dioceses. This

year the club presented Jennifer Chirdo of Life Choices of the diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey, with a donation of $2,000. There are approximately 170 members of the New Jersey Past Regents Club including Past National Regent Grace DiCairano, and New Jersey State Officers Matilda Fatta, Miriam Cicalo, Joanne Messick, Dolores Berardicelli and Maria Rau.

MembersofthePastRegentsClubofNewJerseygatherfortheirannualmeeting.

North Dakota Court Helps Troubled Boys and Girls

Court St. Catherine #323 in Dickinson, North Dakota, held a potluck dinner for “Home on the Range,” a fa-

cility for troubled boys and girls. Jolene Obrigewitch, Home on the Range development director, and Peggy Helbik, youth director, were guest speakers as were three students who shared their life stories. School supplies, personal care items and monetary gifts were presented to the boys and girls at Home on the Range from members of the court.

Courtofficerslefttoright:AnneMallberg,recordingsecretary,MarcieTessier,treasurer,ElaineDvorak,financialsecretary,JeanPrivratsky,regent,JoleneObrigewitch,HomeontheRangedevelopmentdirectorandPeggyHelbik,HomeontheRangeyouthdirector.

JaneWonick,regentofCourtCraigie#94,left,andDoloresKrotz,localchairman,center,presentachecktoAldaBurish,right,clientadvisorfortheDomesticViolenceInterventionProgram.


FocusOnYouth

Nine New Juniors Received into West Virginia Court

Nine young Catholic girls became members of Ju-

nior Court Saint Theresa of Lisieux #392 in Martinsburg, West Virginia, at a recep-tion during 11:00 AM Mass at Saint Joseph’s Church in Martinsburg.

Eightofthenewmembersarepicturedabove.Frontrow,lefttoright:LaraBone,KatieRoemer,IsabelleBrown,MonicaPower,BrynneKeller,VeronicaPowerandKaitlynRaider.Backrow,lefttoright:CourtMartinsburg#392YouthChairpersonElaineButts,WestVirginiaStateRegentJackquelineSmith,ShekerraBrownandCourtMartinsburg#392RegentDorisMerceruio.

Celebrating the Birthday of A Real Doll in Louisiana

Court Our Lady of Good Counsel #1401 in Loreauville, Louisiana, sponsored a 50th Birthday/Tea Party For Bar-

bie. Thirteen young ladies enjoyed cake and punch and were presented with a “refurbished” Barbie doll, compliments of Court #1401 and Mrs. Gladys Boutte.

Fromlefttoright:HaleyRobin,OliviaLandry,MeganStevens,BrailynRichard,SieraSegura,KayleeLatiolais,MeganLatiolais,ArmoniPorter,Tae’VianBernard,AnastaziaLeBlanc,ZoeDoreandRavenCourville.MissingfromphotoisTaylorCourville.

Young People Showed the Wayof the Cross

Betty Guidry of Court Our Lady of Good Counsel #1401 in Loreauville, Louisiana, led the Way of the Cross each

Friday afternoon during Lent. Betty always involved young people to make it more meaningful to them and increase their understanding of Christ’s sacrifice.

BettyGuidry,thirdfromleft,issurroundedbychildrenduringtheWayoftheCross.


Texas Junior Court Bakes Cookies for Nursing Home to Celebrate JCDA Day

Junior Court St. Paul #1604 in Shiner, Texas, celebrated

National JCDA Day by attending 7:30 AM Mass and then visiting the Shiner Nursing and Reha-bilitation Center to distribute the almost 300 cookies the juniors baked. During Mass Rev. Robert Knippenberg blessed eight reli-gious recognition medals which were awarded to the juniors. These included “Family of God” awards to Anna Adamek, Sydney Hermann, Grace Irvin, Bailey Machacek, Bethany Nev-lud and Mallory Pokluda; Saman-tha Siegel received the “I Live My Faith” award; and the winner of the Marian Medal Project “Mary, the First Disciple” was Michele Caka. The juniors are offered the opportunity to achieve these medals through the Youth Minis-try Office of the Victoria Diocese and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Louisiana Court Presents Donation to Local Scholarship Funds

Court Massabielle #1134in Morgan City, Louisiana,presentedadonationto thescholarship funds of HolyCross Elementary and Cen-tral Catholic High Schoolsin Morgan City. From leftto right: Treasurer Ina Mill-er, Central Catholic HighSchools Principal DeaconVic Bonnaffee, Regent Sun-dra Deshotel, Holy CrossElementarySchoolPrincipalMamie Bergeron and ViceRegentLanaDomino.

Frontrow,lefttoright:AnnaAdamek,SydneyHermann,GraceIrvin,BaileyMachacek,BethanyNevludandMalloryPokluda.Backrow:lefttoright,CarolynMalik,junioradvisorandTexassecondvicestateregent,MicheleCaka,Rev.RobertKnippenbergandSamanthaSiegel.


Transporting viewers to distant lands and into deep regions of the human soul, “The Calling” presents candid portraits of three people drawn to Catholic religious life. We witness how they and their families embrace the challenges and blessings this vocation entails. It’s a fi lm about hard choices and having the faith to make them. Although just completed, “The Calling” is already receiv-ing important recognition. In February it was selected to be in the Catholic Filmmaker’s Showcase at this year’s Los Angeles Religious

Educational Congress (LAREC), the largest annual gathering of Catholics in the USA. An estimated 40,000 Catholics attend the event annually. This early and prestigious success is wonderful, but there is still a lot of hard work ahead. Dave explains. “It’s imperative that we arrange for the fi lm to be seen by as many people as pos-sible. This requires marketing, networking and calling up a lot of people. Making the fi lm is half the battle; promoting, distributing and selling it are the other half.”

OutreachEffortsHelpPublicizetheMessage

Catholic Daughters SupportDocumentary Film on VocationsByTomPanas,NationalPublicRelationsDirector

DavidRanghelliisdirector/producerofthe“TheCalling.”Onitssurface,“TheCalling”

isapowerfuldocumentaryfilmaboutvocations.Butmorethanthat,Daveexplains,

it’sreallyabouthowreligiouslifemakesusexperienceandreflectuponthenature

ofbelief,thebondsoffamilyandourquesttodiscover–“whoamI?”Hewroteastoryabout

hisfilminthespring2008IssueofShare.Sincethenhehascompletedthefilm,sowespoke

tohimaboutwhathappensnow.

THE CALLING


One interesting idea that Dave has developed is for col-leges to host screenings (showing the film before it is officially available for sale and distribution – sort of a non-traditional theatrical release). Seton Hall University, Our Lady of the Holy Cross College, Fairfield University, and most recently Fordham University all hosted screenings with panel discussions and ques-tions from the audience. Gilda Severiano, who organized the screening for Fordham’s Campus ministry referred to the event as a “truly moving…learning experience.” Dave is also creating a study guide to his film by divid-ing it into three segments roughly 20-minutes long. In each of the three chapters a leading Catholic educator or clergyman will explain that segment of the film more deeply. For example, one chapter is being written by Rev. Paul Holmes, STD, vice presi-dent of Seton Hall University; another by Sister Judy Gomila, MSC, assistant director for Pontifical Mission Societies in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and an educator for nearly 50 years. Another is being written by Rev. Joe Veneroso, MM, former publisher of Maryknoll magazine. Added to his marketing mix is an outreach initiative in which Dave is developing partnerships with Catholic organiza-tions such as, The Catholic Daughters of the Americas. “I am so grateful to the Catholic Daughters for their support,” Dave explains. ‘I can’t thank you enough. In addi-tion to the financial assistance you have provided, the prestige of the Catholic Daughter name lends credibility to my film. Because of my relationship with the Catholic Daughters, more people know about “The Calling.” In return I hope to provide you with a valuable audio/visual tool that might support your spiritual and educational activities – specifically, for example, Campus Courts.” Currently, plans are being made for events at the following institutions: Boston College, Loyola University – New Orleans, the University of San Francisco, John Carroll University, Francis-can University, and Madonna University. Important milestones recently achieved include selection of “The Calling” in the Breckenridge Film Festival and key endorse-ments from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and Simon Kilmurry, executive director for POV, the longest-run-ning series on PBS (Public Broadcasting System) that broadcasts independent documentaries. Does Dave mind the rigors of selling the film – which seem so different from the rigors of making the film? “I don’t

Thefacesinthesephotosreflectthejoyofthediversepeoplewhofollow“thecalling”

whenGoddrawsthemonthequestfeaturedinDavidRanghelli’smovie.

