March Quarterly Newsletter - Catholic Daughters of the Americas

The National Board and the National Staff
wish a most Blessed Easter to all
Catholic Daughters and their families.
May the Risen Christ bring you much joy, hope,
and peace during the Easter Season and always.
May God always Bless you and your work in CDA.
National Officers
Shirley Seyfried, National Regent
Helene Shepard, National Regent-Elect
Olga Samaniego, First Vice National Regent
Sherry Nilles, Second Vice National Regent
Vickie Feist, National Secretary-Treasurer
Father Matthew Kuhn, National Chaplain
National Directors
Carolyn Bachmann
Letty Calvetti
Joyce Ann Fleming
Ruth Guidry
Jo Hammen
Janet Martineau
Susan Mone
Margi Oller
Sheila Storey
National Office Staff
Mary Impellizeri, Executive Director
Theresa Duran, Administrative Assistant
Tom Panas, Public Relations
Gigi Barreca
Joe Delgado
Martha Hamboussi
Gloria Linley
Brittany Pick
All Catholic Daughters will be remembered in a Mass celebrated by our
National Chaplain during the Easter Season at St. Henry's Church in Perham, MN.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
10 West 71st St.
®
New York, NY 10023
212-877-3041
FAX 212-724-5923
e mail: [email protected]
www.catholicdaughters.org
[email protected]
MARCH 2015
National
Chaplain’s
Message
Fr. Matthew Kuhn
National Chaplain
Dear Sisters in Christ,
Pope Francis has asked us to pray this year
for our brothers and sisters in Consecrated Life. Our
American church owes so much to the faithful religious
who founded and taught in our parochial schools! It has
been said, quite rightly, that nuns built the Church in
America, one pupil at a time. I myself am a product of
a parish elementary school, and will forever thank God
for the witness of Sister Lydia, my second grade teacher.
What would we do without our religious brothers and
sisters in vowed Consecrated Life? I pray we will never
have to answer that question.
Thank you for the work CDA has done to promote
religious life, both through Support Our Aging Religious
and the Labouré Society. Both are causes worthy of our
efforts and our promotion locally and nationally. Yet my
heart desires to do more in support of our young women
and men who are discerning a religious vocation.
I ask you to join me in prayer and fasting on the first
Friday of each month this year for the sake of religious
vocations. Our religious brothers and sisters dedicate
their lives to prayer, so let us set aside at least one holy
hour of prayer for them each month. They make vows to
sacrifice all worldly gain for the sake of the Gospel; let us
sacrifice something each month in solidarity with them.
I know you already do so much and yet I am bold
enough to ask another hour and another sacrifice from
your generous hearts each month. Remember, God is
never outdone in generosity! May our sacrifice bear fruit
State and Territorial
Officers’ Conference
The State and Territorial Officers’ Conference
will be held this year in Belleville, Illinois, at
Our Lady of the Snows, July 16-19.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
The National Board would really appreciate
seeing every State officer at the conference. We
feel this is not only a great learning experience
for both new and returning members of the State
Board, but it is also a chance for you to bond as a
new board and get to know each other as you
begin to work together. Look for complete details
in a future mailing to State Regents.
in many religious vocations to serve the poor and the
suffering in our schools, orphanages, and missions
around the world. May our own sons and daughters
consider the call to model themselves on the poverty,
chastity, and obedience of Jesus Christ in Consecrated
Religious Life, and may we be willing to give them to
the Lord in this vocation.
Peace in Christ,
Father Matthew
Some Highlights:
National Regent’s Corner................................2
Scholarships .............................................................4
BOGO! .......................................................................5
New Courts ............................................................6
Prayer Requests ...................................................7
National
Regent’s
Message
We are very pleased to hear of the institution of several
more new courts. We hear that many more are being
proposed. Keep up the great work. I am also very pleased
that courts have begun to send me information and pictures
about their new projects. They will be featured in our next
issue of Share. If you have a new project that you can share
with me, I would love to hear about it. Remember, each
court is asked to start one new charitable project in each of
these two years. Have you started yours yet?
We are nearing State Conventions so preparation is in
high gear. Thank you to the State Officers and the Court
Chairpersons who are working so hard to have state
conventions that are spiritually uplifting and educational
for all members. Local Courts, please send as many
delegates as possible in order for your members to be
energized by all that happens at a State Convention.
