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My dear friends, Christmas! Christmastime again! We love this celebration and get ready for it enthusiastically, hoping everything will be perfect. Our preparations take many forms, spiritual and more interior, material and more external. Too often perhaps, the external preparations can take away from preparing hearts as Advent invites us to do. Without always realizing it, getting gifts and meals ready, inviting and visiting our loved ones, decorating our homes and even our churches can take on more importance than Advent. But it is the spiritual and religious journey Advent offers which lets the birth of Jesus open our hearts to the grace of Christmas and fill every dimension of our lives with unique joy. Jesus is our hope for peace on earth, for peace of heart. May Christ be newborn in our world and in your heart this Christmas and through out the New Year.

As our gift to you, the National Board is having five masses celebrated for you and your families, beginning December 24 to the 28 at St. Mark’s Church in Tampa, Florida.

May God fill your life with love, joy and peace this Holiday Season.

Father Ed

Christmas 2019

National Chaplain National Clergy Consultant Most Reverend Brendan J. Cahill, S.T.D. Reverend Edward Lamp

National National First Vice Second Vice National Regent Regent-Elect National Regent National Regent Secretary-Treasurer Olga Samaniego Sherry Nilles Emily Guilherme Susan Moné Essie Walker

National Directors Carol Bogacz Connie Dronette Peggy Guckin M. Susan Champion Hicks Rose Holschlag

Carolyn Malik Pamela J. Poland Debbie Lattus Marialice Sagan

National Office Manager National Office Staff National Public Relations Martha Hamboussi Cynthia Pichardo Alyssa Brady Tom Panas Joseph Delgado Gloria Linley National Webmaster Thelma A. Smith Secretary to National Regent Dan Seyfried Gertrude Gromally Rosie Rodriguez

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December 2019

My Dear Sisters in Christ,

I cannot believe that it is the Christmas season! Time pass-es so quickly. Don’t let this holy season pass you by in a flurry of activity. I know that

you have much to do with your family, friends, and with your court, but make time for just you and God. It will not matter If you fail to bake a pie or if your Christmas cards are a little late. It will matter a great deal if you don’t take advantage of the graces availa-ble this Christmas through tradition, prayer, and the Eucharistic.

While many of us because of our work schedules may not have the opportunity to attend daily Mass, participating in traditional Christmas activities can bring us closer to God, to our family, and to the Uni-versal Church. For example, bringing the family to-gether to light the candle in the Advent wreath each evening does not take very long, but it can help each family member to know that Jesus is the light of the world, and that His light is within each us. Knowing that can make a big difference as to how we interact with others throughout the Christmas season.

History attributes the first live Nativity scene to St. Francis of Assisi. It is believed that the first Nativity scene using clay figures was built in Italy in the 15 th century. Believing it was an important way of sharing the faith, Franciscan Friars brought the tradition of the Nativity scene to the new world. Building your Nativity scene with your children and grandchildren is a wonderful way to teach them the Christmas story. Putting a Nativity scene together with court members

can be a very spiritual activity that can lead into a wonderful evening of prayer and fellowship. Each family or court member might be willing to share what gift they would like to bring to the Child Jesus this Christmas.

Of course, the best prayer of all is the celebration of the Eucharist. Most churches have at least two or three Masses a day. Search the internet for the Mass schedules of churches near year. With some creative juggling of your schedule, you may be able to attend Mass more frequently than you think. It may be a bit of a sacrifice in the beginning, but God is never out-done. Allow the Lord to love you this Christmas. He will bless you abundantly with the nourishment that your soul is craving.

Thank you for sharing your newsletters with me. I am truly impressed by all that you are doing in the name of CDA for God’s people. You are truly God’s hand and feet on earth! Thank you as well for the wonder-ful invitations to Christmas parties and Anniversaries. I truly wish I could be with you. Know that I am with you in spirit. More importantly, I am joined with you in prayer for your health and protection and for the protection and healing of those you love. Let us also pray together for the work of CDA. May all we do be for the glory and for the honor of God, and may God’s peace and joy be with you this Christmas and always!

Olga Samaniego, National Regent

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“Like the V i l lage Fountain”

Most Reverend Brendan J. Cahill, S.T.D.

