A Note from the Regent

A big welcome to all the new members of this great organization.  You have joined one of the largest national organizations of Catholic women in the world consisting of 88,000 dedicated women.  It is The Catholic Daughters of the Americas started in Utica, New York in 1903 and at one time had a membership of 182,000.  We rely on new members like you to keep the membership growing and to bring new ideas to the court.

The new members are invited to attend all the meetings and take part in the activities of the court and to join one of the many committees.  In this variety of opportunities, there is something for everyone’s interest.  Through active participation one can fully enjoy their membership in our organization and all of its rewards.

The regular members are urged to welcome our new members with open arms and take them under their wings as they perform the activities of the committees. Teach them the mission and objectives of the committees and how they relate to the Circle of Love program.

May the Lord bless us this Lenten season and keep us in His care.  Remember our National Regent’s theme “For in Him we live, and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28). 

Norma N. Locker

Worthy Regent

National News

A note from the National Regent

Excerpts from National Regent’s Message, Share, Winter 2008

“…As I embark on this newest adventure as national regent, I know that I stand on the shoulders of some very strong and knowledgeable giants in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.  No one gets to where they are today without help from someone and definitely not without the help of the Lord and our Blessed Mother….”

“…Our theme for the next two years is, “For in Him we live, and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28).  We must always remember that the work of our organization is rooted in Christ and the Blessed Mother, so we must strive to strengthen our spirituality within the Catholic Daughters…”

Upcoming Issues

Helen Johnson, National Legislation chairman has informed us of these upcoming issues facing us now and in the next Congress:  Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Health Care, Immigration, Abortion-related Issues, Marriage, Euthanasia and Title X.  We should hear from National how we can be involved in the political process of the above issues.

Share Magazine Subscription

Local courts are reminded to offer subscription to Share Magazine for respective Chaplains and the local library system.  This is a good way of publicizing CDA.  Subscription cost for the clergy is $4.00/year or $10.00/3 yrs.  Subscription for institutions (library, schools, etc) is $8.00/yr.

On Membership

Excerpts from Duchess Collins,  State Newsletter, December 2008 Edition

 “…it is a known fact, that if we expect to increase our membership it is up to all of us to invite Catholic women to join us.  If you can provide a good answer to that question, “what do Catholic Daughters do?”  then you are more than halfway to recruiting a new member into our Order.  We must continue working together to complete the mission God has set before us, being reminded that the more members we have the more we can do for others, our church and community…”

From Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent, State Newsletter,  September 2008 Edition

“…ask your membership for their ideas, their thoughts.  Encourage them to take the lead on a project or to “share” the task at hand.  Sometimes all they need is to be asked or given a little encouragement.”…”    “…I challenge all of you to exercise your powers of leadership and creative ability in working together with each other.  Teach each other and build that confidence because all of you are not only the future of CDA, but its future leaders!”

(Ed’s note:  Duchess has been appointed by the National Regent to be the National Representative for Texas, Arizona & Colorado, National Newsletter Chairman, Campus Court Co-Chairman, and Member of the National Ceremonial team.  She is also one of the National Directors elected last July 2008 in Albuquerque.  Sheila has been elected as First Vice State Regent, Appointed as State Membership chairman, State Court Development chairman among other things.  Let us pray that the Lord continues to shower them with blessings, health, and energy to continue their work).

National CDA website:  http://www:catholicdaughters.org

Texas State website: http://www.texascda.org

When you stand at the beginning of a new day, may God bless you with vision to see the best things to come and faith to know that He is walking with you every step of the way.

State News

STATE CONVENTION, APRIL 23-26, 2009, McAllen, TX

“ One Faith, One Body, One Lord of All ”   (State Convention Theme)

Delegates

There are 9 delegates (out of 10 allowed) going to the state CDA convention.  Those who will be representing our Court are:  Pat Schimara, Beverly Waddle, Rose Pederson, Joan Rhemann, Helen Torres, Janey Schumacher, Cathy Bittner, Amelia Burke, and Norma Locker.  There were no alternates elected because the slate for delegates was not completed.  Names of delegates have been forwarded to the State Regent.