They will come back to your courts with renewed vigor
for Catholic Daughters, and your courts will be more
vibrant because of the attendance of your members at
the State Convention.
Thank you for the invitations to your State
Conventions. I wish I could attend every one, but of course
that is not possible when we have all of them in such a
short span of time. However, know that I will be with
you in Spirit, and I will pray for the success of every State
Convention. A National Officer or Director will attend each
of your conventions. In most cases, it will be your state
supervisor, but in some instances, where two of her states
are having their conventions the same weekend, another
Director or Officer will replace your state supervisor. Please
give your National Representative a warm welcome.
In addition to all of the CDA news, we are proud
to announce the birth of our newest grandchild. Our
daughter, Christina, who many of you know from
National conventions, and her husband Gerardo, had
a new baby daughter, Ella Lydia, born on January 19th.
She is so precious, and we thank God for this wonderful
addition to our family.
Thank you to those of you who send me your
newsletters. I very much enjoy reading them. It is so
wonderful to read about everything you are doing in the
name of Catholic Daughters. You really are living out our
theme “Whatever you do for the least of my Brethren,
you do for me.” Matthew 25:40. Thank you for all you do
in CDA. May you have a very Blessed Easter and to all of
you mothers, have a very Happy Mother’s Day.
Shirley Seyfried,
National Regent
Dear Sisters in Catholic Daughters,
I hope your New Year has started out well. It’s hard
to believe we are about to enter the season of Lent. May
it be one of Spiritual Renewal for everyone.
We have been very busy on the National level. We
were very excited to institute a new court in Tuscaloosa,
Alabama, in December. Then on January 21st , we
attended the Opening Mass of the Vigil of Life at the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washington DC. It was, as always, very
inspirational. In his homily, His Eminence, Cardinal
O’Malley stated, “In the history of our country, people
of faith have worked together to overcome racism and
injustice. Now we come together to be the defense
attorney for the innocent unborn and the vulnerable
elderly and all those whose right to life is threatened.
We shall overcome.” He went on to say that much of the
problem today is indifference, indifference to those in
need, indifference to the pregnant mother, and
indifference to the elderly. He said that the Gospel of
Life has to be about loving and helping the poor, who
have a disproportionately higher number of abortions.
To evangelize, we must show that we care by bringing
love and joy to those in need.
The next day, we participated in the March for Life.
There was estimated to be over 600,000 at the March.
The March was lead this year by the students from
Shanley Catholic High School in Fargo, North Dakota.
They brought their entire student body, plus faculty and
chaperones in eight buses to lead the March. Five of those
marchers were my grandson, Andrew Hollingsworth
and Vickie Feist's nieces and nephew, Madeline Breen
and Brigid, Fiona, and Connor Smith. Needless to say,
we were proud. What a testimony to the value of life!
Following the March and our legislative meeting in
Washington, we went to Pennsylvania to begin plans
for the 2016 National Convention. Then Helene, Father
Matthew, and I went to EWTN to tape two more
episodes for “The Church Universal” Series about
Catholic Daughters.
Peace and God Bless,
Shirley Seyfried, National Regent
2
Responsibility and Leadership
Helene Shepard, National Regent-Elect
National Leadership Chairman
Have you ever thought about the relationship
between responsibility and leadership? I have always
understood that the two were linked and both very
important. We need to ask ourselves two questions:
1. What kind of leaders are we promoting in
our organization?
2. What impact does this leadership have on
our membership?
The word responsibility is a noun. It is something for which one is
responsible; a duty, obligation, or trust.
When we think of our State Conventions, we can’t help but think about
the word responsibility. This word is important for both the leaders and the
members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
As members of this great organization, we have the responsibility
to attend our state conventions to let our voices be heard and to cast our
votes for the future leaders of our state. The second part of this aspect of
responsibility is to support the leaders who will take office for the next two
year term. It is our duty and our obligation, but it should not be a burden.
All members need to be able to adapt to change. Sometimes change can be
difficult but remember growth will be the result of change.
As leaders we have the responsibility to lead our
members in the right direction.