National Chaplain

A few years ago someone was preaching about St. John XXIII and the person quoted some

words of the saintly Pope. St. John XXIII hoped for the Church to have a motherly face. He believed that her task was to keep "her arms open to receive everyone," and be a "home for one and all" that "desires to belong to everyone, and in particular she is the Church of the poor, like the village fountain." As we are preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, it remains striking to see that he wasn’t born in a palace or castle. Mary gave birth to a Son in a manger, with the just and humble Joseph protecting her and her Child. The beauty of the art and music that portray this event and the childhood of Jesus shine brightly the mission of the Church. We have come to believe that this Child brings hope and healing to the world, and we go out with energy to proclaim the beauty and potential for every child. Like the village fountain we give water to everyone, with no distinction. How blessed we are to proclaim this Good News! I know that in our area Catholic Daughters are preparing gift bas-kets for mariners, offering special meals for people who are lonely and suffering, visiting prisoners who may feel hopeless and despairing, and much, much more. All of these actions are powerful in themselves, and are made even more powerful when connected to the love of God and humanity shining forth from that manger in Bethle-hem 2000 years ago. St. John XXIII prayed a simple prayer every day that kept him connected with Jesus. It was a commitment of 10 things each day and is called the daily Decalogue of Pope John XXIII. I think this could be a powerful prayer for us as we celebrate the Christmas season and begin to make our commitments for a new 2020: 1) Only for today, I will seek to live the livelong day posi-tively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once. 2) Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my ap-pearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behaviour; I will not criticize any-one; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself. 3) Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.

4) Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wish-es. 5) Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is nec-essary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul. 6) Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell an-yone about it. 7) Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices. 8) Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision. 9) Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearanc-es, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world. 10) Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life. May God bless you and your families with peace and good health this Christmas season and may we be like the vil-lage fountain that gives water to all who are thirsty! +Brendan

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“Humility … Inspires us to do and attempt great things.”

Father Edward Lamp

National Clergy Consultant

Dear Catholic Daughters and friends:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Matt. 11:29)

Humility is one of the virtues most characteristic of Jesus. It is the only virtue that he explicitly said that we should learn of Him. “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart.”

Humility is also one of the most misunderstood and least appreciated of the virtues. It is not the virtue of the weak; it is the virtue of the strong.

Humility is not an inferiority complex, a negative self image, a cringing, fawning obsequiousness. It is not the denial of the talents I have. That would be a lie, and a lie can never be a virtue, it is a sin. It doesn’t mean that we hide our talents. The Lord warned us about hiding our talents in the parable of the talents. If we hide them we lose them. Humility instead of suppressing our actions, inspires us to do and attempt great things because we are only instruments in the hand of God. We can do anything God wants us to do. We can “launch out into the deep and cast our net for a catch.” Mary said in her Magnificat: “He who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.”

Humility does not mean that we let people run over us. That would not be good for them and it surely wouldn’t be good for us. Justice is the substratum, the foundation, of love. Fraternal correction is an essential part of love. Jesus was simple as a dove in life-style and doctrine, meek and humble of heart but also thick skinned, tough as nails and wise as a serpent. He knew what was in man and was no respecter of persons. He called a spade a spade and went right to the heart of the matter. He called the Pharisees frauds and hypocrites and drove the buyers and sellers out of the temple.

Humility is truth. It is true that I am a feeble, fickle, fallible, sinful human being. But it is also true that I am gifted, graced, unique and indispensable. I am an unrepeatable gift of God. I have this inner core goodness that nothing can destroy. And in spite of all my physical warts, psychological quirks and spiritual infidelities God loves me unconditionally with a love I cannot merit or ever be worthy of.

Humility is truth. And the truth is: I am “we.” And “we” is mostly Thee. In other words “we” represents the Indwelling of the Blessed Trinity. The truth is that God is the ground of my being. God is in me as the song is in the singer and the dance in the dancer. Without God I would not even exist. “In him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28) The absolutely self-autonomous self, the self without God, is the “false self” that exists only in my imagination.

“Learn of me that I am meek and humble of heart and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOUL.” It is the proud who are restless. They are always in competition, in the rat-race. They always have to be number one. They value themselves according to their possessions, productivity and success. The proud are always having to prove themselves. Remember, the motto at Eastern Airlines was: “We have to earn our wings every day.” Evidently, they didn’t because they are no longer winging it.