We are happy to see more interest among the members for attending the convention.  This is the largest delegation we have had to either the State or National.  Per my experience at the National Convention, it uplifts your spirit to see such enthusiastic women participate in the meetings and the liturgies.  Let our minds be open for ideas that are presented that we can bring home to share with our fellow sisters.  Remember this is part of the training to be a leader.

Some fun activities

Aside from the Raffle, Lotto drawing, and silent auction, there are opportunities to shop for CDA merchandise.  Friday night is a Fun Night “Fiesta Mexicana” with a “Border Buttermilk/Happy Hour” (whatever that is) prior to this dinner.  There is also a formal banquet on Saturday night where we can wear our formal and glittery attire.

However, the feature which caught my attention is the featured choral group for the Installation Mass on Sunday.  The group is called Angelos-Asia “II Divo” which is composed of four (4) Filipino Catholic young men.  WOW!

Workshops

There are workshops scheduled on Friday afternoon.  A lot of interesting topics ranging from “New Membership Recruitment” to “Circle of Love Program”.  The sessions are conducted simultaneously.  It is to our advantage if the delegates can distribute themselves among the different sessions for representation.

CDA State Walk/Run Event

The CDA State Convention is sponsoring the first ever CDA State Walk/Run Event.  The objective is to promote a healthy heart and support the state projects.  The registration fee is $20.00 which entitles you to a T-shirt.  In addition you can raise money as an individual or as a court/team and walk or run together.  Monies raised will be distributed among the State Projects i.e. Missions of Mercy or Texas Habitat for Humanity.

Liturgies

Interspersed with the business meetings is the celebration of the liturgy everyday.  The convention will open on Thursday with a Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle.  On Friday there will be a Memorial Mass where our deceased members from 2007 to date will be remembered.  On Saturday there will be a JCDA Mass and on Sunday there will be an Installation Mass to culminate the convention. 

Ed’s Note.  I have devoted this whole page of the newsletter to the State Convention to share with the members some of the different activities which happen at the convention.  It is a busy three days where activities start early and end late.  In return, one has the opportunity to learn a lot and take part in a variety of rich experiences.  Hopefully we can fulfill our quota of delegates to the next State convention. 

Bienvenidos a ‘McAllen!

Local News

Membership Drive

The membership drive started by preparing a CDA informative flyer which was inserted in the Church bulletin.  On this same weekend some members talked about CDA at all the masses.  The threefold invitation to join CDA was distributed to interested ladies in the Parish.

The social gathering carried a St Valentine’s Day theme using red hearts, greeneries, and candy kisses to decorate the tables.  Led by Dorothy Pospisil as Chairman, 26 ladies participated in providing the food and helping with the decorations.  There were 78 members and guests in attendance.

Our guest speaker was Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent, who talked about CDA history.  She identified four generations in the Catholic Daughters’ membership including experiences and values for each generation.  She also discussed some of the problems incurred when cross generations fail to communicate.

The court has accepted 12 members since January 2008.  See list below for names, addresses, and telephone numbers of our new sisters.  Remember to make them feel as an important part of our group.

Membership Dues

Remember to pay your dues for 2009.  For new members it is pro-rated depending on the month that they join.  For regular members it is $20.00/year (Jan-Dec 2009) payable in January. 

Adoptive Needy Family Report

By Mary Beth Haas and Gloria Zdunkewicz

Our needy family was visited with the food donated from the January meeting.  The family appreciated this donation very much.  They all had a good, healthy Christmas.  All the children are back to school and the mother is back to work.  The committee wants to thank everyone for supporting this very charitable cause.

Rosary for the Unborn

Several organizations in the Parish were invited to participate in the Rosary for the Unborn.  About 70 people attended the rosary.  

Representatives from the “40 days for Life” organization came to invite the group to participate in a vigil rosary at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Rosenberg.

http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog/

Apostolate Committee

Mary Ondrush has been leading this committee for almost 20 years and is still going strong.  Every month she leads a group of 3-4 ladies who prepare some refreshments for the Rosenberg Nursing Home.  Our refreshments for our most recent visit were sugar-free jello with a topping of sugar-free whipped cream, punch and vanilla wafers.  The refreshments are presented in a seasonal theme:  like red jello for Valentine’s Day, green jello for St. Patrick’s , and so on.

