Pennsylvania State Court
Peggy Witas, State Regent
Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord
Purpose and Mission
The purpose of the organization is to participate in the religious, charitable, and educational Apostolates of the Church. Catholic Daughters of the Americas engages in creative and spiritual programs which provide its members with the opportunity to develop their God-given talents in meaningful ways that positively influence the welfare of the Church and all people throughout the world.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.
Regent's Message
Greetings Pennsylvania Catholic Daughters,
I am humbled to be elected as your State Regent. The theme I have chosen is, "Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord." As with food, some salty, some bitter, some sweet, so are the challenges and rewards of being a member of the CDA. Sometimes, things are going well and the taste is sweet; other times when we struggle to get members and are challenged by court issues, the taste is bitter. Sometimes, when we get energized by speakers or new members, we get a little taste of salt for flavor.
Although my theme is "taste and see," I will, in the future, address other senses that we should use to enable our Pennsylvania Catholic Daughters of the Americas to be re-energized and get new members as well as new courts, senior courts, campus courts, and junior catholic daughters of the americas (JCDA) courts.
If I, or any of the state officers, as well as the district deputies, can be of assistance to your courts, please let me know. We are here to serve you.
Peggy Witas
State Regent
Contacts
State | Local | National | State Contact Form
State
If your computer/browser is configured to use mailto hyperlinks, click on the person's hyperlinked/underlined name to use the mailto hyperlink. If your computer/browser isn't configured to use mailto hyperlinks, you can use the plain text email address by way of copy/paste. If you are still having trouble using email to reach any of our state contacts, you can always use our contact form. Complete the form. In the section Check all that apply: select Other. In the Comment box include the name of the person you wish to be put in contact with.
- State Regent – Peggy Witas — raffertypeg@gmail.com
- First Vice State Regent – Shirley Hall — shirleyhall901@gmail.com
- Second Vice State Regent – Margaret T. Giordano — mgiordano.sultzbach@gmail.com
- State Secretary – Lisa McCann — ljmccann114@gmail.com
- State Treasurer – Colette K. McCaffrey — colettecda@gmail.com
- State Chaplain – Rev. Tony Gargotta — frtony2001@gmail.com
- Immediate Past State Regent – Peggy Guckin — mmg721@aol.com
- PA National Supervisor – Essie Walker walkerme772@gmail.com
- State Website Designer – Pattie Fromknecht — web@cdapa.com
- List of District Deputies and State Chairmen
National
- National Board
- National Office Staff
- National Office; 10 West 71st Street; New York, NY 10023; 212-877-3041
- National List of State Court Officers
Court and Anniversary List
Court List Updated February 9, 2019
In Pennsylvania there are eight diocese comprising 63 courts.
The court and anniversary lists are now combined. You can click into the gold column headings to sort the list by that word. The anniversary column is for the entire current year, so a court installed in January of 1920, will show the same number of years as a court installed in December of 1920. The Regent column is not sortable. If the Regent has an email, it is used; otherwise, as noted, you'll be asked to send an email to them in the care of (c/o) the State Regent.
Local court web pages are linked to the court's name below; click on the court name and you will go to that court's web page. Regents wishing to update their web page on the state's website, should contact our state web designer. Local courts having their own website, outside of the state court website, should share the link with the state web designer; our local court list will use that link, so other's can read all about your good works!
If your computer/browser is configured to use mailto hyperlinks, click on the regent's hyperlinked/underlined name to use the mailto hyperlink. If your computer/browser isn't configured to use mailto hyperlinks, you can use the plain text email address by way of copy/paste. If you are still having trouble using email to reach one of our court regents, you can always use our contact form. Complete the form. In the section Check all that apply: select Other. In the Comment box include the name of the regent you wish to be put in contact with.
