Unity & Charity
CIRCLE OF LOVE
-
The circle of hearts pictured to the left is known as the Circle of Love.The image is symbolic of our CIRCLE OF LOVE program. The seven points selected indicate the needs of the Church and community best served by the Catholic Daughters.
-
EDUCATION
It has often been said that education literally means “a drawing out” of a person’s talent as well as a “putting in” of knowledge or instruction. Education is a key ingredient which significantly impacts the long-term success of our organization. Education helps bring us to fulfillment and helps improve attitudes.
Education should include programs or activities that assist members to learn about CDA, its history, its charitable projects and charities, as well as the programs on the spokes of the Circle of Love. This could include topics of a spiritual nature, safety concerns, and medical issues. Education may lead to higher participation in a whole range of activities. The CDA scholarships and Education contests are a part of the education spoke.
Some suggestions are:- Changes in CDA Bylaws
- Make a Difference Day
- Education Contest
- English Language Classes
For more information contact our State Chairman: Mary Westermann, OSF – [email protected]
-
FAMILY
In today’s society, there are many different types of families, each of which is equally viable as a supportive caring unit. A family is two or more people, who consider themselves family and who assume obligations, functions and responsibilities generally essential to a healthy family lifestyle. A true family provides its members with emotional and spiritual kinship through: shared values, beliefs, traditions, common experiences, activities and, unconditional love.
Courts should continue to strengthen family relations by interacting with one another in service and work of the family. Families praying together, working together, and playing together will fulfill goals of the family spoke in the Circle of Love Program.
Some suggestions are:- Family Rosary
- Family Film Nights
- Summer Dinner Events
- Pajama Night with Favorite Author
- Talent Show
- First Communion and/or Confirmation -Communion Breakfast
- Museum Trips
- Park Events
For more information contact the State Chairman: Sylvia Murdolo - [email protected]
-
LEADERSHIP
The leader is the inspiration that allows others to "fly higher than an eagle." Dedicated and inspired leadership since 1903 in the Catholic Daughters has kept CDA the one of the largest Catholic women's organization in the world.
You, as a member of CDA, have the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques of leadership and implement your talents as a future leader. You will be the wind beneath the wings of others and "let (them) fly so high, they will almost touch the sky!" Consider becoming a leader in CDA!
Some suggestions are:- Taking Leadership in Fundraising Activities
- Restructure Circle of Love Program for your Court
- Church Ministry Fairs
- Court Newsletter, Facebook page, Website
- Postcard Campaigns
- Getting Acquainted Teas
- Obtain Grants
- Host a State or National Convention
If you need any information concerning Leadership in CDA contact: Helene Shepard - [email protected]
-
LEGISLATION
Our obligation is to become better informed on public issues, addressing the morals and human dimension, while supporting church teaching on human life, human rights, justice and peace, Operation Morning Star is a program of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas to Our Lady under her title Morning Star, to encourage Catholic women to speak out in the legislative arena.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas DO NOT ENDORSE CANDIDATES NOR ANY POLITICAL PARTY!
Some suggestions are:- Keep Informed
- Set up a Network Telephone Tree
- Emails
- 40 Days for Life
- March for Life
- Gendercide
Learn more about Legislation efforts contact State Legislation Chairman: Dawn Weber - [email protected]
-
QUALITY OF LIFE
Quality of Life (Social Awareness) - issues of our national program are the heart of our ministering to the needs of all peoples. We are called to reach out with compassion and support, to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow and sickness.
Some suggestions are:- Programs for Protecting our Earth
- Recycling
- Heart Disease – Obesity
- Drug Interactions
- Exercise Programs for Seniors
- Personal Identity Protection
- Project Handclasp
- Blood Drives
- Non-perishable Food Boxes
For more information contact the State Quality of Life Chairman:
Patty Niosi - [email protected] -
SPIRITUAL ENHANCEMENT
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is primarily a service organization; however, service for the sake of service can become burdensome and more of an obligation than a joy. That is why the Spiritual Enhancement component of the Circle of Love is so important. Through the spiritual program in each local and state court, we help our members to nourish and develop their relationships with God. Out of those developing relationships comes the realization of God's love and everlasting mercy, and because of that realization, the desire to serve Him by serving His people grows. Our service, then, becomes the way we witness our faith and share God's love with a hurting world. Because of His guidance and support, we can serve with joy and faithfulness.
In the Spiritual Enhancement section of the Circle of Love, you will find ways to provide opportunities for your members to spend time with God. You will find ideas for enhancing personal sanctification as well as suggestions for involving your members in the spiritual life of their parishes and communities. It is important that your court's Spiritual Enhancement Program helps your members to understand that they are truly a sisterhood and that they need to be church to one another before they can be church to others.
Some suggestions are:- Retreats Prayer Services
- May Crowning
- Rosaries
- Memorials
- Visiting Hospitals and Nursing Homes
- Visiting Home Bound
- Assistance to Children in Need
- Honoring and Assisting the Religious
For more information contact the State Spiritual Enhancement Chairman: Theresa Duran - [email protected]
-
YOUTH / JCDA
Tomorrow’s promise lives in today’s youth. In responding to their needs today, we shape a better future for all. Every Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court can fulfill the goals of the Youth Program by committing itself to sponsor, participate in, and/or support at least one youth activity. This can be accomplished by working collaboratively with existing community and parish youth groups such as the youth ministry, social action groups, local schools, Scouting, or by sponsoring a Junior CDA Court.
The selection and scope of the activity should be determined by the needs and/or interests of the youth in the community. It is the mission of the Youth Program to nurture personal and spiritual growth; to promote service to others and to foster an awareness and appreciation of diversity through a variety of suggested activities and experiences.
Some suggestions are:- Thank you Card Drive for the Military
- Beauty Care Experts for Youth
- Start a Free Lending Library near Schools
- Easter and Christmas Pageants
- Patron Saint Costumes
- Retreats
- Tour the Church
- Mother/Daughter Dinner
- Craft Kits for Sick Children
For more information contact the State Youth Chairman: Kathy Knott - [email protected]