september 2020...september 2020 sherry nilles, national regent dear sisters in christ, for the first...
TRANSCRIPT
September 2020
Sherry Nilles,
National Regent
Dear Sisters in Christ,
For the first time in my memory, the Catholic Daughters National Convention had to be can-
celled! I missed the working together of all the members to make a convention happen. I missed
the awesome liturgies. I missed the wisdom shared by the speakers at workshops and those who
were highlighted speakers during our work sessions. I missed the hugs and smiles from my sisters
in the Catholic Daughters. I missed the Fun Night that Texas had planned. I guess what I missed
the most was seeing all the wonderful women who attend each National Convention so faithfully.
Thanks to the Texas State Officers Melodie Brunt, Rebecca Brown, Carolyn Richey, Terri Vacek, and Virginia Olsovsky,
also Carolyn Malik, Convention Chairman and all the committees who worked so diligently to make the convention that
didn’t happen memorable. Thanks to our Immediate Past National Regent, Olga Samaniego. She is a joy and a special
gift to Catholic Daughters. Olga made the difficult decision, with a heavy heart, to cancel the convention. God bless you,
Everyone!
Reality has set in and I am humbled and so honored to serve as your National Regent for the next two years. Please pray
for all the national officers and board members. May we follow our motto of Unity and Charity and do all with love. For
the past 117 years, we have been the hands and feet of Jesus. Let us continue the great traditions and encourage that the
Circle of Love be our platform upon which we grow. That is our program. Use it. Each spoke on that wheel can contin-
ue the great works of our organization. Our theme for the next two years is “Let all you do be done with love.” Cor 16:14.
As courts start to meet again, ask the Lord to reveal and then help you work together with love for every one of God’s
people. Then do what He is calling you to do. You are the salt of the earth, the best example of Christian womanhood
available in our world.
I am pleased to announce that our new National Chaplain is the Most Reverend R Walker Nickless, Bishop of Sioux City
and our National Clergy Consultant is Reverend Father Siby Punnoose, who is the pastor of my local parish. I sincerely
thank these two holy men for accepting this appointment and their willingness to share their time and wisdom with us.
The names of the new board members are listed in this National Quarterly. Each one is a faith-filled woman who brings
a special gift to this term. They are a special gift to Catholic Daughters with their excitement and enthusiasm. Invite
them to your functions. Contact them with questions. They are only a phone call away.
Whether we will physically be in the same location or meeting remotely via Zoom or with some other virtual program,
know that I am praying for you and ask you to pray for the members of your new board make good and wise decisions
guided by the Holy Spirit and love for each other.
May God bless us, every one!
Sherry Nilles
Congratulations!
&
Best Wishes
National Chaplain
Most Reverend R Walker Nickless
National Clergy Consultant
Rev. Siby Punnoose and
National Regent Sherry Nilles
To the newly elected:
National Officers
National Regent– Elect
Emily Guilherme
First Vice National Regent
Susan Mone’
Second Vice National Regent
Essie Walker
National Secretary-Treasurer
Connie Dronette
National Directors
Nancy Bambenek
Michele Bowman
Theressa Cersovski
Ivone da Silveira
Dawn Fortenberry
Irene Gramza
Barbara Jensen
Carolyn Malik
Darlene Moritz
May God bless you as you begin
your new biennium. May God
guide you all as you begin your
journey together in Unity and
Charity. We thank you for your
service and dedication as a leader
of this wonderful organization,
Catholic Daughters of the
Americas.
My Dear Sisters in Christ,
The last two years have flown by, and it is amazing to realize that the term is
over! It has been a tremendous honor for me to serve as National Regent of the
Catholic Daughters of the Americas. I never imagined when I joined CDA in 1969
that I would ever serve in this capacity, and I would have laughed if anyone had
suggested it to me.
As I reflect on the ten years that I have served on the national board, I realize
that I’ve been on an incredible journey. I have had the opportunity go places
and to do things that I never would have experienced without being on the
board. Despite the challenges, the last two years have been particularly wonder-
ful! The most treasured aspect of my time on the board has been the terrific
women I’ve met and with whom I’ve had the opportunity to work. Catholic
Daughters are the best women in the world! They are women of great faith, of
great joy; they have a boundless energy and a willingness to give of themselves.
The members of CDA have inspired me and have taught me so much. I will be
forever enriched by their examples. The women who have served on “my” board
are particularly giving and gifted, and I will treasure the friendships we have
forged. The years that I spent as National Spiritual Enhancement Chairman were
particularly fulfilling. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to pray with the
membership. It was my great joy!