Photos courtesy of David Ranghelli

Continued on following page


mind at all,” Dave replies. “In fact, I thrive on it. I want people to see this fi lm and I understand that selling, marketing, and networking must take place in order for that to happen. Let’s call it a ‘labor of love.’” Laboring as hard as he is on this project, Dave is reminded that God truly does “help those who help themselves.” Traveling on a plane he was by chance seated next to Rev. Mark Scalese, SJ, a priest who was involved in fi lm at Fairfi eld University. After learning of “The Calling” the priest helped arrange for the screening of Dave’s fi lm at Fairfi eld University mentioned earlier in this story. Coincidence or the hand of God? Dave is aware of God’s presence in this project in other ways. “I was motivated to make this fi lm because I have always been deeply curious about vocations,” Dave explains. “Making this fi lm has helped me to be ‘discerning and concerning’ about vo-cations. I believe it has given me a glimpse into God’s plan for our lives. It has helped me answer personal questions and has deepened my religious beliefs.” Since Dave wrote the story in Share he celebrated the birth of his fi rst child, Sophia, now 10 months old. “I gaze at Sophia and can’t help but wonder if she will become a nun,” Dave says. “I guess making ‘The Calling’ affects me more than I real-ize. I think a lot of parents expect their children to grow up, get a job, fi nd someone special and raise a family. When a child chooses or considers a vocation it can create confl ict and confusion. Choosing a religious life is an experience that the parent is not familiar with.” Dave is grateful to the Catholic Daughters. “I can’t tell you how much your support has meant to me,” he says. “I’ve pretty much been a lone ranger on this project – writing it, shooting it, fund-raising for it myself. It’s a relief when people like the Catholic Daughters care enough to help pick up the cross.”

NationalExecutiveDirectorPeggyO’Brien,right,handschecktoDavidRanghelli,producer/directorofthedocumentaryfilm“TheCalling”aboutvocations.ThecheckpresentedtoDavidthisSpringwasacharitabledonationtoDavidtohelphimgaingreaterexposureforhisfilm.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 1�

CatholicDaughtersGatherinTexas

Multi-District Retreat Seeks ‘Face of God’ Texas Catholic Daughters of the Americas attended a multi-district Lenten retreat in Joerger-Lindsey Hall, Holy Rosary Church, Rosenberg, Texas. Olga Samaniego, immediate past state regent and Tex-as state spiritual enhancement chair-man, led the retreat entitled “Seeking the Face of God.” Rev. Bill Bartniski, pastor of Holy Rosary, welcomed re-treat attendees as the fi rst group to use the new Joerger-Lindsey Hall. Rev. Donald Ruppert of East Bernard, state chaplain and national clergy consultant, attend-ed a session and presented remarks about CDA and conveyed greet-ings from the National Board. Among the hosts were CDA Dis-trict Deputies Alma Slawinski, who also served as retreat coordinator, and Carolyn Rapsilver. Rosenberg court members served as hostesses. Attendees enjoyed a kolaches and fruit breakfast followed by soup and sandwiches for lunch.

Lefttoright:Rev.BillBartniski,pastorofHolyRosaryChurch;HenrietteJalowy,CourtSaintBernadette#1108regent;PatriciaMichulka,treasurer;Rev.DonaldRuppert,chaplain,pastorofHolyCrossChurch,Texasstatechaplainandnationalclergyconsultant;OlgaSamaniego,Texasstatespiritualenhancementchairman;andTerrieVacek,Texasstatepublicrelationschairmanandscrapbookchairman.

AgroupshotofretreatattendeesinsideHolyRosaryChurchinRosenberg,Texas.


In Washington State, Catholic Daughters were given the opportunity to put our faith into action in early 2008. Working on behalf of the group Compassion and Choices Washington, former Gov. Booth Gardner filed the “Aid in Dying” Initiative (I-1000) with the Washington Secretary of State on January 9, 2008, that would legalize physician-assisted suicide. To place the mea-sure on the November ballot, 224,880 valid petition signatures were required by July 3. When we learned of this initiative, the State Board con-tacted the Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC) which, in 1991, led statewide efforts in opposition to a similar measure. Located in Seattle, the WSCC represents the Catholic bishops of the state of Washington on issues of public policy. Washington state has three dioceses: Archdiocese of Seattle, Diocese of Spokane and Diocese of Yakima. Dominican Sister Sharon Park, executive director of the WSCC, told us that “ev-eryday Catholics” could help fight this initiative by not signing the petitions that would be circulating and to also “start talking to their neighbors and educating them about what the initiative is really about: Allowing your doctor to give you the medication so you can take your own life.” Sister Sharon also advised that the Catholic Conference was preparing a campaign involving our parishes, schools, Catholic charities and Catholic organizations to defeat the initiative. This information was published in our February/March 2008 CDA state newsletter, including Web sites for the Washington Catholic Conference and No Assisted Suicide – the latter giving detailed information on I-1000.

In the April/May 2008 state newsletter, we published the euthanasia section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – again supplying more information to our members so that they would be ready to explain the Catholic position on this issue. In the same newsletter, State Quality of Life Chairman Jodie Gilm-ore, a past regent of Court St. Therese #1879 in Camas, wrote an article entitled “Catholic-based Advanced Health Care Directives” – dealing with the Catholic version of a living will and where to get more information. At the end of July, we learned that the group collected enough valid signatures and that Initiative 1000 would indeed be on the November ballot. It was time to become more aggressive. We contacted the WSCC again, requesting from them an article for our Fall state newsletter and a speaker for our September state workshop. The article was received, and with a few minor changes by the National Legislative Committee, the article appeared in our Fall state newsletter. The WSCC provided a speaker for our workshop, Jan Hemstad, MD. Dr. Hemstad is a Yakima physician, president of the Washington State Catholic Medical Association and treasurer of the National Catholic Medical Association. He spoke about end-of-life issues and showed us the DVD “In God’s Time.” The DVD was prepared by WSCC Board of Directors (three Bishops and two auxiliary Bishops) to educate parishioners on the Catho-lic teaching against assisted suicide. Following Dr. Hemstad’s presentation, our State Board decided our portion of the 50/50 drawing would be donated to the WSCC’s effort to defeat Initiative 1000. The 50/50 winner,

“[I]t is never licit to kill another: even if [one] should wish it, indeed if [one] request it,hanging between life and death... nor is it licit even when a sick person is no longer able to live.”

~ St. Augustine

OppositionEmbracesaCultureofLife

Fighting the ‘Aid in Dying’Washington State InitiativeByLisaJensenWashingtonStateRegent

AsCatholicChristianswearecalledtowitnesstowhatourHolyFatherPopeJohnPaul

IIcalled“ACultureofLife”–fromconceptiontonaturaldeath.Thisisreflectedinour

CatholicDaughtersmissionstatement:to embrace the principle of faith through love in

the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.