• The leader has a responsibility to be committed to the mission.
• The leader has a responsibility to know her job.
• The leader has a responsibility to set the example.
• The leader has a responsibility to focus the board and membership
on the big picture.
Cultivating a culture of responsibility in an organization through effective
leadership has several advantages. Responsibility breeds honesty and
transparency. If people know that they will be held accountable for their
actions and that accepting this accountability is a value that the organization's
leadership respects, they will be more forthright about their mistakes.
Similarly, a culture of responsibility can foster greater productivity, as people
feel more closely tied to the fruits of their labor. Both leaders and members
will have ownership for what is going on in the state or in the local court.
Be a leader and attend your state convention. Enjoy your time there
knowing that you are assuming your responsibility.
3
Are You
Called to
Serve?
It is not too late to think
about running for state office.
If you look at the slate of officers
for your state and see an open
slot, prayerfully consider
running from the floor for that
office. Of course, you can always
run from the floor for any office,
so if you decide now that you
wished you had submitted your
name to run for state office, it is
not too late for that either. In
order to run from the floor, you
must submit the following to the
State Regent prior to the first rap
of the gavel of the first meeting:
1. A statement of Eligibility
2. A statement of endorsement
by your Local Court signed by
a majority of the Local Court
Officers, and
3. A written Consent to Serve
signed by the candidate.
The delegate making your
nomination shall give a statement
of your qualifications. The State
Board determines the amount
of time to be allowed for this
statement.
Please read pages 36-37 of the
Bylaws for complete information.
Just a reminder, in case
you missed it in the last
Quarterly, there will be
no CDA Lecture on
Catholic Church History
at Catholic University in
Washington, DC, this year.
Scholarships
Youth Scholarships
A $1000 National JCDA Scholarship will be awarded to a JCDA
Member entering college in the fall 2015.
A $500 National Scholarship for an 8th grader entering 9th in a
Catholic High School in the fall of 2015.
A $500 National Scholarship for an 8th grader entering 9th in a
Public/Private High School in the fall of 2015.
All entries must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2015 and mailed to:
Letty Calvetti
854 Country Lane
Indiana, PA 15701
Graduate Scholarships
A $3000 first place and a $1000 second place Father Leonard Bachmann
Graduate Scholarship will be awarded to persons who have completed
undergraduate studies and who desire assistance for tuition in order to
continue studies on the graduate level.
All entries must be postmarked no later than May 1, 2015 and mailed to:
Joyce Ann Fleming, National Education Chairman
62 Cushing Street
Medford, MA 02155
Campus Court Scholarship
Scholarships sponsored by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas have been
available for Junior Catholic Daughters, youth and graduate students for
many years. With an emphasis on increasing the number of Campus Courts
and members in the courts, it is time to offer a scholarship especially for that
membership.
A Campus Court Scholarship in the amount of $2000 will be awarded
for the very first time in 2015.
Policies, procedures, and the application are outlined on the Campus Court
Scholarship form, which is attached to this Quarterly newsletter. The
guidelines and application blank can also be found on the Catholic Daughters
of the Americas website www.catholicdaughters.org
The due date for submission of the application is May 1, 2015. Questions
about the scholarship and applications must be directed to:
Letty Calvetti, National Campus Court Chairman
854 Country Lane
Indiana, PA 15701
Information on all CDA scholarships may be
found at www.catholicdaughters.org
Important
Notice About
Checks
There are new banking laws and
restrictions causing problems
with some checks received at the
National Office. ALL checks
MUST be written out ONLY
to: Catholic Daughters of
the Americas.
Please do not write the word
“National” or the name of any
officer, employee, National
Project or National Charity on
the “Pay To” line. Our bank will
no longer accept these, and we
must return the checks to you
for replacement.
Please indicate the invoice
number, charity or project on the
“Memo” line and ensure that the
check displays your court
number and has two signatures.
Additionally, please do not
staple the checks to any invoice
or note as they can rip easily
when we remove the staples.
Thank you for your cooperation.
CDA Pilgrimage
There is still room on the
CDA Pilgrimage to Rome
and Medjugorje!
For information about the trip,
check out the web site at
catholicdaughters.org and click
on the CDA Pilgrimage to Rome
Registration link. There you will
find details and registration forms.
