Christmas...we are all busy determining what gifts we have to get for Family and Friends, we-are busy preparing for the office or organizational pot luck luncheon and party. We are busily cooking and baking those traditional favorite Holiday desserts and such, which is great. Let us not be distracted and forget the wonderful truth of Advent. Let us reflect on the seasons readings which are read at Mass during the Advent Season. During this Advent season. Let us perform acts of Love and Charity, especially for those most in need, the ill, homebound, young and aged, as we await the coming of the Christ Child. Let us also pray for our brothers and sisters in the Armed Forces, and that our Lord will bring them All safely home
to their loving families.
As we start the New Year, members of the State of Board are in busy making preparations and planning for our State Convention, which will be held at Dobson Ranch Resort in Mesa, Arizona on May 15, 16, 17, 2009. Local Courts should be preparing to elect Delegates and Alternates for the Convention. If a member of your court wishes to run for a State Office, they must have their data prepared for submission to the State Nominating Committee Chair, by February 1st, 2009.
Ct. St. Augustine No. 1227 and Ct. Queen of Peace No. 2359 will Co-Host the Convention, along with Ct. St. Francis of Assisi. Mark your calendars, we would like to see every Arizona Court be represented at the convention. We hope to make our Convention very informative and interesting. We look forward to seeing you there.
Those of you who attended the National Convention, know that one of our National Projects is the recruitment of new members. Plan an activity, a Tea, a Luncheon, participate in ministry fairs, visit with Church Pastors who have no CDA courts. Ask to speak at or after Masses. Get approval to pass out CDA materials after Masses. Advertise in your Parish Bulletin. Ask members of the State Board to attend these functions and ask for` their assistance and participation in your court recruitment project. I would like to congratulate Mercy Rivera, Regent from Ct. St. Rose of Lima in Safford and the ladies of her court who had a recruitment party and had 12 ladies join their Local Court. Kudos to Mercy for jumping on the recruitment train. I challenge you Regents and your Courts to match or meet the numbers of new members set by our Safford Court.
I ask you to keep State Treasurer Maureen O'Reilly/O'Shea and her family in your prayers. Maureen's mother Constance Middleton past away on December 13, 2009. May she rest in peace.
On behalf of all the members of the State Board and Father Abran Tadeo, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, filled with Love, Peace, Happiness and Good Health. God Bless you All.
I send you my blessings and warmest affections in this time of Advent in
which we walk now through patiently and perseveringly in wait of the
glorious birth of Jesus.
I do pray that this season of Advent has been one of much fruit for you and will continue to be so as we now approach the wonderful mystery of Christmas. Truly I do pray that this be so for why walk patiently in this journey if one will not take advantage of the many gifts set out throughout this season. It is in walking patiently that one realizes that once one reaches and witnesses the birth of Jesus within the heart, one can no longer remain the same, but must be transformed in heart that once; may imitate the child-like love that the Child Jesus was born to show. Advent is not a time for rejoicing over the excessive spending and worldly pleasures that slowly this society is accepting, rather rejoicing over the reality that soon our Beloved- Shall be born; the long awaited Savior becomes flesh for us to show us the way.
It is that this exile we must walk, until death, we walk alone. But though we walk
alone, along this journey one will always. come across beacons of hope. In this
season of Advent and Christmas we come across three distinct beacons of light.
The first beacon is that of the Immaculate Conception. What a great mystery it is
for God to prepare our Blessed Virgin Mary, while she was first conceived to
become the Mother of God. Let this beacon show us how to be pure and stainless in the eyes of God as Mary was. This beacon is for us the beacon of purity. The second beacon is the celebration of our Lady of Guadalupe. This beacon was to show us that love must
reign in our hearts imitating the same love that Mary gave to Jesus, Jesus to Mary,
and now they both offer to us to take and multiply amongst our neighbors. This
beacon is the beacon of heavenly love. The final beacon is the feast of Mary as
Mother of God, This beacon stands tall and true. This is for the ultimate
sacrifice that our Blessed Mother did for God and for love of us. She offered her
entire life to be the most faithful servant of God. She was to show us that we
from now to all eternity have an eternal mother most loving and that she will
never forget her children. This beacon is- for us the beacon of faith, hope and
love.
Let these three beacons of fire be a source for you to light your lamps and
continue to walk in this journey of Advent. Do not be like the idle men of
Jerusalem looking for work; rather be like the shepherd boys who in haste sought the child announced by the great choir of angels. Find this child, place him in your heart, and keep him prisoner there; that this may be your ultimate source of hope and not loose heart in this walk toward our eternal reward ... Jesus.
