Life - SPRING 2015 - Catholic Daughters of the Americas
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SHARE
SPRING
2015
®
Life is a pre ci os gif
Her dream is to care for the elderly, the sick,
and the handicapped as a religious sister.
With the help of Catholic Daughters like you, Cialinett can
dedicate her life to helping others.
Ready to serve. The problem?
Cialinett Colon holds an advanced degree and a heartfelt Religious institutions and seminaries rarely accept
desire to serve our Lord as a member of the Sisters of individuals burdened with outstanding educational
Christian Charity. loans. This year, nearly half of all candidates in the U.S.
will abandon their vocations for this very reason.
Sadly, thousands of vocations are in jeopardy.
Many devout, educated young people like Cialinett The good news is, Cialinett’s vocation and many
seek vocations to religious life and the priesthood each others can be saved!
year. Many are highly accomplished professionals — all Since 2003, Labouré has helped deliver over 255 worthy
are ready to answer God’s call; but something stands in young people to priestly and religious formation. Will
their way. you join us in building a bridge to miracles?
Donate today at www.LaboureSociety.org!
(Or use the mail-in form below).
Help us deliver YES! I will support educated, qualified young people seeking
new Catholic religious life through prayer and donations of:
vocations by
making a $15 $25 $50 $______ (your choice)
tax-deductible Donate at LaboureSociety.org or mail a tax-deductible donation to:
donation today! Labouré Society, 1365 Corporate Center Curve, Suite 104, Eagan, MN 55121
CD-3-2015
LaboureSociety.org BRIDGE TO MIRACLES 651.452.1160
National Regent’s Message
Dear Sisters in Catholic Daughters,
Hope all is well with you. May you have a very spiritual Holy Week and a Blessed
Easter.
The theme of this issue of Share is “Life is a Precious Gift.” From the moment of
conception till we take our last breath, life is a precious gift from God; what we do
with our life is our gift to God. What will you do with your gift? What are some of
the gifts of life God has given us? First we must look toward our families. We must
see that they are taken care of but also that we take time with them. If we have young
children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, we play with them, we work with them,
National Regent
and most of all we pray with them. We must let them know how much the gift of Shirley Seyfried
them means to us. We show our young children and grandchildren how much we
care and love them by rocking the babies, playing on the floor with the toddlers, attending school age children’s
events and especially being there when they receive their Sacraments. Our husbands, mothers and fathers, sisters
and brothers are all gifts from our loving God, and we want to show our appreciation of that gift by treating them
with love and respect. Do we have elderly parents? If so, how can we help them? Time is a precious commodity
for all of us. We sometimes get so busy that we don’t find time to share a visit with our parents and family. Give
them a call to let them know you are thinking about them.
Our friends and neighbors, and especially our CDA sisters, are all special gifts from God. We help each other
out, and share our time and talent with them. In addition, we pray for each other, especially in times of need.
When there is sickness or a death in the family, we are there for each other. In fact, we sometimes call our CDA
sisters “our powerhouse of prayer” because we know that if we need help, we can always call on them to pray for
our families and us. I am sure many of you have personally, as I have, experienced the peace of knowing that our
CDA sisters are praying for us. We must remember to thank God for these wonderful gifts He has given us.
So far I have talked about appreciating the gift of life that God has given to us in other people. What about the
gift of life our God has given to us? One of the best gifts we can give to God is to live our theme for these two years,
“Whatever you do for the least of My brethren, you do for Me.” Matthew 25:40. What are we doing “for the least
of our brethren”? Have we given to the food shelf or helped feed the hungry at a soup kitchen? Have we donated
clothing to help those who have less, or volunteered at a shelter for the homeless? What about helping build a
Habitat house to help provide a home for a family? Is there something we can do at the crisis pregnancy center?
Perhaps we can counsel a young expectant mother about God’s infinite love for her and her baby and pray that
the mother and baby will be healthy. There are many ways we can share God’s gift of life to us by helping others.
In this issue of Share, you will see how several people are showing appreciation for their gift of life from God
by sharing the talents He has given them. May God truly bless you as you share your life with others. Thank you
for sharing those gifts through CDA.
Peace and God Bless,
Shirley Seyfried
National Regent
Mission Statement AbouttheCover
Catholic Daughters of the
Americas strives to embrace
The cover picture is of the precious new gift born into
the principle of faith working
through love in the promotion
the Seyfried family while Grandma Shirley was on her
of justice, equality, and the way to the March for Life. Ella Lydia was born Janu-
advancement of human rights ary 19, 2015, and is the daughter of Shirley and Dave’s
and human dignity for all. daughter, Christina, and her husband Gerardo.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 1
SHARE
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Spring 2015
Volume 45• Number 2
National Officers 12
Adoption Stories
24
A Breath of New Life
National Regent
Shirley Seyfried
Minnesota
National Regent-Elect
13
Living with Autism
28
REGRET: Portraits
Helene Shepard of Post-Abortive
16
New York Women
First Vice National Regent
Olga Samaniego Life is Precious
Texas
Second Vice National Regent
Sherry Nilles
Iowa
National Secretary-Treasurer
29
Vickie Feist
South Dakota
National Directors 20
Leaders for Life
Madonna Manor
Cares for Retired
Catholic Daughters
Carolyn Bachmann Ruth Guidry Susan Moné
32
Texas Louisiana Arizona
Letty Calvetti Jo Hammen Margi Oller
Pennsylvania Wisconsin Ohio Keeping Alive the
Joyce Ann Fleming Janet Martineau Sheila Storey
Precious Gift of Life
Massachusetts Montana North Carolina
National Chaplain
www.catholicdaughters.org
Rev. Matthew Kuhn
Minnesota
Editorial Offices: Advertising Sales
Share Magazine Representative:
National Office Staff
Catholic Daughters of the Americas Tom Panas
Executive Director/Publisher 10 West 71st Street (212) 877-3041
Mary Impellizeri New York, NY 10023 Email:
(212) 877-3041 cdashare@aol.com
2 Share Magazine • Spring 2015
Contents
6
March for Life Speech
25
Quality of Life
Departments
1 National Regent’s Message 18 CDA in Action 41 People
4 National Chaplain’s Message 36 Focus on Youth 42 Anniversaries
8 Catholic Daughter Projects 37 News & Notes 44 Book Corner
Submission of materials for publication in Share: All articles, stories and items must be submitted electronically via email to Tom Panas at the following email
address: cdashare@aol.com. They should be submitted in a Word document attached to your email or within the body of your email. Photos must be sent in
JPEG format as attachments to your email. Beginning with the Fall 2015 Issue NO HARD COPY PHOTOS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Be sure to identify individuals
in photo, “from left to right.” Deadlines for final emailing of materials for publication are: Spring Issue—January 15; Summer Issue—April 15; Fall Issue—July
15; Winter Issue—October 15. Due to limited space all material appearing in Share is evaluated for interest to readers, theme in keeping with the purpose of
Share, educational, informational, and religious value to readers and date received. The publishers are not responsible for factual errors from information
submitted by authors and readers.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas has 70,000 members in 1250 courts in the United States, Mexico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 3
National Chaplain’s Message
Dear Sisters in Christ,
Every life is a gift from God. Have you opened yours?
In one of my favorite movies, Joe Versus the Volcano, an eager young woman
tells Joe Banks that most people live as if asleep. In her words: “Only a few people
are awake, and they live in a state of constant, total amazement.” I have always
liked this quote because I think it captures the beauty of what faith does to our
lives. When we acknowledge God’s role in our lives, we wake up! We see the world
through the eyes of faith. Suddenly everything is a miracle. Everything becomes
meaningful because everything is a gift from God. Life is an opportunity for
constant, total amazement at how much God loves us.
Saint John says this better in his First Letter: “See what love the Father has Father Matthew Kuhn
bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” God
wants us to acknowledge our relationship to Him and to live in a manner that is consistent with our identity as
children of God. Every created thing exists because God thought the world would be better with that thing in it,
even you--especially you! The world is better because you are in it. God created you for a beautiful purpose, and
you make the world better just by being alive!
So now, child of God, what will you do with the beautiful gift of life that your loving Father has bestowed upon
you? How will you honor the Giver?
One of my favorite ways of thanking God is to make a list of my blessings. I mean a real, physical list. Name and
list every person, event, or thing that has been a source of joy in your life, even just for a moment:
Thank you God for my father.
Thank you God for my father’s sense of discipline which has helped me to grow in virtue.
Thank you God for the guy who let me merge into traffic on my morning commute today.
Thank you God for my favorite yellow sweater; it reminds me of the sunshine.
Ooh! Thank you God for the sunshine!
Whatever and however God has gifted your life, thank God for that.
Then, if you are tempted to gossip, you have a whole list of better things to talk about. Just bring up one of your
small gifts, or ask a friend about his or her gifts, or thank that friend for being a gift in your life. If you have a bad
day, go back and review your list. If you are having a good day, add to the list. God has blessed you richly; all you
have to do is open your eyes and be amazed.
Near the end of Joe Versus the Volcano, Joe Banks finds himself adrift and utterly helpless. Feverish and alone,
he looks up as the moon rises and bathes his little raft in light. Struck by the awesome beauty of the moment, Joe
cries out to the heavens: “Dear God, whose name I do not know, thank you for my life. I forgot how big... thank
you. Thank you for my life.”
My dear sisters, may you always live fully awake to the precious gift of life. May you live in a state of constant,
total amazement. And may God continue to bless you richly and bless others through your unity and charity.
Peace in Christ,
Father Matthew Kuhn
National Chaplain
4 Share Magazine • Spring 2015
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P.O. Box 1339, Ft. Collins, CO 80522 1 (800) 651-1531
Shanley Catholic High School is located in Fargo, North Dakota. Because of the outstanding
Pro-Life program at Shanley, they were asked to carry the lead banner in the March for
Life in Washington, DC. The grandson of Shirley Seyfried, National Regent, and the nieces
and nephew of Vickie Feist, National Secretary-Treasurer, attend Shanley and are active in
the Pro-Life organization there. Julia Johnson, a senior at Shanley and also very active in
the Pro-Life Program was the representative from Shanley High School who was chosen to
speak at the National Mall before the March for Life. Having previously met and spoken
with Julia, the Catholic Daughters were extremely proud of the wonderful speech she
Julia Johnson
delivered on the Mall in Washington just prior to the March. (There is an hour of Pro-Life
speeches on the Mall prior to the beginning of the March). Below is the text of Julia’s speech. —Shirley Seyfried
March for Life Speech
by Julia Johnson
T hank you. As was mentioned my name is Julia Johnson, and I am a senior at
Shanley High School in Fargo, ND. As a school we are humbled and honored to
have been selected to carry the lead banner in this year’s March for Life.
To the youth of America, it
is our responsibility to end the
scourge of abortion. At Shanley
High School, we are trying to do
just that. We have had an active
pro-life group for many years
and in being named to carry the
lead banner, we decided to bring
our entire high school this year.
Including students, teachers, and
chaperones, we packed 400 pro-
Shanley High School Students holding the banner leading the March.
life warriors into eight buses. We
have traveled for 24 hours to come
to DC to be a witness for Life in
our Nation’s capital. We are the
Pro-Life Generation!
To my fellow youth, our cause
in defending life is a noble one.
It is noble because we are living
in a modern-day Holocaust, a
Holocaust that on average takes
the lives of more than 3,000 babies
each day, which amounts to over
one million babies a year. The silent
6 Share Magazine • Spring 2015
horror of abortion has embedded itself into society
and has targeted the most vulnerable and precious of
us all. But, we will not remain idle. We cannot! It is our
job to protect our brothers and sisters in the womb and
their right to life. It is our obligation to “speak up for
those who cannot speak for themselves;” (Pr. 31:8) for
one’s value is not determined by size, or age.
As I look out I see hundreds of thousands of people
willing to stand up for what is right and true and
virtuous. Our generation has stared through the smoke
screen of lies and deceit, and we have seen the truth! We
know that human life is present in the womb, and we are
willing to fight for it. We refuse to stand by and watch
the lives of innocent children be discarded as nothing
more than “medical waste.” This is why we March:
we march to stop an injustice that has taken the lives
of a third of our generation. This pro-life revolution
was not born out of hate for our neighbors, but out of
love for them. And as we walk today I look forward to
experiencing the joy that comes from being a part of an
event that is bigger than ourselves. I am privileged to Catholic Daughters gather to continue the annual tradition of
attending the Vigil Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the
march with each one of you, and that together we will Immaculate Conception on the eve of the March for Life. In the front
achieve victory for mothers and their babies, for our pew, left to right, are National Regent-Elect Helene Shepard, National
country, and for our God. God bless you. Regent Shirley Seyfried and Shirley’s husband Dave.
The Catholic Daughters who marched together in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., January 22, 2015.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 7
Catholic Daughter Projects
Speaking at the 55th Biennial National Convention last year, National Regent Shirley Seyfried asked that each court commit to one
new activity or project each year. “Start a new project and let me hear about it,” Shirley said. “I would like to feature some projects
in SHARE Magazine, in the Quarterly and on the Website.” This is SHARE’s New Projects section where some of your projects will
be featured in each issue.
Sponsor a child
Court Du Quoin #795, