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Louisiana CDA Happenings
Louisiana State Court
Catholic Daughters of the Americas®
March 2015
In Unity
and
Charity
LA State CDA Officers
Message from the Louisiana CDA State Regent
Dear Fellow Catholic Daughters of Louisiana,
I am happy to be visiting with all of you
again. The work of preparing for the Louisiana
State CDA convention has truly intensified as
the state officers and helpers are staying busy.
The “Call to Convention” was mailed in January. Please
complete the forms included in that mailing and return to
the proper chairman by the due date. The members who volunteered to
help on the various committees are being contacted by the committee
chairmen.
In December, upon an invitation from Catholic Daughters of the
Americas National Office, four of the state officers traveled to
Tuscaloosa, Alabama for the installation of Court Tuscaloosa #2868
where we were asked by National to be the Mother Court. This was
such an honor! Some of their officers will be attending our convention.
On February 4, 2015, we instituted a new JCDA Court in Alexandria.
We are working on instituting another JCDA Court in the next month or
two. I have been approached by the former pastor of my church to start
a senior Court at his present church. I ask for your prayers as CDA
continues to grow in Louisiana. Our membership is increasing every
month due to the hard work all the local Courts are doing to retain their
members.
Congratulations to all the Courts who have celebrated
anniversaries so far this year. It was good visiting with those we were
able to attend.
As we enter this most Holy Season of Lent, let us remember to
repent, renew, and refresh our lives and that Christ died for our sins.
Your Sister in Christ,
Barbara Michael
Lord, show me what You want me to do today to be a blessing to
others around me. Specifically, show me how I can serve my
family, friends, church and those whom you put in my life. Keep
me from getting wrapped up in my own life so that I don’t miss the
opportunities to minister Your life to others. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Mission 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.
State Regent
Barbara Michael
7506 Cardiff Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
225-931-6062
[email protected]
First Vice State Regent
Connie Dronette
610 Pitre Street
Sulphur, LA 70663
337-802-6136
[email protected]
Second Vice State Regent
Dawn Fortenberry
44491 Daniel Guidry Road
St. Amant, LA 70774
225-324-8610
[email protected]
Recording Secretary
Linda Gauthier
5012 Bluebird Lane
Alexandria, LA 71303
318-542-5387
[email protected]
Treasurer
Linda Ancona
2632 Riceland Road
Duson, LA 70529
337-660-5314
[email protected]
State Chaplain
The Reverend Charles McMillin
710 State Street
Jennings, LA 70546
337-842-4641
[email protected]
National Director
Carolyn Bachmann
19417 FM 172
Scotland, TX 76379-6500
940-541-2569
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Karen Fills
1513 Anita Street
Sulphur, LA 70663
337-304-8424
[email protected]
Webmaster
Joyce Stein
19415 Paul Stein Street
Vacherie, LA 70090
225-206-0375
[email protected]
www.lastatecda.webs.com
www.catholicdaughters.org
Message From Our State Chaplain
Daughters in Christ,
We have had a very real life reminder of the “sanctity of human life” in the great number
of everyday folks who have just completed travels to and from Washington, D.C. for “The
March for Life.” I am certain that every diocese in our Province here in Louisiana
experienced this visible reminder of the Church’s holy teaching on the value of every life from
conception. May you, dear Daughters, be of a mind and heart to give glory to God for this so
that “Unity and Charity” in your belief may give evidence to all observers that you are
proclaimers of life by the way you live your everyday lives.
Continuing on the theme of life as I write, I invite you to be paying attention to the words that are soon
to come from Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in the form of an Encyclical Letter on the topic of the
environment and the abuse of it by the industrialized countries of the world, and yes, this includes us here
in North America. This letter is already causing divisive arenas of opposition and support for what he is
about to write before it is made public. It becomes your role as promoters of “Unity and Charity” to call out
to all camps these two virtues that are absolutely indispensable if resolutions are to be reached that honor
the Creator of the environment.
As we stand at the doorway into the Holy Season of Lent, make up your minds to invest in these days
well so that the return on the investment at Easter will show a rich and worthy profit for the Lord.
Yours in Truth,
Reverend Father Charles McMillin
In Memoriam
Louisiana State CDA Website
Check it out: www.lastatecda.webs.com
You can review the current State Regent’s
Newsletter on the Louisiana State CDA
website and check current updates that are
happening throughout our state. CDA Court
members can go to the website to sign in as
a member by clicking on the Guestbook and
follow the given directions. If you have any
CDA Court news to share, contact the
Louisiana State CDA Court Webmaster,
Joyce Stein, at [email protected].
