A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE REGENT - Webs

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Newsletter of the New Hampshire State CourtCatholic Daughters of the AmericasElaine S. Bean, editorVolume 15, Issue 1Fall 2012A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE REGENTMy dear fellowCatholic Daughters,Congratulations to all thenew Court Officers for2012-2014 from yourState Board. We welcome all new and pastOfficers. This will be anexciting year and we arelooking forward to working with all of you overthe next two years.Summer will be over before we know it and I amsure that all of you havebeen busy with family,vacations, and of courseplanning your calendarfor the next CDA year.The State Officers alongwith some of the Officersand members of thecourts attended the National Convention inOmaha, NE. What agreat convention. Wewill fill you in on that atour workshop that iscoming up on October13, 2012. We havesome surprises in storeand hope that all Officersand as many membersas possible will attend.Lots of information willbe presented and wewant our Courts to growover the next two years.We are awaiting the notice from National as towho will be our NationalDirector for the next twoyears. We now haverepresentation from bothMassachusetts and Vermont. Margaret Bingham was voted in asNational Director for another term.Our new National Officers and Directors will bechanging over in Augustand we will hear from allof them very soon. Keepyour eyes open for yournew Share magazine.Continued page 7Inside thisissue::State Contacts 2Dates 2National 3Convention 2012 toReports 6National Poetry 5WinnerNovena for 7the UnbornImportant National 7ResolutionCourts in 8New HampshireA MESSAGE FROM THE STATE CHAPLAINDear Sisters in Christ,As we make our transition from summer to fall,many of us are preparingfor busier schedules,activities, and meetingsgalore. Sometimes thesecan distract us from oneof the most beautiful giftsGod has given to us,namely, autumn in NewEngland!While many of us like the―lazy, hazy, crazy daysof summer,‖ the coolerair can be refreshing, theskies seem bluer, rainbows more vivid, and ofcourse, the beauty of thetrees as leaves take ontheir fall colors. Theseare moments when westop to realize that Godhas given all of this to usfor our enjoyment andrestoration.Yes, all of us are runninghither and yon; calendarsare filling up with appointments; life seemshectic again. But God isrevealing Himself to us inbeauty. As you drive thechildren or grandchildrento or from school, onyour way to that meeting,or even after a full day atwork, take notice of thebeauties that Godis sending yourway. And give Himthanks!God bless!Father Joe

Page 2STATE CONTACTSState RegentLinda Bergeron542-6387vberg18@comcast.netState TreasurerElaine Bean566-7014escbean@comcast.netDistrict Deputies:Elaine Bean566-7014Judy Beauregard256-8695State ChaplainRev. Joseph M. Cooperfrjoe@stkathryns.orgDo you havea question?Here’swho to call .First Vice RegentAnn Skahan352-3236askahan@ne.rr.comSecond Vice RegentJane Powers357-3738tpowers@ne.rr.comState SecretaryAdele Boeske432-7387adeleb8@gmail.comImmediate PastState RegentCynthia Garside882-2927caggy@hotmail.comAdele Boeske432-7387Cynthia Garside882-2927Jane Powers357-3738ParliamentarianJudith Smith336-6200Judith103@comcast.netNOW IS A GREAT TIME TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR!Sunday, October 21, 2012National CDA Day— Theme: “With God All Things are Possible” (Matthew 19:26)Saturday, October 27, 2012National Make a Difference DaySaturday, October 27, 2012NH Past Regents Club Brunch 11:00 a.m. at Common Man, Concord, NH,Cost 23 with reservations to Elaine Bean (603-566-7014) by October 19, 2012October 28 to November 3, 2012White Ribbons Against Pornography WeekTuesday November 6, 2012Election DayJanuary 22, 2013March for Life, Washington, D.C.Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 2013NH State Convention at the Indian Head Resort, Lincoln, NH

