54th Biennial National Convention Daily Recap, Thursday, July 19, 2012
Catholic Daughters of the Americas 54th Biennial National Convention
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Content provided by Tom Panas, Public Relations Director
The day started with a Eucharistic Liturgy in memory of those who have died since the last convention. It began with a beautiful procession of clergy in white. National Regent Joanne Tomassi said “we come to you with broken hearts and with spirits that need healing. You are the God of mercy and compassion.” Father Donald Ruppert suggested that we honor those who have died by “praying for them, remembering them and emulating their service.”
Past National Regent Libby Ramirez, whose husband Alfred passed away several years ago, asked that all deceased husbands of Catholic Daughters be remembered, mentioning Jim Bosch, husband of Past National Regent Claudia Bosch, Tom Grogan, husband of Past National Director Betty Grogan and Jerry Koeijmans, husband of Parliamentarian Cecina Koeijmans. “They were true husbands and companions of a lifetime,” Libby said. “We thank You for the gift they were to us and the example they were to our children.”
Prayers were asked for deceased family members, past Catholic Daughter chaplains and many others, interspersed with the choral refrain “we remember, we celebrate, we believe.”
After a 10-minute break, Joanne opened the meeting and Father Ramone Vayez led the group in a prayer composed by his bishop. Joanne asked those nominated for the nominating committee to come forward and they were met with applause as they stood on the dais.
Joanne introduced this year’s winner of the Catholic Woman of the Year award, Sister Rosemary Connelly of Misericordia. Joanne explained that the award was engraved with the CDA logo and the words, “Catholic Woman of the Year 2012, Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM, for bringing the light of Christ to others.” A check in the amount of $5000 was also presented to Sister for the benefit of Misericordia.
After a video about Misericordia was shown, Sister Rosemary approached the dais to a standing ovation. She spoke of her work with Misericordia and thanked the Catholic Daughters for the award and monetary gift.
The chair asked past national regents to share a message and introduced Past National Regent Libby Ramirez to share a personal message and to read Past National Regent Claudia Bosch’s message. Libby said that without the responsibilities of National Regent she has time to spend with her grandson Raymond, Eucharistic Ministry and quilting. “I’m so proud,” Libby said, “to be a Catholic Daughter and see our organization led by an exceptional group of women.”
Libby read the message from Claudia Bosch. “My best friend and greatest love was called home to God on January 4th. Jim loved going to national convention so he could see his ‘CDA girls.’ He may not be here in person but he is here in spirit.” When Libby finished speaking for herself and Claudia, the gathering gave a standing ovation.
Newsletter Chairman and National Director Jan Martineau announced the winners of the newsletter contest and National Education Chairman and National Director Sherry Nilles said she received 461 entries for education awards from all over the United States and announced the winners. Sherry also announced the winners of the Father Leonard Bachman Graduate Scholarships.
Dr. Christina Armanderez requested the privilege of the floor and said “I want to thank the Catholic Daughters for the $3000 Father Leonard Bachman scholarship award which I received at the 2010 National Biennial Convention. I graduated in May and have accepted a position. Thank you so much for your assistance.”
Joanne asked the Credentials Committee to prepare the credentials report and then gave her Two Year Report, a copy of which will be made available to all. Joanne ended by saying, “As I step down from my position as National Regent it is with mixed emotions, but it will be much easier because I will turn the reins over to Anne Nelson. I thank the Lord because it is only with God that all things are possible” and received a standing ovation.
Deb Makovicka reported that the Walk/Run for Life held at 6:00AM raised $10,400. Carolyn Malik, Chairman of the Credentials Committee, gave the Credentials Report and it was accepted.
Father Bob Lacey ended the morning session with a prayer in which he spoke of the dry conditions prevalent throughout the country and asked God for his mercy and compassion “through moisture.”
Joanne Tomassi opened the afternoon session by thanking the Timekeepers, and then introduced National Secretary-Treasurer Helene Shepard who gave the correspondence report. 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. Mary also spoke of the Catholic Daughters’ registered trademark logo. Information is available in Mary’s report in the Report Book.