Father Clarence J. Waguespack, 77 year old
retired priest from the Diocese of Baton Rouge,
passed away on December 8, 2014. He was a Past
Louisiana State CDA Chaplain, served as National
Clergy Consultant under Eunice Riles’ term as National CDA Regent, and Past CDA Chaplain
(founding Chaplain) of Notre Dame de la Paix #2316 in
Vacherie. He loved Catholic Daughters. After a trip to Medjugorge in 1989, he witnessed to having a conversion experience. Following that experience, he became very devoted to
Mary and as was his wish, he passed away on the Feast of
the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Installation of Court Tuscaloosa #2686
Saturday, December 6, 2014, Court Tuscaloosa #2686 from Tuscaloosa,
Alabama was instituted! This is the first Court in Alabama since 1964 when
the last of three in the state disbanded. We extend our congratulations to
all the new members and Court officers. National Office asked Louisiana
State CDA Court to be their Mother Court. The newly elected Court #2686
Regent is Capria Woodson-Tabor. They had fifteen charter members. In
the picture to the left are some of the members, plus four National Officers:
Shirley Seyfried, National Regent; Helene Shepard, National Regent Elect;
Olga Samaniego, First Vice National Regent; and Sherry Nilles, Second
Vice National Regent. Also shown are Louisiana State CDA Officers:
Barbara Michael, State Regent; Connie Dronette, First Vice State Regent;
Dawn Fortenberry, Second Vice State Regent; and Linda Ancona, State
Treasurer.
In addition to doing things
better, do better things.
“The Call to Convention” was mailed to all state leadership on
January 20th. If you have not received your copy please contact Barbara Michael at [email protected].
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Message from National Director - Carolyn Bachmann
Where has the time gone? It seems like just a few months ago our state officers took
office, and membership was getting settled in with the goals for 2013-2015 term. The
2015 Louisiana State Convention is just around the corner, and a new set of state officers
will be elected with new goals and ideas.
I strongly encourage all who can attend the 2015 Louisiana State CDA Convention to
get the convention forms filled out and send them now. There will be a dynamic spiritual
speaker, visiting with members from across the state, meeting new faces, shopping, and
just enjoying all the excitement a state convention brings to each of us. Conventions are a learning tool
with a lot of information for you to absorb and carry back to share with the members of your Court. Share
that energy and excitement you receive immediately when you have your first meeting following the convention. I look forward to meeting and seeing all of you there.
Let us prepare ourselves for this Holy Season of Lent and to remember that Our Lord suffered and
died for each one of us to save us from sin. Let us not sin against our sister but reach out and give her
your hand. Reach out and share your heart with her.
Attention Court Regents
Please send a description of your
auction item and value to Connie
Dronette, First Vice State Regent,
610 Pitre Street, Sulphur, LA 70663.
Don't forget to bring some mad
money to the convention. I am sure
you will want to add your name to quite a few
items in the raffle! Thanks to Court #695 from
the Diocese of Lake Charles for being the first to
send theirs in. Don't be the last one to send it in!
Bring Your Spending Money to Convention
Ways you can spend your money at the convention:
 Take chances on auction items
 Try your luck at split pot (one drawing on Friday
and one on Saturday)
 Gift shop with many new items
 Souvenir convention pin
 Convention t-shirt with 2015 convention theme
Friday Night Social - Fun on the Bayou
To join in on the fun, we ask that each local Court be creative and submit a Cajun themed centerpiece
for the tables. Judging of the centerpieces will take place for the best Cajun theme.
New Life Center
The charitable project for this year’s convention is the New Life Center, a homeless women and children’s
shelter. New Life Center is a project of the Diocese of Lafayette and is located in Opelousas. The center
shelters up to 58 women and their children in a hotel style setting, providing three hot meals per day, a
licensed child care center, and supportive services to help residents secure employment, permanent
housing, and other services that may be needed for up to two years. Upon being admitted to the shelter,
residents are given bedding, towels, washcloths, and personal items which they take with them when they
leave. The shelter is in constant need of these items. The Louisiana State CDA Court is asking donations of the requested items. To assure the receipt of various items we are requesting that local Courts
donate as per the guidelines below:
 Diocese of Alexandria and Shreveport: Bath and body items and toilet tissue;
 Diocese of Baton Rouge: Bath towels, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, baby diapers (various sizes);
 Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux and New Orleans: Bath and body items and toilet tissue;
 Diocese of Lafayette: Twin bed sheets, pillow cases, facial and feminine hygiene products;
 Diocese of Lake Charles: baby diapers (various sizes), feminine hygiene products, shampoo,
conditioner and toilet tissue.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
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Message From First Vice State Regent - Connie Dronette
I am getting very excited about visiting with all of you at the convention. Thursday night,
the mood of the convention will be set as we welcome Reverend Chester Arceneaux at the
evening of reflection. Father Arceneaux is the pastor at the Cathedral of St. John the
Evangelist in Lafayette. He also happens to be the son and brother of Catholic Daughters
from Court Immaculata #503! I want this convention to not only be about the meetings
where we will discuss the business of the order, but a spiritual experience for every Catholic
Daughter attending. The keynote speaker, Chad Judice, is also from Lafayette. He is the
author of the book Waiting for Eli. You will love his story. He will have his books for purchase at the convention where he will be signing them. As always, we will work diligently at the meetings and have fun in
the evenings. We are planning two evenings for all to enjoy. And of course, don’t forget to bring a little
spending money. I have been helping Lin in purchasing items for the gift store. I am also in charge of the
auction items this year. I can’t wait to see what each Court brings! See you in Lafayette!