Volume 15, Issue 1Page 3FIRST TIMER’S VIEW OF NATIONAL CONVENTION 2012Leaving New Hampshire with an open mind looking forward to a new adventure, this was my firstCDA convention. Having attended the National Convention of other organizations, I knew that therewould be lots of work to be done, interesting new people to meet and of course, lots to learn and Iwas not disappointed.The workshops were inspiring and uplifting. Each session of the convention opened and closed witha different priest giving thoughtful, often funny, and always inspiring prayer. The chorus of CatholicDaughters was truly magnificent and blended together in a harmony of voices from across our vastorganization.The Convention opened with a lovely processional which included the National Board and the clergyall in white. This was followed by a very meaningful and inspirational Benediction and AdorationService during which the National Chaplain, Father Ed Lamp, implored the gifts of the Holy Spiritupon the convention and all attending. Following this service, Peggy O‘Brien, National ExecutiveDirector introduced each of the members of the National Board who re-entered the Convention carrying a white 1903 Society umbrella. The posting of the colors, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of our National Anthem brought this gathering of Catholic Daughterstogether as one body. Highlighting this first sessionwas an awe-inspiring presentation by Father JimSichko which when it ended found everyone risingwith resounding approval. As the business of the convention proceeded, NH State Regent Linda Bergeron, who served as Standing RulesChairman, presented the Standing Rules of the Convention that wereadopted as amended. There was a report given by the NominatingCommittee Chairman with Anne Nelson automatically elected as National Regent; Shirley Seyfried elected as National Regent Elect; OlgaSamaniego elected as Second Vice National Regent; and Sherry Nilleselected as National Secretary-Treasurer. The Nominating Committeenominated Helene Shepard as First Vice National Regent and Letty Calvetti was nominated from the floor. Letty and Helene each gave a briefpresentation. The Nominating Committee nominated Emily Guilherme,California, Arline Rich, Connecticut, and Sheila Storey, North Carolinafor the position of National Director. Nominated from the floor were Vicki Feist, South Dakota, Constance Pagan, Massachusetts, Mary Ann Kizer, Arkansas, Margi Oller, Ohio, Joyce Ann Fleming, Massachusetts, Ruth Guidry, Louisianaand Margaret Bingham, Vermont. Each of the National Director nominees gave a two-minute speech. The election washeld the following day.Thursday morning dawned and a Eucharistic Liturgy in memory of those who have died since the last convention beganwith yet another beautiful procession of clergy. Prayers were implored for those Catholic Daughters who had passedaway as well as for deceased family members and the choral refrain ―we remember, we celebrate, we believe‖ resounded throughout the room. Following the reconvening of the convention was the introduction of the 2012 Catholic Womanof the Year, Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM. Sr. Rosemary was chosen for her work as Executive Director of Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Rogers Park, Illinois. In her work, Sister has created a thriving community of children and adultswith mild to profound developmental disabilities. A short video was shown which highlighted the services offered including residential placement, job training and employment placement, as well as social and recreational functions, opportunities for spiritual growth and physical, occupational and speech therapy. It also showed the work of residents at theMisericordia‘s Hearts & Flour Bakery, creating breakfast treats, cakes, pastries, cookies, etc. In addition the NationalRegent presented sister with a check in the amount of 5000 for the benefit of Misericordia.Throughout the next few sessions, the National Regent called upon each of the past national regents to share a message. Each message was unique and reflected their pride in our organization. Newsletter Chairman and National Director Jan Martineau announced the winners of the newsletter contest. New Hampshire‘s Pulse took first place. NationalEducation Chairman and National Director Sherry Nilles said that she received 461 entries for education awards andannounced the National Winners as well as the winners of the Father Leonard Bachman Graduate Scholarships. It wasreported that the Walk/Run for Life, held that early morning, raised 10,400. Our State Regent and First State Vice Regent participated in the walk. National Administrative Assistant Mary Impellizeri presented on the CDA status as a 501(C)3 organization and banking issues, emphasizing that the Catholic Daughters is not a religious organization. She alsospoke about the use of the CDA registered trademark logo. There was much to be proud of as the various donationchecks were presented for they showed how much the little bit that each local and state court does can come togetherfor a great impact. Among the amounts presented by Joanne Tommassi were 7,500 to the Apostleship of the Sea; 30,000 to Holy Cross Family Ministries; 17,000 to North American College; 8,000 to Catholic Relief Services; 9,000to SOAR! (Support Our Aging Religious); 6,000 to Covenant House; 12,000 to the Missionaries of Charity; 12,000 toTutwiler Clinic; 51,000 to Smile Train; and, 2900 to the Laboure Society.

