First Military Campus Court Formed at U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland

On February 11 the Catholic Daughters instituted its first Military Campus Court -- Court Our Lady of Lourdes #2643 -- at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

At an institution mass celebrated by Most Reverend Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, thirty-one midshipmen of the US Naval Academy became members and officers of the 15th Catholic Daughters of the Americas campus court and first military campus court.

As many of you know, campus courts are Catholic Daughter organizations at colleges and universities that provide Catholic women who are pursuing a higher education with an opportunity to meet, share friendship, discuss their faith and worship together under the guidance and protection of the leaders and members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

National Regent Joanne Tomassi adds, “Women pursuing a higher education in today’s world face a complex and demanding environment that often challenges their faith. The rigorous journey of preparing for military service can make it even tougher. For that reason, we are proud to provide the young midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis with the campus court environment that encourages like-minded Catholic women to discuss issues and air concerns with one another while worshiping together and nurturing their faith.”

The first regent of the new court is Kristin Thomas, from Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Kristin, a second class midshipman (equivalent to “junior”), is studying astronautical engineering and would like to serve in Marine Corps Ground activity.

“I am excited to serve my country upon graduation,” Kristin said. “My life at the Naval Academy has been a challenging, exciting time. I feel very blessed with all of the opportunities and experiences I have had here. I’m proud and excited to lead this new campus court, the first at the Academy and the first Catholic Daughters of the Americas military campus court.”

National Campus Courts Chairman and National Regent-Elect Anne B. Nelson, who worked tirelessly to make the campus court become a reality at Annapolis, said, “We believed the Catholic women midshipmen at the Naval Academy would be interested in having a campus court of their own in part because the Knights of Columbus has a strong presence at the Academy among male midshipmen. The Catholic Daughters have always worked well with the Knights since the Catholic Daughters were founded over 100 years ago.

Most Reverend Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, celebrates Mass for the institution of the new campus court in the Brigade of Midshipman Chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

While her accompanist is at the organ, first-time cantor Jay Layug “reflects” for a moment as she prepares to lead the gathering in song during Mass. Joy sang beautifully, prompting Maryland First Vice State Regent Nina Lindsey to say Joy “had the voice of an angel.”

Maryland State Officers were proud of the new campus court in their state and took part in the ceremony. From left to right, Maryland State Treasurer Delease Ryce, Maryland First Vice State Regent Nina Lindsey and Maryland Second Vice State Regent Rita Siarkowsky.

Three midshipmen, soon to become Catholic Daughters, assist at Mass.

National Regent Joanne Tomassi, left, stands in the Sanctuary before Mass begins with KristinThomas, new Regent of Court Our Lady of Lourdes #2643.

Three proud midshipmen await the mass and ceremony during which they will become Catholic Daughters.

Following Mass and the institution ceremony, three midshipmen show their joy at becoming Catholic Daughters: from left to right, Jacqueline Blackburn, Kelsey Ragdsale and Jackqueline Penichet.

Midshipmen who are members of the Knights of Columbus attended the ceremony to show their support for their sisters in the new campus court. Among the young Knights present were left, Matt Hoel, Jr. and Steve Billmaier.

After Mass, Archbishop Broglio, fellow Mass celebrants, national and Maryland state officers and the 31 new members of Campus Court Our Lady of Lourdes stand in front of the altar.

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