Habitat for Humanity
In the picture to the left, Barbara
Michael, Louisiana State CDA
Regent, presented a check to
Connie Cooper, Director of
Rapides Habitat for Humanity.
Louisiana State CDA Court
donated the balance in the
Habitat fund of $3,868.91 to
Rapides Habitat for Humanity.
Convention Hotel Reservations
Convention hotel reservations must be made
directly with The Hotel Acadiana. Please call
1 (337) 233-8120 and/or fax 1 (337) 234-6963 on
or before Friday, April 3, 2015. Ask for reservations and tell them it is for the Catholic Daughters
convention in April so you can get the convention
rates. Rates are $89.00 plus current tax 12% for a
total of $99.68.
2015 Reservations and Meals
Convention reservations and meals forms are to be sent to Karen Fills,
Registration Chairman, by March 15, 2015. Please mail forms with a Court
check made payable to Louisiana State CDA to 1513 Anita Street, Sulphur,
LA 70663.
Trivia: What is Mona Lisa missing in her picture? The answer is
elsewhere in this newsletter. The
first person to find it, call Barbara
Michael.
Important Information
 Linda Gauthier, State Secretary, is the new Youth/JCDA State Chairman. Please note: mail the Circle of
Love Reporting Form for Youth/JCDA to Linda at 5012 Bluebird Lane, Alexandria 71303.
 Dawn Fortenberry, Second Vice State Regent, receives all Membership Reports.
 Linda Gauthier, State Secretary, receives all checks.
 March 10 is the deadline to send Seminary Fund checks with the Court and Regent’s names and
amount of their donations to Linda Gauthier to be presented to the Bishops at the convention.
JCDA News
A big “Thank You” to Linda Gauthier for volunteering to take over the task of JCDA State
Chairman. She has been very busy.
Congratulations to Court Notre Dame #1452 in
Alexandria who instituted a new JCDA Court on February 4,
2015, during the school Mass with more than 50 young
ladies. This is Linda’s Court, and she has worked with the
leaders to get this Court started. In the picture to the right is
Linda Gauthier, Barbara Michael, Secretary Allison Roy, President
Maddie Mitchell, Vice President Cameron Erickson, Treasurer Abby
Urbena, Dawn Fortenberry and Leader Jessica Sanders.
Linda is currently working with a Court in the Diocese of Shreveport interested in forming a JCDA Court
in the next couple of months.
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Message From Second Vice Regent - Dawn Fortenberry
How do I begin? I have recently been assigned a new task of Court Development
Chairman by State Regent Barbara Michael. We are asked to start at least five new Courts
in Louisiana. This requires a lot of time and resources. I will be contacting some of you to
help with this project in the near future. I need you to be the eyes and ears for seeking out
new areas to develop.
A few weeks ago I was invited to be a guest speaker for Court St. Bridget of Sweden
#2461 in Schriever. I was very nervous since I hadn’t really done that before. But Faie Duplantis,
Regent, gave me a topic that I am passionate about which is Membership. The words just flowed and
came from the heart. I hope the ladies and guests enjoyed my talk. I even tried to put my glasses on
upside down. Every good speaker has to have some humor, right?
I have also been busy updating the Louisiana State CDA Directory which had some errors and
regents names incorrectly listed. I have contacted some by phone or email and enjoyed speaking with
each one of you.
Another of my duties is to help with the State Convention. I am working on helping Barbara
Michael put together the Convention Booklet, some graphics work, and contacting groups who
volunteered to work on the committees I am chairing. I am looking forward to our 2015 Louisiana State
CDA Convention and pray that many of you will be attending. It promises to be the best yet! We have
some great speakers and entertainment planned for you. We all know that the food has to be good
because, after all, we will be in the heart of Cajunland!
