national chaplain’s message
TRANSCRIPT
JUNE 2014
10 West 71st St. New York, NY 10023
212-877-3041FAX 212-724-5923
ORDERS 888-221-8834e mail: [email protected] www.catholicdaughters.org
National Chaplain’s Message
Fr. Stephen D. Gosnell, KHSNational Chaplain
Dear Catholic Daughters,With the celebration of Pentecost on June 9th, the
Easter Season liturgically comes to conclusion. The NewFire of Easter burning brightly on the Paschal Candle hasbeen extinguished. We have ritually remembered theAscension of the Risen Christ into Heaven and theoutpouring of the Holy Spirit on that first ChristianPentecost.
Each Sunday is kept as a little Easter, so the joy and peace of the Lord’s Resurrection fills our hearts eachweek. Here in central Maryland, all the trees and flowersbloomed this week, making it a glorious Second Week ofEaster. A favorite of mine, and perhaps your’s as well, isthe dogwood tree. There is a legend about the dogwoodthat I would like to share with you.
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood attainedthe size of the oak and other forest trees. So strong and firmwas its wood that it was chosen for the timber of the cross.To be used for such a cruel purpose distressed the tree, andJesus smiled upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity ofsorrow, said to it: “Because of your regret and pity for mysuffering, I make you this promise – never again will thedogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross.Henceforth, it shall be slender and twisted and bent, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross – two long petalsand two sort petals, and in the center of the outer edge ofeach petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and
stainedwith blood.And in thecenter ofthe outeredge of theflower there will be an image of acrown of thorns,and all who see it willremember that it wasupon a dogwood tree I was crucified, and thistree shall not be mutilatedor destroyed, butcherished as a reminderof my death upon the cross.” I hope your celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection was grand!
I look forward to the 55th Biennial NationalConvention in Billings and to meeting you. The National Executive Board, especially National RegentAnne Nelson, has been working diligently for a verysuccessful gathering. If your priest/chaplain is coming,please remind him to ask his bishop/superior for a letterof suitability that is to be sent to Bishop Warfel of GreatFalls-Billings, Montana.
May the peace of the Risen Christ be always be withyou and yours!
Father Stephen D. Gosnell, K.H.S.
Some Highlights:National Regent’s Corner................................22016 Convention Announced.......................2The Road to Success..........................................3Proposed Slate of Officers ..............................4New Courts ............................................................5Prayers Needed ....................................................7Convention Tips.....................................................8
Catholic Daughters of the Americas®
National Regent’sMessage
Anne Nelson, National Regent
Dear Sisters in Unity and Charity,
Is the Catholic Daughters of the Americas really the best organization for Catholic women? The answer is yes! We are the best. We are best athelping others with our monetary donations as well as our many volunteerhours. This only happens when we all work together as courts and states.
As individuals, we do great things when we combine our actions withour members and with our state projects. Through our Circle of Love,National Projects and Charities we touch the lives of countless numbers. It is through our prayers and good works that we improve the lives of manypeople from the unborn to the elderly, from the forgotten to the hurting.
It is this work, this great potential we live out, that has kept me involvedin the CDA. I will be celebrating fifty years of membership soon and I haveexperienced this great effect first hand. As your National Regent, I have metpeople across the United States who have been affected by the work of yourhands. They have told me of their gratitude. I spoke with a young seminarianwhose seminary years were made lighter because of the gifts of time andmoney he received. He said that where ever he is stationed, he will start a CDA court. A young woman at the March for Life stopped me and said tosay thank you to the women who gave her shelter, a sense of self-worth andmost importantly love when all had turned away. I witnessed Catholic ReliefServices’ display pictures of the positive effect of our donations to thecountless souls devastated by a typhoon.
To hear these people, plus many more, has made me feel so proud to be a member of an organization that can reach out and help so many. Can youhear those voices as you hold your bake sales, rummage sales and do all yourfund raising? They are there, with open hearts and voices raised, in gratitude.So no matter the work or time involved in any our actions to help others, it isthe labor of love that produces the great results. So, “do not grow weary,because the harvest is great and the labors are few,” if we all do all we can,much can be accomplished.