Charmain Mischlet, vice regent of Court Queen of Angels #2576, in Lynnwood, donated her win-nings to the same effort and sug-gested that the money be sent through the Washington Knights of Columbus, who were matching donations. Following Charmain’s suggestion, our total donation to WSCC amounted to $800. At our workshop, we were blessed to have Bishop Carlos Sevilla, bishop of the Diocese of Yakima, celebrate Saturday Vigil Mass for us and his homily was again about Initiative 1000. Armed with good informa-tion, our local courts were in ac-tion speaking to friends, relatives and anyone who would listen as to why this initiative must be de-feated in November. Exemplary leadership was shown by Regent Charlene Takeuchi and immediate Past Regent Debbie Olson of Court Queen of Angels #2576, in Lynnwood. Both women attended a training given by the Coalition Against As-sisted Suicide, learning specifi c talking points against the initiative. Debbie found herself in charge of Lynnwood – 34 precincts, 40,000 people. Armed with 34 maps and a huge box of brochures, Debbie

talked with everyone – requesting help to canvas the precinct. By the end, there was a brochure on every doorstep in Lynnwood. All of our 24 local courts participated in some way – even if it was just talking to family and friends advising them of reasons not to vote for the measure. In the end, despite the efforts of many faithful, I-1000 “Death with Dignity” was approved in No-vember by Washington state voters 58 percent to 42 percent, and went into effect March 6, 2009, making it legal for doctors to prescribe a le-thal dose of medication for patients with less than six months to live. This is far from just a Washington and Oregon issue. Similar measures are planned in other states and Catholic Daughters all over the country

need to be aware. The promoters of these measures have sub-stantial fi nancial backing from all over the country. The Catholic Daughters of Washington state worked hard to educate themselves and others regarding the issue and will con-tinue to help spread the word that life is precious – from concep-tion to natural death – and that life is truly a gift from God.

Have You Moved? Is Your Mailing Label Incorrect? If so, please notify your court’s financial secretary and the CDA Nation-al Headquarters. Send the mailing label showing your old address along with your new address to: Margaret O’Brien, Catho-lic Daughters of the Americas, 10 West 71st St., New York, N.Y. 10023

Name AddressCity State Zip

Attach mailing label here.

DID YOU KNOW that the cost for every Share Magazine that

is returned to us due to an incorrect address is $1.14 (.70 return postage due plus anadditonal .44 to find out what the correct address is)? It is imperative that all changes of address are sent to us when they occur. If you are a snowbird, perhaps you could ask your local post office to hold the Share magazine along with all your other periodical mail for your return.

This would save CDA more than $4,100.00 per year.

BishopCarlosSevillaoftheYakimaDiocesespeaksoutagainstInitiative1000.


Anne Nelson, who made the trip to New York City from Baltimore and took a day off from work said, “Volunteering comes naturally to Catholic Daughters. It’s what we do, and we do it prayerfully and with reverence. We wanted to learn how other or-ganizations across the country approach volunteering.” Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson ad-dressed Anne’s question in part with his opening remarks. “We have been calling this an emergency summit because we are liv-

ing through the worst economic and financial crisis of our lives,” Anderson said, adding, “Our focus, however, is quite practical and what you say here today we hope to bring to Washington and the general public. We are proud of the fact that our 1.7 million members have given 68 million volunteer hours.” Edward Cardinal Egan, former archbishop of the New York Archdiocese and a fan of the Catholic Daughters, spoke next about people’s continued generosity amidst the crisis, noting that

donations to the archdiocese have actually increased in 2009 over last year. Peggy O’Brien was heart-ened by the cardinal’s remarks. “Because Catholic Daughter head-quarters is located in New York City, we’re close to the financial organizations that are at the center of the crisis. It’s encouraging that the New York archdiocese is sus-taining donations and it made me proud that the Catholic Daugh-ters, too, are maintaining generous charitable giving through hard fi-nancial times,” she said. An interesting speaker on the first panel, “A Survey of Cur-rent Volunteer Opportunities,” was Susan Silverie from the Salva-tion Army. Ms. Silverie said that “people often think of the Salva-

CatholicDaughtersAreInvitedtoParticipate

National Officers Attend Knights ofColumbus Conference on VolunteeringByTomPanasNationalPublicRelationsDirector

NationalRegentLibbyRamirez,FirstViceNationalRegentAnneNelson,NationalExec-

utiveDirectorPeggyO’BrienandIattendedaconferenceonvolunteeringsponsored

by the Knights of Columbus.The conference, co-sponsored by Fairfield University,

was held on February 27 from9:00AM to 5:00 PMat the MarriottHotel in NewYorkCity.

AttheKnightsofColumbusvolunteerconferenceNationalRegentLibbyRamirezlistensintentlyasamemberfromherroundtablediscussiongroupmakesapoint.


tion Army as a bell-ringer and thrift store,” but the organization is “a vast, national network with many different kinds of volunteer opportunities.” Faye Kuhn, volunteer director of the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, then conveyed harsh facts about the crisis. “The word from food pantries in New Jersey,” Ms. Kuhn said, “is that the need for food is up 30 percent from last year” and that “senior citizens are being forced to choose between food or medicine.” Bertina Ceccarelli from the United Way of New York City gave context to volunteering by noting that her department at the United Way works to instill volunteerism values in children by encouraging families to help in disadvantaged neighborhoods. In the second panel discussion, “A Cooperative Response to the Economic Crisis,” Rev. Mark Farr, senior director of inter-faith initiatives at Point of Light, said “it’s not good to pigeonhole volunteers and disregard individual talents ‘outside of the box’.” He referred to a chief surgeon taking tickets at a benefit concert and a court officer taking out the trash at a soup kitchen as exam-ples of volunteers doing what was needed though they hold pres-tigious positions in their professional lives. Rev. Farr also encour-aged people to “change your volunteer focus from disadvantaged neighborhoods to all areas – you must realize that our hardship problems are now in society’s mainstream.” Kevin O’Brien, president of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, said it’s important to appreciate volunteers. Their contribu-tions, O’Brien said, must be acknowledged consistently and systematically. Encouraging to Catholic Daughters and their apprecia-tion of young people and Campus Courts was the fact that Alex Knopp, executive director of Dwight Hall at Yale University, not-

ed that many students are contacting Congress to improve laws affecting volunteerism. Another encouraging development and a surprise for some was to learn from self-described “corporate vil-lain” Paul Bueker, executive director of General Electric Volun-teers, that each year General Electric employees volunteer for one million hours. The theme of the last panel was “A Look Beyond the Sum-mit.” Federal Communications Commission agent Emil Cherian said that volunteers are needed at walk-in centers to help senior citizens navigate the “digital transition” mandated by President Obama. Laura Bell, director of voluntary service for the Veterans Administration, spoke proudly of “our noble mission” which is “to provide support for those who have served.” Catholic Daughters would agree, as many courts have held events to raise the morale of U.S. troops overseas. Susan Kohn, executive director of volunteers for the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York, said that Jewish congre-gations were creating their own job banks and that some Rabbis were using discretionary funds to help individuals who have fallen behind on mortgage payments. She added that the United Jewish Appeal has begun training Rabbis to handle the emotional crises of their congregants. Rabbis, Ms. Kohn said, are well-trained in spiritual matters but less so to help people experiencing emotional pain as a result of financial hardship. National Regent Libby Ramirez thought the conference was informative. “We were glad to learn different perspectives on volunteering. It didn’t make me want to change anything about the way Catholic Daughters volunteer. I think our attitude toward volunteering is very positive and we’ve been doing a good job of it for more than a hundred years,” she said.

SittingintheaudienceawaitingthestartofthefirstpaneldiscussionbeforethevolunteerconferencesponsoredbytheKnightsofColumbuswasabouttobeginare,lefttoright,NationalExecutiveDirectorPeggyO’Brien,FirstViceNationalRegentAnneB.NelsonandNationalRegentLibbyRamirez.


ByDuchessCollinsNationalDirector,Texas

During the 2008 National Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I was elected to a second term as na-tional director, and to serve the Catholic Daughters

of the Americas in this capacity is very exciting. I have been assigned to supervise Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. The members of the state boards for these states work extremely well with their local courts, they are knowl-edgeable about their positions, and they have the experience to serve as state officers. What an opportunity this has been for me to work with Catholic Daughters outside my home state of Texas.