Diocese | Name | Number | Location | Instituted | Anniversary | Regent |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allentown | Easton | 358 | Easton | 3/19/1919 | 100 years | Pat Bleam — pmbleam@gmail.com |
Allentown | Ryan | 911 | Jim Thorpe | 11/9/1924 | 95 years | Karen Yanity — KSYANITY@verizon.net |
Allentown | Saint James | 1029 | Frackville | 12/5/1926 | 93 years | Andrea Eye c/o State Regent |
Altoona-Johnstown | Saint Veronica | 111 | Renovo | 6/20/1909 | 110 years | Martha B. Mastriania c/o State Regent |
Altoona-Johnstown | Ave Maria | 399 | Lock Haven | 10/5/1919 | 100 years | Patricia Yufer c/o State Regent |
Altoona-Johnstown | Rev. Patrick McArdle | 448 | Bellefonte | 1/18/1920 | 99 years | Christine Surovec — cas8@psu.edu |
Altoona-Johnstown | Saint Rita | 523 | Tyrone | 6/20/1920 | 99 years | Lisa Marie Gehret c/o State Regent |
Altoona-Johnstown | Of Our Lady | 647 | Johnstown | 5/8/1921 | 98 years | Patricia Brylski c/o State Regent |
Altoona-Johnstown | Joan of Arc | 716 | Cresson | 2/19/1922 | 97 years | Dorothy DeAngelo — dot.deangelo@yahoo.com |
Altoona-Johnstown | Our Lady of Victory | 722 | Northern Cambria | 2/26/1922 | 97 years | Cynthia Keefe — ctsk7376@hotmail.com |
Altoona-Johnstown | Our Lady of the Alleghenies | 1755 | Hollidaysburg | 9/15/1957 | 62 years | Marilee Prough — prlca@aol.com |
Altoona-Johnstown | Saint Catherine | 1992 | Mount Union | 4/20/1969 | 50 years | Andrea Christoff — aychristoff@icloud.com |
Altoona-Johnstown | Blessed Madonna | 2521 | State College | 9/28/2003 | 16 years | Mary Grunthaner — mgrunthaner@hotmail.com |
Altoona-Johnstown | Prince Gallitzin | 2625 | Altoona | 8/22/2009 | 10 years | Judy Wood — judygg@verizon.net |
Altoona-Johnstown | Our Lady of Loretto | 2702 | Loretto | 11/22/2015 | 4 years | Campus Court c/o State Regent |
Altoona-Johnstown | St. Gerard Majella | 2751 | Clarence | 11/11/2018 | 1 | Maria Franek — mfranek18@gmail.com |
Erie | Columbia | 2 | Meadville | 11/30/1903 | 116 years | Suzanne Kelly — vozarkelly@windstream.net |
Erie | Conception | 35 | Corry | 5/7/1905 | 114 years | Rosemary Baker c/o State Regent |
Erie | Callistus | 66 | Kane | 4/7/1907 | 112 years | Susan E Hutchins — susanhutchtwin@gmail.com |
Erie | Saint Marys | 95 | Saint Marys | 12/08/1908 | 111 years | Judith Wolfel c/o State Regent |
Erie | Saint Rita | 353 | Punxsutawney | 1/26/1919 | 100 years | Renee Doverspike c/o State Regent |
Erie | Saint Leo | 356 | Ridgeway | 3/19/1919 | 100 years | Janice Wonderly c/o State Regent |
Erie | Sharon | 507 | Sharon | 5/22/1920 | 99 years | Pauline L. Radasevich — plr724@roadrunner.com |
Erie | Erie | 515 | Erie | 6/27/1920 | 99 years | Mary May — Focus11@neo.rr.com |
Erie | Saint Victoria | 646 | Houtzdale | 5/15/1921 | 98 years | Genya Bannon — genyabannon@hotmail.com |
Erie | Saint Marys | 890 | Reynoldsville | 6/24/1924 | 95 years | Nancy Baummer — nancybaummer@yahoo.com |
Erie | Doyle | 932 | Coudersport | 12/12/1924 | 95 years | Beatrice Sonnekalb c/o State Regent |
Erie | Saint Thomas | 1483 | Franklin | 9/18/1948 | 71 years | Suzan Senko — mommasuzsenko@yahoo.com |
Erie | Immaculate Conception of Clarion | 2454 | Clarion | 3/21/1998 | 21 years | Karen McDade c/o State Regent |
Greensburg | Annunciata | 260 | Connellsville | 4/25/1915 | 104 years | Virginia McDowell c/o State Regent |
Greensburg | Lambing | 314 | Scottdale | 5/20/1917 | 102 years | Dolores Glowacki — dolly27@zoominternet.net |
Greensburg | St. Bernard | 339 | Indiana | 6/23/1918 | 101 years | Mary Jane Hodak c/o State Regent |