I would like to express my thanks to each and every court and member for their
support and help during the term. Thank you for the invitations to anniversaries,
workshops, and retreats. I wish that I could have attended all of them. With all
that was going on, I didn’t keep up well with rsvp’s, but I am so grateful to have
been included.
Thank you as well for your cards and monetary gifts to mark the end of the term.
I will be sending thank you notes, but they might take a bit. Please know that I
am overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Thank you for your gifts, but mostly, thank you for the support you’ve shown
me. The last six months of the term were particularly difficult. Knowing that I
was in your prayers and that you “had my back” made all the difference. I am
riding off into the sunset, but I don’t plan to go too far. If ever I can be of help, I
hope you will feel free to contact me. I remain committed to the belief that to-
gether we Can Do Anything!! God’s peace and joy be with you.
Olga Samaniego, Immediate Past National Regent
A message from Immediate
Past National Regent
___________________________________
Olga Samaniego
Dear sisters in Christ,
I write to you from the Diocese of Sioux City in Iowa in my role as the newly appointed
National Chaplain of the Catholic Daughters. I am very proud of Sherry Nilles from our
Diocese who assumes her role as National Regent.
Thank you for your commitment and dedication in serving the Lord, the Church, and
the poor as Catholic Daughters of the Americas. We are all called to build up the King-
dom of God as we are able, and in our little plot of garden, as it were. For most of us,
that means our family, our parish and neighborhood, and perhaps our workplace. There are so many simple and ordinary
ways to make use of all God’s generous and wonderful gifts, for the glory of His name and the salvation of souls! The “little
way” of doing ordinary things with extraordinary love is a sure path of both following Christ and inviting others to follow also.
Our Blessed Mother, of course, knew this well. Apart from her unique role in salvation history, her life was entirely ordinary,
in both joy and suffering. Yet the extraordinary quality of her love for both God and neighbor leaps from the brief passages of
Scripture which depict her. “Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Lk 2:19, cf. 2:51). “Your father
and I have sought you anxiously” (Lk 2:48). “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). She is the perfect example for us to imitate –
her faith and humility, her obedience to God’s call, her simplicity and devotion to her family, her vibrant life of interior prayer.
The Rosary remains a profound and proven avenue to help us imitate Mary and learn the little way. With her, we stand wit-
ness to the great events of the coming of our Savior, of His life, Passion, and Resurrection. With her, we “ponder these things
in our heart,” opening ourselves to God’s love and mercy. With her, we seek diligently to find Jesus’s presence in our daily life.
With her, we come to understand something of the “sword of suffering” that pierced her immaculate heart, and therefore of
the necessary and redemptive value of our own share in that cross. Please, continue to pray the Rosary, and help others learn
how and why to pray it as well.
While it’s true that Mary’s vocation, to become the Mother of God, was unique and awesome, God also chooses each one of
us to serve, with no less significance on the path to Heaven, albeit in more hidden and less dramatic ways. The closer we can
come to knowing Mary and imitating her, the closer we will also come to knowing and loving her Son, Jesus. In knowing and
loving Jesus, we more fully embrace our personal vocation, grow in holiness, and can help others enter the same saving rela-
tionship with Him.
In my decades as a priest, I have so often been reminded of these fundamental lessons, which I, too, first learned from my
mother. If I am a good priest, as I strive to be, I like to think that it is first and foremost because of her example and influence
on me. Another of my spiritual heroes, the great wonder-worker Padre Pio, would frequently say, “Pray, hope, and don’t wor-
ry.” This is the simple and trusting faith my mother first showed me – not naïve, not ignorant of the painful realities of life in
this world, but rather surpassing them, like Mary and so many saints, through constant spiritual union with Christ. Such
should be our daily goal.
Dear sisters, I am honored at this opportunity to serve you as National Chaplain. I promise to pray frequently for all of you,
and to be spiritually close to you. Please pray also for me.
Your Brother in Christ,
Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City
National Chaplain
National Chaplain, The Most Rev. Bishop Walker Nickless
National Clergy Consultant, Rev Sibly Punnoose
I am Fr. Siby Punnoose, a priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. I am from India but I have
been in the Diocese for the past 19 years. I come from a big family of 8 with 5 brothers and
3 sisters and I am # 7 in the family. My parents, brothers and sisters are living in India. I did
all my school, college and seminary studies in India. I was ordained a priest in India and
worked for three years in southern parts of India. In the year 2001 I was invited to work in
the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa. I worked 7 years as associate pastor at Holy Spirit Church in
Carrol, Iowa. Then I was transferred to Our Lady of Good Council Church, Fonda and St.
