A Note from the Regent

Happy New Year to everyone!  I hope everyone has been re-energized from the partying and festivities during the New Year celebrations.

As we start the New Year let us forget the disappointments and sad events of last year.  If you are a victim of the ongoing financial meltdown as almost everybody is, let us remember that whatever we had was our good fortune and it is temporary.  Let us recall Jesus’ words on the mountain  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth: where rust and moth consume, and where thieves break in and steal; but lay for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither rust nor moth consume, nor thieves break in and steal.  For where thy treasure is, there also will thy heart be. "  (Matt 6:19-21)  In short, not that we shouldn’t  plan for the future, but that we should trust in God’s love for us and our well being. 

We live in very unsettling times but now is the time to reassure our faith in Jesus.  He will not abandon us if we put our trust in him.  And with the help of Mary our Mediatrix, we should cast away any fears and trust in the “One who loves us”. 

This is a very busy year with so many activities and new projects for Catholic Daughters on a national level as well as the local level.  I hope you will find the time and energy to help.  

Norma N. Locker

Worthy Regent
 

National News

Annual March for Life, January 21-22, 2009

The Executive committee will be in Washington, D.C. participating in the annual March for Life on January 22, 2009. The theme will be “Remember – the Life Principles mean ‘Equal Care with no Exceptions!” 

There will be a Vigil for Life Mass on January 21 which will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  This mass will be televised over EWTN.  Donations to support the National Board are encouraged.  For every $1.00 donated, $0.50 is sent to State CDA Pro-life committee for use locally.

Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)

The Freedom of Choice act, Senate bill S. 1173, House bill H.R. 1964, is before the current congress.  Primarily, the bill creates a “fundamental right” to abortion throughout the nine months of pregnancy.  No governmental body at any level would be able to “deny or interfere with” this right, or to “discriminate” against the exercise of this right in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information.”

Concerned members are urged to contact their legislators in the U.S. House and Senate asking that they oppose the Freedom of Choice Act (Senate S. 1173; House H.R. 1964).

2008 Bylaws

The newly printed 2008 edition of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Bylaws are now available from the National Office for $2.50 each. All members are encouraged to have a copy and be acquainted with the bylaws.

Importance of the Standing Rules

Anne Nelson, First Vice National Regent cited “that Standing Rules are guidelines that help a court run effectively and fairly.  They establish policies that provide support to the court’s work of unity and charity.  By establishing these guidelines all members know what is expected and what is to be accomplished in fairness to all”.   She added that “Members who have voice and participation in the governance of their court and informed of their responsibilities are members of a court that will grow and flourish.” (Taken from a handout at the National Covention in Albuquerque, N.M)

Turn Off “TV” Day, January 28, 2009

Morality in Media (MIM) has been sponsoring a TURN OFF TV Day since 1991 as a vehicle to protest offensive programming of glorified vulgar language, unmarried sex, crime, violence, religious insults, etc.  Some suggestions on activities which can be done in lieu of watching TV are  family dinner or picnic,  games, a walk in the park, trip to the zoo/museum, volunteer.  Support MIM’s efforts by contacting the broadcaster and advertiser to protest offensive programming.

Liability Insurance

All CDA Courts are now covered under the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Certificate of Liability Insurance from April 6, 2008 through April 6, 2009.  The contract covers meetings in the Parish and extends as well to meetings or other events outside of the Parish.  The fees vary for each Court which is determined by the number of members insured. 

More news is available at the National CDA website at:

http://www:catholicdaughters.org

State News

State Mission

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.

Prayer Intentions for the Quarter

• That those who hear and believe the Good News that Christ our Lord is born will help light the world with hope.
• That during this holy season all members of God’s family will experience His peace, His joy, and His Love.

State Website:  www.texascda.org

Regent’s Resource Packet, 2008-2009

The Regent’s Packet has been mailed.  It contains national, state and local court information including names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses (if available) of all Regents.  Information on District Deputies, State Chairmen, Protocol, Circle of Love, Scholarships, Education Contest forms, and much more are included.

