Thank you to all who participated in our 52^nd Biennial State Convention! Our Opening Mass was on Friday, April 28^th at St. Joseph Church. Con-celebrants were: Fr. Timothy O'Sulivan, State Chaplain, Fr. D. Timothy Grimme, Immediate Past State Chaplain and Rev. Francis J. Karwacki, Pastor and Chaplain of Court Our Lady of Victory #588. Dinner followed with entertainment by the singing group, "Lift Up Your Spirits," of which several members are from Court #588. The State Officers then honored Rosemarie Faller for her time and talents as State Organist for over twenty years. We then heard from Sr. Mary Paul, DM our keynote speaker. Sister spoke about Benjie, a dog which the sisters of the convent took in.

Saturday morning, we had an early Mass, con-celebrated by Fr. O'Sullivan and Fr. Grimme. After breakfast, we had opening ceremonies—the Color Guard led the way to open our 52^nd Biennial State Convention; escorted in were past state officers, then current state officers, and Rose Holschlag, National Representative for this Convention. I opened with a prayer, and Johanna Leonard led us in The Star Spangled Banner and our Opening Ode. After introducing the head table, I had the pleasure of introducing Laraine McGinnis, Past State Regent and Letty Calvetti, Past State Regent and Past 2^nd Vice National Regent. I thanked them for their continued giving of time and talents to CDA. Rose Holschlag gave a welcome to the convention body.

Mary Catherine Wydra, Nominating Chair, reported on the slate of officers for the term 2017–2019: Peggy Witas, State Regent; open slate: First Vice; Margaret Giordano - Second Vice; Lisa McCann, State Secretary; and, Colette McCaffrey, State Treasurer. Shirley Hall was nominated from the floor for the office of First Vice State Regent. There were no other nominations for state officers and a voice vote was taken.

We had a Memorial Service remembering all our members who were deceased in the last two years.

On Saturday evening, the members enjoyed a cookout and were entertained by Mike the One-Man Band. I was truly surprised when Shirley needed to talk to me and insisted on doing it up on the dais where it turned out they were going to roast me. One of the highlights was the presentation by state officers who gave me a Past State Regent ring. I will be acknowledging the members and the courts who presented. I can't thank you enough for your kindness to me.

The following names were elected on Sunday for the 2019 Nominating Committee: Lynn Kelly, Philadelphia, Chairman; Theresa Shields, New Kensington; Kathleen Peeler, Mt. Carmel; Sue Kelly, Meadville; Christina Seese, Turtle Creek. Alternates: Lisa Gehret, Tyrone; Sandy Inzana, Ebensburg and Mary Ann Voystock, Philadelphia.

Following a continental breakfast, the State Officers and National Director, Rose, had a crowning ceremony for the Blessed Mother; we entered the convention room while the choir sang. We followed up with a Robe Ceremony where we passed our robes to the incoming officers. I felt it was very impressive and sentimental. Various reports were given during the Convention, and we had a presentation from Pat Gildea, Parliamentarian, who also invigorated us with two of her warm-ups. We heard messages from Past State Regents, Letty Calvetti and Laraine McGinnis. Shirley Hall gave us a message from Margaret Novak, Immediate Past State Regent, who is recuperating from her illnesses. Please keep her in your prayers. Rose Holschlag presented her message on behalf of National.

I announced the District Deputies and State Chairman, thanking them for all they have done.

State Chairmen gave their reports on the Circle of Love. Shirley Hall gave out membership awards to courts that had taken in the most members in the last two years, Peg Witas, Regent Elect, gave a message; her theme for the next two years is "Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord."

Margaret Giordano gave the Registration Report: Courts 37, National Representative 1, State Officers 5, Past State Regents 2, Delegates 99, Alternates and Members 16, Guests–Priests 2, for a total of 125 attendees. We had a closing prayer, and sang the Closing Ode and retired the flags.

Installation Mass was celebrated by Fr. Grimme at St. Joseph Church. Afterwards, at the banquet, I announced the Woman of the Year; the State Officers were proud to present this award to Letty Calvetti. Finally, I called on each of the newly-elected officers to say a few words.

On Monday, there was a Patriotic Mass for God and Country and for all to return home safely. After breakfast, there was a mini-workshop presented by Shirley, Margaret and Peg on communication, financial review and team building, respectively.

I would like to thank Fr. O'Sullivan for his support and guidance and for celebrating our Friday and Saturday Masses, Fr. Grimme for celebrating our monthly Spiritual Intentions Masses and Convention Masses, Sherry Nilles for her support, my fellow state officers Peg, Shirley, Margaret and Lisa—you are the best. I would also like to thank Pat Gildea and Rose Holschlag for their guidance and help in making the Convention run smoothly, and you, the members, who came to the Convention. Thanks, too, anyone who helped make this the best–ever State Convention. Special thanks to all the courts who took an ad for our Convention program and/or a donation for our tombola table.

