Court Holy Rosary #1476 Catholic Daughters of the Americas

A Note from the Regent

As I was transferring some notes from the current calendar to my new 2010 calendar, I was reminded of the activities that happened during the past year.  Each of you probably does something similar.  You reminisce about the many past events - meetings, anniversaries, birthdays, church affairs, and most of all doctor’s appointments that were made or were not made.  We also have a record of the not so happy occasions with the family and relatives.  Nevertheless, we offer our thanks for a whole year of blessings as we face another year of challenges and good opportunities.

The start of the New Year is a good time to stop and realize that even in difficult times there are blessings to be had.  It is not always easy to recognize them, but they are there and if we keep things in perspective our eyes will be open to them.  Let us all count our blessings and be thankful for them.

Norma N Locker

Worthy Regent 

REMINDER: Please pay your dues for 2010

National News

National Board Meeting in Belleville, Illinois, July 8-10, 2009

Resolutions Adopted at the National Board Meeting (above) were:

No. 1 -  Resolution Supporting Priests - that the courts be encouraged to use the Prayer for the Year of the Priest at their court meetings.

No. 2 - Resolution for Supporting and Encouraging Adoption Services as a Solution to unplanned and/or unwanted pregnancy

No. 3 -  Resolution on Volunteerism - that the CDA use their talents and time networking with other organizations, increasing volunteer commitment to projects within their communities to assist those in need.

Five National Charitable Projects

Libby Ramirez, National Regent recommends the membership to support the five (5) National Charitable Projects.  A monetary gift of $15 per project or $75.00 will help support the various charities of the organization.

2010 Education Contests

National Education Contest Chairman Letty Calvetti,  has listed the theme and scope of the Education Contest.  Contestants may select from any of the two themes for 2010 namely:

“The joys of God Surround us”  or

“The joys Life Brings through Others”

The choices of categories are:  Art, Essay, Poetry, Computer Art, Music and Photography

2010 National Newsletter Contest

Duchess Collins, National Newsletter Chairman thanked everyone who entered in the 2009 Newsletter Contest.  She emphasized that the newsletter is “just one way to communicate to the members of your court current activities, upcoming events and special projects…”  She added that the newsletter “…can very easily be a recruiting tool.”  She provided some guidelines for 2010 contest along with some suggestions on the contents of the newsletter.

2010 Membership Contest   

Helen Arndorfer, National Membership Chairman has encouraged every Local and State Court to increase their membership by 5%.  She sent two flyers which can be used for the membership drive.  Those courts that have the highest increase in membership from April 2008 to April 2010 will win a prize and will be honored at the National Convention in Buffalo,   NY.  She adds that “until we have every Catholic woman a Catholic Daughter our work is not done.”

Duchess Collins, National Director also reiterated in her message in the Lone Star Newsletter, September 2009 that we should “not keep the Catholic Daughters “the biggest secret” in our church and community.  We need to speak to all Catholic women, so that they may hear the word of Catholic Daughters and join our Order……”

Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA)

“This piece of legislation was signed into law by President Bush on December 23, 2008, and took effect on March 23, 2009.  This bill authorizes funding for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) through the year 2011.  The bill creates, extends, and expands many important protections for child and adult victims of human trafficking…..” Source: Operation Morning Star Newsletter, June 2009.

Tools of the Trade Handbook

The National Regent has advised that the Tools of the Trade handbook are still being revised.  Each one will be notified when it is available for purchase.

March for Life,  January 21-22, 2010

There will be a vigil mass on January 21 and then the rally the next day in Washington, DC.  The theme will be “Stand UP Now !  Unite for the Life Principles – No Exception!  No Compromise!”   The Executive Committee and several  Board Members will be attending.  A form was sent to record any contributions for this cause.

More news is available at the National CDA website at:

http://www:catholicdaughters.org

State News

Quarterly Prayer Intentions

Here are the intentions for the quarter from the State:

• That all women will generously open their hearts to God’s invitation to serve His people.
• That all the faithful will grow in respect for God’s gift of life.

These prayer intentions may be used in opening or closing of meetings or in individual daily prayers. 

Jesus tells us in Matthew 21:22 “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.”

State Regent’s Challenge

On an earlier occasion, Sheila Martinka presented a challenge to the membership to keep a record of every mile that they walk, run, bike, kayak, swim or any sports activity.  Then assign a dollar value on these miles at each occurrence.  At the end of a certain period of time donate half of the dollar value to a charity and the other half use it for yourself – may be for a manicure, massage, dinner, or whatever you like.  She would like to hear some feedback from those who participate in the challenge.