Louisiana CDA State Project Rainbow
Each local Court is asked to contribute $45.00 or
more annually to the Louisiana State CDA Project
Rainbow. These donations help fund the following
projects: Disaster Relief; Scholarship Fund; and
CDA Kids.
Court checks made payable to
Louisiana State CDA are sent to the State
Secretary Linda Gauthier.
Membership Contest
The Louisiana State CDA Membership Contest runs from
October 1 through March 31, 2015. Please send in your
membership forms as soon as they are completed so they
can be counted. No forms with activity dated after March
31 will be eligible for the contest. Send all membership
forms to: Dawn Fortenberry, Second Vice State Regent,
44491 Daniel Guidry Road, St. Amant, LA 70774
TO THE SHRINE OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT AND EWTN GLOBAL CATHOLIC NETWORK
Hanceville and Irondale, AL
Sign up at the Louisiana State Convention
A $50.00 non-refundable deposit will hold your seat. Cost will include bus transportation, entrance into programs, lodging and
some meals. Bus will leave Lake Charles and pick up along the way. Bring a Friend and don’t miss out on the fun.
More details to follow!
Thank You
On December 17, 2014, Barbara Michael emailed Trisha Crombie asking for immediate basic food needs for a
grandmother and her 5 year old grandchild in New Orleans. The contact originated from Bettye, an officer in
Court Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who was in the process of adopting this child. In the meantime, Child Foster Care
Services had scheduled a visit to Mrs. Neely, the grandmother, to ensure that she had enough food for the
child. Trisha thought about how she was going to get food immediately to a home on the other side of town
while she was at work during the day. After several frantic phone calls, she discovered that the Rouse’s
Supermarket located in downtown New Orleans has a concierge service that delivers groceries anywhere in
New Orleans. God sent the Rouse’s angel to our aid! Wow! She ordered some food and had it delivered to
the grandmother’s home. It totaled about $90 for everything. The following Courts participated in this endeavor: Court Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal #2165; Court Madonna #1626; and Court Mater Dei #868. A special thank you to these Courts! A day or so later, the child was returned to her grandmother who was awarded
temporary custody. Bettye had begun the adoption proceedings. By her prompt response to the request, Trisha and her CDA sisters truly exemplified what “Unity and Charity” means. We shout out a big THANK YOU to
Trisha and the members from the New Orleans Courts for making this happen in record time.
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Message From State Secretary - Linda Gauthier
We have had several meetings in Jennings, Breaux Bridge, and Baton Rouge to
discuss and plan for the Louisiana State CDA Convention. We also met for a nice Christmas dinner attended by Father McMillin.
It is such a pleasure and blessing to work with my fellow officers and learn about the
local Courts in the state. It is so exciting to see the willingness of so many dedicated CDA
members from around the state also working to make our convention special and fun.
State Regent Barbara Michael and I were fortunate to meet Ms. Connie Copper with Rapides
Habitat For Humanity in Alexandria on December 9, 2014, to present a Louisiana State CDA donation to
Habitat. We were assured to be invited to the next dedication.
I have been working with Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria, where a new JCDA
Court was instituted on campus on February 4, 2015, with more than 50 girls. We also have hopes to
start another JCDA Court soon in the Diocese of Shreveport.
I was able to attend the March For Life in Baton Rouge on the LSU campus on January 24th.
Please continue to pray for a stop to abortion. The proposed opening of an abortion clinic in New Orleans
has met many obstacles for two years now. Keep praying that it won’t happen!
I also enjoy receiving the Court checks for Project Rainbow, for it benefits so many. Keep the
checks coming!
The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God
will not protect you.
Lent 2015
Repent and believe in the Gospel
Message From State Treasurer - Linda Ancona
Busy, busy, busy! That pretty much describes my time so far as your State Treasurer.
I have attended a number of meetings and functions and made many new friends along the
way. Now, along with your other officers, I am working on making this the best possible
State Convention. One of my current duties is purchasing items for the State Convention
Gift Shop. I have found some “great buys” along with the old standards that we all collect. I
invite everyone to stop by the Gift Shop and check us out. Another aspect of the
convention I am diligently working on the “Friday Night Social.” It promises to be a truly
unique experience with great food, live entertainment, and fun for all. I can’t wait to see you all in Lafayette
at the State Convention and to welcome you to my neck of the woods.
Important Convention Deadlines Due by March 15, 2015
 2015 Newsletter Contest





Follow the instructions very carefully to avoid disqualification. Send the required number of newsletters
to State Newsletter Chairman Lisa Westerfield, P.O. Box 506, St. Amant, LA 70774.
Circle of Love
The forms are to be sent to each of the respective state chairmen listed on the form. Correction: The
Youth/JCDA form should be mailed to the new State Youth/JCDA Chairman Linda Gauthier. Her
mailing address is 5012 Bluebird Lane, Alexandria, LA 71303.