For those who are unable to attend the National Convention, I ask thatduring the week of July 13th to the 20th, you raise your voices in prayer forsafe travels and good deliberations for delegates who will gather in BillingsMontana at our 55th Biennial National Convention. I am counting on you tobe the prayer warriors for all of us.
Delegates, there are hints and updates concerning the convention in thisquarterly. They are very important, be sure to read them all.
Happy Summer to all.
Peace, love,joy,
Anne Nelson, National Regent
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Thank you so very muchf! a" #e Masses, prayers,cards, and get we" wisheswhile I was in #e hospitaland since returning home.I rea"y appreciate #em a".The power of CDA prayeris amazing; I am f$ling alot better. It meant so muchto me to hear from so manyof you. Thanks again.Looking f!ward to s$ingyou in Bi"ings.
Peace and God Bless you a",
Shirley Seyfried
CDA Sunday Catholic Daughters of theAmericas National CDA Day willbe observed on Sunday, October19, 2014. A sample Proclamation,written by Olga Samaniego,National Spiritual EnhancementChairman, is enclosed.
2016 NationalConventionThe time has come to share withyou the location of the 2016National Convention. We arepleased to announce ouracceptance of the invitation fromthe State Court of Pennsylvania.Thank you for the invitation andwe look forward to holding our56th Biennial NationalConvention in Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania in 2016.
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Many of our “Snowbirds” have finally returnedfrom their winter escape to the sun. The trip homegenerally takes days of preparation, packing andcareful planning. Rest stops, gas stops and lodginghave to be considered. For young families, planning a road trip includes packing videos, games and snacksand the GPS. If the planning isn’t thorough, the tripwill be very long and tedious. You, as a new leader,will be on a road trip with your court or state for thenext two years. Make sure you are prepared and don’tlead your court down the wrong path.
The Road to Success has many clear markers such as:
Planning An organizational plan is basically a “to do” list
for a court or a state. It lists the plan of work andprograms, over a period of time. It can be pretty simpleto create and use. Writing a plan can just mean gettinga clear list of the types of work that need to be done,the tasks involved, who is responsible for them, andwhen they’ll be done. A plan can help you in thefollowing ways:
• Set priorities for your work• Make sure tasks get done on time• Focus on one thing at a time• Share work among court officers and members• Make your goals clear• Get a handle on big projects by breaking
them down into smaller tasks• See the big picture of what the
Catholic Daughters are doing
Knowing Your DestinationFirst, think about all the work that your court does,
and list the general categories—for example, Circle ofLove, Fundraising, Community Outreach, Website, andso on. Ask yourselves, “Where do we want to be withthis work in a year.
Plotting the Route Second, make sure the goals for your work in each
category are clear. Next, discuss each goal and talk
about all the tasks that need to be done to achieve thatgoal. At this point, they don’t have to be in order. Somewill be more specific than others; the more specific thebetter, in general. Next, carry out the plan.
Reading the Direction Signs When all the tasks are listed, number them to
show a general order—what comes first, what shouldhappen at the same time, what comes last? Then draft a schedule for the tasks—either when they will becompleted, or when they will begin. The goal is to set a schedule that is challenging but realistic.
Obeying the Traffic Rules Now that you have set your goals, here are 4 steps
you need to do in order to follow through and achieveyour goals:
1. Review goals – Periodically you should look at your goals.
2. Adjust actions – Review your actions and see ifthey are directed toward achieving your goals.
3. Adjust goals – If you feel you need to adjust a goal, go ahead and adjust it
4. Get excited and take action – The mostimportant step that most people miss inachieving their goals is taking action. “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” —Jim Rohn
Handling Detours Life is stressful enough when one thing goes
wrong. When two or more things are in chaos, youmay feel so overwhelmed you don't know what to do.Here are a few steps to consider:
• Take a deep breath• List what needs to be done• Consult with your board or the
appropriate committee• Make a schedule• Decide what is important to do or
not do and revise the goal if necessary
Remember, as Lily Tomlin says, “The road to success is always under construction.”