Information shows that there are now 226 local courts (and still counting) and 56 District Deputies in

Membership Contest, 2007-2009

Most State and National Officers are emphasizing the importance of recruiting new members and retaining the present ones.  Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent & Membership Chair has started an award program for Courts who will be able to bring in the largest increase in membership, including renewals.

• First prize is $174.00 credit in Texas State Dues

• Second prize is $100.00 credit in TX State Dues

• Third prize is $50.00 credit in Texas State Dues

Sheila added “Grab your relatives, friends, church and community members and invite them to become a member”.  

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive”  Matt 21:22

Memorial Scholarship

Carolyn Malik, Second Vice State Regent and Chair of this committee requests that mass enrollment forms be sent monthly with one local court check.

The theme for the 2009 scholarship contest is “The Our Father is a prayer of faith.  What are some ways you are living the faith you profess by this prayer?”  Deadline for the submission of entries is January 31, 2009 and they have to be signed by the local court’s regent.

State Convention, April 23-36, 2009, McAllen, Texas

Official convention packet will be mailed by January 2009.  So far the following deadlines have been established:

February 15^th –  Names of delegates and alternates must reach State Regent on or before this date. 

February 17th -  Deadline for submitting an advertisement to support the Convention

Covenant House - TX Project

Lillian Hansen, Chair of Missions of Mercy has suggested the following needs of Covenant House:

• Hygiene Kits
• Work ready clothes
• Baby items
• Cleaning supplies
• Housing supplies

Items maybe delivered to Covenant House Texas, 1111 Lovett Blvd, Houston, 77006. 

If a check will be made, be sure to include ‘Texas’ so it doesn’t get sent to New York.

“We should not serve the poor like they were Jesus.  We should serve the poor because they are Jesus.” -   Mother Teresa

Local News

Needy Family Report By Mary Beth Haas and Gloria Zdunkewicz

Thanksgiving breakfast and dinner were provided.  Food of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, beans, corn, rolls, cake, cookies, ice cream, biscuits, eggs, milk, fresh fruit and more was delivered before Thanksgiving.

The contributions in food and cash collected at the Christmas party were very generous.  Gifts have been purchased and will be delivered before Christmas.  The children wish items of baby dolls, bikes, camera and some clothes will make the children happy.  Mom is getting a jacket and sweater too.  Food for Christmas dinner will also be purchased and delivered.

Many thanks to all who contributed in cash, gift certificates, and coupons.  Your generosity is very much appreciated by all.

Scholarship for Graduating Seniors

The forms for the local and state scholarship contest may be obtained from Doris Gurecky at Gurecky Manufacturing, 2420 Third St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 (tel no. 281-342-5926). 

Deadline for submission of entries is January 31, 2009.  The State scholarship form will need to be signed by the Court Regent before forwarding it to Carolyn Malik, Texas State Scholarship Chair.  Applicants must be related to a CDA member in good standing.  Only daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, grandsons, and granddaughters are allowed to apply.  No great grandnieces or grandnephews are allowed.

Membership Dues for 2009

Each member pays annual dues of $20.00 in January of every year   Members may pay at the January meeting or send their check payable to “CDA Court Holy Rosary 1476”  to Charlotte Carlson, Financial Secretary at 4018 Stephen Circle, Rosenberg, TX 77471.

For everybody’s information here is a breakdown of how the yearly dues ($20.00) are apportioned:

•             National Dues -  $10.00
•             State Dues -            3.00
•             JCDA -                    0.10
•             Theology Fund -     1.00
•             Insurance-               0.34
•             Total                   $ 14.44

Our Court retains $5.56 for operating budget.

Some items on the Agenda for January meeting

• Discussion on the proposed revision to the Standing Rules by Jill Sumpter
• Discussion on Fiesta Dinner Fund Raising by Janice Rejsek; dinner tickets will be available
• Financial Report on Christmas Party by Jeanette Rehak
• Financial Report on Christmas Bake Sale by Mary Beth Haas & Gloria Zdunkewicz.  For those who failed to participate in the bake sale, it is not too late to make your contribution.
• Also, State Convention, Covenant House, membership campaign, and many more..