Columbkille Church in Varina Iowa as Pastor and I worked there for 7 years. At the end of the 7th year I was trans-
ferred to Highway 60 Catholic Cluster of St. Patrick Church in Sheldon, St Mary Church in Ashton (where Sherry
Nilles, our present National Regent is from) and St. Andrew’s Church Sibley Iowa. This is the 6th year as Pastor in this
cluster. Besides taking care of the pastoral needs of these churches, I also have a grade school up to 8th and a Span-
ish Community. So far life has been good to me and I can say GOD IS GOOD. I am happy and excited to be the Priest
Chaplin for the Catholic Daughters Americas.
2020 has been a difficult year for all of us because of the CORONA virus, Covid 19 pandemic. Everything seems to be
unreal, Facemasks in the church, no shaking hands or greeting, no sign of peace, no holy water available at the en-
trances of the church, no Precious Blood offered to the people, because of the social distancing limited attendance
in our Eucharistic celebrations, no big social gatherings after mass etc. etc. Even in our public life there are lots of
restrictions. We need to wear masks if you visit public places, we need to answer many questions before we enter
into a facility. Even though these are in place for our safety and good health, we can very well feel that we are not
free as we were before. Why it is this way? And no perfect answer. And when it is going to end? And we have no
answer. My prayer for you all during this difficult time is “Take courage, it is I: do not be afraid” which we heard on
the 19th Sunday from the Gospel of Matthew.
God bless you all,
Fr. Siby Punnoose
Included in this issue…
Bylaws adopted by the National Board in August, 2020. Adopted resolution. Due to the pandemic and that the National Office was not open until the middle of June, an
accurate treasurer’s report could not be given at this time. Please contact the National Regent with any questions. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Sherry Nilles National Regent
National Bylaws update The National Bylaws were updated by the 2018-2020 National
Board at their final meeting. The revised National Bylaws will be ready for purchase by late
September from the National Office. www.catholicdaughters.org
The Regent of every Catholic Daughters of the Americas court will be mailed a copy of the Program Book,
the Reports Book and the Awards Book.
Included in the books will be the Education Contest Winners
The scholarship winners for JCDA, Campus Courts and the Father Bachmann Graduate Scholarship,
Circle of Love and committee reports, Contest results for Newsletter, Website, Membership and Court Development for local and state winner,
plus the letters from the Past National Regents.
Essie Walker, Second Vice National Regent
Family, Friends and Community
For the last two years, family ideals were shared through articles published in SHARE Magaine.
The goal was to share information and ideals that could be utilized by families, friends and our
CDA members. Let’s take a moment to recap.
Family Togetherness…Before and After Christmas…Practicing traditions year-round, pray to-
gether as a family, help the less fortunate and sho spiritual love to all.
Creating Summer Memories…Spend time with family and friends. There is no better way for
CDA members to stay connected than to plan at less one activity together. Take it one step further;
invite family members.
The Spiritual Journey of Father Patrick Peyton … Praying the Rosary enabled the family to
grow spiritually in their faith, to experience more love within the family and with their neighbors.
Father Peyton died June 3, 1992 in Los Angeles, California. The Catholic Daughters have been long
time supporters of Father Peyton’s Holy Cross Family Ministries since 1946.
Maintaining a Strong Family Foundation…Good communication allows family members to ex-
press their needs and wants. It also gives them the opportunity to share their ideals, difference of
opinion, and love for one another.
In today’s society, we are limited on things we can do as a family, group or individually. How-
ever, we can focus on the following….
1. Show works of mercy. Donate to feed the hungry in your community. Pick up a couple of extra
items when grocery shopping.
2. Communicate with one another. This can be done by phone, email or write a short a note.
3. Hold a zoom family meeting or conference call.
4. Now is the perfect time to reach out to a love one, we haven’t seen or heard from in a while.
5. While maintain social distancing, check in on the elderly in your neighborhood or community.
6. As a family, continue to love one another; pray together and for one another.
7. Remember, we never know what anyone is going through. It could be a
family member, a neighbor or a stranger. As a family, how can we make
a difference in one’s life?