Convention Booklet Sponsors
The sponsorship form for local Courts and individual member’s sponsorship and applicable payments
are to be sent to Joyce Stein, 19415 Paul Stein Street, Vacherie, LA 70090.
Memorial Mass Intentions Form
Forms for deceased members or chaplains are to be sent to Linda Ancona, 2632 Riceland Road,
Duson, LA 70529.
State Education Contest
Only the local first place winners from the Courts are to be sent to State Education Chairman Elaine
Trahan, 4011 Drozan Court, Lake Charles, 70605.
State Court Scholarship Awards
These entries from local Courts, 8th and 12th grade graduating students, are to be sent to State
Scholarship Chairman Kim Harger, 3152 Dena Lynn Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.
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46th BIENNIAL STATE CONVENTION AGENDA (tentative)
Thursday ~ April 23, 2015
Registration ...................................................................................... 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Evening of Reflection ....................................................................... 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday ~ April 24, 2015
Registration ....................................................................................... 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Opening Mass (Robed) ....................................................................................... 9:00 a.m.
(Begin to board bus at 7:30 a.m.) ........................ Cathedral of St John the Evangelist
Chaplain’s Luncheon (Clergy only)................................................................. 11:00 a.m.
Lunch (on your own) .................................................................... 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Business Session1 ............................................................................. 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Keynote Speaker during this time with short break following speaker)
Social - Fun Night .......................................................................... 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday ~ April 25, 2015
Registration ..................................................................................... 7:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Leadership Breakfast (PSR, State Chairmen, District Deputies & Regents) . 7:00 a.m.
Memorial Mass ................................................................................................... 9:00 a.m.
Business Session ............................................................................ 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lunch Break (on your own) ............................................................. 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Voting (delegates only) .................................................................... 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Business Session ............................................................................... 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pre-Banquet Hospitality .................................................................. 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Convention Banquet ........................................................................ 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday ~ April 26, 2015
Mass of Installation............................................................................................. 9:00 a.m.
Brunch .................................................................................. Immediately following Mass
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET RETURNED THIS DELEGATE FORM PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU!
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS ®
DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES TO LOUISIANA BIENNIAL STATE CONVENTION
COURT _______________________________________________________ NO _____________ CITY __________________________________________________
With a membership of ________ as of September 30, 2014, your Court would be entitled to elect________ delegates to your State Convention
and ________ alternates.
B.
Sec. 1
A.
B.
C.
D.
BYLAWS Amended July 2014
Local Courts shall be entitled to representation at State Convention after all National and State obligations prior to December 1 of the previous year are paid. National and
State obligations shall be due and payable thirty (30) days prior to the State Convention.
LOCAL COURT DELEGATES
Local Courts shall elect delegates to the State Convention at a business meeting preceding the deadline for submitting delegate
registration to the State Regent.
The number of delegates shall be determined by dues billed by the National Office as of November 15 of the preceding year.
1.
Representation shall be:
a.
One (1) delegate, the Regent, if she attends. If she cannot attend, the next highest officer who attends shall be the delegate. If no officers can attend, a member
of the Court shall be elected as a delegate in her place.
b.
And an additional delegate for each twenty-five (25) members or major fraction thereof.
The Local Court may elect up to two (2) times the number of alternates for the delegates elected.
Expenses to the State Convention may be paid by the Court.
DELEGATES
NAME
ADDRESS
ZIP
1) Regent _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________
2) _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________
3) _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________
ALTERNATES
NAME
ADDRESS
ZIP
1) _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________
2) _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________
3) _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_______________
IMPORTANT: Please mail the ORIGINAL copy to your STATE REGENT IMMEDIATELY following your election of delegates at a business meeting preceding
your state deadline.
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News from CDA Kids
Each child is allocated $300.00 in the form of a LA State CDA Court check given to the CDA Kid Chairman
in each diocese who gives it to the family in either cash, gift cards, groceries, or whatever the child needs,
depending on the family’s financial situation. Local Courts are also encouraged to help the child. This
wonderful program started in 1999 in the State of Louisiana. Please continue to pray and support all our
CDA Kids.
Diocese of Alexandria
Shannah Bevery is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of Alexandria. She was born on
November 28, 2006. She was nominated by Court St. Anthony #968. Her grandmother, Mrs.
Hazel, has custody of her. She has worked very hard to give Shannah all she needs. She has
gotten a foster parent to pay for her to attend St. Anthony School. Shannah has done her part
by making honor roll. Mrs. Hazel makes very little money and it goes to housing and food.
Shannah likes to read and play puzzles. She likes dolls.
Diocese of Baton Rouge
Mason Riley Part is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. He was born on March
2, 2007. He was nominated by Court Isabella #809. Mason has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
He cannot speak or walk. He requires full assistance from his family on a daily basis. He loves
music, board books, and swimming. He loves playing with his twin brother, Ethan, and his
older brother, Brennan.
Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux
Owen John Theriot is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux. He was born on
August 31, 2010. He was nominated by Court St. Bridget of Sweden #2461. Owen was born
with a very rare type of dwarfism called Kyphomelic Dyspaisia. There are only fifteen recorded
cases in the world. His small stiff chest won’t allow his heart and lungs to grow, so he has chest
expansions in Philadelphia two to three times a year. He is off his ventilator during the day but
has to sleep with it and use it if he is sick. He will have to have these chest expansions until
around the age of 17. Owen has a feeding tube and is allergic to many foods. Owen also has
a colostomy from having Hirscgsprungs disease of the colon that may be reversed when he is
strong enough. He requires nursing care daily along with physical therapy, adaptive physical education,
speech therapy, and a special instructor. Owen loves books, technology, and music. He loves toys with
lights, music, and buttons. He loves to play games on his parents’ phones. He loves his big sister, Payton
(8), who loves to rock him to sleep and help with his care.
Diocese of Lafayette
Jasmine Skye Hill is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of Lafayette. She was born on
December 22, 2014. She was nominated by Court Assumption #1675. Jasmine was born with
Down Syndrome. At four months old, she received a tracheotomy and feeding tube because
the muscle in her stomach would not develop and the formula was going into her lungs. She
sometimes has to be given oxygen when her levels are low. Because of these procedures, she
has no voice and cannot cry. She makes a sad face when she is unhappy. Her doctors are
hopeful that in the future the trach and feeding tube can be removed. All of this depends on the
development of the muscle. Jasmine likes music and bright lights. They are trying to give her
teething toys and other toys to put in her mouth so she doesn't lose the sucking reflex.
Diocese of Lake Charles
Samuel Jude Guinn is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of Lake Charles. He was born on
January 16, 2014. He was nominated by Court Mother Cabrini #1468. Samuel was diagnosed
at birth with a complex heart condition. He has DORV, TGA, ISD, and other heart problems.
He will need to have three to four open heart surgeries and several cath procedures to replace
his melody valve. Samuel loves Baby Einstein, Mickey Mouse, and balls.
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CDA Kids Continued ...
Diocese of Monroe
Olive Grace Williams is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of Monroe. She was born on October
30, 2013. She was nominated by Court Saint Matthew #1144. Olive was born with a rare disorder called Semi-Lobar Holoprosencephaly (HPE). It is a condition in which the forebrain fails to
develop into two hemispheres. She also has diabetes insipitus. She has been on a feeding
tube since birth and has nursing care. Olive was not expected to live. She loves her brother,
Felix, and she likes music and lights.
Diocese of New Orleans
Noah Bradford Joseph Bracey is the 2015 CDA Kid for the Diocese of New Orleans. He was
nominated by Court Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal #2165. He was born on May 2, 2014,
with a very rare and disabling syndrome called Arthorgryposis. At this time he can only move
his head and neck. He is a quadriplegic. His lower body is probably permanently paralyzed but
there is hope that in the future, his upper body will be able to move. His battle has been difficult
and he has battled for his life since day one. Noah is a precious and lovable boy living within a
significantly compromised body. Our prayer for him is to have a reasonable quality of life that
will allow him to sit in a wheelchair and find a way to communicate his needs and desires. He
loves to have books to read to him and ride in his stroller outside. He likes to have nursery rhymes and the
ABC’s sung to him.
In Memoriam
Remember in prayer Basil Decker, Jr., who passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2015. He was
the father of our past LA State CDA Chaplain Reverend Father Christopher Decker. May eternal
rest be granted to him and may the angels lead him to paradise.
Highlighted Local Courts From Each Diocese of Louisiana

Diocese of Alexandria
The month of December can be very difficult for the elderly residing in nursing homes or assisted living
facilities. Our Catholic Daughter Court Padre Pio #2143 enhanced the quality of life for this group in our parish
by making nice, colorful fleece scarves for some of the residents. We made sixty scarves and delivered them to
eight of the nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in our parish. We also brought refreshments to two of the
nursing homes for a Christmas party and sang Christmas carols with them. Later in December, we went to one
of the nursing homes and played Pokeno with some of the residents there and gave them prizes. These little
acts of kindness shown to these elderly by being there and interacting with them are paid back many times over
by the smiles and hugs given by these residents. These are charitable projects we did in December to reach out
to our elderly.

Diocese of Baton Rouge
St. Theresa of Avila #1955 from Gonzales has grown this year in membership, spirituality, and good
works. We strive to emulate our motto of “Unity and Charity” and the national theme of “Whatever you do to the
least of my brethren, you do unto me” through our gift of time, talent, and treasure.
Each member has contributed to our positive energy, heightened works, and fellowship led by our 20142016 Court Officers: Pam Melancon, Regent; Susan Dupuis, Vice Regent; Peggy Chance, Recording Secretary;
Mabel Washington, Financial Secretary; and Della Irvin, Treasurer.
While trying to incorporate more aspects of the Circle of Love programs, we have continued our
traditional ventures of: Respect for Life Baby Shower; Veterans’ Home Donations; Mary Bird Perkins Cancer
Center Snack Donation; Prisoner’s Christmas Cards; Lap Robes for the Assisted Living; and Collections of
Cancelled Stamps, Used Eye Glasses, and Religious Articles.
Expanded activities this year include Blessing Bags for the Less Fortunate, Youth Bible Study, Quarterly
Communion, Installation Banquets, State March for Life, and Women’s Recharge Retreat (planning stages).
With renewed faith and joy, we continue to grow our membership, committees, and projects. We are
prayerfully celebrating our contributions and will continue to strive to share our faith with our church and
community.
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Highlighted Local Courts From Each Diocese of Louisiana Continued….

Diocese of Houma/Thibodaux
So what exactly does Court St. Bridget of Sweden #2461 from Schriever do besides of course bake sweets
for the KC’s dinners? We try to live by our motto of Unity and Charity by participating in various social justice
projects. Besides supporting national and state projects, we’ve been busy locally.
We toured a renovated Church, St. Philomena in Labadieville, guided by Fr. Michael Alello. We helped
with church projects, like serving meals to the Deanery priests and to the Bishop before Confirmation and with
youth retreats. We cleaned cabinets in the community center, and we clean the church every February. We also
contacted inactive parishioners from an outdated list via telephone as an evangelization tool.
We participate in various right-to-life activities, like collecting baby items for the ‘Cradle for Life’ and
distributing ‘Cupcakes for Life’ after all Masses. We prayed at the proposed PP Center in New Orleans and
planted a miraculous medal on the public side of the property. During this trip, we also brought blankets, coats,
and underwear to the Covenant House, Christmas gifts to the Apostolate of the Sea in Destrehan, and visited the
St. Charles Borromeo Church there. We participate in the annual March for Life in Baton Rouge. We keep
informed of state and national legislation and contact area legislators (as individuals) regarding important issues.
We support Morality in Media and the WRAP Campaign by distributing white ribbons to parishioners.
We toured the Ardoyne Planation and had lunch. Then we presented baby items from ‘Cradle for Life’ to
two local pregnancy centers.
We help our poor neighbors both locally and abroad by bringing Thanksgiving food baskets to the needy in
our parish and by collecting items for the Haiti Mission. We also bring cheer to homebound parishioners by
Christmas caroling at their homes.
For spiritual enhancement, we hold prayer services that celebrate the liturgical season for our monthly
meetings, memorial services for deceased members, leading Rosaries at funerals, and giving monthly allowances
to a Diocesan seminarian.
The Court officers presented a copy of the CDA history book to our local library.
We try to make our meetings educational and fun, like playing Bingo where everyone wins a Christmas gift,
and having an annual ice cream social and a salad night. We have interesting guest speakers attend our
meetings. Our newest CDA Kid, Owen Theriot, along with his mom and grandmother, were guests at our
December meeting.
 Diocese of Lafayette - Court Assumption Blessed Mother #2214
Regent Dorothy Stelly and members of Court #2214 Assumption Blessed Mother in Mire are diligently
working again this year in preparation for their Annual Lenten Day of Reflection. This labor of love has become a
tradition in Acadiana for over twenty years and is looked forward to by both men and women from all area
parishes. These ladies go all out with everything from serving both breakfast and lunch to giving out door prizes
and dyed Easter eggs, all at no charge to attendees. This year it will be held on Thursday, March 5th, starting at
8:00 AM in the Assumption of the Blessed Mother Family Life Center in Mire. Rev. Howard Blessings will be the
celebrant for mass and the guest speaker. In addition, there will be Anointing of the Sick. No registration is
required and everyone is invited.

Diocese of Lake Charles - Court Lady of the Lake #695
On Sunday, November 6, 1921, a group of forty-nine catholic women of Immaculate Conception Parish in
Lake Charles, Louisiana formed the first Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court in Southwest Louisiana. On
that day, Court Lady of the Lake #695 was instituted by Court Immaculata #503 of Lafayette.
In 1924 the idea of building a Catholic Daughters/Knight of Columbus home was born. The sight was
chosen on Iris Street, one block from the Immaculate Conception Church. The “home” was completed in 1925.
When the Lake Charles Diocese was instituted in 1980, Geri Landry, Regent of Court Lady of the Lake #695, and
Pat Broussard, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, represented their organizations as they signed over the
building to the Diocese of Lake Charles. It is now used as the Chancery for the Diocese.
Some of the activities supported by Court Lady of the Lake #695 are: Louisiana State CDA Seminary
Fund; Autism Society of Southwest Louisiana; Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Tuition Fund; St. Louis
Catholic High School Tuition Fund; Seafarer’s Center; New Life Counseling; Reception for First Communion
students; Gifts for Confirmation Candidates; Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Caring Ministries; March for
Life; Louisiana State CDA Project Rainbow; CDA National Five Projects; and CDA National Nine Charities.
Every year since it’s beginning, the Court has held an Anniversary Banquet on the first Sunday in
November. At the banquet, the Daughter of the Year is presented. Members are honored for perfect attendance
and years of service. In November, 2015, Court Lady of the Lake #695 will celebrate its 94th anniversary.
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Looking Back
Mary Lou Lanier was inducted into the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in 1927,
when she was 18 years of age. This was only 24 years after the founding of the Catholic
Daughters. Mary Lou’s Court was Court Blanche of Castile #154 in New Orleans, which
unfortunately was disbanded in 2012 as a result of not being able to recoup their
membership after Hurricane Katrina. After she married in 1930, she remained active in
her Court as Mary Lou Lanier Fife.
Of all the projects she worked on, the most memorable by far was the Eighth
National Eucharistic Congress, held October, 1938, in New Orleans. Most of the U.S. hierarchy, including
thousands of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Priests were in attendance. On the last night of the four
day congress, 65,000 Roman Catholics knelt in adoration as the Eucharistic chariot - a large float carrying
Cardinal Mundelein of Chicago and the papal legate, kneeling before a 42 inch tall monstrance holding a Sacred Host - was guided into City Park Stadium. The magnificent monstrance had been crafted by a prominent
New Orleans jeweler from 5,000 donations of personal jewelry. The idea was that each donation should involve some direct sacrifice for the Eucharistic Jesus. Mary Lou gave a diamond ring that had been a gift from
her parents. She encouraged others to do the same. At the time, the monstrance was the costliest sacred
vessel ever produced in this country. Mary Lou also served on the Registration Committee, which was in
charge of the registration of local residents and visitors and the distribution of programs, badges, hymnals,
and candles.
Mary Lou celebrated her 106th birthday on January 2, 2015. Thank you, Mary Lou, for your 88 years
of service as a Catholic Daughter and for being so zealous in the practice of your Catholic faith.
National Regent Shirley Seyfried asks each local Court to begin one new charitable project in each of the
next two years, then write about the project and send it to her. She wants to feature some of them in the
SHARE magazine and on the National CDA website. Email the article to her at [email protected].
In Memorandum
Remember in prayer our past National Legislative
Chairman Mary Anne Rowe who passed away on
January 6th. She was diagnosed with a malignant
brain tumor while she was serving as legislative
chairman. Pray she will find peace and joy in the
presence of our Lord. We extend our sincere
sympathy to her family. Condolences and Mass
cards can be mailed to her brother: Mr. Jack Rowe,
42285 Via Del Gavilan, Fallbrook, CA 92028.
National CDA Website
Check it out: www.catholicdaughters.org
To review the current news from CDA National
Office and the CDA National Regent’s Newsletter,
please check out this website. Also check out the
CDA Store. They are always adding new items for
CDA members to purchase.
CDA National Membership Contest
BOGO! Bring one, Gain one!
The CDA National Membership contest dates are
from August 1, 2014 to June 1, 2016. Goals:
Every member will participate in BOGO! Bring
one, Gain one! Every state will initiate five new
Courts. Local Courts bringing in the most
members win a monetary award. Winners of 1st,
2nd, and 3rd places are awarded in each division.
Divisions are based on the number of members
in each Court. Each [eyebrows] local Court
needs to focus on reaching out to invite new
members. How will you BOGO? If you don’t,
people will not know of your good works and the
far reaching effect of our local Court efforts. If
each member would strive to seek to invite just
one member to their next CDA monthly meeting,
they would see their organization grow greatly.
be CDA positive; invite someone to join!
Remember to pray for those in the military who are serving to protect our country.
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A church without women would be like the apostolic college without Mary. The Madonna is
more important than the apostles, and the church herself is feminine, the spouse of Christ
and a mother. Pope Francis
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