We don’t have to prove anything to God. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He loves us not because of what we are but because of WHO he is. All we have to do is to drop our masks, come down off the pedestal and just be me. And be happy to be me. And we will find rest for our soul, and give great praise and glory to God.

The way to humility is through humiliations. So today when you are humiliated, and you will be, maybe two or three times, instead of being upset and disturbed, be glad and rejoice because you are on your way to humility where you will find peace and rest for your soul. And He who is mighty can do great things for you.

Father Ed

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R U Ready: Running for National Director

Sherry Nilles, National Regent-Elect

Want to make your voice heard? Do you have a passion for serving? Is helping other women succeed important to you? Do you want to see

Catholic Daughters continue to grow? Would you like to work and meet other women who share the same values and interests as you do? Answering yes to any of the questions indicates a readiness to consider running for National Director in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Good leaders are needed to sustain our organization. Good leaders committed to Catholic Daughters are needed to continue the growth of this organization.

Where do I start? • Get the endorsement from all five of your state

officers.

• A statement of qualifications.

• A current photo.

• A consent to serve signed by you.

• Send this packet of information to the National

Nominating Chairman by March 1, 2020.

Consider carefully joining the National Board. You would be a wonderful asset!

Suggestions for improv-ing leadership in our courts.

1. Consider your strong points and build on them. 2. Give the gift of undi-vided attention when working with others. 3. Improve your vocabu-lary. 4. Pay attention to your own behavior. 5. Share your emotional energy. 6. Demonstrate care and concern for others. A. Build trust and mutual

respect by standing up for your chairmen and officers. Give them the tools and support necessary to be suc-cessful. Then let them fly.

B. Over communicate. Speak, write, email,

send memos. Com-municate what is right or wrong over and over again. Monthly messages are helpful and a good reminder.

C. Always give praise. There is no financial cost but the good will created will be be-yond value.

D. Anybody have a bet-ter idea? Be open to new ideas. Give them the lead, stay in close contact, but allow them to try something new.

E. Problems? Listen to all sides of the story. Be honest to all sides. Don’t pit one officer/member/committee against another.

Your leadership style is unique. Use it to the best advantage for your court.

Leadership in Our Courts

Sherry Nilles, National Regent-Elect Leadership Chairman

Nat ional

Nominat ions

From Bylaws:

A member who intends to run for office shall state

what office she intends to seek, submit a statement

of qualifications, a current photograph, a statement

of endorsement signed by a majority of the State

Board of the candidate, and a consent to serve

signed by the candidate. Seven (7) copies of each

shall be received by the Nominating Committee

Chairman no later than March 1 of the conven-

tion year.

Nominating Committee Chairman:

Michele Sage

125 Gilley Avenue

Brookings, SD 57006

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A Wake-Up Call for ALL Catholic Daughters

Emily Guilherme, First Vice National Regent Membership and Court Development Chairman

Where do you see yourself next year? Where do you see yourself in five years? Your answers will all be diverse and plentiful, yet everyone has thought about these short-term and long-term goals. Now, if I were to ask you what your short-term goals are for your Catholic Daughter’s Court, some of you may think, “Who, me? That’s not my job, that’s my regent’s job to create goals. I just do whatever I’m told.” Let me just say, you, are probably in the majority. Many of us just don’t want the responsibility of creating objectives and goals. Yet what if I were to tell you that setting goals for where we want this ministry and organization to go is every Daughter’s responsibility? It’s true! One of the key areas that need all our attention is membership.

We delve into recruitment and membership at every convention and conference; we host workshops, take notes, share ideas, and read articles about increasing our membership, but what do we truly do to reach those goals once we get home? All too often, we lose our steam or motivation and fall back into the complacency of doing “what we’ve always done”, which I’ve stated in past articles is the opposite philosophy of what each court needs to be doing to gain new members. We hope or just deign that someone else will recruit or drive membership. The plain and simple reality is that we are losing members faster than we are recruiting members. If we do not begin to seriously focus on recruitment

and gaining new members, this organization that thousands love, including myself, will not last.

I do not say this in exaggeration or in melodrama, but as a wake-up call for each of us. We must do something. I call upon ALL Catholic Daughters to make it their mission to set the goal of recruiting one new Daughter each. That is my goal for Catholic Daughters: that each of us recruit one new member.