Fr. Abran Tadeo
It is with great pleasure to have the opportunity to write to the
membership of Arizona in this issue of your State Newsletter.
My warmest thanks to Delma Araiza, for the time she has taken
to help me catch up on the events of the State Court. According
to the report of your State Regent, the state workshop held in
September was a tremendous success. Thanks to all who were able
to attend.
Our first National Board meeting was held in Corpus Christi and
what a privilege it will be to serve with extremely talented and
gifted women. Our National Regent Libby Ramirez informed
every one of their individual assignments and I am very excited to
be reappointed for a second term, the National Supervisor for the great state of Arizona. In addition I have been appointed as the National Newsletter Chairman, Campus Court Co-Chairman, and will serve as a member of the National Ceremonial team. What a busy two years ahead for all of us, so I ask for your prayers as we begin our new journeys.
Congratulations to the newly elected officers and many thanks to the retiring officers for a "job well done." Everyone will be facing new challenges, but with the support, help and understanding of the members, their job will be made easier.
In regards to membership, 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.
The season of Advent is here, which brings time to rejoice and a time to celebrate by loving and caring for those around us. On behalf of my family to yours, we wish you all the timeless treasurers of Christmas, the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends. May you and your family have a Blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year.
Till next time, please keep our Bishops, priest, deacons, women religious and all Catholic Daughters in your prayers.
National Membership Contest
WANTED - "CDA Angels for God" is the New National theme for our Membership Drive. Local Court Regents are urged to share with your membership the recruitment letter you recently received from National. The recruitment letter is very good. Membership Chair is National Director, Helen Arndorfer. If you should have questions you can email her at: Adornway@juno.com. OK Ladies ... put your Angel Wings on and start your membership flight!
National CDA Women of the Year
As you know, Arizona has for the past few years has nominated and selected the Arizona Catholic Daughter of the Year, which we will again do and will present at our 2009 Arizona State CDA Convention. National is asking for Nominations for National Catholic Daughter of the Year. Regents, you recently received a Nomination Form for said nominations. Nominees should be women, unsung heroines, they may be serving their local communities and families, women who may be following the corporal works of mercy as well as passing on the Catholic Faith to the next generation, speaking for the moral truths and family values, or in other ways serving God and the Church.
State Officers Conference
The National State Officers Conference, will be held at the National Shrine of our Lady of the Snows, 422 South De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, IL 62223-1094 - Phone 618-397-6700. Date of the conference is July 9th, 2009 with departure on Sunday, July 12th, 2009. National will pay expenses for room, meals and registration for the State Regents ONLY. Newly elected State Regent.. .you are urged to insure that the immediate Past State Regent passes on to you the Attendee Registration Form and the Transportation from and to the Airport Form. Nominees for State Board are urged to mark your calendars now. Should you be elected to the State Board, you will have the Conference date reserved for your participation.
Duchess Collins, Reassigned to Arizona
We are grateful, and express our thanks to National Regent Libby Ramirez, for reassigning Duchess Coffins, as National Director for the State of Arizona. Duchess has been most accommodating and a great source of information to the State Board. We are hopeful that she will be able to be us with for our State Convention in Mesa this coming May 2009.
Ct. St. Rose of Lima - Safford
Regent Mercy Rivera, Local Court officers, Ida Sainz, Cece Alvarado, Carolyn Vessels, Ameba Sainz and the members of her court, welcomed 10 new members to their Court. New members were recuited at a evening Social held at the Rivera Home in Thatcher. (See Photo Below) Ladies were treated with spirits and a delicious pot luck dinner. State Regent Delma Araiza, spoke to the ladies and encouraged them to join CDA, so they could share in our Works of Charity. Many of the ladies recruited share their time in the Church Community.
Front Row -L-R Aurora P zano, Marlin Gersitz, Angelina Romero, Shari Sutorka. Diana Blake.
Back Row - L-R Josic Tellez, Mary Ziccarelli, Angelina Romero, Evelyn Stoxen, Court Regent Mercy Rivera. Niona Helmer Not shown.
State Regent Delma Araiza and State Treasurer, Maureen O'Rielly/O'Shea, visited the Safford Court on December 13th, 2008 where the Court participates in the annual Festival of Trees. Secretary Ida Sainz, decorated a tree and dedicated to "Find a Cure" for Cancer. The decorations were hand made Pink Ribbons on a white tree. It was beautiful. Treasurer, Cece Alvarado, decorated a tree and was highlighted by ceramic images made by her. The court also sold food stuffs and baked goods. Keep up the good works ladies.