Greensburg | Uniontown | 505 | Uniontown | 5/23/1920 | 99 years | Paulmina Rawlings c/o State Regent |
Greensburg | St. Theresa | 562 | Blairsville | 6/7/1920 | 99 years | Christina F. Bell — tfbell@msn.com |
Greensburg | Monessen | 776 | Monessen | 12/10/1922 | 97 years | Deborah Genemore — debg06@comcast.net |
Greensburg | New Kensington | 860 | New Kensington | 3/3/1924 | 95 years | Bernadine Cybach c/o State Regent |
Greensburg | St. Patricia | 998 | Kittanning | 4/11/1926 | 93 years | Ann Nemec — colnemec@comcast.net |
Greensburg | Vandergrift | 1008 | Vandergrift | 6/6/1926 | 93 years | Lois Jean Rowe c/o State Regent |
Greensburg | Brownsville | 1141 | Brownsville | 11/17/1929 | 90 years | Melody Yeardie — Melodyy1@verizon.net |
Greensburg | St. Francis | 1726 | Yatesboro | 4/8/1956 | 63 years | Catherine Wranich — dreamsicle101@gmail.com |
Greensburg | St. James the Greater | 2180 | Apollo | 11/13/1977 | 42 years | Judy Kavulic — jkavulic@comcast.net |
Greensburg | St. Florian | 2240 | United | 10/10/1982 | 37 years | Mary Ann Monticue c/o State Regent |
Harrisburg | Our Lady of Victory | 588 | Mount Carmel | 12/12/1920 | 99 years | Kathleen Peeler — kpee124@ptd.net |
Harrisburg | Queen of Peace | 1023 | Lancaster | 10/17/1926 | 93 years | CarolAnne Ferreira — cajferreira@verizon.net |
Philadelphia | Ave Maria | 650 | Germantown | 4/10/1921 | 98 years | Marleen Duley — mardy1820@yahoo.com |
Philadelphia | St. Mark | 1097 | Bristol | 6/17/1928 | 91 years | JoAnn Lynn — jo.ann.lynn@hotmail.com |
Philadelphia | Holy Trinity | 1336 | Philadelphia | 6/8/1941 | 78 years | Margaret Campagna — mcampy1941@yahoo.com |
Philadelphia | Rose Cecilia | 1641 | Philadelphia | 6/18/1953 | 66 years | Doris Kitt — dKitt132@gmail.com |
Philadelphia | St. Dominic | 2222 | Philadelphia | 10/5/1980 | 39 years | Constance Geary — cdaconnie@aol.com |
Philadelphia | St. Ephrem | 2230 | Bensalem | 9/12/1981 | 38 years | Carol Parson — cparsons28@comcast.net |
Philadelphia | St. Francis de Sales | 2617 | Philadelphia | 3/15/2009 | 10 years | Deanna Teixeira — vze2rhtt@verizon.net |
Philadelphia | Mystical Rose | 2628 | Philadelphia | 11/21/2009 | 10 years | Sara Janulewicz — sjanulewicz@northmarq.com |
Philadelphia | Our Lady of Fatima | 2739 | Exton | 5/6/2018 | 1 | Michele Byler — michele.byler@yahoo.com |
Pittsburgh | Butler | 443 | Butler | 12/28/1919 | 100 years | Lorraine Laconi c/o State Regent |
Pittsburgh | Bellevue | 655 | Bellevue | 5/22/1921 | 98 years | Mary Jo Knaus c/o State Regent |
Pittsburgh | Allegheny | 664 | Pittsburgh | 5/29/1921 | 98 years | Dolores Swartworth c/o State Regent |
Pittsburgh | Westinghouse | 759 | Turtle Creek | 7/16/1922 | 97 years | Margaret Marie Gowaty — margiekid1@aol.com |
Pittsburgh | Coraopolis | 965 | Coraopolis | 5/10/1925 | 94 years | Mary Lou Lanza — millanza63@gmail.com |
Pittsburgh | Washington | 1651 | Washington | 9/20/1953 | 66 years | Robin Krofcheck — resk6387@gmail.com |
Pittsburgh | Dolores | 1675 | Bentleyville | 4/4/1954 | 65 years | Anna Marie Glowaski — gsag@bentcom.net |
Pittsburgh | St. Rene | 1868 | Monroeville | 11/19/1961 | 58 years | Lisa Intrieri-Fellner — lif696@yahoo.com |
Pittsburgh | Greene County | 1923 | Carmichaels | 9/20/1964 | 55 years | Karen Taylor — czra6281@gmail.com |
Scranton | St. Martin | 418 | Honesdale | 11/9/1919 | 100 years | Teresa Bayly — jtbayly@verizon.net |
Pennsylvania Diocese
Shown Alphabetically
Allentown Diocese — Website
Altoona-Johnstown Diocese — Website
Diocesan Meeting Schedule
- Spring Diocesan Meeting: April 13, 2019.