Arizona The Arizona State Court is celebrating 51 years of dedi-cated service to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, to the church, and to communities of the state. Arizona has 16 courts under the leadership of State Regent Delma Araiza. There is a combined membership of approximately 795 members, collec-tively participating in many events that support the youth pro-grams in the Diocese of Tucson. The state court and local courts from the Diocese of Tuc-son and the Diocese of Phoenix support vocations and seminari-ans with monetary donations. Catholic schools in Tucson are sup-ported through contributions from a local court for supplies and equipment to be used in the schools’ science labs. Yarn is collected and sent to the prison for inmates to crochet items to benefi t An-dre House, which is a ministry to the homeless and poor popula-tions of the Phoenix area. Members continue working with prison ministry making rosaries, then donating them to the local schools and distributing them to prisons and jails in Maricopa County. The entire state continues its works of charity with do-nations of Friendship Bags for Project Handclasp, support of orphans in Mexico, and support of Special Olympics. Blankets were made for the troops in Iraq and 275 pairs of sweat pants (at the cost of $1,706) were donated to the children at the Pappas School in Phoenix. Delma Araiza continually works with all the courts on the recruitment of new members. The members of Court St. Rose of Lima #2398 in Safford, jumped on the recruitment train and, as a

®

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SpreadingUnityandCharityFarandWide

National Offi cers Discuss TheirResponsibilitiesNational offi cers stay strongly connected to Catholic Daughter activitiesin many geographic areas.


result of the fun they had, 12 ladies joined their court. During the Christmas holidays, Court St. Rose of Lima participated in the an-nual Festival of Trees. Two of the members decorated individual trees; Ida Sainz decorated a tree with handmade pink ribbons and dedicated the tree to “find a cure” for cancer and Cece Alvarado decorated a tree with ceramic images she had made. State workshops are a continued success providing up-dated material of policies and procedures. The past state regents of Arizona have been able to participate in the state workshops and other events by giving presentations on various topics. This has been a great way to keep them involved and updated on cur-rent events. The state regent received confirmation from the Nation-al Office that Arizona will be building a Habitat for Humanity house in the fall of 2009 in Marana, Arizona, where State Chap-lain Rev. Abran Tadeo is located. This will be a wonderful project with which the entire state can get involved. Arizona’s website has links to information regarding events around the state. You can visit the website at www.azstatecatholicdaughters.homestead.org

Colorado Colorful Colorado is under the direction of State Regent Evelyn Irving. This is her first term as state regent, and she and the entire state board are doing an amazing job. Colorado has 11 courts with an active membership of 824. Eighty-four years ago, on September 11, 1925, Colorado instituted its state court. Court of the Holy Family #1794, home of the state regent, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary while attending the 2009 state convention to be held in Colorado Springs. At the 2007 state convention, a resolution was adopted for the state board to appoint a Regional Recruitment Development chair-man. The resolution’s objective was to increase membership and insti-tute new courts. Guidelines were presented at their state workshop in Colorado Springs, and a state chairman will be appointed. Two new JCDA courts are in the planning stages: one in Cortez, and the other in Security. A Disaster Relief Fund was es-tablished during the 2007 CDA state convention to assist any area in the state of Colorado that was hit by some disaster, and lo-cal courts will continue to make contributions towards this new project. Courts continue to be generous with their donations to-wards the repairs of the Mother Cabrini Shrine after it was hit by lightning. The Shrine is located beyond the foothills of Golden, Colorado, and it was rededicated after repairs were completed. The ladies in Grand Junction are busy making rosaries. They donated 800 handmade rosaries to the sisters of Tanzania. Three of the sisters were present at the 2007 state convention. Colorado courts participate in all areas of our national pro-gram by participating in the Life Chain on Respect Life Sunday and sponsoring a boy from Lima, Peru, through the Christian Foundation. They fill Sunshine Boxes for the children of military families, and they are very charitable with their donations to our National Charities.

Court Sacred Heart #1606, in Cortez has been involved in Habitat for Humanity and recently Court St. Theresa, #980 in Sterling, added six new members who have become active par-ticipants in their court. Court Madonna of the Mountains #2035 participated in the Denver Catholic Conference, which enabled court members to “spread the word” about CDA. Colorado’s web-site is www.catholicdaughterscolorado.org.

Texas Texas will be celebrating its 92nd anniversary as a state court during the 2009 State Convention in McAllen, under the leadership of State Regent Carolyn Bachmann. Texas has 230 courts with a state membership of approximately 16,000 women and is very proud of its 55 Junior Catholic Daughter courts con-sisting of 785 members. During the 2007-2009 term, Texas has instituted 10 new courts, which include two Campus Courts with plans for future courts. At the 2008 National Convention, Texas was recognized for having the most new courts instituted in a two-year period with a total of seven courts, and received first place for the state with the most membership net gain. Texas State Spiritual Enhancement Chairman Olga Sa-maniego, immediate past state regent, has traveled throughout Texas presenting spiritual retreats with the local courts. These retreats have continued to be successful because they bring Catholic Daughters together having the same common goal: the sharing of their faith. Court of the Holy Family #2597 in Houston began a new ministry for its parish entitled St. Gianna’s Hope. This is a sup-port ministry, working with the clergy, to deliver a memory box to families that have experienced the loss of a child from miscarriage or early infant loss. Some of the items in the memory box are a prayer blanket, a journal, blessed candles and a Certificate of Life for the child. More than a hundred people attended the first an-nual Memorial Mass with a beautiful homily of peace and healing for the families. Each family received a special blessing and was given a white ribbon to write in the name of their infant to tie to the Christmas tree in the courtyard following Mass. The state officers continue to have multi-district leadership and officer training workshops throughout Texas. All courts have been in attendance and new materials were distributed keeping everyone informed of current procedures. Memorial Mass enroll-ment cards are sold for all occasions and each month the state chairman sends the enrollment report to the state chaplain. Prayers are then offered during Mass the first Friday of each month for a period of one year. At the end of the year, the monies collected are used to award scholarships to graduating seniors. The state court has sponsored Habitat for Humanity hous-es located in Corpus Christi, Wichita Falls and Mexico—during the 2008 Lent Build. The number of members who took their time to support these projects was overwhelming. Texas has a very nice website. Take a look at www.texascda.org.


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ByShirleySeyfriedSecondViceNationalRegent

Serving on the National Board for the past fi ve years has in-deed been an honor and a blessing.

I am truly humbled by my election to the National Board and have enjoyed serving the Catholic Daughters in this capac-ity. I joined Court St. Cabrini #1466 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, more than 30 ago when I was pregnant with my youngest daugh-ter, Christina, and I have been active ever since. I am proud to say that Christina is a charter member of Court Daughters of the Immaculate Conception in Denton, Tex-as, and is regent of her court. Having served as an offi cer at local, state, and now national levels of the Order, I really believe that the charitable works done by Catholic Daughters are what God is calling us to do. In addition, the friends I have made in Catholic Daughters all over the country are my sisters in Christ and a real blessing to me. The four states to which I am currently the National Rep-resentative are Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the territorial court in Kentucky. In each state, the Catholic Daughters are very dedicated to the work of the organization.