I wish the new board—Peg, Shirley, Margaret, Lisa and the newbie Colette—much happiness as you Serve the Lord with Gladness.

Don't forget to share the information you have learned with your court members.

I will miss the board, but please know that I am available if you need me. Keep me in your prayers as I continuemy journey as National Director, Serving the Lord with Gladness.

—Peggy Guckin, Immediate Past State Regent 2013—2017

Images from the convention are forthcoming

Hosted by the Pennsylvania State Court, the 56^th Biennial National Convention was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania July 17–24, 2016, at the Wyndham Grand.

To our convention volunteers and diocesan teams thank you, very much for all of your hard work, effort, and donations; it truly paid off with the best National Convention ever! God bless you and yours for everything you did to make it such a success!

To our National Board, members, clergy and spiritual advisors, keynote speakers, exhibitors and vendors, and visitors—from the continental United States and around the globe, thank you for sharing your time with us, as we worked together for one common cause — Unity and Charity!

Special thanks to our members who represented their Court as delegates and alternates and to the members attending. There were 63 first times to the National Convention. Don't forget to take what you learned back to your Courts. Continue with your enthusiasm, continue with your fire, and continue to spread the fire to your CDA members.

National Recaps

Wednesday, July 20, 2017
Thursday, July 21, 2017
Friday, July 22, 2017

Images from the National Convention

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Our 51^st Biennial State Convention is now a fond memory. On Friday, April 24, twenty-some members took a guided tour of historical Philadelphia. After a morning of sightseeing, they went to Reading Terminal for lunch and had time to buy items from Amish vendors. On returning to the hotel, it was time to get ready for 4:30 Mass at St. Ephrem Church. Leading the procession was CDA Color and Honor Guard and the K of C Color Guard. The main Celebrant was our State Chaplain, Father Timothy O'Sullivan; Con-celebrants were Father D. Timothy Grimme, Past State Chaplain and Msgr. Kenneth McAteer, Pastor and Court Chaplain at St. Ephrem and Deacon Rich Napoli, who was our guest speaker at the opening banquet. We were led in song by our organist, Rosemarie Fallor, and our cantor, Johanna Leonard, and musical director, Theresa Shields, did a great job with the choir.

Afterwards, we had a delicious dinner followed by Deacon Rich's presentation, "Faith and Family." John Ramming, President of Courage Unlimited, then spoke about "Duffy the Lion"—one of our Pennsylvania State pro-life charities.

We were sorry to hear that our Catholic Daughter of the Year was not able to attend the Convention. Congratulations to Mary May from Court Erie #515. Mary, is a long-time member. Besides holding office in her court, she has held various offices on the State level and also as State Chairman.

Saturday's opening ceremonies saw the Color Guard lead the way to open our 51st Biennial State Convention, followed by Past State Officers, then current state officers, Sherry Nilles, Second Vice National Regent and Fr. Timothy O'Sullivan, State Chaplain. Father led us in prayer and Johanna led us in song.

Also in attendance were Margaret P. Novak, IPSR, Laraine McGinnis, Past SR and Letty Calvetti, Past SR and National Director. We thanked them for their continued time and talents to CDA.

First order of business was to receive the report of the credential committee and to be sure we had a quorum. A quorum was declared. Jeanette Kitch, Nominating Chair, reported on the slate of officers for the term 2015-2017: Peggy Guckin, Regent; Peg Rafferty, 1st Vice; Shirley Hall, 2nd Vice; Margaret Giordano, Secretary; Lisa McCann, Treasurer. Since there is no opposition, our bylaws permit us to have an election of State Officers by voice vote. Nominations for Nominating Committee for 2017 was made from roll call of courts. Nominated and elected on Sunday were: Mary Catherine Wydra, Chair, Johanna Leonard, Tina Dambach, Christine Surovec, Dolores Croyle and Sue Sharer (Alternate).

Fr. O'Sullivan celebrated Mass at noon where we had a Memorial Service for the deceased officers who had passed away since the last convention. Also, remembered were all members and family who had passed away.

The ladies enjoyed a Philly buffet and the candidates went around and talked to the members. When we returned to the meeting, we had a skit performed by the Membership Team. Then we had financial and State Officers' reports. On Saturday evening, the members were on their own, some checked out nearby restaurants, others went to the casino and others just chilled out at the hotel. After the election on Sunday, we had a continental breakfast and continued on with the meeting.

Sherry presented a CD prepared by Olga Samaniego, First Vice National Regent, regarding membership; you can view it here in .mp4 format (video format commonly used in Windows computers - this video seems to do better when viewing it with the Internet Explorer browser) or here in .mov format (video format commonly used in Apple computers with the Safari browser.) Please remember, patience is a virtue ... as it may take several minutes for these pages to load. So, select the appropriate link and go and make yourself some tea or coffee. Once you hear the music begin, you'll know it's started and you can move the slide button to the beginning once you get back to your computer.