Erie Diocese — Website
Greensburg Diocese — Website
Harrisburg Diocese — Website
Philadelphia Archdiocese — Website
Diocesan Meeting Schedule
- March 2, 2019
- June 1, 2019
Upcoming Court Events
Please contact the respective court for more information; contact information can be found in the court list above.
- 4/6/19 – Court St. Dominic – Deal or No Deal
Pittsburgh Diocese — Website
Scranton Diocese — Website
Circle of Love
Catholic Daughters has a seven point program called "Circle of Love". These seven points are bound together by the common interest — love.

This image is symbolic of our "Circle of Love" program. The seven points are, alphabetically: Education, Family, Leadership, Legislation, Quality of Life, Spiritual Enhancement, and Youth/JCDA.
The cross and crown in the center of the heart is the national symbol of The Order — the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
National describes the Circle of Love saying, in-part, "the seven points selected indicate the needs of the Church and community best served by the Catholic Daughters. The program itemizes these needs with suggestions on how Catholic Daughters can effectively serve."
In 2003 Grace DiCairano, National Regent at the time, wrote in Catholic Daughters of the Americas — A Century in Review, "A Century in Review reminds us that despite differences in age, education, heritage, and yes, idiosyncrasies, we are family. Although separated by great distances, we are bound together by our common desire to uphold the dignity of women and defend family values."
Courts are asked to participate in one or more of the seven programs and report annually on what they've accomplished.
The Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
The Venerable Fulton J. Sheen was a notable American Bishop, later an Archbishop, because of his many meritorious deeds in evangelization, especially those of his television, radio, and print ministries.
At our 24th Biennial Convention in 1952 Bishop Sheen challenged us to expand throughout the world!
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Now Canonized, Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, spoke to an audience of Catholic Daughters in October of 1972 in Washington, D.C. to mark National Catholic Daughters Day. She asked the CDA members to continue to "give to our brothers and sisters throughout the world as if once more Jesus had come into the world cold, hungry, and alone."
Through annual donations to the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa's challenge and that of Bishop Sheen are being met, as we expand into areas outside of the Americas! Both The Venerable Fulton J. Sheen and Saint Teresa of Calcutta are spoken of on National's website.
Newsletters
If you would like to be notified when the next newsletter is published, join our Email List!
Archives
2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
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Spring 989 KB | Spring 417 KB | Spring 842 KB | Spring 2.50 MB | Spring 4.06 MB | Spring 1.19 MB | Spring 1.07 MB | |
Summer 1.16 MB | Summer 1.44 MB | Summer 926 KB | Summer 2.52 MB | Summer 2.13 MB | Summer 2.65 MB | Summer 1.03 MB | |
Fall 916 KB Re-issued: 9-17-18 |
Fall 586 KB | Fall 3.48 MB | Fall 730 KB | Fall 2.71 MB | Fall 1.52 MB | Fall 498 KB | Fall 3.39 MB |
Winter 1.03 MB | Winter 2.27 MB | Winter 905 KB | Winter 1.16 MB | Winter 3.69 MB | Winter 2.11 MB | Winter 2.62 MB | Winter 1.99 MB |
Membership / Join
Please, join us, as we focus on ...
Unity and Charity!
Join | New Courts | Existing Courts
Join
So, you'd like to join Catholic Daughters! How wonderful! Come and see ... and be welcome among us!
We have lots to offer Catholic women at least 18 years of age. Spirituality, service, sisterhood, to name just a few!
Most courts have regular business meetings ten months out of the year with opportunities to share your God-given talents with other members at committee meetings and events held throughout the month.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas provides its members with updated programs to serve the current needs of Church and country. The programs cover a vast scope of activities beginning at the parish level and expanding into all concerns of today's Church and society.
