A Note from the Regent

This month is a membership drive month.  In as much as we want to get new members we also want to maintain the regular ones.  A lot of preparation goes into this campaign and needs the combined ideas from everyone.  We shall have a special and well-thought “Valentine membership tea”.  We promise a night of fun and learning about the history of CDA.

February is St Valentine’s month but everyday should be Valentine’s Day.  Always tell your family, friends, and neighbors you love them.  Do not wait for a special occasion to say it. Loving our neighbors is a sign of loving God also and we can show it through our words and actions.  Little gestures of understanding and concern go a long way.  Let us show love for our fellow sisters in CDA and be sensitive to each other’s needs and feelings.  Let our motto of Unity and Charity prevail, for there can be no charity if there is no love.

Nomra N. Locker                             

Worthy Regent                                

I love you, O my God, and my only desire is to love you until the last breath of my life...I love you Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love you eternally...My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I draw breath..  

St John Vianney,  Prayer

National News

(More news is available at the National CDA website: http://www.catholicdaughters.org)

Memorare for Membership

Evelyn Saxton, National Chair for Spiritual Enhancement encourages everyone to pray the Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Patroness, that we may obtain assistance in the increase in membership of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.  For this intention we pray:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, my mother.  To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.  Amen.

National JCDA Sunday

JCDA celebrates the closing of their 82^nd Anniversary year on February 22, 2009!  A copy of the JCDA proclamation is available.

501 (c) (3) Organizations

Catholic Daughters of the Americas is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.  With this designation we are tax-exempt.  To retain this designation, there are specific Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines which we must follow. 

CDA members should not be involved in political activity.  When members are acting as individuals involved in political activity they must be certain no impression is given to make it look like CDA is participating in the activity.  For example, if a member is wearing a CDA pin, she is in violation of this requirement.

FOCA -  more information

The Catholic bishops of the United States have unanimously called us to prayer and action to prevent passage of the radical ‘Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA).  In a nutshell,

• FOCA eliminates regulations that protect women from unsafe abortion clinics
• FOCA forces taxpayers to fund abortions
• FOCA requires all states to allow “partial birth” and other late-term abortions
• FOCA subjects women to abortions by nonphysicians
• FOCA violates the conscience rights of nurses, doctors and hospitals
• FOCA strips parents of their right to be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion decision.

CDA National headquarters is requesting all members to write their US Senators and US Representative to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act (Senate W. 1173; House H.R. 1964).

(Add’l Source:  www.nchla.org).

(Ed’s note:  Holy Rosary Church has the 3-part postcards which can be mailed to the US Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn and US Representative Pete Olson.  The cards have been pre-addressed for your convenience.  All you have to do is affix a-27cent stamp to each post card.)

Charities and Abortions

Local courts should investigate on their own to determine if a specific local charity gives money to an abortion clinic.  And if such situation does exist, it is the hope that the local court does not support that specific charity.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you.  Jer. 1:5

State News

State Mission by Carolyn Bachmann – Texas State Regent

“Together We Are Strong” Eccl. 4:9

The members of the Texas State Court love Christ and His Church and are dedicated to leading others to Christ and to His service through the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

State Website:  www.texascda.org.

Some words of love and wisdom from Father Don Ruppert, State Chaplain

(Excerpts from State Newsletter, December issue)

“...The CDA fraternal year is well underway.  My prayers are with you as you discern the needs of your membership and the communities you serve.  The support you give to local and national CDA projects benefits many needy people within your communities and around the world.”

“Never forget the motto of our order, “UNITY and CHARITY.”  “The most effective recruiting tool we have is the example we give.  Happily work and pray together treating each other with love and respect.  We may think and act differently, but we are all important……”

(Ed’s note:  Underlining provided by Editor for emphasis)

United States Congress

The 111^th United States Congress will begin January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2011.  Peggy Supak, State Legislative Chair recommends the following website to follow the legislative priorities of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:  http://www.usccb.org.  To monitor legislation introduced and action taken goes to:  http://thomas.loc.gov.

