Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Mission Statement:[1]
The purposes of the organization are 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.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas were originally founded by members of the Utica, New York branch of the Knights of Columbus and intended to operate as the organizations female auxiliary.
Originally, the National Order of the Daughters of Isabella, the organization was very active during World War I, volunteering as nurses and clerks, hosting parties for servicemen, conducting sewing and knitting classes for the Red Cross, donating clothing for the needy and working with the blind. In 1921 the name was changed to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and in 1925 the Knights of Columbus severed ties with the organization.
The CDA bought their first national headquarters from the Knights of Columbus, Utica Council #185 in Utica, New York. In 1926 the headquarters was moved to its current location in New York City.[5][6]
The CDA's local groups are called "Courts". The Order is open to any Catholic woman over 18.[9]
St. Joseph
The installation of the St. Joseph Court St. Catharine Laboure' #2701 took place at a Mass on Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 6:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in French Settlement. A reception, hosted by Court St. Theresa of Avila #1955 in Gonzales, followed in Fr. Kinkead Hall to celebrate the installation of the charter membership.
Meetings: First Thursday of the Month
Anyone interested in joining the Court St. Catharine Laboure' is asked to contact Dawn Fortenberry, Second Vice State Regent at 225-324-8610 or [email protected].
St. Stephen the Martyr
The St. Stephen the Martyr Court St. Louise de Marillac #2703 meets at 6:30pm on the third Wednesday of the month.
2016 Louisiana Right to Life March