This wonderful pilgrimage, lead by
our National Chaplain, Father
Matthew Kuhn, is filling up fast,
so don’t wait—we would love
to have you join us.
BOGO! Is Getting Hot!
Olga Samaniego, First Vice National Regent
Chairman of Membership and Court Development
It is almost spring, and CDA is blooming! Since our
kick-off in August, 10 new courts have been instituted
and five more are in the planning stages. Five states
have instituted at least one court and are well on their
way to achieving their goal of five new courts for the
term. Several more states have started court development
teams and are actively searching for areas in which CDA
can expand in their states. If our momentum continues,
we should double the number of courts instituted last
year. Speaking of expansion, we are back in Alabama!
We had lost all of our courts in that state, but in
December we instituted a new court in Tuscaloosa, and
we have another lead in Birmingham! We are so excited!
Our dream to have CDA courts in all 50 states is on its
way to becoming a reality.
More good news—members are embracing Bring
one; Gain one! I am hearing wonderful reports of
successful membership drives and of individual
members who are inviting women to come and see.
Keep up the good work; in addition to wonderful new
members, your court could be a contest winner at the
National Convention.
Three things to remember:
• Follow our patroness’s advice, “Do whatever he tells
you.” (John 2:5 ) Make sure your court is doing what
God is asking you to do today. We are called to serve
all our lives, but we are not always called to the same
service. If your service has become forced or stale, or
if there is no joy in your service, God may be calling
your court to do something else. A vibrant court that
is responding to God’s call with joy is the court that
will attract others to join.
• We are in the middle of a huge membership drive, but
don’t forget how much you can accomplish with the
members you already have. A court full of women
determined to do God’s will, Can Do A nything!
• Pray and listen to God together. Service is rooted in
prayer. Service is born from a desire to answer God’s
call, and CDA service is powerful because women are
answering God’s call together.
NOTE:Typo in Share BOGO Ad. Local Court Division Two should read 76-150 members.
“Fun”D: Are You In?
Thank you to all who have sent in entries for the
“Fun”D calendar. If you have not sent yours in, it is
not too late. There are drawings five days a week for
$30 plus holiday drawings for $100 and a $1000
drawing on Catholic Daughters’ Sunday, October 18,
2015 so you still have many chances to win even if
you are just entering.
Priest Appreciation Day this year is
June 7th. Please show your appreciation
to your priests for all they do for us.
5
National Office E Mails:
Newly Instituted Courts
Executive Director
Mary Impellizeri
[email protected]
Please welcome and pray for the officers and members
our newest courts. May they enjoy many years of Unity
& Charity in our great Order. Feel free to send them a
card of welcome and encouragement.
Court Tuscaloosa #2686
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Administrative Assistant
Theresa Duran
[email protected]
For rosters: Gloria Linley
[email protected]
For orders & address changes:
Martha Hamboussi
[email protected]
Regent: Invera-Capria Woodon-Tabor
P.O. Box 2181,Tuscaloosa AL 35403-2181
For copies of invoices/dues questions:
Brittany Pick
[email protected]
Court St. Elizabeth #2687
Melville, New York
Regent: Kim Sparaco
20 Greenhills Road, South Huntington NY 11746
For membership Info:
Gigi Barreca
[email protected]
Court Loving Mother of Mercy #2689
Brownsville, Texas
For shipping questions:
Joe Delgado
[email protected]
Regent: Ella Rios
5137 Sugar Mill, Brownsville,TX 78526-3802
For Share: Tom Panas
[email protected]
Morality In Media
One Million Rosaries
For Unborn Babies
2015 will be the 7th year that CDA has
participated in this event sponsored by the Saint
Michael the Archangel Organization. The three
day event will take place May 1st-3rd. Persons
participating in this multinational pro-life prayer
event will pray at least one Rosary for an end to
the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn
human persons. Please contact your Court
members and parish to promote this event so
that the One Million Rosaries goal will be met.
You may find additional information on their
website saintmichaelthearchangelorganization.org
Founded in 1962, Morality In Media (MIM) is the
leading national organization opposing pornography and
indecency through public education and the application of
the law. MIM is one of our National Charities and all courts
are encouraged to maintain a $50 annual membership. MIM
News is included with each issue of National Quarterly.
Currently, Morality In Media directs the War on Illegal
Pornography coalition, an effort with Congress to pressure
the US Department of Justice to enforce existing federal
obscenity laws.
MIM also maintains a research website about the
harms of pornography and regularly directs national
awareness campaigns to help the public understand the
consequences of pornography and find resources to aid in
their struggles. Visit moralityinmedia.org to learn more
about their efforts
It is requested that all donations to MIM be sent to
the National office with a check made out to Catholic
Daughters of the Americas and on the bottom write
Morality in Media where it says “For” or “Memo.”
The National office will then forward one CDA check
to Morality in Media. Of course, if an individual in your
court or the court itself wishes to communicate directly
with MIM, they may do so at any time.
6
Liability Insurance
The liability coverage for all
CDA Courts will be sent to the
Court Regent for payment.
Be sure to save the Certificate
of Liability for future reference. If
you need to add your Church, hall
or restaurant as an additional insured
you need to contact the name on the
certificate from our insurance carrier.
Outstanding Bills
Please be aware that any court
owing money to either the National
Office or your State as of December
31, 2014, may not participate as
delegates at your State convention
unless the bills are paid. This would
include dues, supplies, insurance, etc.
The National Office has sent out
statements to those who are past
due. Please pay all debts on time.
Semi Annual
Financial Reviews
A Financial Review Form is
included with this issue of National
Quarterly. Please complete a
financial review of your court’s
finances after March 31st and submit
the form to the National Office no
later than April 30th.
Remember, your District Deputy
or State Representatives should
attend your Financial Review if at
all possible.
State Court
Financial Reviews
All State Courts are required to
complete a Financial Review each
year. Please refer to Section 4 pages
19, 20 and 21 in the Tools of the
Trade. These forms are due to the
National Office before June 1, 2015.
Prayers Needed
Well done, good and faithful servant —Matthew 25:21
Please keep the families of the following deceased in your prayers:
William Rodger, brother-in-law of Second Vice National Regent Sherry
Nilles, passed from this life to the next on January 28, 2015. Condolences
may be sent to Lee and Sherry Nilles, 711 25th Avenue, Sheldon, IA 51201
Rita Medland, sister of National Director Jo Hammen entered the gates of
heaven on November 21, 2014. Messages of condolence may be sent to Jo
at 10 Fern Court, Little Chute, WI 54140
Father Clarence Waguespack, National Clergy Consultant during the term
of National Regent Eunice Riles, was called home to the Lord on December
8, 2014. Condolences may be sent to his sister, Mrs. Claire Amedee at 1711
Hwy 18, Vacherie, LA 70090
Mary Ann Rowe, USN (Retired), Past National Legislative Chairman went
to her heavenly reward at the end of December. Condolences may be sent
to her brother, Jack Rowe, 42285 Via Del Gavilan, Fallbrook, CA 92028
Charlotte Rossmeissl, Past Wisconsin State Regent, went home to Jesus on
January 24, 2015. Condolences may be sent to her daughter, Mary Keller,
1016 E. Green Tree Ct. Unit C, Appleton, WI 54915
Also please lift in prayer all those members and friends of CDA
who are in need of physical and spiritual healing, especially:
Past National Regent M. Joan McKenna who suffered a bad car accident
with some injury. She is now home and on the mend. Send her greeting
at 25 Edith Road, Framingham, MA 01701.
Past National Officer Sally Rytlewski, who is recovering from a fall in
which she broke her pelvis. We are glad to report she is back at her
home and doing well. You cand send her a card at 13324 State Route 31,
Albion, NY 14411.
Past National Director Arline Rich who had a hip replacement in
November and is healing very nicely. Send her a note at 16 Lincoln
Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117
Past National Director Vickie Melanson who had an “update” to her
pacemaker. She is feeling great and you can send her well wishes at
18082 DeWolf Road, Iowa, LA 70647.
Enclosed with this Issue:
BOGO Contest
Spring Prayer Service
Operation Morningstar Newsletter
1903 Society
Campus Court Scholarship Form
Financial Review Form
7
2014-2016 CDA MEMBERSHIP CONTEST
BOGO!
Bring one;
Gain one!
Contest Dates:
August 1, 2014, to June 1, 2016
Goals: Every member will participate in BOGO! Bring one; Gain one!
Every state will institute five new courts!
Local Court Prizes
200
$
150
$
100
$
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
State Court Prizes
500
$
350
$
200
$
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
to the courts that brings
in the most new members.
to States that bring in the most
new courts over the requisite 5.
First, Second, and Third place
awarded in each division.
First, Second, and Third place
awarded in each division.
Division One: 1 – 75 members
Division Two: 76-150 members
Division Three: 150+ members
Division One: 5 to 20 courts
Division Two: 21-75 courts
Division Three: 76+ courts
Largest percentage of increase will determine
winners in each division.
Tie breaker will be determined by total number
of Charter Members welcomed in the state.
Special awards will be presented by our National Chaplain to members who are instrumental
in developing courts and/or spreading the word and publicizing CDA!
Award winners will be nominated by their State Regents or National Representatives.
How will you BOGO? For more info: [email protected]
Spring Meditation
prepared by Olga Samaniego
All: It’s spring. It is time for growth and renewal. Lord, you made us a special
promise while you were on earth. You said, “I will ask the Father, and He will
give you another Advocate [Paraclete] to be with you forever, the Spirit of
Truth…” John 14:16. As we reflect on ourselves and on our court, we ask for
your Spirit of Truth. As we reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit together, help us
to know if we are bearing fruit. Grant us your wisdom, O Lord.
Reader 1 Lord, do we act in love? Do we know
how much you love each of us? Do we witness
your love to the world? When we are faced with
decisions or choices as a group, do we make those
decisions out of love for God’s people?
Reader 2 Lord, are we joyful? Do we find joy in
our work and in our service? Happiness is fleeting,
but joy comes from knowing God and knowing
that we are living as He asks us to live. Do we
look forward to each new day with excitement?
Do we find joy in our court and in our sisterhood?
Are we optimistic?
Reader 3 Lord, are we peaceful or are we filled
with anxiety and tension? Do we rest secure in
knowing that You are in charge and that we are
in Your hands? To we place our needs before
You and trust that You will supply those needs?
Reader 4 Lord, are we patient? Do we hurry
though our prayers and meetings in hopes to
“get it over with,” or do we take time to listen
and to be guided by the Spirit of God. Do we
persevere in prayer and expect Your answers?
Do we listen patiently when others speak?
When we discuss ideas with each other do
we do so with open minds?
Reader 5 Lord, in addition to being kind to our
family members and our sisters in Christ, are we
kind to ourselves? Do we rest enough, eat well,
and take care of our own well-being? Do we try
our best to act and speak kindly? When we speak
of others, do we speak only kindness?
Reader 6 Lord, are
we generous? Do
we share our time,
our talent, and our
treasure with others?
Do we give of ourselves in
addition to giving our money?
Do we try to put others first?
Reader 7 Lord, are we faithful?
We are not called to understand your
plans, we are only called to be faithful in
service. Do we honor our commitments?
Can our sisters count on us?
Reader 8 Lord, are we gentle? If we must disagree
or correct, are we mindful of others feelings?
Do we strive to speak the truth in love?
Reader 9 Lord, do we practice self-control? Do we
practice living moderately? If we are tempted to shirk
a duty or not to take care of ourselves, do we pray
for the strength to remain in control? Do we work on
controlling our minds instead of worrying?
All: Lord, in your mercy you show us what a life lived
for You is supposed to look like. As we reflected
on the Fruits of the Spirit, you were with us showing
us where we are growing and where we are falling
short. We ask for an extra measure of your Holy
Spirit. Help us to hear Your voice and to work on our
areas of weakness. Help us to welcome change and
growth. We trust that as we place ourselves in your
hands, you will transform us daily into your person.
Come Holy Spirit; fall afresh on us! Amen.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas®
Operation Morningstar
Volume VIII, No. 3
March 2015
National Headq uar ters 10 Wes t 71s t Street New York, NY 10023
Abortion Funding Is Rampant
In Federal Healthcare Law
The Obama Administration is hiding the massive
taxpayer funding for abortion that is in Obamacare.
Obamacare contains subsidies/funds for plans with
elective abortion coverage.
The coverage and abortion surcharge is nearly
impossible to find on healthcare.gov and state
exchanges. Americans should not have to spend
enormous amounts of effort to find out which plans
do and do not cover elective abortion.
Russian Patriarch Says
Reducing Abortions Would
Solve Population Crisis
The same day that pro-life Americans took to
the streets in the March for Life, Russian Orthodox
Patriarch Kirill spoke to the Duma, the Russian
parliament. It was the first time a head of the
Russian Orthodox Church has spoken to lawmakers
in modern Russia.
Reuters reported Kirill called for a deep cut in the
"horrifyingly high" number of abortions.
The American people should not be forced to
subsidize others’ abortions.
Because the Obama Administration has failed to be
transparent about abortion coverage, the Family
Research Council (FRC) and Charlotte Lozier Institute
(CLI) have done extensive research and inferred from
the 2014 GAO Report to piece together as much
information as they could for the consumer to make
an informed choice about Obamacare insurance
purchases, and is launching their findings on
ObamacareAbortion.com.
Through their taxes, people who live in states where
plans do not cover abortion are still subsidizing
abortion on demand in plans in other states–this
would never be allowed if the Hyde amendment
had truly been applied to Obamacare.
Because Obamacare violates the principles of
the Hyde amendment ban on subsidizing abortion,
and because Obamacare lacks transparency for
Americans, Congress must enact the Abortion
Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R.3279) and the No
Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R.7). The new
Senate offers hope that these bills could become law.
This project is aimed at helping Americans find out
abortion coverage in Obamacare plans, but due to
the lack of transparency, we will continue to research
the many unknowns still present in this data. (from
www.ObamacareAbortion.com, 2015 Fact Sheet)
Patriarch Kirill of
Moscow and All Russia
"The idea of absolutely prioritizing the value of free
choice and of rejecting the priority of moral norms
has become a slowly exploding bomb for Western
civilization," he said. "If we could just cut in half the
number of abortions, there would be steady and
powerful demographic growth."
Russia's population has been declining since the
mid-1990s. "Russia's ability to stand up in the face
of modern pseudo-values depends to a large
extent on the active stance of Russian
parliamentarians," he said.
Approved by National Regent Shirley Seyfried
157 Babies Killed Every Hour
in United States Abortions
House Passes H.R. 7, the No
Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act
Catholic Daughters took part in the annual March for
Life again this year, praying for an end to legalized
abortion in the United States.
Since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision 42
years ago, approximately 57 million children have
been aborted. On average, 3,767 babies are killed in
abortions every day. That's 157 unborn babies killed in
abortion every hour. Almost three babies are killed
every single minute.
The same day that hundreds of thousands of
Americans joined in the March for Life on Capitol Hill,
the United States House passed H.R. 7, the No
Taxpayer Funding of Abortion Act which creates a
permanent, government-wide ban on abortion
funding, in health care bills, overseas aid, and
anything else Congress subsidizes. Currently, the Hyde
Amendment prevents taxpayer-funding of abortion in
federal appropriations bills, but it has to be
reauthorized every year to stay in effect.
We must never give up hope that Americans will
once again protect the lives of the most vulnerable:
the unborn. (Statistics taken from LifeSiteNews.com)
The bill next advances to the Senate, but if it passes,
the President is expected to veto it. (Taken from Family
Research Council)
Marriage Reality Movement Works to Restore Marriage
Is marriage a thing of the past or is it a universal
reality? What happens to children when marriage
disappears? How can people support the norm of
men and women marrying before having children?
• Evaluate every law, every institution, and every
curriculum by how well it:
The Marriage Reality Movement (TakeBack
Marriage.org) began in January under the
leadership of William May. It is a network of people of
all faiths and beliefs who want to work in a positive
and practical effort to rebuild a culture of marriage
and family. Concerned about the state of marriage
in society, the organization works to reveal the truth
about marriage in simple and practical ways.
- helps young people develop the kinds of
friendship that lead to marriage; and
How young people understand the truth about
sexual intimacy, marriage, and family influences the
choices they make in their own lives. The culture is
feeding them a steady diet of information that is
designed to lead them away from the truth, to
corrupt their understanding about the reality of
marriage, family and sexuality.