Read Across America

“Promote and share the gift of literacy” by participating in the Read Across America campaign on March 2, 2009.  Anne Martin, State Chair for this committee is inviting all courts to participate in this campaign by reading stories to children, donating books to the library or a nursing home. She also encourages everyone to consider gift of books to loved ones, especially books about our faith or lives of saints.

Leadership tips from Carolyn Malik, Second Vice State Regent

A leader is:

• Not about controlling, but about influencing people in a positive way.
• Someone who uses power to serve.
• Somebody who encourages people to follow them in wanting to do well.
• Willing to do what’s right--  even if they are the only one doing it.

Did you know

…that the State Court has not raised the membership dues for twelve years? 

(Ed’s note: That is what I call good management!) 

Thank you notes

From Terri Vacek, State Public Relations Chairman

Terri extends a heartfelt gratitude for the love and well wishes showered to her during her recovery from her fall from the roof in September 2008.  She said “I am humbled by the outpouring of the unity and the “Miracle of answered prayers””.

From Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent

Sheila extends her heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers and support while she underwent a 2^nd heart cauterization in October, 2008. 

Local News

Adoptive Needy Family Report

By Mary Beth Haas and Gloria Zdunkewicz

As mentioned in the last newsletter, a thanksgiving feast was delivered to the family.  Generous donations of food, gift certificates, coupons, etc. were sufficient to supply this feast.  No court funds were used at Thanksgiving.

At Christmas, gifts were purchased when the family notified us that they were going to Mexico for the holidays.  We delivered the gifts and a turkey that was donated by a member.  Food will be purchased when they return.  In January, a small ham, some canned goods and potatoes were taken to the family.

Each child was given a couple of gifts plus gifts that were donated by members.  These gifts really thrilled the family. A total of $281.73 was spent from CDA Needy Family funds for gifts and foods.

Membership Drive

(Formerly called Membership Tea)

Our membership drive gathering will be on February 3, 2009 at 6:30 pm in Marian Hall.  We are starting 15 minutes early to give more time for the social hour.  Meeting will start at 7:15 pm promptly. Chair for the event is Dorothy Pospisil.

Our guest will be Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent, who will talk about CDA history and membership.  Come and enjoy this very informative program prepared for new and regular members.

Support for the Unborn

The members of the court approved to donate a monetary contribution to Libby Ramirez, National Regent, in support of her trip to March for Life in Washington, DC on January 22, 2009. 

In cooperation with the Rosary Guild, the court is also sponsoring a “Rosary for the Unborn” on January 26, 2009 in Marian Hall at 6:00 pm.  All parishioners of Holy Rosary church are invited.

Fiesta Dinner 

February 17, 2009, 6:30 PM at the School Cafeteria

Be sure to buy your tickets @$10.00 from Janice Rejsek for the Fiesta Dinner.  Tickets will be available at the February meeting if there are some left.

Nancy Zurek, the Silent Auction Chair needs help with some auction items. Please call her to get some hints on needed items at 281-342-5926.

Approval of Standing Rules

After a long deliberation the members approved the  proposed revisions to the Standing Rules.  The approved copy will be issued electronically to those who have e-mail access; otherwise hard copies will be available at the next meeting.  Thank you, Jill Sumpter and committee members for leading us in this project.

Do not discard the National 2006 BYLAWS  (yet)

Do not throw away the 2006 copy of the ByLaws because you will need it to fill up the missing paragraphs in the 2008 issue.  As you read the new By Laws you will notice that as you turn some of the pages, the continuation of a certain paragraph is missing.  You need to add these missing lines to complete the information.   Copies of the 2008 ByLaws are available for $2.50 each.

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPER AND RAFFLE

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Saint Bernadette #1108, East Bernard, will hold their annual Chicken Noodle Soup and Sandwich  Supper and Raffle on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, American Legion Hall, Hwy 60, East Bernard.  Serving begins at 5 pm until sold out. A bowl of soup and a chicken salad sandwich are $2.50 each.  Eat in or bring your own containers and enjoy at home.  A large variety of pastries will be available to purchase whole or by the slice.   The drawing for 71 Raffle prizes will begin at 7:00 pm. Raffle tickets will be available before the drawing or from any court member.  (Submitted by Ruth Guthman, Publicity Chairman, Court Saint Bernadette # 1108)

Local News (cont)

Financial Reports:

1)  Bake Sale on December 14 & 15 2008

Amount raised:  $973.50

It was a very successful bake sale chaired by Mary Beth Haas and Gloria Zdunkewicz. About 75 members contributed cash and baked goods.  All the cakes were sold out by the 11:00 am mass.  Thanks to all the members who contributed and those who helped in working the bake sale.  Good job everyone!