This goal is a big ask; but I know God is faithful and He provides. Some of you have already recruited one or several members – I ask you to recruit one more Catholic Daughter. Ask each Catholic woman you know; host a membership event, invite other Catholic women from neighboring parishes to learn how to begin their own court. Let’s continue to create a ministry and organization that is going to outlast us and be around for the next one hundred years and longer.

Remember, in order for Catholic Daughters to outlive us, each of us, even those of us not “in charge” of anything, needs to have ownership of this critical truth: the future and goals of the Catholic Daughters of the America’s belongs to us ALL. Let’s get to work.

Time to

Recruit!

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Christmas Traditions at a Glance

Essie Walker, National Secretary-Treasurer Family Chairman

When we hear the word Christmas; the birth of Christ,

family traditions and excitement comes to mind. Family traditions have a way of bringing family and friends closer together. When planning; make every effort to include activities the entire family can participate. Let’s not forget our senior family members.

It's important; that we continue to educate ourselves and our children on the real meaning of Christmas. During this Christmas take a moment to make lasting memories with family and friends. Traditions are a wonderful way to make Christmas more meaningful. Remember that simple traditions are always the best.

Christmas Family Traditions

Gather for family prayer to give thanks

Plan and cook favorite holiday meals together

Say grace before meals

Eat meals together

Read scriptures together

Attend Christmas Mass as a family

Deliver meals to the homebound and homeless

Take family members shopping for gifts to donate and for each other

For small children wrap 25 books; open one per night leading up to Christmas

Hold a family scavenger hunt on Christmas Day. Share clues where to find gifts

Decorate the Christmas tree together

Decorate and fill Christmas stockings together

Hold a family camp out under the Christmas tree

Take a family photo each year in the same location. Compare photo’s yearly

As family help to decorate the church and/or parish hall

Hold a neighborhood decorating contest

Sing holiday songs together. Invite the neighbors

Help senior family members to address Christmas Cards

Host a family gift wrapping party

Learn about Saint Nicholas, and celebrate his feast day on December 6

Celebrate Epiphany

Volunteer at a homeless shelter

Visit the sick and shut-in’s; especially our CDA family

Drive around town at night and enjoy the Christmas lights

Call that family member and say “I Love You”

Special Days to Remember

Advent begins December 2

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 8

Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12

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Resolutions 2019

Susan Hicks, National Director

Resolutions Chairman

Where to start? How to? Give it a try! Resolutions are firm decisions to do or not to do something. A great intention, determination, a meaningful purpose are resolutions. What can us, as the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, employ our membership and others to take action on? Current Resolutions are on the CDA Website: https://www.catholicdaughters.org/resolutions Take time during your CDA meetings to discuss this. Select a Resolution committee to bring to your membership, share with the State Officers, and forward to National Board for adoption. Acquaint yourself with the general format for resolutions. Many people use examples from parliamentary procedure as the guideline for structure and flow of a resolution. Such helpful guides as Robert’s Rules of Order can provide examples of the use of key phrases such as “whereas” and “resolved.” Define the situation that you believe needs to be addressed. This will often mean focusing in on a core issue that may be impacting a larger issue facing the organization. Be as specific as possible about the nature of this core issue, as this helps to lay the groundwork for demonstrating the relevance of the resolution to the current condition of the organization. Consider topics that speak to you on: spirituality, immigration, stem-cell research, children, human trafficking and issues in a way that reflects the broad spectrum of compassionate concern that has become the trademark us, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Outline the negative impact created by the current condition of the core issue. The idea is to offer specific examples of how the present status is

creating counterproductive situations that are draining the resources of the organization. These examples help to illustrate why some type of action should be taken. Offer specific recommendations for action that will help to turn the negative situation into a positive one. This is the true meat of the resolution as it moves away from essentially stating why something is wrong, and now offering solutions to correct the problem. As with the identification of the issue and the outlining of why the issue is having a negative effect, be as specific and detailed as possible with the offered solution. Set the first draft of the resolution aside for a day or two then read it through. Often, you will find small changes in wording come to mind, or possibly the inclusion of more detail that will make the resolution more focused and precise. Incorporate these changes into the body of the proposed resolution and set aside the second draft for a short period. After a second review, if nothing else comes to mind, it is time to present the resolution to the body. The process for effectively writing just about a resolution is fairly straightforward, and can be adapted to fit any situation. Together we can put into action a great intention and purpose.