Court development

“Wanted:  CDA Angels for GOD”.  This is the theme which Carolyn Malik, State Court Development Chairman and First Vice State Regent suggested for the membership drive.  This theme was also suggested at the State Officers’ Workshop in Bellville, Illinois.  Carolyn Malik believes this is “…truly a fitting theme as angels are what we all are as we journey on this earth…”

State Scrapbook

Lisa Jewell is the newly appointed Scrapbook Chairman.  She will be in charge of making the scrapbook for Sheila Martinka, State Regent.

Pictures of events happening in each court related to this subject may send it to her with explanations or descriptions.

She reminds each court’s scrapbook chairman to begin their scrapbooks with the State Convention in April 2009.  The contents of the scrapbook will cover events until March 2011.

Mission of Mercy (MOMS)   

Cathy Bittner, Chair of MOMS has listed the charities supported by the State Court.  They are:

• Cameron Colonia, Brownsville
• Casa Juan Diego, Houston
• Annunciation Home – Georgetown
• Missionaries of Charity – Dallas
• Clinica de Guadalupana – El Paso
• Texas Covenant House - Houston

Some Reminders from State Secretary

• All monies are sent to the state secretary
• Checks are made payable to CDA State Court of Texas and not to the State Secretary
• Checks should have 2 signatures and should contain the court number.
• Specify in the memo area of the check as to what the check is for

State Convention

It takes 2 years to prepare for a State convention which will take place on April 2011 in Houston.  The Chair for the event will be Carol Snowbarger, District Deputy # 45 from Sugar Land.  Vice Chair is Cathy Bittner, MOMS Chair from Rosenberg.  More updates are coming.

Upcoming Conventions

National Convention

July 13-18, 2010      53^rd National Convention

Adams Mark Hotel, Buffalo, New York

July 2012  -  Omaha, Nebraska

State Convention

April 28 – May 1, 2011 -  State Convention, 

Adams Mark Hotel, Houston, TX

April 2013 -  San Antonio, TX

TexasState website:    www.texascda.org 

James 2:26

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith also without work is dead

Local News

Membership Assessment

National Dues

$1115 - paid 5/5/09     (223 members)

$1120 - paid 11/5/09   (224 members)

State Dues

$579.80 - paid 6/29/09   (223 members)

$336.00 - paid 12/3/09   (224 members)

Here is a profile of Court Holy Rosary’s membership

Non-paying (exempt) members …….24

(Lifetime members and Members whose dues were waived by the court)

Paying members…………. 200

Our records show that 9 members have not paid for 2009 or 4.0% of paying members.

Please pay your dues on time for 2010.

Covenant House in Houston, TX

During the last meeting the Court approved a monetary contribution to the Covenant House in Houston.  The Covenant House provides food and temporary dwelling to runaway teenagers while helping them decide what to do with their lives.

Carol Moeller has suggested that members collect items which can be donated to this charity in the line of hygiene kits, used but still good clothing, cleaning supplies, housing supplies and baby items.

Five National Charitable Projects

Per our Standing Rules, we shall donate $15.00 to each of the 5 National Charitable Projects to help support the various charities of the organization.

Needed    Help     sos

We shall need a chairman (one member or a group of 3 or 4 members) for the following:

1)  Bake sale on February 13 and 14

2)  Valentine Membership Drive on February 2 (A State Officer will be our guest speaker)

3)  Read Across America in March

Please volunteer if you can lead in any of these events.

Topics for the Meeting on January 5, 2010

1)  Guest Speaker -  Marie Walsh, President of Catholic Clerical Student Fund will come to talk about this project of the Archdiocese.

2)  Committee Reports 

3)  The Rosary for the Unborn

4)  Discuss 2 communications.

5)  ACCW  meeting in January and fund raising  (style show) in February.

6)  Membership drive & Valentine bake sale

Christmas Party, December 11, 2009,  KC Hall

What a wonderful time we had at our last Christmas Party.  More than 100 people were present, all dressed up and in a jolly mood.  It was so nice to have our Chaplain, Father Bill attend the party and lead us in singing Christmas Carols.  He was later honored with a “Santa hat” basket full of well wishes from the members. 

The fund drive for our adoptive family was very successful.  We collected cash and gift cards.  There were also some wrapped gifts for the family members. Read the complete report on page 5 of this newsletter. 

All present enjoyed the various appetizers of egg rolls, fried wontons, cheese balls and dips and crackers, and vegetable plates; and other items – more than can be mentioned here.  Did you taste the Asian vegetable plate consisting of edible, crunchy snap peas, jicama, and young corn? Well, if you did not care for these, there were other choices of vegetables like cucumber, cauliflower, carrots and the like.  Along the dessert line there was an abundance of tasty items to choose from.  And the gracious ladies serving the items gave the assurance that “All calories have been removed from them.”

The main meal was catered by Lad’s Smokehouse consisting of “Melt in your Mouth” Roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans and tea.  This is the second year that Lad’s has catered our meal.

Everybody enjoyed the game of Christmas Bingo and the door prizes.  Secret Sisters were revealed.

We thank the various committees who worked on this Christmas party:  Jeanette Rehak, Over-all chairman; Janice Rejsek and Mary Beth Haas (Appetizers); Gloria Mican, Joyce Bowker, Bernice Freudensprung (Desserts); Janey Schumacher (Meal); Mary Ondrush and Sharon Kristynik (Games and assistance where needed); Knights of Columbus for decorating and arranging the tables; and finally to all those who helped decorate the tables in the morning.  Muchas gracias!

Father Bill receiving his Christmas present from Mary Beth and participating in the Christmas celebration

L-R  Pat Schimara, Alma Slawinski, Father Bill, Mary Beth Haas, and Norma Locker

Bake Sale, December 12 and 13, 2009

Pat Schimara, Chair of the bake sale reported the following:

$347.00 - Cash/check donations made by 26 people

$558.00 - Baked goods sales of 48 items

$905.00 - Total proceeds

We would like to thank those who donated to this fund raiser.  Those who have not participated and would like to do so may mail their contributions to Charlotte Carlson at the address on page 1.

ACCW Meeting and Seafarer’s Luncheon

Five people signed up for the ACCW Meeting and Seafarer’s luncheon but only 4 were able to attend in each affair.  We thank the following for taking the time to attend the meeting and the luncheon:  Bernice Freudensprung, Joyce Bartos, Pat Schimara, Dot Scotka, Janey Schumacher and Norma Locker. 

The luncheon was held at the International Seafarer’s Center at the Port of Houston.  Bishop Fiorenza celebrated the Mass at 9:30 AM together with Fr Patout and other priests.  Lunch was served immediately after the mass.

There was a report made by each Deanery on the number of Seafarer boxes donated.  Western Deanery did not have any contribution but we promised to double up next year.

It was learned that the burse for Father Bill is now open.  This means that all mass enrollments and any contributions to Catholic Clerical Student Fund (CCSF) will be devoted to this burse.  Mass enrollments are $2.00 for one year of masses for the enrollees and $25.00 is for the perpetual enrollment.

Marie Walsh, CCSF President will come at the January meeting to explain more of this project.  See Norma Locker or Margaret Ainsworth for any of the Mass cards.

Prayer for Vocations

To the Priesthood and Religious Life

By Most Rev Joseph A. Fiorenza

O loving and gracious God, Father of all, you bless

your people in every time and season and provide

for their needs through your providential care.

Your church is continually in need of priests, sisters,

and brothers to offer themselves in the service of the gospel by lives of dedicated love.  Open the hearts of

your sons and daughters to listen to your call in

their lives.  Give them the gift of understanding to

discern your invitation to serve you and your Church.

Give them the gift of courage to follow your call.

May they have the spirit of young Samuel who found

fulfillment in this life when he said to you.

“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

We ask this through Jesus Christ

Our Lord and Redeemer,

Amen

Leadership

Here are some pointers on good leadership as reported in the State Newsletter, September 2009 by Peggy Rosales, Second vice State Regent:

• Make members feel important
• Know and use member’s name
• Be visible
• Have faith in your members
• Involve members in decisions and planning
• Humor

Another article from the Catholic Women, November/December 2009 issue states that “Everything rises and falls on leadership”.  Delegation is the most powerful tool that leaders possess.  Leaders who can’t or won’t delegate create a bottleneck to productivity.

The following steps will help leaders in the art of delegation:

• Ask others to make suggestions
• Make recommendations
• Take action

Ultimately follow with giving complete authority.  As a leader this is what you have been working toward!  The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.

“Grow a leader -  grow the organization.”

John C. Maxwell

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle.  I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.

                                    Mother Teresa

Local News continued

Adoptive Family

By Mary Beth Haas and Gloria Zdunkewicz

Thanks to all who contributed to the adopted family at the Christmas Party.  Many bags of food, a fruit basket, gifts, gift card, and cash of $113.00 plus $40.00 in checks were received.  The money was deposited into the adopted family fund.

The Committee purchased a turkey, small ham, potatoes, etc. for their Christmas Dinner.  We also purchased gifts of clothing for each family member.

In December, the family moved into a small apartment in the same complex for financial reasons.

Thank you again, members for your contributions and concern for our adopted family.

National Convention, July 13-18, 2010

We are allowed 4 delegates and 8 alternates to the National Convention in Buffalo, New York.  They will be elected at the February meeting.  Those who would like to be delegates or alternates, please see the Regent.

Libby Ramirez, National Regent urges everyone to consider attending this convention because “…Chairman Helene Shepard and the New York State Board and membership are hard at work making this a very memorable convention for you…”

Catholic Daughter Choir

Do you sing or play an instrument?  Would you like to be a part of the Catholic Daughter Choir for the National Convention in Buffalo, NY?  If you are interested contact New York State Regent Penny Martin at 518-873-6756.  Song selections will be sent to you ahead of time so you can familiarize yourself with the music.  There will be a rehearsal in Buffalo before the convention.  Please see your regent for the form to be submitted.

Education Contest

Patti Kocich will chair the education contest to be held at Holy Rosary School and religious education department in January 2010.  The theme of the contest can be seen on page 2 of this newsletter.  Judging of entries will be done in February, 2010.

Scholarship Contest

Doris Gurecky has all the forms necessary for entering the local and state scholarship contest.  Deadline for the local submission is January 31, 2010 and February 1 for the State.

Survey for Wake Service Ceremonies

Please return the form inserted in the December newsletter to Charlotte Carlson, Financial Secretary so that it can be properly recorded.  For those who receive the newsletter electronically, forms will be available at the January meeting.  We are aiming for a 100% response to this survey, so please help.

Member News

Congratulations

Janet and Rupert Delgado, Sr renewed wedding vows on Thanksgiving Day with Father Lee Flores of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

New telephone Number

Maxine Phelan -  281-239-6256  Home            281-610-2386 Cell

Prayer for the Sick

Lord Jesus,

Who went about doing good and healing all,

we ask you to bless your friends who are sick.  Give them the strength in body, courage in spirit, and patience in pain.

Let them recover their health, so that,

restored to the Christian community, they may joyfully praise your name, for you live and reign forever and ever.  Amen

Our sympathy goes to

Kathleen Lindsey on the death of her niece Sandra Sullivan

Ruth Kendziora on the death of her sister-in-law Florence Sykowski

Libby Ramirez on the death of her sister Concepcion Galindo.  Please send condolences to Lupe Martinez, 101 Westward St. Victoria, TX 77901

Dolly Pena (Past National Director) on the death of her husband Augusto.  Please send condolences to Dolly at 1520 Garfield St., Laredo, TX 78040

Gerry Jones, State Chairman for Quality of life on the death of her sister in June 2009.

Please include the deceased and their families in your prayers.

January Birthdays

Some Food for Thought:

Over a hundred years ago a university student found himself seated in a train by the side of a person who seemed to be a well-to-do peasant.  He was praying the rosary and moving the beads in his fingers.

“Sir, do you still believe in such outdated things?” asked the student of the old man.

“Yes I do.  Do you not?” asked the man.

The student burst out into laughter and said, “I do not believe in such silly things.  Take my advice.  Throw the rosary out through the window, and learn what science has to say about it.”

“Science?  I do not understand this science?  Perhaps you can explain it to me.” The man said humbly with some tears in his eyes.

The student saw that the man was deeply moved.  So to avoid further hurting the feeling of the man, he said “Please give me your address and I will send you some literature to help you on the matter.”

The man fumbled in the inside pocket of his coat and gave the boy his visiting card.  On glancing at the card, the student bowed his head in shame and became silent.  On the card he read:

“Louis Pasteur, Director of the Institute of Scientific Research, Paris.”

Some Food for Thought

Over a hundred years ago a university student found himself seated in a train by the side of a person who seemed to be a well-to-do peasant.  He was praying the rosary and moving the beads in his fingers.

“Sir, do you still believe in such outdated things?” asked the student of the old man.

“Yes I do.  Do you not?” asked the man.

The student burst out into laughter and said, “I do not believe in such silly things.  Take my advice.  Throw the rosary out through the window, and learn what science has to say about it.”

“Science?  I do not understand this science?  Perhaps you can explain it to me.” The man said humbly with some tears in his eyes.

The student saw that the man was deeply moved.  So to avoid further hurting the feeling of the man, he said “Please give me your address and I will send you some literature to help you on the matter.”

The man fumbled in the inside pocket of his coat and gave the boy his visiting card.  On glancing at the card, the student bowed his head in shame and became silent.  On the card he read:

“Louis Pasteur, Director of the Institute of Scientific Research, Paris.”

Next Meeting

Tuesday January 5, 2010

Marian Hall

Refreshments 6:30 pm

Meeting 7:15 pm 

Christmas Party 2009