2)  Christmas Party – December 2, 2008

Budget for the Christmas Party:                $500.00

Expenses:

KC Hall Rental…………………….$200.00

Gifts to guests and officers…………..62.81

Punch, paper goods, etc……………  59.42

Bingo game (can be used next year)... 95.84

Door Prizes…………………………  76.00

Total Expenses……………………$494.07

Jeanette Rehak and her team worked hard to make this affair a success.  Thank you all.

Pray For the Sick

Jacque Holchak, Pete Collette, Charlotte Carlson, Julius Nowak,  Hattie Ries, Agnes Dziedzic, Larry Wolff, Edward Bartniski, Ron Hollas, Dorothy & Herman Pospisil, Clarence Myers, Lillian Kujawa, and for all those who have lingering illness.

Our Sympathy to the family of:

Janey Schumacher – on the death of her husband, Dean Schumacher, December 30, 2008

Jeanette Rehak – on the death of her Mom, Margaret Rehak, January 10, 2009

Juliana Elmore – on the death of her brother Willie Wleczyk; also brother-in-law of Claudia Wleczyk; also uncle of Beth Wleczyk.

Ella Macha – on the death of her brother-in-law, August Macha.

Congratulations to:

Rose and Brooks Stavinohoa -  50^th Wedding Anniversary on February 7, 2009

February Birthdays:

What shall I bring to the Lord, the God of heaven, when I come to worhsip him?  Micah 6:6

Happy Valentine's Day

Humor Section:  Remarkable Parrot

Three sons left home, went out on their own and prospered.  They discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.

The first said: “ I built a big house for our mother.” 

The second said:  “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.” 

The third said:  “You remember how our mother enjoys reading the Bible.  Now she can’t see very well.  So I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible.  It took elders in the church 12 years to teach him.  Mama just has to name the chapter and verse and the parrot recites it.”         

Soon thereafter, their mother sent out her letters of thanks.

“Milton,” she said, “the house you built is so huge I live only in one room, but I have to clean the whole house.

“Gerald”, she said, “I am too old to travel.  I stay most of the time at home so I rarely use the Mercedes.  And that driver is so rude!  He’s a pain!”

“But Donald,” she said,  “the little chicken you sent was delicious!”             

Author is Unknown

Next Meeting

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Marian Hall

6:30 pm  Refreshments

7:15 pm  Meeting

Hospitality

January-April: Janey Schumacher

May-August: Helen Torres

Meeting of Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women, January 20, 2009 at St Dominic Chancery Building, Houston.  Attended by Norma Locker and Joyce Bartos. 

Minnie Licea, President of ACCW (in wheelchair) with Board Members

Msgr Dan Scheel, Moderator of ACCW with Minnie Licea and Norma Locker

Marie Walsh, President of Catholic Clerical Student Fund visiting with Joyce Bartos

Pat Davis, Pat Hall (CDA Representative to ACCW), Norma Locker, Janie Benitez (President of Central Deanery) and Joyce Bartos 

Late but Good!

Catholic Daughter of the Year, CDA 1476

Janey Schumacker, Catholic Daughter of the Year 2008, receiving plaque from Norma Locker, Regent.

Seated:  Norma Locker, Janey Schumacher, and Kathy Frybert;  Standing:  Cathy Bittner and Jill Sumpter.

Editor's Corner

This is an Official Publication of Court Holy Rosary # 1476, Rosenberg, TX.  If you have information that you would like included in the newsletter, please submit all information to Norma N. Locker, 2003 Ward St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 by the 15^th of each month. Please call her at 281-232-3150 /832-372-6152 or email her at alwings98@yahoo.com.

Questions, comments, or suggestions are welcome