Court Santa Cruz - Nogales
Court Regent Mari Parra, and the members of her court are preparing for A Christmas Concert to be held on December 19th, 2008. "Evening of Christmas Music" performances will be by the St. Gianna Oratory Choir from Tucson, and the Gregorian Schola from Phoenix. The court will provide Wine and Cheese during intermission and will have a Sweet Finale. The Court's annual Christmas Party was held on December 4 at Mr. C's restaurant. Members brought wrapped Christmas gifts, which will be distributed to needy Children. State Regent Delma Araiza and Ct. St. Augustine Treasurer, Mary Trujillo shared in the Christmas festivities. In addition, the court is preparing for their annual Christmas Cookie sale.
Regent Janice Swiebocki, and the Ladies from her court are commended for their dedication and work for the Annual Diocesan Rosary Sunday (Next Fall it will be on October 12), to Charlotte Williams, for her dedication for visiting various locations with the Missionary Image of our Lady of Guadalupe. The month of November was a busy month, as the court had several prison-crochet sales at various Churches in the Phoenix area. Monies from the prison-crochet items are for the benefit of André House. On December 13, their annual Christmas party, was combined with the reception of new members. Court Chaplain Fr. Bill Wack, CSC, is leaving for an assignment in Texas. Fr. Eric Schimmel, CSC, has accepted the courts invitation to be their new Chaplain. Sadly, on October 4, 2008, devoted court member, Cuca Lopez, knocked on the doors of heaven. Cuca, was very devoted to Our Lady and was reverent in celebrating the first Saturday of every month, knowing that Our Lady will walk with you through heaven's gates at the time of your passing. She was a great Lady, may she rest in peace. Members continue their dedicated work with Prison Ministry. Five-hundred rosaries made by inmates were recently donated to the Ukraine, another 200 hundred were distributed to prisons and jails in Maricopa county. Another 500 rosaries have been given to local schools. All money for rosary making supplies is donated, as is the yarn for the crochet items. Contact Charlotte Williams at misty285014@yahoo.com, if you have any donations. (Ed note: We urge all courts to consider donations for this important prison ministry).
Our Lady of the Lake - Lake Havasu
Regent Lil Meehan, and members of her court celebrated National CDA day with attendance at mass followed by breakfast. Dee Fenley was Chair of this court activity. The court is scheduled to serve donuts once a month from September thru December. Toiletries, can tabs, canceled stamps, and coupons from Campbell soup are collected for various court projects. Baby blankets are made for unwed mothers and those in need, and are distributed locally. The court was recognized by the Local newspaper for their participation in community activities. Plans are being made for their Annual Christmas Party. Cindy Smith is asking for monetary gifts which will be used to purchase items for local teens. Cindy says teens are usually forgotten during Christmas. (Kudos to the court for teaming with the Knights of Columbus for special events).
Ct. Our Lady of Lourdes - Sun City
Regent Joan Cosson, had her 1st challenge as Regent. She had to replace National CDA award winning Newsletter Editor, Theresa Malik, who for 16 years had been the Editor for Our Lady of Lourdes newsletter. Mary Morris, will be the courts new newsletter editor. (ed: Thank you Mary for accepting the challenge). September 26 marked the date for the court’s annual Spaghetti Dinner, which was a real success. Thanks to all the ladies who made it a success. A Mass for deceased court members was held on November 26. The annual-Cookie Walk was held on December 13. The 2009 court schedule includes a Rummage and Bake sale on February 28. May 31 will be their Priest-appreciation Mass with a brunch to follow in Madonna Hall. The Brunch will include members and spouses. Margaret Huelskamp and Joan Cosson meet every Friday morning, to make baby items to distribute to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. Their supplies are depleted; they need Old and clean sheets, bedding, long sleeved shirts, and items that could be used to make baby items. Margaret and Joan, welcome all donations. Won't you HELP. Call Margaret at 526-4359 if you can.