We encourage all Catholic women, at least 18 years of age, to join the Catholic Daughters of the Americas to share their God-given talents. Those between the ages of six to 18 are encouraged to join a Junior Court.
Complete our Contact Form! or contact our State Regent to join a court in your area or to obtain additional information!
Our Patroness
Mary, Mother of God

Colorized by Pattie
Our Motto - Unity and Charity!
Spirituality and Service
They go hand and hand ... Spirituality ... how we express our faith in the Lord and Service ... how we express that faith in His mssion. Join us today! Let's make the world a better place, together, in Unity and Charity, as sisters in faith!
"Prayer for Unity of the Church"
The Catholic Church has a "Prayer for Unity of the Church" which fits our motto nicely:
Almighty and merciful God, you willed that the different nations should become one people through your Son. Grant in your kindness that those, who glory in being known as Christians, may put aside their difference and become one in truth and charity, and that all men, enlightened by the true faith, may be united in fraternal communion in the one Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As you will notice by viewing The Enchiridion of Indulgences, there is a partial indulgence associated with this prayer.
We are ...
We are ... also known as CDA, C D of A, and The Order.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas is plural because we are in both North and South America. In addition, today we are around the world, as we have courts in Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
Symbol and Colors
Our Symbol is the Cross and Crown.

Our Colors are purple, white, and gold.
New Courts
Let's make the world a better place, together, in Unity and Charity, as sisters in faith!
How do I get started to form a new court?
First, find a parish or area without a Catholic Daughters court. Then, contact the parish priest (or a priest in the area you're interested in) and ask for permission for the state membership team to come and speak with him. Once you have the priest's permission, contact our State Regent.
The state membership team will then take the necessary steps to begin the process of forming a new court.
On the National Level, if you have an interest in forming a court and/or obtaining more information, visit Catholic Daughters of the Americas Who / Why / What page.
Existing Courts
- Contact Janet Oesterling, State Membership Chair
Congratulations to the Pennsylvania recipients for being awarded the Saint Faustina pin for their outstanding work with membership and court development at the 57th Biennial National Convention held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota! They were Janet Oesterling, State Membership Chair along Shirley Hall, First Vice State Regent. Congratulations ladies! We're all very proud of you!
Congratulations to members of our Pennsylvania membership team who were among those who received the first Saint Faustina pin for their outstanding work with membership and court development at the 56th Biennial National Convention held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
National Projects and Charities
Charitable Contributions
Please note ...
At the 2018 National Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, National announced the National Shrine, in Washington, D.C. is now a National Charity and Project Handclasp no longer is. More information will follow once National publishes it on their website.
Also, check out page seven (7) of the September 2017 Quarterly Newsletter, where it mentions the "National Board has moved National Center on Sexual Exploitation to a National Project and Smile Train is now a National Charity."
Pennsylvania Catholic Daughters of the Americas collectively donated $20,366.00 to our National Projects and National Charities from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2018! Read more about our donations on page nine (9) of our Fall 2018 PA State Newsletter!
Reminder: some of the National Projects and Charities have changed during this reporting period — June 2016 through May 2018. To find out where your court can make donations today, view our State's Donation Form.
National Projects | National Charities
National Projects
Across Pennsylvania, members of our Local Courts donated to our five National Projects; the amount shown is for the two-year period June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2018.
- Habitat for Humanity $1,467.00 "Habitat for Humanity's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our mission is to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope."
- Holy Cross Family Rosary $1,292.00 "The Family That Prays Together Stays Together"
- Labouré Society $1,497.00 "...exists to provide financial assistance and spiritual support ... to pursue a vocation to the priesthood and/or religious..."
- National Center on Sexual Exploitation $1,462.00 "...formerly Morality in Media, is the leading national organization dedicated to opposing pornography by highlighting the links to sex trafficking, violence against women, child abuse, and addiction." Just before the July 2018 National Convention, NCSE became a National Project, rather than a National Charity.