“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I don’t know that
when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, He will NOT ask,
‘how many good things have you done in your life? Rather He will ask,
“how much LOVE did you put into what you did?’ – Mother Teresa
In the Company of Holy Women
Prayer Service
(Set the prayer table with a crucifix, candle, and statues of Mary, and Saints in Prayer)
Leader: As we gather as sisters in Christ, let us meditate on God’s call for us to be holy. Let us ask for the intercession of holy
women who have taught us by their lives of service. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
Reader 1: Matthew: 25: 34-36
Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who
are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for
you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and
you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a
stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.
Leader:
We look back on all the centuries of your Church
Born of this small, faithful band,
Nurtured through the ages so often by the
special grace given to women.
Lord, teach us to honor women, in body and in spirit.
For these great disciples have taught us to
heal the sick,
To feed the poor
To sow mercy and justice.
To make peace.
And we call on them now to pray for us,
As we strive to serve you by serving others
Leader:
How have you lived out the corporal works of mercy during this pandemic? We could not serve our brothers and sisters as we
usually did but we were still called to serve? Did you feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty? Did you clothe the naked or
help the homeless? Did you comfort the sick? How could you have visited the prisoner or the lonely? How did you care for
the dying or bury the dead?
What can we do as a court? How is God calling us to serve?
Leader: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reader 2: Our response will be, Pray for us.
As we feed the hungry, St. Martha, pray for us.
As we give drink to the thirsty, St. Brigit, pray for us.
As we clothe the naked, St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us.
As we shelter the homeless, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us.
As we comfort and care for the sick, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us.
As we visit the prisoner, St. Joan of Arc, pray for us.
As we care for the dying, and bury the dead, St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.
Connie Dronette, National Secretary Treasurer
Gertrude Gormally
Gloria Linley
Thelma Smith
Tom Panas
Arlene Flores
Carmensita Bernardo
Joseph Delgado
Martha H
Due to the world-wide pandemic, our
National Office was closed for more than three months. Because of that, dues notices were delayed. The National Office has been working diligently since they were allowed to reopen to send dues notices to all courts. Please remember that a court vote is not needed to pay national dues. Thanks for your understanding and help at this most unusual time
in our world!
2021 National Education Contest themes- Choose one theme- “Let all you do be done with love.” 1 Cor 16-14 Or Show love to on another. More information is available in this
packet.
Celebrating 100 years of the 19th Amendment!
We as Catholic Daughters are living in extraordinary times unlike any we have ever experienced. Staying
alive, keeping our families and loved ones safe in this time of the coronavirus pandemic is challenging.
For some, inability to physically attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and receive the greatest treasure on
the face of the earth, the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, has caused great sorrow. There are
many churches that have been live streaming the Mass and there are networks that carry many religious
programs like EWTN. If you are financially able to contribute to your church, the need is great.
One would not know that there is something we can celebrate! Women were given the right to vote on
August 18, 2020 and this was a 72 year struggle led by wonderful women like Susan B. Anthony who be-
lieved in the inherent dignity of every human person. It is vitally important for us as United States of
America citizens to perform our civic duty and vote. Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler, Tex-
as exhorted Catholics to vote “with a well formed conscience” for candidates who “respect LIFE, morali-
ty, marriage, family and our basic freedoms”.
There is a beautiful prayer to Our Blessed Mother written by Monsignor William Blacett entitled:
A PRAYER TO MARY AT ELECTION TIME
O most Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy,
we entrust the United States of America to your loving care
and beg you to reclaim this land for the glory of your Son.
Overwhelmed with the burden of the sins of our nation
We cry to you from the depths of our hearts
And seek refuge in your motherly protection.
Look down with mercy upon us and touch the hearts of our people.
Open our minds to the great worth of human life
And to the responsibilities that accompany human freedom.
Free us from the falsehoods that lead to the evil of abortion
And threaten the sanctity of family life.
Grant our country the wisdom to proclaim that God's lawIs the foundation on which this nation was founded,
2020 8
and that He alone is the True Source of our cherished rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
O Merciful Mother, give us the courage to reject the culture of death and the strength to build a new Culture of Life.
Trusting in your most powerful intercession, we pray:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother.
To thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the word Incarnate
Despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer us. Amen
We are women of great hope for it is your prayers and your love for your neighbor as yourself that is trans-
forming communities and building that wonderful culture of LIFE.
God Bless You!
In Unity and Charity,
Eileen Peterson
Catholic Daughters National Legislative Chair