Mary knows practically all the residents in this Nursing Home and it is a joy to watch her interact with them.  It is like a mutual admiration club.  The court is lucky to have Mary’s interest at heart for the residents. 

Bingo Crew

The Knights of Columbus in Rosenberg were so kind to ask their counterpart in the Catholic Daughters to help in serving the food at the Weekly Bingo.  The KC’s cook the hamburgers, while the Daughters prepare them with all the trimmings and then serve them to the players.  All the ingredients for the hamburgers, the nachos, the pizza and coffee are furnished by the KC’s, with service being provided by the Catholic Daughters.  In return the KC’s pay the Catholic Daughters an agreed amount.  This is one of the sources of income for our Court.

The Court has a group of 8 teams with 5-6 members as workers.  Under the able leadership of Janice Rejsek and Dorothy Scotka these ladies are scheduled and guided throughout the year.

Highlights from the February Meeting

Six new members were installed into the court.  Seventy eight members and guests were in attendance.  Nine delegates were elected for the CDA state convention.  The court agreed to contribute towards a monetary gift for Carolyn Bachman, outgoing State Regent.  Also agreed upon was to contribute to the National charities (9) and Holy Rosary School Gala.  To send a contribution to  Pro Grad (3 High schools in LCISD).  To pay the initial membership fee to the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW) Western Deanery.

Call for prizes for the Court’s raffle. 

All prizes should be submitted by the 1^st week of March.

Fund raising with the Raffle

It has been decided to revive the practice of combining the court’s raffle with a meal as was done in the past.  In a meeting of the Executive Board, the selected date will be May 31, 2009.  The cafeteria was tentatively reserved for this purpose.  More details will follow.

State Court raffle

State Court raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the March meeting. Those who are receiving hard copies will have some tickets inserted in the newsletter.  There are wonderful prizes available and chances are $1.00/ticket. This is a biennial fund raising of the State Court to support its activities.  Please help support this worthwhile activity and help the state court maintain the same dues every year. 

APHORISM: A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE EXPRESSING A WISE OR CLEVER OBSERVATION OR A GENERAL TRUTH.

1. I've reached the age where the happy hour is a nap.
2. Be careful reading the fine print.  There's no way you're going to like it.
3. After 60, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you are probably dead!
4. Always be yourself.  Because the people who matter, don't mind.  And the ones who mind, don't matter.

Local News (cont.)

Multi-district Retreat

District 10 is going to host the Multi-District Lenten Retreat on March 28, 2009.  Districts involved are Districts 10, 28, and 37.  We would like to extend a welcome to our state Spiritual Enhancement Chairman, Olga Samaniego, District Deputies of 28 and 37, and representatives from the 12 courts in the Districts involved.  Alma Slawinski is District Deputy for District # 10.

Sign up sheets will be available at the March meeting for those who would like to participate.  Registration starts at 8:30 am; and a donation of $10.00/attendee is requested.  Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.  We hope court members will take advantage of this retreat.     

Blessing of New Family Hall at Holy Rosary Parish

Our Court is very proud to belong to a very progressive Parish.  On January 24, 2009, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo blessed the new Joerger-Lindsey Parish Hall at Holy Rosary Parish.  It is a very nice building with an assembly area which can accommodate 500 people.  It has a well lighted stage including a retractable projection screen.  It is equipped with a large modern kitchen, meeting rooms and a library.  As of this writing the above mentioned Multi-District Retreat will be held in this new Parish Hall on March 28, 2009.

Activities for Lent

There will be no refreshments for March and April meetings due to Lent.  Therefore, for March, we shall have a rosary before the meeting at 6:30 pm in Marian Hall.  We are going to pray the “Rosary for the Unborn”. For April, we shall have the Stations of the Cross at the grotto before the meeting at 6:30 PM.  Bring flashlights or LED candles in case there is not enough light by this time.

Circle of Love 

The Circle of Love program is an expansion of the “Heart Speaks to Heart” program which had 4 branches: Renewal, Apostolate, Community and Youth. 

The Circle of Love program has 7 branches:  Leadership, Spiritual Enhancement, Quality of Life, Youth/JCDA, Education, Legislation and Charitable Projects as illustrated in the  above diagram   These are the seven areas in which the Catholic Daughters work with the church and community.

Reports

At this time of the year prior to the State or National convention, reports are submitted outlining the court’s activities in the seven areas of the Circle of Love.

