Catholic Daughters of the Americas 54^th Biennial National Convention

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Content provided by Tom Panas, Public Relations Director

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Have a great attitude and a smile. Be open minded, but most of all, have fun.”
This was the statement on the screen in the background of National Director Emily Guilherme’s morning workshop for First Time Attendees, but it is also an attitude that will ensure a successful convention for everyone attending. The other five workshops also had words of wisdom, including National Secretary-Treasurer Helene Shepard telling the Leadership Workshop to “go back and empower your members and tell them they have a place in our organization.”

At 1:00PM a beautiful procession of the National Board and clergy in white entered the banquet hall for the Adoration and Benediction. Among the readings Past National Regent Claudia Bosch said, “In small things as in great ones, the key is love” and Past National Regent M. Joan McKenna said, “Help us not to give advice but to share the truth based on your word.” National Chaplain Father Ed Lamp said, “We have begun our national convention by imploring the gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Interspersed were the beautiful sounds of the chorus and pianist Rick Jacobi.

At 2:30PM National Executive Director Peggy O’Brien welcomed the National Board and each national board member entered the banquet hall meeting room holding a white umbrella. National Regent Joanne Tomassi then said, “The 54th biennial national convention of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas will please come to order.” The posting of the colors followed with the music of “Glory, Glory, Alleluia” in the background. Next the gathering recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Joanne asked Father Jim Sichko to lead the singing of the National Anthem.

Joanne complimented the color guard and banner bearer and guides and introduced Nebraska State Chaplain Father Paul Vasquez who opened with a prayer. Father Ed addressed the gathering and said the clergy was available for the sacrament of reconciliation. Nebraska State Regent Ruth Krumbach then welcomed everyone and Convention Chairman and First Vice National Regent Shirley Seyfried thanked Nebraska “for your hard work and the wonderful job you have done.” Joanne thanked professional videographer Sharon Winzler who volunteered to provide video for the Catholic Daughters and Terrie Vazek who volunteered to take pictures for the website and for SHARE Magazine.

Keynote Speaker Father Jim Sichko gave an inspiring speech, ending in a resounding standing ovation.
Parliamentarian Cecina Koeijmans gave a briefing on parliamentarian rules for delegates. After a 10-minute break, Shirley Seyfried reviewed the items in everyone’s convention packet. Credentials Committee Chairman Carolyn Malik gave the Credentials Committee report. The Standing Rules of the Convention were presented by Standing Rules Chairman Linda Bergeron and adopted as amended. National Secretary-Treasurer Helene Shepard presented the convention program which was adopted as amended. Joanne then presented a certificate of appreciation to Teresa Duran “for sharing your God-given talents in graphic design to further enhance the goals of the CDA.”

After Nominating Committee Chairman Penny Martin gave the Nominating Committee report, the following National Officers chosen by the nominating committee were elected: Anne Nelson, National Regent (automatically, as National Regent Elect); Shirley Seyfried, National Regent Elect; Olga Samaniego, Second Vice National Regent; Sherry Nilles, National Secretary-Treasurer.

The nominating committee had nominated Helene Shepard as First Vice National Regent; Second Vice National Regent Letty Calvetti was nominated from the floor. Letty and Helene each gave a two-minute presentation. There will be an election on Thursday for the position of First Vice National Regent.

The Nominating Committee nominated Emily Guilherme, California, Arline Rich, Connecticut, and Sheila Storey, North Carolina for the position of National Director. Nominated from the floor for the position of National Director were Vicki Feist, South Dakota, Constance Pagan, Massachusetts, Mary Ann Kizer, Arkansas, Margi Oller, Ohio, Joyce Ann Fleming, Massachusetts, Ruth Guidry, Louisiana and Margaret Bingham, Vermont. Then, each of the National Director nominees gave a two-minute speech.

Helene Shepard took the roll call for nominees for the Nominating Committee: Connie Boutwell, Arkansas, Melody Ciarazino, California, Helen Arndorfer, Iowa, Judy Shooter, Massachusetts, Lois Nelson, Minnesota, Deb Makovicka, Nebraska, Miriam Cicalo, New Jersey, Patricia Gavin, New York, Bonnie Fox, North Carolina, Diana Boldman, Ohio, Kay Gilette, Oregon, Peggy Guckin, Pennsylvania, Eve Trevino, Texas, Judith Smith, Vermont, Christy Hall, Washington and Joan Hammen, Wisconsin.

Father Frank Bassa ended the session with prayer.
Throughout, the unsung heroes at the registration booth continued to handle registration. Among the dedicated Nebraska volunteers were Cheryl Todd from Court Our Lady of Loretto #709 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and Kim Medun from Court Our Lady of Peace #1956 in Wahoo, Nebraska, who volunteered because “The Nebraska State Court needed help and that’s what Catholic Daughters do.”

Glimpses of Convention Highlights

Waiting to board the bus for Tuesday morning tours are, left to right, Jan D’Urso, Amelia Holt Grand, Dellana D’Urso and Alice Avery. Jan and her daughter Dellana are members of Court Our Lady of Perpetual Help #2206 in Yorktown, Virginia. Amelia is Jan’s granddaughter and Delano’s daughter and is their guest at the Convention. They were taking the Holy Family tour. Alice is from Court Compton #942 in Compton, California. Alice was taking the tour to Boys Town.

Laraine McGinnis, left, from Pennsylvania, tries on a Catholic Daughter shirt in the Exhibit Room, while New York’s Teresa Duran, right, looks on.

In the Exhibit Room, members of the Nebraska State Team selling votive candles are, from left to right, Eileen Johnson, Eileen Holzerland and Renee Brown, all from Court Queen of Angels #2253 in Fremont, Nebraska.

Members of the National Board process into the room for the start of the business meeting and the official beginning of the Convention on Wednesday afternoon.

Photos may be downloaded by left clicking on the photo to enlarge it. Then, right clicking on the enlarged photo and selecting save image. Photos by Terry Vacek.

Convention Update, Saturday, 7/21

Convention Update, Friday, 7/20

Convention Update, Thursday, 7/19

Convention Update, Wednesday, 7/18