- SOAR $1,432.00 Supporting Our Aging Religious ... began in 1986 with $25,000 seed money from Catholic Daughters. It raises funds and provides grants to help Catholic religious congregations in the United States care for their elderly and infirm members.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel [Right Judgment], Fortitude [Courage], Knowledge, Piety [Reverence], and Fear of the Lord [Wonder and Awe in God's Presence]. (cf. Is 11:1-2)
Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control, Chastity. (cf. Gal 5:22-23)
Meditation
Christians do not make a house of God until they are one in charity. The timber and stone must fit together in an orderly plan, must be joined in perfect harmony, must give each other the support as if it were a love, or no one would enter the building. When you see the stones and beams of a building holding together securely, you enter the building with an easy mind...
The work we see complete in this building is physical; it should find its spiritual counterparts in your hearts. St. Augustine, Sermon 336, 1, 6
Why not ...
"Pay it forward!"
Help us ...
help our neighbors,
near and far!
Contact our State Regent to
Donate Today!
National Charities
Charitable Contributions
Additionally, Pennsylvania members have donated to our National Charities—the amount shown is for the two-year period June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2018.
- Apostleship of the Sea $455.00 "We assist seafarers with their spiritual needs... ...wherever and whenever they need us."
- Basilica of the National ShrineThey became a National Charity at the July 2018 National Convention.
- Catholic Relief Services $1,070.00 "We work with organizations around the world to help poor and vulnerable people overcome emergencies, earn a living through agriculture and access affordable health care"
- Covenant House $755.00 "To break the cycle of chronic adult homelessness and bridge the gap of support in the lives of our youth, Covenant House has developed three core services known as our Continuum of Care: Street Outreach, Crisis Care, and Rights of Passage."
- Disaster Relief: $3,262.00 "The Catholic Daughters maintain a Disaster Fund to which our members contribute. At the request of the State Regent where a disaster occurs, monetary assistance is forwarded to the Bishop of that diocese for distribution."
- Misericordia $940.00 "Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged. By serving society's most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home."
- Missionaries of Charity $580.00 "The Center's aim is to serve as a centralized and authoritative source of information on Mother Teresa, to facilitate the spread of authentic devotion to her, and to safeguard her words and image from misuse or abuse."
- North American College $2,150.00 They are an "educational institution in Rome, Italy that forms seminarians for priestly ministry in the dioceses of the United States and elsewhere". This is also a State-sponsored fundraiser through the Spiritual Intentions Mass Cards.
- Project Handclasp $595.00 "...the program allows humanitarian, educational and goodwill materials donated by America's private sector at no-cost to be distributed to those in need. Navy ships and aircraft provide space for the donated material to be transferred..." As announced at the July 2018 National Convention, they are no longer a national charity.
- Smile Train $2,014.00 "an international children's charity ... solvable problem: cleft lip and palate." At the time of these donations, Smile Train was a National Project.
- Tutwiler Clinic $1,105.00 "We at the Tutwiler Clinic affirm the dignity of each person and her or his right to quality health care provided in a Christian manner. We seek to enable Clinic patients to become knowledgeable about their health or illness and to participate in their own care to their fullest potential."
About the PA State Court
Pennsylvania's State Court was chartered in Corry, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1911 and today has 63 courts under her umbrella. Our first Campus Court, Our Lady of Loretto #2702, was instituted on November 22, 2015.
Pennsylvania is graced to have the oldest court in The Order within her boundaries, that of Court Columbia #2 in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania has hosted three National Conventions. The 28th in Pittsburgh; the 41st in Philadelphia; and most recently, July 2016, the 56th National Convention in Pittsburgh.
Conventions
2019 State Convention — Blairsville, PA
Friday, April 5 – Monday, April 8, 2019 at the Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center.
The theme for the Convention is "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow."
Local court regents, district deputies, and state chairs are asked to use our State Contact Form if they need additional copies of the documents included in the 2019 State Convention packet.