The Marriage Reality Movement first and foremost
seeks to “reintroduce” marriage at all levels of
society, providing a bedrock of truth for children
and society.
Members of the Marriage Reality Movement:
• Focus on what people are for, not what they
are against.
• Recognize that marriage is a universal reality,
integral to God’s plan for creation, but not
dependent on belief in God.
- promotes men and woman marrying before
having children;
- supports people in their marriage.
• Stand with Children® and their interests in the
marriage of their mothers and fathers.
• Are in solidarity with young people who have
a right to know the truth about love, sexuality,
friendship, and marriage as the foundation of
the family so they can make positive choices
in their lives.
• Think globally, but act locally by staying informed
and learning new ways for revealing the truth and
beauty about marriage in ways that anyone can
understand. They share insights with family and
friends, and provide messages on Facebook and
by forwarding emails. They also form study groups
and distribute literature and educational material
that reveal the truth about the reality of marriage.
Some even make presentation in the community
to alert people of the crisis of the breakdown of
marriage that is touching every family. Every child
is at risk today.
For more information on how your court can
become involved, visit www.TakeBackMarriage.org.
2
Ways to Support our
National Headquarters
Perpetual
Membership
Support the upkeep of the
Grand Old Lady for only $1,903
Memorialize a needed window at
the National Office for only $1,000
• Become a Perpetual Member of the 1903 Society
• Windows will be energy efficient thus saving money
• Make a Pledge of $1903
• Receive a plaque and an inscription on the Wall of
Honor at the National Office.
• Receive a 1903 Society Pin and Membership Card
Send Pledge checks made payable to:
Catholic Daughters of the Americas with
1903 Pledge in the memo to: Helene Shepard,
PO Box 455, Washingtonville, NY 10992
• Window will keep with the décor of the historic
neighborhood
• Receive a Certificate and an inscription on a Plaque
of Honor at the National Office.
Send Window checks made payable to:
Catholic Daughters of the Americas with
Window of Opportunity in the memo to:
Sherry Nilles, 711 25th Ave., Sheldon, IA 51201
• Honor outgoing Officers, District Deputies, Chairmen •
• Donate in memory of a deceased member •
• The perfect Mother’s Day gift •
Complete this form and mail with your check, made payable to
Catholic Daughters of the Americas to the appropriate address listed above.
❑ 1903 Pledge
❑ Window of Opportunity
Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________ City ___________________________ State ___________ Zip _______________
Court __________________________________________________________________________________________ Number ___________________
Inscription (Max. 3 lines 25 characters each, includes spaces) __________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Catholic Daughters of the Americas®
Campus Court Scholarship
2015 Guidelines
One $2,000 tuition scholarship will be awarded to a member of a Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Campus Court in order for her to continue studies at a college or university. The recipient must be enrolled
in a college or university and be a member of the Campus Court.
1. This official Catholic Daughters application form must be completed and returned to the National
Campus Court Chairman and must be accompanied by the following four (4) requirements.
a) Class registration for the fall semester 2015.
b) A letter outlining your reasons for applying for the Catholic Daughter scholarship.
c) Your autobiography.
d) A letter from the Campus Court Advisor listing you as an active member of the Campus Court.
2. Applicant must be of the Catholic faith.
3. Applicant must be a member of a Campus Court.
4. Only application blanks dated 2015 are to be used.
5. Application must be signed by the applicant.
6. No emailed applications, registration forms from the college/university, or letters from the Campus
Court advisor will be accepted. All must contain valid signatures and bear a postmark.
7. All Catholic Daughter application forms and required attachments are to be sent to the National
Campus Court Chairman and must be postmarked by May 1, 2015.
2015 Application (Please print or type clearly.)
Name of applicant ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________ City ______________________ State _______ Zip __________
Telephone ________________________________________________ E Mail _______________________________________
Name of Campus Court_____________________________________ # ____________ School _______________________
I attest that the information on this application is accurate.
Signature___________________________________________________ Date _______________________________________
All entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2015. Please include all required enclosures with this completed
application in one envelope and send to the National Campus Court Chairman:
Letty Calvetti, National Campus Court Chairman, 854 Country Lane, Indiana, PA 15701