Joanne said this is one of the points in the program “that should make you very proud,” as she presented a check for $7,500 to the Apostleship of the Sea, represented by Rev. William Reynolds and Doreen Badeaux.
National Resolutions Chairman Mary Ann Kizer moved that Resolutions 1, 4, and 18 be adopted. Voting took place and the resolutions were adopted. A motion was made to reconsider Resolution #7 and it was adopted. These resolutions will be published shortly after the convention.
Second Vice National Regent, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Letty Calvetti then discussed the Auditor’s report.
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. Lois Nelson made a motion to increase dues to $15 per year and every CDA member make a concerted effort to ask every Catholic woman she meets to join the Catholic Daughters. The motion passed.
Joanne presented a check for $30,000 to Holy Cross Family Ministries, represented by Beth Mahoney. Beth said that Holy Cross Family Ministries is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and they distributed 1.2 million rosaries. She said that soon Father Peyton will be changed from Servant of God to Venerable. Beth received a round of applause when she said “I am going out with the Massachusetts State delegation tonight and I think you’re looking at another Catholic Daughter.”
Past National Regent Libby Ramirez made a motion to postpone the $5 dues increase until the March 2013 billing. The motion passed.
Helene Shepard explained the 1903 Society. She explained that there were different payment plans. The purpose of the 1903 Society is for the preservation of the Headquarters building on West 71st Street. “I proposed that if we could raise $100,000 per year, we could have $1 million in ten years. As of May 21st, we raised $123,000. It’s a team. Of these pledges, over $60,000 is in the bank. We can’t use this for postage or for SHARE. It’s strictly for the 1903 Society. All of your donations are tax-deductible. Each member of the National Board took out our checkbook to become a member of the 1903 Society. There is a 1903 Society Display in the Exhibit Room. This could be one of your court’s charities.”
Plaques for pledges to the 1903 Society were given to Court St. Mark #1097, Anne Nelson, Catholic Daughter, in loving memory of Anna McGinley, Arizona State Court, New Mexico State Board, Cecina Koeijmans, Court Cavanaugh in Virginia, Court Mary Immaculate #1719 in Texas, Court Mother of Unity #2292 in Texas (in memory of Sammy Hart), Court of the Cross #2374 in Texas, Court Our lady of the Rosary #2226 in Nevada, Court Queenship of Mary #1743 in New Jersey, Court Santa Cruz #1298 in New Mexico, Barb Jensen from Nebraska, Margaret Peggy Guckin from Pennsylvania, Louisiana State Court, 2011-2013, New Hampshire State Court, New York State Court, Rebecca Brown from Texas, Texas State Court, West Virginia State Court, Court Martinsburg and Puerto Rico State Court.
Helene added that Oklahoma and West Virginia had two anonymous donors and asked the donors who had been on the original plan to stand for recognition: Libby Ramirez, Jackie Smith, Rev. Michael Schommer, Claudia Bosch, Rose Patek and Carolyn Bachman.
Mary Impellizeri said that many people suggest that we sell the Headquarters Building, but in 1966 the Catholic Daughters thought about selling because it was in what was a slum area at the time, but were told by accountants and real estate brokers that it wasn’t a good idea because it’s a building that doesn’t require taxes, is close to major airports and is just the right size for Catholic Daughter purposes – and she pointed out that the staff has their meals among packages in the mail room.
The Membership Video produced by Sharon Winzler was shown.
Christina Armanderez explained that part of the music in the Membership Video was from the orchestra she conducted in obtaining her doctoral degree. Joanne presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Christina for sharing her God-given talents in music to enhance the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Joanne presented to Sharon Winzler a Certificate of Appreciation for sharing her God-given talents in videography to enhance and further the goals of the CDA. She not only produced the membership video, but has been overseeing reproductions of the video.
Joanne presented a Catholic Press Association award to Father Ed for a message he wrote in SHARE Magazine.
Father Gerald Funke, Idaho State Chaplain, ended the afternoon session with a joke and prayerful thoughts.
Glimpses of Convention Highlights
Clergy Luncheon
Gathering Before Statue of Blessed Mother
CDA Members Gather to Walk the Walk
Joanne Tomassi Gives Certificate of Appreciation to Christina Armenderez
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.
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