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Definition of Bylaw

Bylaw – rules and regulations enacted by an association or a corporation to provide a framework for its operations and management

Content

Bylaws are the written rules for conduct of a corporation, association, partnership or any organization. Bylaws generally provide for meetings, elections of a board of directors and officers, filling vacancies, notices, types and duties of officers, committees, assessments and other routine conduct. Bylaws are in effect a contract among members, and must be formally adopted and/or amended.

Procedure for Amending

The National Committee on Bylaws shall receive and review all proposed changes to the Bylaws. The Bylaws may be amended at any Biennial National Convention by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the National Court present, provided written notice has been submitted to the Local and State Courts four months prior to Convention.

It is possible that not all submitted bylaws will be brought forth by the Bylaw Committee at convention.

Emergency Amendments

An emergency amendment may be proposed without prior notice at a Biennial National Convention provided it has been previously approved by the National Committee on Bylaws by three-fourth (3/4) vote of the full membership of the committee. The

Bylaws may be amended only if approved at any Biennial National Convention by three-fourth (3/4) of the National Court present.

Who can submit a Bylaw?

Bylaws requirements can be found on page 49 Article XXI.

Voted on and submitted from one of the following –

1. Local court

2. State board

3. State court

4. National board

5. National Bylaw Committee

Guidelines

The deadline for the Bylaw Amendment to the national bylaw chairman must be postmarked by January15 of the convention year. (2020)

Five (5) copies of each proposed amendment with the rationale (one amendment per page).

Send to Chairman: M. Susan Hicks; P.O. Box 22; Shullsburg, WI 53586

Approved amendments must be signed by the State Regent and State Secretary or by Local Regent and Recording Secretary. (Send a copy of amendment and rationale proposed by local Courts to the State Regent.)

CDA Bylaws 2019

Susan Hicks, National Director

Bylaws Chairman

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In the blink of an eye our personal world can change

because of the devastation of a natural disaster.

Hurricanes, wild fires, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes and

storms can wreak havoc for individuals and their

families. As Catholic Daughters we can help our

brothers and sisters who are going through a trying time

in their life. How can we help? CDA Courts can make

donations to the National Charities Disaster Fund to help

those in need. When a disaster occurs, the State Regent

makes an appeal to National describing the extent of

the disaster. Upon review, the funds are sent to the

Bishop of the diocese that has been affected and the

funds are then distributed.

Please consider making a contribution from your

CDA court to the National Charities Disaster Fund.

We’ve all viewed the news reports and seen the

current disasters afflicting many families. Lets make

a difference in their recovery by giving generously.

Circle of Love forms have been sent to state regents. Territorial forms will be sent shortly to territorial regents.

Forms from state chairmen to national chairmen are due April 1, 2020.

Let us pray that these new CDA Courts receive the guiding hands of Jesus as they embark on their new journey of serving others in “Unity and Charity.”

Court St. Bernard #2758

Regent: Dawn Fortenberry

Address: 44475 Daniel Guidry Rd.

Saint Amant, LA 70774

Court Circle of Love #2756 Regent: Tricia O'Neill

Address: 4623 39th St

Zachary, LA 70791

Court St. James #2757

Regent: Brenda Anderson

Address: P.O. Box 111

Roscoe, SD 57471

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National JCDA Day is held on the third Sunday in February. CDA Courts are encouraged to join their “little sisters” in celebrating National JCDA Day on Sunday, February 16, 2020. Show your support for your junior court by planning some memorable activities with them! A JCDA Proclamation can be found on page 14. For a color copy of the 2020 JCDA Proclamation, visit the national CDA website at catholicdaughters.org under “Frequent Downloads.”

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You All Will Be Welcomed With

Open Arms!

It’s time to make court plans to attend the next

CDA National Convention to be held on July

15-19, 2020, at the downtown Sheraton Hotel in

Dallas, Texas. Hotel reservations can now be

made by calling Marriott Central Reservations at

1-888-627-8191. Ask for the Catholic Daughters

of the Americas rate. The first Call to Convention

will be mailed to courts in December. Delegate

sheets will be a separate mailing.

Do you know of a Catholic Daughter member who is worthy of the CDA Woman of the Year designation?