Illinois Illinois is the state of my family home. I was born in Kankakee, Illinois, and raised on a farm near Cullom, so every time I go to a board meeting or a convention, I feel like I am go-ing back home. In fact, the 2007 Illinois State Convention was held at Northern Illinois University, my alma mater. Illinois is a very diverse state. Rural Illinois has some very rich farmland, with corn and soybeans being two major crops. In Northeastern Illinois, on Lake Michigan, is Chicago, one of the largest cities in the country with its diverse population, and many opportu-nities. Some interesting facts about Chicago are that the Sears Tower is the tallest building on the North American continent, and the Chicago Post Offi ce is the only one in the world through which you can drive a car. The Catholic Daughters in Illinois are led by a dynamic regent, Pat Sloan. She has put membership as her top priority

and is working hard to not only institute new courts but also to retain the current courts and make them stronger. A new court was instituted in Antioch on February 2, 2008, with a total of 20 charter members. Rev. John Jamnicky is the chaplain of this court in this new parish, St. Raphael the Archangel. He is also the state chaplain. Revitalizing the district deputies has also been a priority in Illinois in order to have more contact with all of the courts. Three workshops were held last fall as well as a district deputy work-shop. There are 26 courts in Illinois with approximately 2,100 members. A new state goal is to build a Habitat House in Illinois. Fund-raising for the project began with a $1,000 donation from the court of the state regent in DeKalb. The courts will now raise $5 per member per year for three years in order to build the Habi-tat House. Illinois has a unique approach to its state project. Instead of one state project, there are fi ve projects, one in each diocese in Illinois. The Catholic Daughters from the diocese decide what their project will be, and then they donate $1 per member per year to the project. The money is sent to the state court, Court Mother Teresa #2592, each January. The state court adds $200 to the amount, and it is sent to the bishop of the diocese. A letter is included listing the names of the CDA courts in the diocese and indicating to which organization the money is to be given.

Minnesota Minnesota is another of the states for which I serve as na-tional representative, and it has been my home for the past 31 years. It is known as the land of 10,000 lakes and for mighty cold winters with lots of snow. In fact, International Falls, Minnesota, is known as the nation’s “ice box.” Major farm crops in Minne-sota include sugar beets, potatoes, sunfl owers, corn and soybeans. Minnesota is also home to the world-famous Mall of America. Minnesota has many strong Catholic Daughter courts. There are 31 courts and approximately 2,600 members. The state regent is Kathy Kennedy and she has had a very productive four years. The fi rst new court in Minnesota in more than 30 years, Court Mother Teresa, was instituted on September 23, 2007, in St. Paul with 21 charter members. The national convention was also held in Minnesota during Kathy’s term in 2006. Habitat for Humanity is a major project for Minne-sota Catholic Daughters. The Catholic Daughters give away Gummi Bears for donations each year during one weekend in October, and this money is given as a grant to a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the state to help build a Habitat House. Approximately $10,000 is raised each year from the Gummi Bear Drive. Members from the court nearest the affiliate then help with the build in any way they can. In addition, the state project for the past two years was sponsoring one of the Hab-itat houses in Mexico for the Lenten build in 2008. Eight Catholic Daughters from Minnesota went to Mexico to help build the houses.

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Wisconsin My third state is Wisconsin, which is known as America’s Dairyland because the state produces much of the nation’s milk, cheese, and butter. Wisconsinites are often known as “cheeseheads” because of the hats they wear at the professional football and base-ball games that are shaped like a big wedge of yellow cheese. Two interesting facts about Wisconsin include the name, which came from an Indian word which the French spelled Ouisconsin, mean-ing “Gathering of the waters,” and the fact that the fi rst kindergar-ten in the country was started in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1856. There are 19 Catholic Daughter courts in Wisconsin and approximately 1,100 members. The state regent is Jo Hammen. They have two major state projects. The fi rst is a seminarian fund to which the courts contribute during the two years between con-ventions. In addition, they have a big raffl e at the state convention to which all of the courts contribute prizes. Tickets are sold by all of the courts prior to the convention and the drawing is held at the convention. The goal is to raise $5,000. A donation of $1,000 is then given to each of the bishops of the fi ve Wisconsin dioceses toward the education of their seminarians. Their second state proj-ect is a pro-life project. They have a major baby shower at the state convention, and then the items are divided among the fi ve dioceses to be taken to a life care/emergency shelter for distribution to their clients and their babies. Both projects are very successful. Wisconsin Catholic Daughters also instituted a new court in Green County. This is the fi rst new court in Wisconsin in more than 70 years. The new court, Court Mazzuchelli #2609, was instituted September 7, 2008, at a Mass with all state offi cers attending.

Kentucky My territorial court is Court St. Anne #2568, in Richmond, Kentucky, which was instituted on June 11, 2006. The regent is Angie Browning. This is a very active court; one of its projects is to collect items to donate to the local nursing homes in Richmond to use in their annual Winter Peanut Auction. The items are things the residents can use, e.g. stationery, stamps, pretty Kleenex boxes, lotions, crossword puzzle books, etc. Items are brought to the Feb-ruary CDA meeting and then delivered to the nursing homes. The members also have many spiritual activities. For Lent, they sponsored a book group that met every Thursday evening. They studied a Thomas Martin refl ections book. All women of the parish were invited. They sponsored a women’s retreat April 24-25. The title of the retreat was “Prayer: Struggle or Strength.” They also have a Rosary Committee which fi nds someone to lead the rosary every Sunday before the 8:30 AM Mass. Our goal is to try to institute more courts in Kentucky so that this will not be the only court in the state. My experience working with all of these courts has been very rewarding, and I am very thankful to have been given the op-portunity to serve in this capacity. It wasn’t until I began traveling as a national offi cer that I truly realized the tremendous amount of charitable works being done by Catholic Daughters all over the

country. May God Bless all of you and your work in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

ByMaryannGrabaskyNationalDirector,NorthCarolina

Being a newcomer to the National Board, I am excited to be a part of the wonderful organization that is Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Although I am from North Carolina I am not a native of the state; I have lived here for the past 22 years and am still de-lighted by the southern hospitality extended to me, a transplant from New York, by the members of CDA. I have the honor and privilege to represent the states of Connecticut, North Carolina and the two Territorial Courts of South Carolina. Both Connecticut and North Carolina have a long history, which dates back to the start of CDA in 1903.

Connecticut Connecticut celebrated the state court’s 100th Anniversary in 2006. The Connecticut State Court has hosted many mile-stones in the state’s CDA history. In October 2008, in conjunc-tion with its fall conference, the state celebrated both the jubilee of Connecticut State Chaplain Father Harold Heinrich and the 100th anniversary of Court St. Mary #82. I attended and pre-sented a letter and plaque to the court on behalf of the current National Regent, Libby Ramirez. It was at their fall conference that I fi rst met these wonderful women of Connecticut, who hon-ored Justine Smith, a 70-year member of Court St. Mary #82. I witnessed a beautiful memorial service, which I brought back to North Carolina and it was used at our recent state convention. While the state court of Connecticut may be small, the women of CDA accomplish many good things. As a state project, they provide a day at Our Lord’s Shrine in Litchfi eld, which is op-erated and maintained by the LaSalette Fathers. The most recent trip commemorated the 150th Anniversary of Our Lady’s appear-ance to St. Bernadette.


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The state court received recognition from the nation-al office at the National Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for its state project of collecting and donating vari-ous Catholic literature, prayer cards, and other religious items to the Connecticut Department of Corrections. The project is administered through a deacon who does prison ministry. The members also have two state charities to which they make donations: New Hope Manor, which assists troubled girls and Glenmary Home Missioners. They also give a $500 scholar-ship to one of the four Catholic colleges in Connecticut, on a rotational basis each year. The four institutions of higher learn-ing that are a part of the program are Alberta Magnus Col-lege, Fairfield University, St. Joseph’s College and Sacred Heart University. In 2008, they sponsored a trip to the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven to view the Swiss Guards of the Vatican display and presented the History of CDA to a Knights of Columbus representative. They also participate in the Education Contest sponsored by the national office and love to recreate the skits that are pre-sented at national convention and Belleville. They perform these skits at their workshops and conferences. The state court of Connecticut is very active in all as-pects of our Circle of Love program. They are using the talents and gifts God has given them to spread the word of Catholic Daughters of the Americas throughout Connecticut. I am very impressed with what they have accomplished and continue to do in the name of CDA. They are certainly a blessing to their parishes and communities. The state of Connecticut is also blessed to have such energetic CDA members in their state. I am both pleased and proud to know them and to be their national representative.