Ct. Queen of Peace - Green Valley
Regent Audrey Miller, and the ladies from the court have had a busy schedule. On November 20, court members visited and had a home tour at the Agua Linda Farm, which was followed by a luncheon. The Farm Home, is a beautiful old Historical Farm with many, many interesting photos from yesteryear. The court had a Christmas Project of selling See's Candy, which was a total success. The Annual Christmas Luncheon/Auction was held on December 11 at the Church Parish Hall. Attending from Tucson, were District Deputy Delica Reynolds, State Regent, Delma Araiza and District Deputy Trudi Cisco, who demonstrated her expertise at being an auctioneer. In attendance also was State Treasurer Maureen O'Reilly/O'Shea. A giving tree was set up at the Church for the purpose of collecting items for the Benefit of Battered Women and Children. Items were distributed by the Local Fire District. At their December 18 meeting, the ladies heard from Larry Kempton, from Farmers Investment, a Local Pecan Farm manager, who spoke of their Pecan Farm and how the pecans are harvested and where they sold. A local retail store the Green Green Valley Pecan Store is open to the public Regent Audrey Miller, presented Past Regent Maureen O'Reilly/O'Shea with her Past Regents service Pin. The meeting was followed with refreshments. The court’s Annual Fashion Show will be held on February 11. A court retreat is scheduled for Feb. 26 at Picture Rocks Retreat Center, from 9AM to 4PM - Cost $30.00 which includes Morning Coffee and Lunch. Fr. Thomas Santa, Director of the retreat center will be retreat facilitator. Audry invitates local courts to attend. Please call 520-850-7649 and make your reservations by February 20.
Ct. St. Augustine - Tucson
Regent Alice Cavaletto, and her ladies have been busy with court projects and activities. November 16 marked the date of the court’s 2nd Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. Clothes from Old Pueblo Traders were modeled by Alice Cavaletto, Norma Garcia, Michelle Reyes, Stella Sanchez, Trudi Sofias, JoAnn Trujillo, Anna Wilson and Gloria McLeod. Luncheon Co-Chairs Genevieve Romero and Cecilia Cota Robles, selected a delicious menu and very nice table decorations. The guest Speaker was Fr. Miguel Mariano, Pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Present also, was State CDA Chaplain Fr. Abran Tadeo, Pastor of St. Christoper Catholic Church and Fr. John Arnold, Pastor at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. State Officers in attendance were, State Treasurer, Maureen O'Reilly/O'Shea, Marilyn Witte, State Secretary, and State Regent Delma Araiza. Kudos to Genevieve and Cecilia, for a job well done. The Annual Christmas Craft/Cookie/Bake sale was held on December 7. At Ambrosain Hall at St. Ambrose. Many delicious home baked good were sold, as were many hand made items. The sale was a complete success. Plans are now being made for the Courts Annual Family Bingo, which will be held in February.
Ct. St. Francis of Assisi -Tucson
Phyllis Hall, Regent and the ladies from her court had their Annual Christmas Potluck/Cookie and Gift exchange on December 1. Attending the Potluck, were Pastor Fr. Miguel Mariano, Fr. Allt, and Fr. Lester Niec. The court’s Christmas Bazzar was held on December 13 and 14. Many hand made crafts and baked goods were sold. The Bazzar Raffle for a Hand Made Bedspread, was won by Shirley Rossiter, second prize was won by Gloria Segura. Court members wrapped 300 Christmas gifts for volunteers from St. Josephs Parish, which were distributed by Fr. Miguel. On November 19, the court hosted the monthly Apache Gold Project Trip, which was most successful.
Court Padre Kino - Tempe
Regent Elisabeth Wilcox, reports, that Cathy Oplaski and Virginia Durr, gave a report on the National Convention, at their September meeting. The report that is was very good. Bernadette Shaw Nabity, 1st State Vice Regent was their October meeting guest speaker. She is spearheading the creation of junior Catholic Daughters in various courts. Plans were made to have an Apache Gold Trip in January. The court’s annual Christmas Party was held on December 3/along with Desert Vista gifts. The Court is also preparing Friendship bags and asks members to bring hygiene supplies for them. The court continues to save food labels and coupons for Mt. Carmel School.
Local Courts are urged to
share your Photos of
Court Activties with your
Newsletter Editor.
Share with our Sister Courts
what your court is doing.
Let Us Pray
Let us remember to pray for all our CDA Sisters who are ill, homebound, recovering from surgery, who are preparing to go thru surgery, and let us remember to pray for our Sisters who have lost a loved one, and are dealing with the pain of their loss.
Let us pray for our Priests and Seminarians. Pray for Vocations. Let us not forget our Religious Sisters and Nuns.
Pray for our sons and daughters who are in the armed forces,
that they may come home to their families, and pray that the
war will soon be over.
p.s.: I ask you place Past Regent from our Lady of Lourdes
Court Ann Valencia on your personal and court prayer list.
Ann is presently having some physical problems and needs
our prayers. I know she will appreciate your prayers
Delma
To Arizona State
CDA:
Arizona State Regent Delma prepared an exceptionally nice Christmas 2008 newsletter for you. Through problems not of her own making, she was unable to get it out in a timely manner. I am happy to be able to post the information here.