As taken from the Winter 2018 State Newsletter: State Convention dates are April 5-8, 2019. Convention will be held at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center, 132 Pine Ridge Road, Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Reservations may be made at the Hampton Inn, 62 Pine Ridge Road, Blairsville, PA (adjacent to conference center) at 724-459-5920. Tell them you are with CDA as there is a block of rooms reserved. Reservations must be made by March 15, 2019. After this date, any unsold rooms will go to the general public. Price of rooms is $129 for either a double-queen or king room. Check-in time is 3 p.m. with check-out at 11 a.m. There is a free breakfast each morning in the lobby of the hotel. Each room has a microwave and refrigerator. There is also a swimming pool in the hotel as well as a golf course on site. There is a restaurant in the Conference Center as well as several restaurants in the area—The Villa Pub & Grill, Sanso's, Dairy Queen, Clems Café, Ravaila's, Dean's Diner, Papa Sal's—to name a few
A workshop will be held on Friday, April 5th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. A light Lenten lunch is included till 3 p.m. in the cost of the workshop. Cost of the workshop is $20 if paid before March 1. After March 1st, the cost is $25. Cost of convention registration is $25 and is due March 1, 2019. After March 1st, the cost is $30. If you are coming to both workshop and convention, the cost is $40, if paid before March 1st. After March 1st, the cost to attend both is $55. Opening Mass will be held April 5th at 5 p.m. at Ss. Simon and Jude Church, Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The Installation Mass will also be at Ss. Simon and Jude Church. Bishop Malesic, of the Greensburg Diocese, has agreed to celebrate the Mass with us. The Saturday memorial Mass will be in the Convention Hall; the closing Mass on Monday will also be in Convention Hall.
Please return the delegate forms sent to each regent as promptly as possible, but no later than February 15, 2019. The State Board needs to know who is coming so that in planning the different Masses and ceremonies, we can have each member participate. If you are interested in joining the PA State Choir, contact Theresa Shields at 412-302-6761 or musicmom1952@yahoo.com
Ads for the program book are $50 for a whole page, $25 for a ½-page and $15 for a ¼-page; ads are due by February 15, 2019.
Once again, there will be a tombola. Each court is asked to contribute an item or basket with at least a $25 value.
Members are encouraged to bring a spiritual item for show & tell. This item may be a relic, statue or something else special to you.
Courts and/or dioceses are encouraged to participate in a talent show to be held Saturday evening—campaign and fun night. There is much talent in our courts and members and guests enjoy seeing the gifted CDA women. Please let me know if your diocese or court will be participating.
More information will follow as it becomes available.
2017 State Convention — Danville, PA
Friday, April 28 – Monday, May 1, 2017 Making CDA Greater Through "Unity and Charity" With Mary
Thank you to all who participated in our 52nd Biennial State Convention! Our Opening Mass was on Friday, April 28th 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 52nd 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 2nd 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
2016 National Convention — Pittsburgh, PA
July 17–24, 2016, at the Wyndham Grand
Hosted by the Pennsylvania State Court, the 56th 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, 2017Thursday, July 21, 2017
Friday, July 22, 2017
Images from the National Convention
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2015 State Convention — Philadelphia, PA
April 24–27, 2015. The theme was "Faith + Family = Future."
Our 51st 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.

Workshops
2014 Workshop
October 3–4, 2015 — Hershey, PA
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.
Forms
Circle of Love | Court | Membership
Please, send a copy of any form regarding membership in Pennsylvania to the State Secretary.
Most forms are from National; those marked *PA* are specific to Pennsylvania.
Completing Forms
There are a few ways to complete and submit these forms. You can open and print the form, complete it by hand or by using a typewriter, and mail it. If you are emailing it, scan the completed form into your computer, and then email it. This is by far the easiest way.
Another way, to complete the form, is to follow the instructions on this page: Using Adobe Fill and Sign. Please know, there are some limitations using the above method. There are additional ways to make forms interactive, but they too have their own limitations — especially as it relates to adding descriptive paragraphs.
If you are having trouble, please feel free to schedule a time with our State Website Designer; I'd be glad to try to help you out.
Circle of Love and Contest Forms
- Local court regents, district deputies, and state chairs are asked to use our State Contact Form if they need additional copies of the Circle of Love or other contest forms, which were included in the 2019 State Convention packet.
If you have any questions regarding the Circle of Love program reporting forms or other contest forms, please contact our State Regent.
Court Forms
- Campus Court Officer Form (Open)
- Correction Form (Open)
- Deletion Form (Open)
- Donation Form (Open) *PA* Revised as of August 27, 2018
- Financial Review Form (Open)
- Local Court Officer Form (Open)
- Membership Report Form (Open) *PA*
- Spiritual Intentions Card (Open four to a page) *PA*
- Spiritual Intentions Enrollment Form (Open four to a page) *PA*
You do not need to print an actual enrollment form; you can write the information down and send it to the Second Vice State Regent
Membership Forms
Fundraisers
Items for Sale | Lucky Lottery Calendars | Spiritual Intentions | Ten-Week Raffle
Items for Sale
Item | Cost |
![]() State Pin |
$5.00 |
![]() Keychain Flashlight |
$2.00 |
![]() Magnets |
$3.00 |
Robes | $5.00 |
Send your order to the State Secretary. An invoice will be sent to you.