North Carolina Who would have thought that North Carolina would have a long-standing history of CDA in a state that is part of the Bible Belt? Well, CDA is thriving and still going strong. Our oldest active court, Court Asheville #412, will be cel-ebrating its 90th Anniversary in 2010. At the present time, there are 15 courts with a membership totaling 783 and two JCDA courts, one at Court St. Mary, Mother of God #2534 in Sylva, the sec-ond at Court Msgr. Michael A. Irwin #1704 in New Bern. They are all very involved in the state projects: Elijah Cup for Vocations and Victory Junction Gang Camp. The camp was founded by Kyle Petty in memory of his son, Adam, and is sponsored by the Petty family of NASCAR fame. During the summer months, the camp offers a free week for children with life-threatening diseases. The courts processed in the four Eucharistic Congresses held in the Charlotte Diocese. They also have participated in Life Chains and Right to Life marches across the state. Two courts recently had American flags presented to them by the United States Marine Corps in recognition of their ongoing support of the men and women in the Armed Forces. These flags

have flown over military facilities in Iraq, and have been authenti-cated by documentation which accompanied each of them. A number of the courts support local schools by collecting school supplies, book bags and other items, which they donated to the schools. To make the collection site visible, court members converted an old baby crib to look like a school bus. All courts are very active in both their parishes and com-munities, often providing various types of assistance when nec-essary. The courts participate in the Circle of Love program which helps to promote CDA. At our last National Conven-tion, North Carolina received awards in spiritual enhancement and membership. The members also received national awards in education, having first and second place winners in poetry and they won the local court newsletter award from the na-tional office. These ladies work hard for CDA and enjoy the work they are doing. Their recent state convention, hosted by Court Infant of Prague #1643, was a successul convention. We were pleased to have in attendance six members of Territorial Court Holy Family #2393, from South Carolina. I am proud and honored to have been their state regent for the past four years and now to be their national representative.

Territorial Courts – South Carolina There are two Catholic Daughters of the Americas courts in South Carolina: Court St. Michael #2356 in Garden City and Court Holy Family #2393 in Goose Creek. Total combined mem-bership of the courts is 123. These two courts are very active in their parishes and com-munities. Both courts were invited to attend the North Carolina State Court Convention. Unfortunately, Court St. Michael had its major fund-raiser planned for the same weekend and was un-able to attend. The members from Court Holy Family graciously accepted and attended the convention. I had the privilege and honor of meeting six members of the court. These members are very excited about CDA and are looking forward to instituting additional courts in South Carolina. Their ultimate goal is to one day have their own state court. Both courts are actively participating in the Circle of Love program. They each are involved with filling Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for the needy and support various pregnancy care centers in their areas. They also work to make rosaries and bibs for distribution to various organizations and assist at their parishes in a number of different ministries—all this while doing CDA inspired work. It is through the territorial courts that future state courts will be organized and the growth of CDA continue. These courts are examples of the Church in its mission years. The members in these states, as in all states, mirror the works of all Catholic Daughters and make CDA the strong and wonderful or-ganization that it is today. They are living the CDA mission state-ment. I am very proud to be a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

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The Catholic Heart Day by DayBy Father Richard Beyer(Paraclete Press, Brewster, Massachusetts, 2008)

ReviewedbyPeggyEastman

In these times of economic turmoil and fear, Wall Street betrayal and stress caused by both domestic and international struggles, it is heartening to read a book

that celebrates all that is good in humanity: courage, love, sacrifi ce, steadfastness in worship and abiding faith in the capacity for joy. Father Beyer, author of the popular Medjugorje Day by Day, has given us such a book in The Catholic Heart Day by Day, which is subtitled “Uplifting Stories for Courageous Living.” The author is a priest of the Archdiocese for Military Affairs and serves as chaplain at a veterans’ hospital in central Texas. The book is a smorgasbord of short, short stories, vignettes, mini-hom-ilies, and even poetry, each entry meant for a specifi c day of the year, starting with January 1. Each item is introduced by a short, relevant Scripture passage, and each has some concluding comments by the author relating the story or vignette to faith. The author himself describes it as “a kaleidoscope of stories, images, allegories and portraits that seeks to complement our faith, not so much in theology or doctrine, but in living love, living action, living hero-ism.” The settings for these writings shift from Nazi Germany to America’s heartland to Pearl Harbor to the Jordan River to the beaches at Normandy to ancient Israel – and more. Indeed the scope of the book is remarkable, and refl ects Father Beyer’s broad experience and interests. This book gave me a different slant – in an item called “One Abused Child” – on Adolf Hitler, who has always been presented to me, especially in World War II movies, as a consummate villain lacking a human dimension. As a boy, Father Beyer writes, Hitler was beaten repeatedly by his abusive father, once so badly that the boy went into a coma for days and nearly died. It is not surprising that the young Adolf tried to run away from home. Father Beyer points out that when children are abused, they receive the message that they are evil. If they are repeatedly abused, they repeatedly receive the message that they are evil, and they come to believe it. When abusers reach a position where they can themselves abuse – and Hitler reached a position of great power – they then take out their feelings of worthlessness on others in retaliation.

BookCorner

GuidelinesforShareCopy

Court news is the lifeblood of your magazine, and we welcome all your submissions, which should be sent to the New York offi ce of CDA, 10 West 71st St., New York, NY 10023, attention: Share staff. Please type and double-space your material on 81/2˝ by 11˝ paper; we cannot accept handwritten articles as they are diffi cult to read, particularly names. We strive to avoid misspelling of names or courts. When referring to clergy, a celebrant or speaker, please use the FULL NAME, i.e., Reverend James Smith, NOT Father Smith, or Ida Brown, NOT Mrs. Brown. Be sure to include correct titles where appropriate. Newspaper clippings should not be submitted as your entry, as we do not have time to condense and rewrite articles. Please be certain to identify everyone in your court news item, and include your own name, court name and number, city, state and phone number with the item. Sometimes we receive items in which the court’s name or number is missing, and it is very hard to try to fi gure out which court is represented. When sending photos, please send clear, in-focus prints with full captions. Blurry or dark photos will not print well. Photos cannot be returned; if it is something you want to keep, have a duplicate made.


Anniversaries

Louisiana Court Honors Long-Time Member at Anniversary Banquet

Court St. Theresa of Avila #1955

in Gonzales, Loui-siana, celebrated its 43rd anniversary on February 22 with an appreciation banquet dedicated to Margue-rite Himel, a court member for 70 years.

Seated,MargueriteHimel.Standing,lefttoright:courtofficersBarbaraMason,financialsecretary,CaroleRachel,re-cordingsecretary,DianaDuBois,regent,andAnneBosche,viceregent.Notpictured:FrancisCavanaugh,treasurer.

New Mexico Court Celebrates 65 Years and Honors Its Grande Dames

Members of Court Our Lady of Belen #1359 in Belen, New Mexico, cel-

ebrated their 65th anniversary with a noon Mass followed by a reception. Two charter members from 1944, Rebecca C. Baca-Abey-ta and Sebastine “Sabie” Romero, presented the gifts at Mass. Former regents Filomena Baca and Mary Jo Moya were lectors, reading from the Old and New Testaments. Susanna Gilbert sang the psalms. Pins were distributed to the 15 new members by Finan-cial Secretary Rosie Chavez of Court Belen and Financial Secretary Linda Burkhart from Court Los Lunas. The memory of the court’s first grand regent, Mary D. Castillo-Kuhn, who died in September 2008, was honored. Regent Frances Gallegos was the mistress of ceremonies. Former regent and current District Deputy Luz Chavez and Bonnie Montoya, layout editor/printer of the court’s newsletter, were acknowledged for ex-emplary service. The 65th anniversary committee was led by Louisa Rodriguez and Hilda Hidalgo.