Page 4Convention (continued from page 3)National Secretary-Treasurer Helene Shepard made a motion to increase the dues to 20 per year. After much discussion from the floor, the motion failed. Then there was a motion to increase dues to 15 per year and for every CDA member to make a concerted effort to ask every Catholic woman shemeets to join the Catholic Daughters. This motion passed. PastNational RegentLibby Ramirez then made a motion to postpone the 5 dues increase until the March 2013 billing. The motion passed. Thiswill lessen the blow of the first national dues increase in over15 years.Helene Shepard explained that the 1903 Society is for thepreservation of the Headquarters building on West 71st Street.She announced that as of May 21st, 123,000.00 had beenpledged with over 60,000 of that in the bank. Plaques for pledges to the 1903 Society were given and State Regent Linda Bergeron and Elaine Bean, State Chairman, received the plaque forthe NH State Court from the National Regent. Joanne Tomassihad the honor to present a Catholic Press Association award to Father Ed Lamp for a message he wrote in SHARE.On Friday, the day began with Eucharistic Liturgy. A color guard of four military men inuniform, two with rifles, two with flags, entered. The gathering sang ―The Star SpangledBanner‖ and ―America the Beautiful‖ as the clergy processed into the room. NationalChaplain Father Ed Lamp captured everyone‘s attention when he said, ―I love the partof ‗America the Beautiful,‘ that says ‗God Shed his Grace on Thee,‘ and then, Fatherspoke of the terrible shooting in Colorado. Before Mass ended, the military retrievedthe colors and Father Michael Schommer blessed the Catholic Daughter rosaries thathad been brought by members and were to be distributed to each resident in Nebraskanursing homes. The closing hymn was ―God Bless America.‖ As the morning businesssession opened, Joanne Tomassi called for the Elections Committee Then she declared the following national officers elected: National Regent Anne Nelson, NationalRegent Elect Shirley Seyfried, First Vice National Regent Helene Shepard, SecondVice National Regent Olga Samaniego and National Secretary-Treasurer Sherry Nilles. National Directors:Emily Guilherme, Sheila Storey, Vicki Feist, Mary Ann Kizer, Arline Rich, MargaretBingham, Ruth Guidry, Margie Oller and Joyce Ann Fleming. Following this the Chairman of the Elections Committee returned to the podium to give the results of the votingfor the nominating committee. Joanne Tomassi declared the following elected to thenominating committee: Lois Nelson (chairman), Deb Makovicka, Eve Trevino, HelenArndorfer, Connie Boutwell, Melody Ciaravino, Kay Gilette and alternates Bonnie Foxand Patricia Gavin. The charge was given to the Nominating Committee, with eachmember replying affirmatively.The day continued with National Public Relations Chairman,Tom Panas, speaking onSHARE Magazine, explaining the deadlines, the process for submitting stories for CourtNews and how stories are chosen. Mary Impellizeri explained the procedures for dealingwith changes of address. The Circle of Love reports were given throughout the day andwere very interesting with each chairman highlighting just a few top programs. CourtBellefleur was highlighted for their work with nursing home residents.During the afternoon session, Joanne Tomassi introduced Patrick Fagan of MARRI (Marriage and Religion ResearchInstitute). He used sociological research to support his belief that the marriage relationship founded on the love of God iskey to a healthy society and successful economy. National By-Laws Chairman Emily Guilherme gave the Bylaws report. The Bylaws Committee supported the adoption of amendments 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 through 22. Except foramendments 3 and 4 all of these amendments passed although some passed with additional changes. The highlight ofthe Saturday morning business session the Montana Delegation led by State Regent Mary Smith who was dressed as acowgirl. They entered and told the story of the importance of the cowgirl in Montana and how a young girl with a baby onher back led part of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. During the skit each letter in the word ‗Montana‘ was held up and usedto express something interesting about the state. Mary Smith ended by telling everyone that she is the real deal – acowgirl! There were reports from National Habitat for Humanity. National Chaplain Father Ed Lamp reminded everyonethat younger women are the future of Catholic Daughters but not to negate the older women for they are the backbone.He also stressed that we need to be open to and embrace change and to be willing to let go of the old ways.Continued on page 5