Sister Mary Paul, our Spiritual Enhancement Chairman, graced us with song, singing a capella to Steve Green's "Find Us Faithful", bringing many of us to tears of joy, tears of remembrance, tears of faith.

The Convention was adjourned and the flags were retired. Installation Mass took place at St. Ephrem's followed by a buffet dinner. Entertainment was provided by Mike the One Man Band. All had a good time. No one wanted the music to stop. Many said it was like being at a wedding without the bride and groom. If you were not present at this event, plan on being at National Convention PA Fun Night.

Closing Mass on Monday was celebrated by Fr. Anthony Gargotta, Chaplain, Court St. Rene #1868. A continental brunch followed where we said our goodbyes till we meet again, in Pittsburgh, July 2016, at the National Convention.

Our State Workshop was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania on October 3–4, 2014 with 98 members from 31 Courts attending.

The Workshop opened with a Holy Mass celebrated by our State Chaplain, Father Timothy O'Sullivan, followed by his enlightening presentation on marriage. There were many presentations, including the memorable Membership Team sowing and growing skit and our State Parliamentarian, Pat Gildea, who presented the "Anatomy of a Motion Flower." Many enjoyed Pat's energizing warm-up, including many new first-timers. On Saturday morning, many of the ladies enjoyed the historic trolley tour of Hershey.

Thank you to all who donated so generously to many benevolent causes such as the Courage Lion Program Mass collection and Pro-Life Baby Bottle. Thanks to all, including our six vendors, who contributed gifts for the tombola, and to those who supported the 50/50 drawings. Thanks to each and every Catholic Daughter in attendance—officers and members, those who volunteered in any way, who contributed ideas and asked questions—for making this a successful Workshop.

The Lucky Lottery Calendar project was started in 1998. It has a two-fold purpose: to enable the State Court to continue its day-to-day operations and to have extra money available for donations to charities.

This charity money has been used in various ways. When disasters happen in the United States and around the world, we are able to immediately send a contribution to the National office from the State Court, ie: Hurricane Katrina; the tsunami and earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, etc.; a one time donation to a seminarian; supplement the money sent to the eight Bishops in December for their Pro Life programs; etc. Since membership has become so important in our future, expenses for the state team to travel across the Commonwealth to institute new courts or save failing courts is now accomplished with the help of this money. As future aid is needed, we will be in a position to help others.

The Lucky Lottery Calendar is offered in the spring of each year and runs from June to the end of May. Each court in the state receives calendars to sell to their members, friends, family, or associates. We encourage each court to buy one for the court and for its chaplain. Any interested person, Catholic or not, is welcome to purchase a calendar.

Contact your local court or the State Regent for a calendar. The cost is still $25.00, the payout is on the first drawn evening three digit PA State lottery number. Winners receive $30.00 Monday through Friday, $40.00 on Saturday, $60.00 on Sunday plus there is a $100.00 winner each month on designated days such as Father's Day, Assumption of Our Lady, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, etc. Payouts are made twice a month. You can check www.palottery.state.pa.us/ to see if your number has won.

Your state board offers spiritual intention cards to our members. Our Past State Clergy Consultant, Father Grimme, at Saint Thérèse the Child of Jesus, Altoona, Pennsylvania, offers up our spiritual intentions on the third Sunday of the month, at the 10:30 A.M. Mass.

Donations received from these intentions, will be sent to the North American College in Rome, to help our seminarians studying there. You may send any donation amount you wish, with a check made payable to Catholic Daughters of the Americas. A personal check will be accepted for these spiritual intentions. The spiritual intention form and your check or money order, or any questions you may have, should be directed to our: Second Vice State Regent.

In 2010, at the suggestion of Anne Nelson, then National Regent Elect and our National Supervisor, our ten-week raffle began. At that time, its purpose was to fund our State Court's 100^th Anniversary celebration in 2011.

Our courts have overwhelming shown that this is an easy ticket for them to sell. We find that it is a good way to augment our state court's treasury, thus enabling us to keep our yearly dues at $2.00 a member. As you all know, our state membership team is actively trying to start new courts for Pennsylvania. It is our responsibility to support these endeavors and the ten-week raffle is our way of doing this. Hence, it was decided to continue this ten-week raffle twice a year in early spring and winter.

Your support and generosity is needed to continue this fundraiser. Please sell the tickets which are sent to your court. This is a totally separate fundraiser from our state Lucky Lottery Calendars, which enables us to give more to charity and to use for operating expenses.

Thank you for all that you do for the Pennsylvania Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Remember: Act Christ like; wear Mary's mantle; and, walk on the CDA path!

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