The Road to Success for All CDA Leaders Helene Shepard, First Vice National Regent
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Proposed Slate of Officers
The 2014 Nominating Committee presents the following Slate for the 2014-2016 National Board:
National Regent-Elect Helene Shepard, New York
1st Vice National Regent Olga Samaniego, Texas
2nd Vice National Regent Sherry Nilles, Iowa
National Secretary-Treasurer Mary Ann Kizer, Arkansas
For National Director (in alphabetical order):
This report has been submitted by Lois Nelson, Chairman of the2014 National Nominating Committee with the approval of theNominating Committee.
Lois will present this report on Wednesday, July 16th, at the firstbusiness session of the 55th Biennial National Convention. At that time,additional nominations may be made from the floor as well asnominations for our 2016 National Nominating Committee. We need to try to fill all positions at this convention.
Please Note: you must be registered and checked in as a delegate by 10:00 am. on Thursday, July 17, 2014 in order to vote in the election.
Carolyn Bachman, Texas
Trinidad Cantu, Illinois
Letty Calvetti, Pennsylvania
Joyce Ann Fleming, Massachusetts
Ruth Guidry, Louisiana
Susan Moné, Arizona
Sheila Storey, North Carolina
OPEN
OPEN
Are you being called?As you can see from the above report, there are openings for National
Directors on the Slate for the 2014-2016 term. Nominations will be acceptedfrom the floor after the Slate is proposed.
Please consider whether you, or perhaps someone from your state, mightbe qualified and interested in running for a national position of leadership inour great organization.
Think of the kind of woman you would like to see leading and guidingthe Catholic Daughters of the Americas for the future—women who areinspired and inspiring, dedicated and devout, well spoken and welladmired—and discuss with them the possibility of their running for office.
Be sure to consult both the Holy Spirit and our Bylaws, especially ArticleVIII, Sec. 4, B. on page 25, for further instructions.
As is typical of any CDA event,
there will be a
Convention Raffle,as well as daily
Lucky BuckDrawings,
at the 55th Biennial
National Convention in Billings, Montana!
Raffle tickets will be sold and prizes displayed in the
Sale of Articles Room (Ballroom BH)
Prizes include:
$500 Airfare Voucher Provided by
All American Travel
Visa Gift Cards
American Express Gift Cards
Money Trees
CDA Items
Cash
Macy’s Gift Cards
Amazon Gift Cards
Religious Articles
Jewelry
State Themed Items
and more!
Come prepared to enter and win!
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Congratulations, Regents! We areliving in exciting times as you startyour new 2-year term leading yourlocal Court. For the first time indecades, two Popes have beendeclared Saints. You now have SaintJohn Paul II and Saint John XXIII topray to for guidance with your CDAflock. During the Canonization Mass,the commentator said that prayers aresent to heaven like incense and thatthe Popes begged to hear God at everyturn. Will you open yourself to hearGod’s will? Will you do His will theway He wants it done, because Hewants it done?
God has provided us with thefour seasons to keep us inspired aslife changes. During the summermonths, plan for your board toRetreat, Relax, and Renew.Whether you are at your home, a lake house, or the parish hall,take at least a day for yourofficers and Circle of LoveChairmen to learn theirresponsibilities and makeplans for the next twoyears. My horoscopeonce said, While your
input and enthusiasm are valuable,you must let others have their say as well. Sharing will lead to success.That advice can be applied to anyCatholic Daughter member.
While many of your local court members will be traveling for vacations, babysitting grand-children, or working in the garden,try to have at least one fun oreducational event to bring memberstogether. Several states are planningstatewide or area workshops.Representatives can bring theinformation back to the local court and hold a mini workshop.
Vacation, not stagnationTry these Summer CDA Ideas
for your Court or State. Remember,these are great opportunities toinclude prospective members.
• For spirituality: head to a Conventor Abbey for a tour; if time allows,plan a retreat.
• Think Fun in the Sun: have a swim party with members andchildren; visit the beach for sand,sun, and seashells.
• Try Educational/Fellowship Tours:car pool or take a bus to thePresident’s Library, a museum, or a dinner theater. If you’re out in the country, visit an antiquestore and then do lunch.
• Include husbands and kids atCrawfish Boils, Fish Fries, or
Barbecues.
Good luck in your newterm as Regent! If you need
the CDA Membership PowerPoint, send me a note at
Spreading CDA Throughout the Summer!Mary Ann Kizer, National Director, Membership Chairman
Court Mary, Queen of Angels #2673,Elmendorf, TexasRegent: Teresa De Los Santos168 C.R. 163, Floresville, TX 78114
Court St. Angela of the Cross #2674,Houston, TexasRegent: Dela Garza8118 Debbie Gay, Houston TX 77040
Court Our Lady of the Pines #2675,La Pine, OregonRegent: Elreta Humeston55819 Osprey Rd, Bend OR 97707
Court St. Ambrose, Patron of theBeekeeper #2676, Baltimore, Maryland Regent: Portia Blue17040 Mt. Airy Road, Shrewsbury, PA 17361
Newly Instituted CourtsPlease welcome and pray for the officers members our newest courts. May they enjoy many years of Unity & Charity in
our great order.
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Our latest State and Nationalcosponsored Habitat house will soonbe finished in Porterville, California.What a wonderful project it is. Itgives the Catholic Daughters achance to all work together, local,state and national to build a homefor someone in need who otherwisewould not be able to afford their ownhome. The owner/family puts in 300hours of work on the house, helpingright along side all the volunteersand it is really fun to get to know thefamilies. They are so appreciative.They will have a mortgage on theirhome for the cost of the home butthey do not pay interest, whichmakes a Habitat home much moreaffordable than a home with aconventional mortgage.
Raising the funds for a Habitat
house, and then working together tobuild it, whether it be actuallypounding nails, painting, providingfood for the workers, or being theprayer support behind the workers,is a great way to bring your CDAmembers together on a state project.If you have not built a Habitat housein your state, consider building one.Talk to any of the members whohave actively helped with building a house and they will tell you howrewarding it is. Both Texas andMinnesota have projects where theysponsor or cosponsor and help builda Habitat house every year. Theyhave found building the homes notonly a way to bring their CatholicDaughters together to work on aproject, but also to make CatholicDaughters visible in their states. It
is also a good recruitment tool for newyoung members. They like to havehands on projects on which to work.
At this point in time, I am awareof a few states who are in the processof raising funds for a Habitat housebut I do not know if anyone is closeto being ready to build. If your stateis raising funds and you think youmight be ready to build next year,please let me know so we can beginplanning for your build.
Habitat for HumanityShirley Seyfried, National Habitat Chairman
Members raise a wall at a Texas Habitat build
CDA StoreThere is quite a bit of new CDA merchandise being introduced at
the 55th Biennial National Convention. Be prepared to shop and bringsupplies and novelties back to your court.
If you can’t make it to Billings, be sure to keep an eye on the CDAStore at catholicdaughters.org for new items to support your courtand help spread our message.
If you have completed your PerpetualMembership Pledge, you recently received a cardfrom First Vice National Regent Helene Shepardrequesting the desired inscription for your plaque.Please return this card ASAP so that your plaquewill be ready to be presented to you at convention.
L!d help me to remember #at no#ing is going to happen to me today #at You and I toge#er can't handle. Amen.