Volume 15, Issue 1Page 5Mary Ann Kizer showed a Powerpoint presentation that she prepared for Catholic Daughters that can be used as a recruitment tool. The afternoon brought a magnificent Mass of Installation that was held at St. Cecelia‘s Cathedral. BeforeMass, Catholic Daughters entered in a beautiful procession of local and state officers according to their rank. I was soproud to be able to be part of this. Following us, were the Knights of Columbus dressed in their capes and majesticplumed caps and then the Liturgical procession which included the past national regents, the newly elected nationalboard, the clergy that were concelebrating and Archbishop Lucas, principal celebrant. Following Archbishop Lucas‘memorable homily, the newly-elected members of the NationalBoard went forward to the altar, each holding a red rose. The National Directors were the first to receive their charge of office fromFather Ed then each received her pin of office, presented her roseto the Blessed Mother, lit a white candle and signed a pledge promising to serve well. The five national officers stepped forward andFather Ed read the charge for each specific office and installedeach officer, again followed by the white candles ceremony.Joanne Tomassi asked all the Catholic Daughters gathered in thechurch to repeat the pledge of support to the National Board and itwas exhilarating to hear the voices strongly coming forth. WhenJoanne presented the National Board, the church broke intoapplause. Past National Officer Letty Calvetti, and Past NationalDirectors Maryann Grabasky, Janet Martineau, and Julia Dolanwere presented pins in recognition of their service. The batonpaten was passed from the Nebraska Convention Team to theMontana Convention Team. This was truly the close of the 54thBiennial National Convention.CONGRATULATIONS TOJUDITH BEAUREGARDNATIONAL THIRD PLACEPOETRY DIVISION IVUnexpected DeedsUnexpected dollars sent me runningto the mall,but as I shopped some seeds of doubtencircled like a wall.When I walked and looked about forsomething just for me,all the taunting mirrors showed howselfish I could be.It took a while before my dream ofsomething just for mebecame the dream for someone else,a gift that helped me seehow Jesus works to help His child,a child who has great needs,how faith is found in you and meand unexpected deeds.This trip west brought enlightenment and recommitment to themission of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Spiritualityinfused every portion of the convention. The spirit of women together facing the future and celebrating all the good that our organization accomplishes permeated the sisterhood of love thatabounded throughout the convention. In the Leadership Workshop, that I attended, Helene Shepard encouraged us to return toour courts and empowermembers for each and everyone of us has a place in ourorganization. This Convention experience reinforced inme that as Catholic Daughters we need to embracechange and be willing toadapt to the times and thecircumstances and that thisis necessary forCDA to attract and holdnew members. Elaine S. BeanI know this reportis long buteverything was soexciting . justwanted to havean overview ofwhat happened!Elaine

Page 6COMMON THREAD WOVEN THROUGHOUTNATIONAL CONVENTIONSTEWARDSHIPThe Catholic Daughters of the Americas 54th Biennial National Convention held inOmaha, Nebraska evoked different feelings within me: thought provoking, honest, sincere, faithful and trusting. This convention was well planned and executed by Immediate Past National Regent Joanne Tomassi along with the National Officers and Directors.KNOW LOVE SERVEThese three words describe best the theme of the two workshops I attended at the convention: ―Spirituality‖ and ―Membership‖. Leading the Spirituality Workshop was National Chaplain Father Edward Lamp and Olga Samaniego, National Chairman, Spiritual Enhancement.Father Lamp led the workshop by asking the question ―How can Catholic Daughtershelp make our parish a holy parish?‖ Also stating an uncomfortable fact—―Our [CDA‘s]biggest obstacle—Clergy‖. Local Courts get the ―brush-off‖ from our priests.Obviously, this was not going to be the spirituality workshop I expected!Father Lamp‘s role was helping us to look within ourselves. To understand just whatbeing spiritual means and what does the spirituality of service mean to ourselves andCDA. He uses Martha and Mary to help understandour ―lack of discipline in ourspiritual lives‖. Our lives are much like Martha ratherthan Mary. Our CDA Courts will only ―be as holy aswe are willing to be holy‖. Spirituality fosters sisterhood.Negativity will shut down our courts. We need to continue to ask ourselves, ―What is God calling us to do?‖This theme of discipleship, faith and trust, energy andlove of Christ was the foundation of this convention. Olga reviewed the importance ofhaving, in both local courts and state courts, a Circle of Love Spiritual Enhancementchair. Within our courts we must understand the spirituality of service in order for ourcourts to grow and be successful.SPIRITUALITY MEMBERS SUCCESSFUL COURTSThe two workshops, spirituality and membership, fit together perfectly and was an example of our CDA officers on the national level working together to emphasize howimportant it is to work in unity. Letty Calvetti, Second Vice National Regent and National Director Mary Ann Kizer reminded all of us that people are watching how CDA members work together as ateam—―be ourselves—we know who we are in the eyes of God‖. The importance of spirituality in our courts will helpgain new members. Women will want to be part of CDA! Jane Powers, Second State Vice Regent Pictures taken byState TreasurerElaine Bean,