There are two forms for each category.  The first one requires a description of a specific activity and what were the results and impact of this project.  Deadline for submission is February 28, 2009. 

The second form is a summary of all activities in each category from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009. Deadline for submission is March 31, 2009.

Being the first time for the Regent to be involved, it was a challenge to choose which activity would be appropriate to enter in each category.  Some of the leadership activities can be classified into Spiritual Enhancement or Quality of Life.  Also some activities on Legislation can be categorized into Leadership or Spiritual Enhancement.

All in all it was an exciting exercise and it was so nice to be able to choose from such a wide variety of fine activities being done by the court.

A Pat on the Back! Thank you! Muchas gracias! Merci beaucoup

To Dorothy Pospisil and the ladies who decorated and provided the food for the Membership Drive Socials, February 3, 2009.  These ladies were:

                Monica Bolin                       Virginia Gurecky

                Nancy Beran                      Ruth Kendziora

                Judy Brezina                      Shirley Kocick

                Ramona Krenek                  Margaret Ainsworth

                Joyce Bartos                      Sharon Kristynik

                Rosalie Byrd                       Lillian Kujawa

                Carol Divin                         Pam Labay

                Cathy Chilek                      Norma Locker

                Barbara Eben                     Georgiana Nowak

                Linda Gubbels                     Bernice Freudensprung

To Father Bill for making the time to attend the meetings and to meet the guest speaker at the Membership Drive Socials.

To Sheila Martinka, First Vice State Regent for gracing our Membership Drive Socials.

To Joyce Bartos for preparing the basket for the guest speaker.

To Cathy Bittner for preparing the CDA flyer for insertion to the Church Bulletin and the Pulpit announcement. 

To Effie Kostak and Jo Short for inserting the flyers to the church bulletin.

To those who read the pulpit announcement regarding CDA at all the weekend masses, i.e. Alma Slawinski, Rose Pederson, Beverly Waddle, and Cathy Bittner.

To Jeannette Hudec for making copies of the Standing Rules for distribution.

To Charlotte Carlson and Doris Gurecky for making copies of the CDA invitations.

Member News

Pray for the sick

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

Our Sympathy to the family of: Grace Guidry - on the death of her niece, Emma Marie Viator; and her grandniece, Jeannette Del Cambre.

March Birthdays

Humor Section

The Oil Find

Two old friends met one day after many years.
One attended college, and now was very successful.
The other had not attended college and never had much ambition.

The successful one said, "How has everything been going with you?"

"Well, one day I opened the Bible at random, and dropped my finger on a word and it was oil.
So, I invested in oil, and boy, did the oil wells gush.

Then another day I dropped my finger on another word and it was gold.
So, I invested in gold and those mines really produced.  Now, I'm as rich as Rockefeller."

The successful friend was so impressed that he rushed to his hotel, grabbed a Gideon Bible, flipped it open, and dropped his finger on a page.

He opened his eyes and his finger rested on the words, "Chapter Eleven."

Next Meeting

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Marian Hall

6:30 pm  Rosary

7:15 pm  Meeting

Hospitality

January-April: Janey Schumacher

May-August: Helen Torres

Apostolate Committee - Nursing Home Parties

September 2008 Nursing Home Party:  Mary Ondrush, Lillian Kujawa, Margaret Ainsworth, Jo Short

October 2008 Nursing Home Party:  Carol Moeller, Josie Ferguson, Evelyn Gurecky, Mary Ondrush

November 2008 Nursing Home Party:  Mary, Gloria Mican, Barbara Zulkowski

December_2008 Nursing Home Party: Mary Ondrush, Carol Hollas, Rose Pederson

January 2009 Nursing Home Party:  Barbara Zulkowski, Mary, Effie Kostak, Pat Schimara

February 2009  Nursing Home Party:  Norma Locker, Jacque Holchak, Mary

February 2009 CDA Meeting and Installation of new members

CDA members enjoying the membership tea.

CDA 1476 District Deputy

New Court Holy Rosary 1476 members!

Valentine Bale Sale!

Worthy Regent Norma Locker shows off the ladies' handiwork.

These ladies made sure no one went home without a dessert!

Fiesta Dinner Fundraiser

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