Does she exemplified the true image of a CDA member who works with others to provide service to those in

need? Is she spiritually minded in all facets of her life dedicating her life to her Catholic faith? If you know of

a CDA sister who is deserving of this honor why not nominate her by following these guidelines.

Who is eligible?

All adult members of CDA who have made a signifi-cant contribution to CDA, to their church, or to their community (local, state, or nation-wide).

Who can nominate?

Individual members, local or state courts, and all members of the National Board

How can we nominate?

Send a letter of nomination to the National Regent. Letter must contain

What inspired you to nominate this member?

Describe this member’s work and contributions.

Explain the impact of the contribution or project

Pictures of the member at work if possible.

Add a history of the member’s work in CDA

Nominations:

Must be signed, dated, and postmarked or emailed by Feb. 1, 2020

Selection:

Will be made by ballot of the national board

Submit nominations to:

Olga Samaniego, National Regent

1801 Billy Casper

El Paso, Texas 79936

olgasamaniego@hotmail.com

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“Life Empowers: Pro-Life Is Pro-Woman”

The 47th Annual March for Life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 in Washington, D.C. The theme for 2020 is “Life Empowers: Pro-Life is Pro Woman.” A Pro-Life Mass will take place on Friday, January 23, 2020, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Come join the Catholic Daughter members from different cities marching for this worthy cause. A Legislative breakfast for CDA members who attend the March will be held on Saturday, January 25, in the Washington Court Hotel at 9:00 AM.

Schedule of Events - Friday, January 24, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Musical opening 12:00 p.m. Rally Program 1:00 p.m. March up Constitution Avenue to Supreme Court and Capitol Building 3:00 p.m. After finishing marching:

• Silent No More testimonies outside U.S. Supreme Court.

• Advocate for life to your Representative or Senators.

• Visit the March for Life Expo at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown Hotel

Location

The March for Life Rally will take place at noon at 12th St. on the National Mall, in between Madison Drive and Jefferson Drive. Following the Rally, the March will begin on Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets at approximately 1:00 pm. Catholic Daughters will meet at the Washington Court hotel to begin the march.

May we bow our heads and remember our CDA sisters in our prayers: Maureen O’Reilly-O’Shea, Immediate Past Arizona State Regent, passed

away recently. She also served on the state board for many years in Arizona. Condolences may be sent to her husband and daughter, Laura, at this

address: Bill O'Reilly, 797 Heritage Hills-Unit D, Somers, NY 10580

Please pray for Mary Ann Kizer past National Director from Arkansas who is undergoing tests and treatment for cancer. Cards may be sent to: 213 Heart-wood Cove, White Hall, AR 71602. Her email address is maryannkizer@yahoo.com

Idella Miller, past National Director, has been diagnosed with cancer. Mes-sages may be sent to her at 4022 N. Elgin Ave., Tulsa, OK 74106 or by E-mail at mrswallace44@att.net.

Photo Above: 46th Annual March for Life CDA participants

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Connie Dronette, National Director and Spiritual Enhancement Chairman

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Whereas, on February 22, 1926, a religious, faith-based program was created for Catholic girls to practice the Catholic faith and live a life of service and charitable works, and

Whereas, membership in the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas program is composed of Catholic girls from 6 years of age to 18 years of age, and

Whereas, the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas motto is to “Be Useful,” and its standard is to “Love God, Serve Others and Live Nobly,” and

Whereas, the activities of the Junior Catholic Daughters provide leadership skills for a lifelong journey in leading others to do God’s work with their hands; therefore, be it

Resolved, each Junior Catholic Daughter member will pursue meaningful deeds to fulfill the Junior Catholic Daughter Program, and be it further

Resolved, that Sunday, February 16, 2020, be observed as the Ninety-Fourth Anniversary of the National Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas Day.

Presented this _____________ day of February, 2020.

Signed:_____________________________________

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JOIN CDA AT THE

MARCH FOR LIFE JANUARY 24, 2020

See details elsewhere in this mailing.

The United States House of Representatives passed the Equality Act last spring. The bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate. Many Catholic bishops have expressed alarm against it.

Call or email your U.S. Senators urging them to vote no on the Equality Act (S. 788). The Act would add the new terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” as well as “pregnancy…or a related medical condition,” to the definition of “sex” in federal civil rights laws. Laws and rules concerning rape, assault, adoption, school bath-rooms and competitive sports would all be up-ended.

“The Equality Act,” said the Family Policy Alli-ance, “is at once the most dangerous piece of legislation we’ve seen in Congress. It threatens parental rights, including how parents make healthcare and education decisions for their chil-dren. It even threatens parental custody over

their own children. The Equality Act puts the LGBT agenda ahead of constitutional religious freedom rights, forces LGBT curriculum and poli-cies into schools (likely both private and public), and equates the Black Civil Rights movement with the LGBT agenda.”

See the last issue of Operation Morningstar for more information on the bishops’ stance.

Volume X, No. 6 December 2019

Abortion rate drops lower than any time since 1973 Roe v. Wade decision

The number of U.S. wom-en having abortions has dropped to its lowest point since abortion was legal-ized in 1973.

The abortion rate has been steadily decreasing in recent years and was 13.5 per 1,000 women of childbearing age in 2017. This rate is less than half what it was in 1980 when the highest rate was 29.3.

More than 860,000 chil-dren were aborted in 2017. We continue to pray and work to end abortion.

Bishops condemn Equality Act to erase all legally protected sexual differences

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Support Dignity for Aborted Children

When Indiana abortionist Ulrich “George”

Klopfer died in September, his family found 2,246 preserved fetal remains on his Illinois property. In response, Indiana’s U.S. Senators have introduced a bill ensuring dignity for the

remains of unborn children.

Call or email your U.S. Senators urging them to vote yes on the Dignity for Aborted Children Act (S. 2590)

After an abortion, the unborn child’s body is often treated like common medical waste. This act would ensure that women seeking an abortion would be given the option of keeping the remains or giving the abortion facility permission to dispose of the remains. Abortionists would be required to provide burial or cremation of the remains or face a fine and up to five years in prison.

“Regardless of their stance on the issue of abortion, Americans from all walks of life were appalled to discover how children who are aborted are treated after death,” said a spokesperson for National Right to Life.

Add pro-life video to CDA meeting

When unborn babies are diagnosed with Down syndrome,

• 100% are aborted in Iceland,

• 98% are aborted in Denmark, and

• 67% are aborted in the United States

In response Live Action, the group founded by pro-life activist Lila Rose, has produced a beautiful five-minute video that is the pro-life reply to “Babies with disabilities are better off aborted.”

The video would be a wonderful addition to any Catholic Daughters’ meeting. It is a speech by Karen Gaffney, a vibrant, accomplished young woman who has Down syndrome. She shares why all lives have value and worth. Find the video here:

https://prolifereplies.liveaction.org/disabilities/

In fact, Live Action has a series of brief videos to defend pro-life arguments. Let’s use them!

Psychiatrist speaks on child sex change surgery: Many will regret this

In September Maria Lencki, a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville, interviewed prominent Johns Hopkins psychiatrist Paul McHugh. Here are excerpts:

“A psychiatrist from Johns Hopkins University has slammed the medical and psychiatric industries for what he says is reckless and irresponsible treatment of patients who claim to be transgender.

“Paul McHugh, a renowned psychiatrist from Johns Hopkins University, told The College Fix he believes transgender people are being experimented on because the doctors treating transgender patients with hormones “don’t have evidence that (the treatment) will be the right one.” He also criticized the manner of treatment given to many children who claim to be transgender.

“’Many people are doing what amounts to an experiment on these young people without telling them it’s an experiment,” he told The Fix via phone.”

...“Asked about the possible long-term consequences of the growing practice of helping children develop transgender identities, including with hormones, McHugh expressed pessimism.

“’They’re going to be in the hands of doctors for the rest of their lives, many of them are going to be sterilized, not able to have their own children, and many will regret this,” McHugh said.

“’Can you imagine having a life where you need to seek doctors all the time, for everything, just to live? Getting your hormones checked, getting everything checked. That is something doctors should like to spare people of,” he added.

“McHugh thinks that eventually our society will look back on this craze as something of an historical shame. “I believe it will be something like how we think of eugenics now. We will come to regret it when we discover how many of the young people that were injured regret it themselves.” Taken from: TheCollegeFix.com

Written by Margaret Sitte, National Legislative Chair; Approved: Olga Samaniego, National Regent