Volume 15, Issue 1Page 7MULTINATIONALNOVENAFOR THEUNBORNBEGINSSEPTEMBER 29thThe multinational PRO-LIFENOVENA FOR UNBORN BABIES is scheduled for September 29th through October 7th.During these nine days, itis hoped many Masses will beoffered and many Rosaries willbe prayed for the protection ofunborn babies.A person may be a part of thispro-life novena by doing one orboth of the following:1) Have the Holy Sacrificeof the Mass offered at least onceon any of the following days: September 29th, 30th;October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th.2) Pray one Rosary on each one of the followingdays: September 29th, 30th; October 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,5th, 6th, and 7th.The intention for all Masses and Rosaries is: For theprotection of unborn human persons.The rghas registration information, a bulletin insert/poster, abulletin announcement, etc. Persons who do not haveaccess to a computer may request information by writing to: Saint Michael the Archangel Organization;P. O. Box 41257; Memphis, Tennessee 38174; U.S.A.(Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope) Patrick BenedictNATIONAL RESOLUTIONFALL 2012WHEREAS,Pope Benedict XVI's Apostolic Letter "Porta Fidei"a "Year of Faith" will begin on October 11, 2012and conclude on November 24, 2013; andWHEREAS,October 11, 2012 is the fiftieth anniversary of theopening of the Second Vatican Council; andWHEREAS,October 11, 2012 is the twentieth anniversary of theCatechism of the Catholic Church; andWHEREAS,this will be a year to experience a conversion - toturn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with Him; therefore, be itRESOLVED,that all Catholic Daughters of the Americas studyand reflect on the documents of Vatican II and thecatechism so they may deepen their knowledge ofthe faith.Adopted at the September 21, 2012 Board Meeting,Linthicum, MarylandSTATE REGENT’S MESSAGE(continued from page 1)The members who attended the National Convention havespent time with the National Officers and Directors and feelthat we can rely on them to help us move forward within our State.Remember our motto of ―Unity and Charity‖ and let others know who and what we are. CDA is a wonderful and powerfulorganization and we need to make ourselves known out in the parish communities. Remember to ask a friend to cometo a meeting and then ask them to join. Also make sure that you introduce them to others so that they will not be alone.God‘s Blessing and Peace,Linda Bergeron

PLACEPOSTAGEHERENH State RegentLinda Bergeron18 Edgewood StreetClaremont NH 03743(603) 542-6387nh cda@hotmail.comEditorElaine S. Bean44 Monica DriveNashua, NH 03062(603)566-7014escbean@comcast.netPLACE ADDRESS LABEL HEREPulseThe newsletter ofNew HampshireCatholic Daughtersof the AmericasThis Fall 2012 issuehighlights the2012 National CDA Convention!We’re on the web!http://www.freewebs.com/nhcda/NEW HAMPSHIRE COURTSCDA Mission Statement . . .The Catholic Daughters of the Americas strive to embracethe principle of faith working through love in the promotion ofjustice, equality, and the advancement of human rightsand human dignity for all.#167CONCORDCourt Margaret K Desmond#319KEENECourt Josephine#892CLAREMONTCourt Virgil Barber#1208LITTLETONCourt Bellefleur#1441NASHUACourt Bishop Molloy#1773HINSDALECourt St. Joseph# 2404PLYMOUTHCourt St. Matthew# 2602PENACOOKCourt John Paul II

nities for spiritual growth and physical, occupational and speech therapy. It also showed the work of residents at the Misericordia's Hearts & Flour Bakery, creating breakfast treats, cakes, pastries, cookies, etc. In addition the National Regent presented sister with a check in the amount of 5000 for the benefit of Misericordia.