FlankingsomeofthehonoreesarePastViceRegentConnieBaca,farleft,andFinancialSecretaryRosieChavez,farright.GrandedamesincludechartermembersSebastine“Sabie”RomeroandRebeccaC.Baca-Abeyta(65years);LilyTabet(64years);FrancesGallegos(50years);MaryJoMoya(59years);andKandyCordova(50years).


Happy 100th Anniversary to Pennsylvania Court

Court St. Mary #95 in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania,

honored its 100th anniversary at a 10:00 AM Mass celebrat-ed by Most Reverend Donald Troutman, Bishop of the Erie, Pennsylvania diocese. Mass was followed by a catered din-ner at the Queen of the World Church in St. Mary’s. Special guests included Laraine A. McGinnis, Pennsylvania state regent; Dolores Croyle, state treasurer; Letty Calvetti, na-tional director; Kate Pohl, dis-trict deputy, and others. Court #95 was chartered in 1908 when it received 50 members.

Guam Court Celebrates 11thAnniversary and ReceivesNew Member

CourtMariaRainanYFamilia#2450inTamun-ing,Guam,celebratedits11thanniversaryonDecember15withananniversaryMassatSt.VictorChurchfollowedbybrunchattheEveningDewintheNikkoHotel.ThebrunchincludedareceptionfornewcourtmemberRoseAtalig.Inthephotoarecourtmembers.RegentDoraSalazarisseatedfarright.

Charter MembersHonored at 44thAnniversary in Arizona

Court Padre Kino #1932 in Tempe, Arizona, held its 44th anniversary

in February. Members of Court Padre Kino gathered at the nursing home where charter member Mary Evans is residing. The three charter members present (Mary Robinson, Mary Evans and Marie McB-room) received special acknowledgement.

Backrow,lefttoright:CathyOplaski,RamonaKiesinger;chartermembersMaryRobinson,MaryEvansandMarieMcBroom;ElisabethWilcox.Frontrow,lefttoright,VirginiaDurr,JoAnnKersbergen,MelanieCallinsworthandBernadetteNabity.

Lefttoright:GerryChalot,regent;BettyHoffman,viceregent;JeanMiller,financialsecretary;MaryPavlock,treasurer;andDorothyChristoff,recordingsecretary.

Washington Court Helpsthe Families of Prisoners

Court St. Rita #957 in Everett, Washington, donated $800 to Matthew House, an organization that helps women,

children and families of prisoners. With the help of donors and private sponsors, Matthew House provides overnight accommo-dations to those travelling a long distance as well as food, cloth-ing, transportation, love, support and hope. Court St. Rita has supported Matthew House for several years.

CourtSt.RitamembersDorothyPreder,left,andMaryGregoire,right,presentacheckintheamountof$800toLindaM.Paz,center,executivedirectorofMatthewHouse.


News&Notes

Fresh Ideas and Fellowship Blossomat Annual Spring Conference

CourtAllSaints#1435inSomers,Connecticut,helditsannualspringconference.Throughouttheconference,asshownbythephoto,Daughtersexchangedmanyideasforgrowthandsuc-cessfulcommunityservicewhilesharingfellowshipandenjoyinggoodfood.

California Daughters Host Sister Courtsfor All Souls DayRemembrance

Court San Louis Obispo #1162 in San Luis Obispo,

California, hosted sister California Courts Santa Maria #1079 and LaPurisima #1267 in an All Souls Day remembrance for its CDA sisters who are deceased. Pastor Rev. Russell Brown welcomed the courts at Mass and prayed for CDA sisters who have passed on in the past year.

CombinedCaliforniacourtmembers.


Rummaging For Good Will andCharitable Giving

Court Our Lady of the Valley #2118 in Las Vegas, Nevada, held a successful rummage sale at the St. Viator Parish Center. All

proceeds went to various local charities in Las Vegas.

“SalesLadies,”seated,lefttoright:LoisRuvolo,MaryCampbellandMaryAnnPonci.Standing,lefttoright:PatGronowski,ShirleyRuvolo,SandyJones,LinMando,LeonieFrisbee,SisterDiane,LuciaVinsonandBarbaraFletcher.

Catholic Daughters Put Their Hearts Into Helping Veterans

Court Our Lady of the Ro-sary #2511 in Omaha,

Nebraska, made valentines for hospitalized veterans at the Vet-erans Association Medical Cen-ter in Omaha. It was the court’s way of helping celebrate “Na-tional Salute to Veterans Week” (February 8 – 14) and extend-ing thanks to the veterans for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf.

MembersofCourt#2511showthateachofthem“hasaheart”forveterans,whichtheyshowproudly.

Vermont Daughters Celebrate 42ndBiennial Convention

Vermont’s 42nd Biennial Convention, conducted by Vermont First Vice State Regent Dale Mount, was held on April 18

and 19 in the state capitol of Montpelier. Governor James Doug-las gave the welcoming remarks and First Vice National Regent Anne B. Nelson, who attended from Maryland, provided the major address. Anne told the gathering that the Daughters need a greater presence in communities and parishes. The current of-ficers, all elected for another two-year term, are Loretta Schneider, state regent; Dale Mount, first vice state regent; Shirley Buntin, second vice state regent, Judy Smith, secretary, and Deborah Brown, treasurer.

Lefttoright:BishopSalvatoreMatano,FirstViceNationalRegentAnneNelsonandVermontFirstViceStateRegentDaleMount.

Annual Membership Brunch Brings New Texas Members

Membership chairpersons Karen Bolmanskie and Lupe Alfaro hosted the annual member-ship brunch for Court Mary St. John #2197 in Baytown, Texas. Several ladies in the parish

were invited and, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, were informed about what it means to be a Catholic Daughter. The success of the event was evident when, a month later, nine new members were received into the court and two renewed their memberships.

Atthemembershipbrunchare,frontrow,lefttoright:JessicaMunguia,WilmaBinz,PaulineFivecoat,SitaLeed,SaundraSmith,MaryLittonandJackieMachala.Backrow,lefttoright:DistrictDeputyMaryBethHrabina,LynnFoley,GeorgiaLau,AnnOylerandLoisGarrett.


News&Notes

Oregon Bake SaleReally Takesthe Cake

Court Our Lady of the Cascades #2041 in Bend,

Oregon, celebrated Make a Difference Day by holding a bake sale that enabled mem-bers to donate to the capital campaign for Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Pastor and court chaplain Reverend Jo-seph Reinig was delighted and grateful to receive a check for $522.40, which will go toward the funds being raised for a new church.

Nevada State Court Welcomes National Regent to Biennial Convention

Nevada held its biennial State Convention in Las Vegas on

April 17 and 18. The court was especially honored that National Regent Libby Ramirez attended. At the banquet dinner Nevada State Regent Victoria Bentley presented Libby with a portrait painting by Louise Sollitto, a member of Court Elizabeth Ann Seton #231.

Lefttoright:MariannKaczmerczyk,Nevadastatetreasurer,KathrynTiminskas,outgoingNevadastatesecretary,VictoriaBentley,Nevadastateregent,NationalRegentLibbyRamirez;,Rev.JohnMcShane,Nevadastatechaplain,RosalieGregorich,Nevadafirstvicestateregent,andMargaretCantwell,Nevadasecondvicestateregent.

Massachusetts Prayer Quilt Ministry Blankets People in Need With Blessings

Court Henry A. Sullivan #584 in Danvers, Massachusetts, hosted

guest speaker Peg Peterson who spoke about the Prayer Quilt ministry she began at St. Mary of the Annuncia-tion Church in Danvers. The quilts are made by volunteers, blessed, and donated to residents at North Shore Hospice and Kaplan House to offer comfort and God’s love to those who are ill. Regent Judi Shooter opened her home to any CDA member who wished to contribute toward this min-istry in an old fashioned sewing bee. Members brought their needles and thread and/or sewing machines as well as their prayers for those who would re-ceive the quilts. Some sewed or ironed the material while others offered sup-port throughout the afternoon. Lefttoright:CarmellaDeScenza,JudiShooter,regent,MarySvoboda,SandyLane,recording

secretary,BarbaraMuka,viceregentandMauraSaldarini.TreasurerDebraFraser(notpictured)wasn’tabletojointhesewingbee,buttooktwoquiltkitshome.