Please come to the meeting and join in the discussions.  The more informed you are the more appreciation you can get out of your membership.

Humor Section:   Hymn #365
A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, 'If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.'
With even greater emphasis he said, 'And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.'  

And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, 'And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river.' Sermon complete, he sat down.  The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, 'For our closing song, Let us sing Hymn #365, 'Shall We Gather at the River.'

Local News (cont.)

A Report on the Christmas Party, December 2, 2008, KC Hall

The Christmas Party was attended by 121 members, family, and guests.  The party started with an array of hors d’oeuvres accompanied by punch prepared by Jeanette Rehak.  The guests enjoyed a social hour until dinner was served. A very hefty Chicken Fried Steak Dinner was served by Lad’s Smokehouse with buttered potatoes, green beans and tea. 

The 2008 Secret Sisters were revealed and Chairs Sharon Krystinik and Ginger Pawlak announced that there would be thirty seven 2009 secret sisters.  Christmas Bingo was played and prizes were awarded.  The members enjoyed the beautiful table decorations as door prizes.

The guests included Duchess Collins, National Director 20008-2010 and her husband Jim Collins; Sheila Martinka, First State Vice Regent; Elrose Kostak, former District Deputy # 10; and Alma Slawinski, present District Deputy # 10.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Christmas party committee which consisted of:

• Jeanette Rehak, Over all Chair 
• Mary Ondrush, Hall arrangement 
• Gloria Mican, Appetizers
• Joyce Bowker, Barbara-Jean Sacheli & Margaret Broussard, Desserts
• Sharon Kristynik, Christmas Bingo
• Joyce Bartos, Registration

Not to be forgotten are the 12 ladies and Ashton Waddle who helped arrange the tables prior to the affair.  We also thank the Knights of Columbus, 3^rd Degree, for the decorations of the hall.  Well done everyone!!!

Pictures of the 2008 CDA Christmas Party will be on a separate page on the website. COMING SOON!

Ed’s Note:   Pictures from the Christmas Party may be seen in the website.  It will also be available for viewing during the January meeting through a digital picture frame.

Support for the Unborn

On the occasion of the 36^th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision on January 22, 2009, it has been suggested by the State court that the local courts plan some action during this week to voice opposition to this decision.  Financially, we can show support by sponsoring a CDA officer who is attending the March for Life in Washington, DC.  Spiritually we can hold a rosary as a group for this intention.

Hospitality

CDA members serve cookies and drinks to all parishioners every first Saturday after the 5:30PMMass.  It is a time for parishioners to visit with each other. 

We want to thank those who have helped since the inception of this ministry, especially those who are leaders for each group.

For fiscal year 2008-2009 the following ladies have volunteered to serve as hospitality committee chairs:   Sept-December- Rose Pederson; Jan-April – Janey Schumacher; and  May-August – Helen Torres.

Pray For the Sick

Waline Sebesta, Judy Janecka, Jacque Holchak, Dorothy & Herman Pospisil, Violet Vacek, Pete Collette, Charlotte Carlson, Julius Nowak, Georgia Maroul, Hattie Ries, and Agnes Dziedzic, Hattie Ries, Larry Wolff, Dean Schumacher, Edward Bartniski.

Address Changes

Our former chaplain and his brother will be anxious to hear from you:

Rev Dan Warden  

St. JohnVianney Church / 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail / Houston, TX 77006

Rev Pat Warden

4019 Yoakum Blvd / Houston, TX 77079-6234

Bountiful God, you have been so generous to us

help us be generous to others!

January Birthdays

Next Meeting

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Marian Hall

6:30 pm  Refreshments

7:15 pm  Meeting

Hospitality

January-April: Janey Schumacher

May-August: Helen Torres

December 2008 Hospitality Crew Acknowledgement

Hospitality crew for December 2008. L-R Normal Locker, Pat Schimara, Rose Stavinoha, and Rose Pederson (Hospitality Chair - September-December 08).

Father Bill posing with the December 2008 CDA Hospitality Crew.

December 08 Hospitality Crew giving Father Bill his Christmas gift envelope.

Father Bill in his Advent attire.

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.