National Office E Mails:
Executive DirectorMary [email protected]
Administrative AssistantTheresa [email protected]
For Rosters: Gloria [email protected]
For Membership Info and Address Changes:Martha [email protected]
For copies of invoices/duesquestions: Paz [email protected]
For shipping questions:Joe [email protected]
For Share: Tom [email protected]
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Prayers NeededWell done, good and faithful servant —
Matthew 25:21
Please keep the families of thefollowing deceased in your prayers:
Our dear friend, National Legislative CounselJoseph Leary, passed away on March 31st at hishome. Condolences can be sent to: Family of Joe Leary, 15210 Elkridge Way D, Silver Spring,MD 20906
Past National Director Marie Davoli entered thegates of heaven on March 29, 2014. Condolencesmay be sent to her sister-in-law Ann Davoli, 84 Belmeade Ter., Uniontown, PA. 15401
New York Immediate Past State Regent PennyMartin died suddenly in her home on March 4thwith her husband by her side. Condolences maybe sent to her husband, Ed Martin at PO Box 32,New Russia, NY 12964
Arkansas Past State Regent Mary Dillon passedaway on March 22,2014 . Condolences may besent to her family: Paul Dillon, 8 Thorn Hill Dr.,Sherwood, AR 72120
Montana Past State Regent Lorraine Schmidtpassed from this life to the next on March 30th.Condolences may be sent to her son, JerromeHoepfner, 641 Luther Cir., Billings, Mt 59102
Connecticut Past State Chaplain Rev. HaroldHeinrich went to his reward on April 15, 2014.State Chaplin for 38 years when he retired in 2013.Condolences may be sent to 216 Bristol Street,Southington, CT 06489
Ginny Hill, sister of National Chaplain Fr. StevenGosnell, went home to Jesus on Easter Sunday.Condolences can be sent to Father at 112 EastSecond Street, Frederick, MD 21701.
Also please lift in prayer all thosemembers and friends of CDA who are in need of physical andspiritual healing.
Local Court Officer ListsPlease be sure to complete and submit the New Officer
List that was included in the March National Quarterlymailing. This list is filed immediately following your courtelections. You should not wait until the Installation of Officersis held. Even if your court is not changing officers, or you area recently instituted court, you must still complete the formand send it in so that all information is current in our files.
National Dues & Liability Insurance Invoices
Invoices for National Dues (Oct. 1, 2013 – March 31,2014) and Liability Coverage (April 2014-April 2015) havebeen mailed to every local Court Regent. Please be sure tohave your Treasurer send the payments to the NationalOffice ASAP. There is no vote of the Court needed to paythese invoices, they are not optional.
The Financial Secretary is responsible for verifying thenumber of members for your court. She should review theinvoice to ensure that all additions and deletions have beenproperly reported to National.
If you need to have your parish or diocese listed as an additional insured on the Liability Coverage, pleaserefer to the directions that were sent. Do not return theinsurance certificate to us. This should remain with yourcourt documents.
Campus Court Reports Campus Court Regents: do not forget to submit
your end of year reports to Second Vice National RegentOlga Samaniego at 1801 Billy Casper Dr., El Paso, TX 79936.
The reports can be found in the Campus CourtHandbook Attachments.
Hey Joe, What Do Ya Know?
Just after we went to press for theSpring issue of Share, where we had afeature article about the NationalOffice Staff, we hired a new Shipping Coordinator. Joe Delgado—who’s wife, Joyce, is a member of Court St. Sebastian #1922, Woodside, NY—has joined our staffand is already getting up to speed on office procedures and CDA protocol. Welcome Joe!
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Seating at Meals: The only meal that has assignedseating is the Banquet on Saturday evening. Please donot “save” seats nor deny a new friend the opportunityto sit with you at a meal. You already know the womenfrom your court and your state, take the opportunity toexperience new people at each meal. Mingle, share, learn,make new friends!
Seating at Meetings: Each State Delegation willhave an assigned place in the Convention Hall. StateOfficers should be seated near the state sign and StateRegents should be in a position to easily get from her seat to a microphone or the dais if called upon. Alternates and members will be seated in a separate area than the Delegates.
Dress Code: The dress for daily activities, includingbusiness meetings and luncheons, is business attire.Semi-formal attire is appropriate for the Saturday nightbanquet. The meeting and banquet rooms will be airconditioned. It is difficult to regulate the temperature toevery individual’s liking. Please dress for your personalcomfort level. A sweater or jacket is recommended.FunNight is a Western theme, dress in your cowboy best.Evenings, after meals and events, are generally spent incasual clothes, visiting friends and relaxing. All officers(National, State and local) will robe for the InstallationMass on Saturday. Be sure your robe meets protocol.
Delegate Duties: Delegates are expected take their responsibility of representation seriously and bepresent for all business meetings, workshops and votes.This is an important, working convention, not a vacation.
Reporting Back: Be sure to take good notes and keep all important hand outs so you canknowledgeably report back to the members of your local court with confidence.
Electronic Devices: Be sure that noises emittingfrom your camera, cell phone, watch, iPad, tablet or other electronic devices do not disrupt meetings, liturgies or events. Please set all devices to silent.
Photography: You may take photos during meetingsand events as long as it is not disruptive to the activity at hand. We have arranged for the services of a newphotographer. This company will have conventionphotos available online after the convention. Paymentwill be made directly to the photography company.Information will be placed in the convention bag.
Sales of Articles & Exhibits: There will bedisplays from various organizations, companies and Sale of Articles for CDA items. CDA supplies or gifts will be available to bring home to your officers ormembers. You may pay with cash, personal check or court check at the CDA table.
Memorial Book: There will be a Memorial Book set up in the Registration Area for you to enter the names of deceased members, family and friends. Those listed in this book will be remembered in our Memorial Mass on Thursday morning.
Travel: Be aware that many connecting flights intoBillings Logan International Airport are small aircraftwith limited carry on space, you may be required tocheck your bags. Also, be sure to leave room in yourluggage for take home paperwork, dinner favors,souvenirs, convention purchases or raffle prizes.
Hotel Gratuity: Some of you may wish to leave a gratuity in your hotel room. It is suggested that youleave at least $1 for each person each day. This will put a smile on the face of your room attendant daily,especially if the same attendant is not on duty the entire length of the convention.
Tax Exemption: Although your Court is a non-profit tax exempt organization, this does not pertain to the taxes incurred in the State of Montana for the hotel and purchases.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the NationalOffice at 212-877-3041 and/or be sure to look for aCommittee Member at the convention for assistance.
Are you ready for the
?
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Prayer for Peace and PurposeLeader: As our work for the year comes to a close, we come together and unite our
hearts and hands in prayer. We reflect on the tasks that we have completedand the tasks on which we have made progress, and we are aware that nothinghas been accomplished without God’s help and His direction. We pray for afruitful summer hiatus. We pray for the joy and the peacefulness that comes from knowing that God is with us in our rest as well as in our activity.
Reader 1: “Sing joyfully to God our strength; shout in triumph to the God of Jacob!” Psalm 81:2)
All: We thank you, Father, for all you have called us to do. We have given of our time and our energy to fulfill your will. Perfect the work we have completed. Let whatever we have done be for your honor and for your glory.
Reader 2: “In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.” (Psalm 23:2)
All: As you have directed our work, Father, now direct our rest. Help us to enjoy thistime of vacation free from worry and stress. Let us share our time and our energynow with our families and those who mean so much to us. Renew our laughterand our sense of joy.
Reader 3 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
All: Father, help us to rest in you. At work or at play, guide our steps, light our path,and protect us on our journey. Bless us and keep us in the perfect peace thatcomes from know that you are always with us.
Reader 4 “Observe the honest, mark the upright; those at peace with God have a future.”(Psalm 37:37)
All: Father, during our time of renewal, help us to keep open minds and open hearts.Help us to listen for your voice and to recognize your purpose for our lives and forthe coming year. Prepare us to do your work once again in the fall. Enable us tobe ready to serve you when you call.
Leader: May the Lord bless and watch over us and our families as we are parted fromeach other, and may we all return refreshed and with a new sense of purpose in the fall. Let us offer each other a sign of peace.
Olga Samaniego, National Spiritual Enhancement Chairman
ProclamationWhereas, Catholic Daughters seek to fulfill the vision of Pope Francis
by becoming a “Church that is poor and for the poor,” and
Whereas, Since their inception in 1903, the Catholic Daughters of theAmericas® have been very involved in the social ministry of the Church, and
Whereas, Catholic Daughters seek to bring about the kingdom of God by working tirelessly for the establishment of public policies and legislation that positively affect quality of life of families and children, and
Whereas, Catholic Daughters minister to the poor, feed the hungry, and help to provide shelter for the homeless in their communities and parishes, and,
Whereas, Sunday, October 19, 2014, has been designated by the National Board of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas as Catholic Daughter Sunday; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that I hereby proclaim Sunday, October 19, 2014, as Catholic Daughters of the Americas Day in
______________________________________
Signed __________________________
This _____day of ___________, 2014