Bingo! Minnesota Court BringsJoy to Elder Citizens

EachmonthmembersofCourtQueenofPeace#1558inSlayton,Minnesota,playBingoattheGoldenLivingCenterwithresidents.Inthephoto,fromlefttorightareBettyDahlhoff,RitaKirchner,MargaretShort,AliceKnutson,GlennaMillerandBlancheMarcotte.

Louisiana Court Enjoys Delicious(and Generous) Dinner

Court St. Rose De Lima #1194 in Duplessis, Louisiana, held a Lenten dinner at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Amant, Louisiana. All

proceeds from the dinner of shrimp scampi, green beans and bread were donated to charitable causes. Many meals were purchased and the court do-nated sweets to sell.

Frontrow,lefttoright:CrystalHoldridge,LisaWesterfield,ErinAllisonandFayeShepheard.Secondrow,lefttoright:RowenaHampton,EmilysLandry,BeatriceChretien,MarySavoy,EdnaRichard,EstelleBabin,DawnFortenberry,VivianGuidryandLynnKeller.

�0 Share Magazine • Summer 2009

People

Idaho Court Chaplain HonoredFor Exemplary Work

For 17 years Rev. George A. Rassley has served as chaplain for Court Our Lady of the Lake #1447 in

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The court joined the Knights of Columbus to honor Father Rassley on his 80th birth-day and to acknowledge his 56 years in the priesthood. Father Rassley visits the lonely and supports charities including “Smile Train” (one of the Catholic Daugh-ters’ five national projects) and “Mary’s House,” where pregnant girls can take refuge. He also supports another favorite Catholic Daughter charity, “Morality in Media,” as well as local institutions such as Gertrude’s Monastery for retired nuns and the Holy Family Catholic School.

Rev.GeorgeA.Rassley

Charter Member’s 101st Birthday Celebrated

Twenty-five members of Court Our Lady of Good Counsel #1401 in

Loreauville, Louisiana, at St. Joseph’s Church, celebrated Charter Member Anite Gondron’s 101st birthday. Mem-bers enjoyed cake and punch while rem-iniscing about their earlier days.

BirthdaycelebrantAniteGondron,sittingatcenter,inred,surroundedbywell-wishingcourtmembersather101stbirthdaycelebration.

Texas Court Honors Deserving ‘Angel’

Court Our Lady of Fatima #1526 in Jourdanton, Texas, named Mar-cella Dornak as the court’s Catholic Daughter Angel for 2009. A

charter member, Marcella has served as the court’s regent and secretary and is currently treasurer. She worships at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Jourdanton, where she serves as Eucharistic minister and lector, and has worked with R.C.I.A. for 22 years. Marcella is a director of the Jour-danton Chamber of Commerce and president of her K.J.Z.T. Lodge. She is a widow and the mother of nine children, one of whom is deceased.

CourtOurLadyofFatima#1526“Angel”MarcellaDornak

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas �1

Happy 95th Birthday to Philadelphia Daughter

MembersofCourtHolyTrinity#1336inPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,helpedAgnesMcCartneycel-ebrateher95thbirthday.Inthephotoarelefttoright:RitaCooke,MaryDolajzycki,LorraineHeck,LorettaMarley,MaryGolden,RaeBanecker,birthdaycelebrantAgnesMcCartney(seated),GraceClark,DorothyFritsch,MargaretGeorge,AliceWoodford,MaryRahn,LottieWesley,LoisWagnerandMaryLaraio.

Six Oregon Members Honored for50-Year Membership

CourtKlamath#1295inKlamathFalls,Oregon,recentlyhonoredsixmemberswhohadbeenwiththecourtfor50years.Inthephotoarelefttoright:EthelCox,YolandaRostrolla,BeverlySandbergandIreneChambers.Honoredinabsentiabutnotpicturedare50-yearmembersMaryEllenBairandBonnieCheyne.

Past Regents Honor Fellow PastRegent With Friendly Visit

PastregentsofCourtSt.Agnes#618inBrookings,SouthDakota,recentlyvisitedandhadlunchwithformerregentVernaSturdevantatVerna’sresidence,GreenLeafAssistedLiving.Inthephotoare:backrow,lefttoright:BarbDoherty,MicheleSage,ShirleyBergum,DianeKeimig,MaryParsleyandJuanitaMaher.Frontrow,lefttoright:VernaStur-devant,BarbMielkeandViDorn.

Former National ClergyConsultant Given GrandSendoff

Rt. Reverend Jack Ahern, national clergy consultant during M. Joan

McKenna’s tenure as national regent, has been reassigned to another city in Massachusetts where he will be pastor to three parishes. For the past 16 years, Father Ahern (“Father Jack” as he is known by his Massachusetts friends and colleagues) has been pastor of St. Mary’s of the Assumption parish and chaplain of Court Brookline #488 in Brookline, Massachusetts. Father Ahern celebrated his final Mass at St. Mary’s parish on Sunday, May 3. “The church was filled to capacity,” former national regent and regent of Court #488 M. Joan McKenna said. “Sadness mixed with joy as we bid our beloved ‘Father Jack’ good-bye and offered him our prayers and best wishes for the chal-lenging future that lies ahead.”

Court Helps MemberCelebrate 100thBirthday

MembersofCourtOurMotherofPerpetualHelp#2148inBelfield,NorthDakota,helpedAnnProcivecelebrateher100thbirthday.Annhasbeenwiththecourtsince1982.Inthephotoarestanding,lefttoright:ElaineJohnson,VickiSchneider,MarionDecker,DorothyPetri,KathyKrebs,SarahEmmil,AnnetteSteffanandPollySchiwal.Inthefrontroware,lefttoright,LanaProciveandAnnProcive.

Nebraska Court Holds Receptionfor 11 New Members

Court Mary Queen of Peace #2423 in Omaha, Nebraska, received 11 new members from court parish Mary Our

Queen and from other parishes as well.

Standing,backrow,lefttoright:StephanieHumphrey,MaryKayEsser,MarilynHumphrey,JeanVerbanc,JoStewart,CarolynBukowski,CarolFrancl,JaniceElledge,DianeMohatt,andRosemarieProchaska.Stand-ing,farright:RegentMaryLeonovicz.Standing,front:newmemberLoisGivens,andseated,lowerright,AnneLewis,educationco-chair.

�2 Share Magazine • Summer 2009

People

Congratulations to LouisianaCatholic Daughter of the Year

CourtSts.PeterandPaul#2321inScott,Louisiana,namedLindaSavoieCatholicDaughteroftheYearatthecourt’srecentbanquet.Inthephoto,Rev.GilbertDutil,left,presentstheawardtoCatholicDaughteroftheYearaward-winnerLindaSavoie,center,whileRegentCindyLeBlanc,right,lookson.

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This devotional set includes two special features: a handmade rosary and a crucifix made from the olive trees that grow on the hills of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The crucifix features a pewter corpus and a stone from the fields surrounding the Church of the Nativity where it is believed Christ was born. Crucifix measures 4 3/4 inches x 2 1/2 inches.

The Olive Wood Devotional Set will be sent to you in gratitude for your gift of $15 or more. Your donation will support the ministries of the Missionary Oblates as we serve poor and needy people in our missions around the world.

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2008 2009 SHARE...SHARE SUMMER 2008 Catholic Daughters of the Americas The Calling National Ofﬁ...

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Transcript of 2008 2009 SHARE...SHARE SUMMER 2008 Catholic Daughters of the Americas The Calling National Ofﬁ...