Lucky Lottery Calendars
Winners: September | October | November
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.
Spiritual Intentions
Your state board offers spiritual intention cards to our members (enrollment form or spiritual intention card). 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.
Ten-Week Raffle
Winners: Ten Week Winners
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 100th 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!
Websites
Bible | Diocesan | National | State Courts
Bible
- Enthroning the Bible in the Family
- Understanding the Bible
- Bible FAQs
- Approved Bible Translations
- Do Translations Matter
- Information on the Revised Edition of the New American Bible
- New Testament Introduction
- Gospel Introduction
- The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
Diocesan
- Allentown Diocese
- Altoona-Johnstown Diocese
- Erie Diocese
- Greensburg Diocese
- Harrisburg Diocese
- Philadelphia Archdiocese
- Pittsburgh Diocese
- Scranton Diocese
National
- National Catholic Daughters of the Americas
- The Holy See
- United States Catholic Conference of Bishops
- United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
- Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
State / Territorial Court Listing
Updated August 6, 2018
If the state court / territory has a website, it is linked. National Convention history follows.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California — 42nd San Diego 1988; 35th Los Angeles; 22nd Pasadena; 11th San Francisco 1925
- Colorado — 29th Denver 1962; 15th Colorado Springs 1933
- Connecticut
- Florida — 46th Tampa 1996; 30th Hollywood 1964
- Guam
- Idaho
- Illinois — 39th Chicago 1982
- Indiana
- Iowa — 45th Des Moines 1994
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Kenya
- Louisiana — 36th New Orleans 1976
- Maryland — 38th Baltimore 1980
- Massachusetts — 31st Boston 1966
- Mexico
- Michigan — 18th Detroit 1939; 9th Detroit 1921
- Minnesota — 51st Minneapolis 2006; 25th Minneapolis 1954
- Missouri (No active courts shown today) — 21st St. Louis 1945; 10th Kansas City 1923
- Montana — 55th Billings 2014
- Nebraska — 54th Omaha 2012; 27th Omaha 1958
- Nevada
- New Hampshire — 17th Bretton Woods 1937
- New Jersey — 34th Atlantic City 1972; 14th Atlantic City 1931
- New Mexico — 52nd Albuquerque 2008
- New York — 53rd Buffalo 2010; 43rd New York City 1990; 37th New York City 1978; 24th Lake Placid 1952; Utica 1st through 8th 1904, 1905, 1909, 1911, 1913, 1915, 1917, and 1919
- North Carolina — 23rd Ashville 1950; 12th Ashville 1927
- North Dakota — 48th Bismarck 2000
- Ohio — 32nd Cleveland 1968; 20th Cleveland 1943
- Oklahoma
- Oregon — 44th Portland 1992; 26th Portland 1956
- Pennsylvania — 56th Pittsburgh 2016; 41st Philadelphia 1986; 28th Pittsburgh 1960
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota — 57th National Convention, Sioux Falls 2018
- Tennessee
- Texas — 58th National Convention 2020; 49th Huston 2002; 40th Huston 1984; 13th Galveston 1929
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia — 47th Norfolk 1998
- Washington — 50th Tacoma 2004; 33rd Seattle 1970; 16th Seattle 1935
- Washington, D.C. — 19th District of Columbia 1941
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Logos
The images should be fine for use with a home printer, for your agendas, newsletters, and such. I made the background transparent because they can be used with white or color backgrounds and I thought I would share them with you. If you prefer a .jpg file, please let me know; I'd be happy to email them to you.
- Right click on an image to save it to your computer.
- Select "Save as".
- Save to your desktop or someplace you will be able to find it.
- Select "Save".

State Map by Pattie




Colorized by Pattie
Check out the logos on National's website too!
Games
If you'd like to use/publish/distribute any of these games elsewhere, please let our State Website Designer know.
More games will follow in the future!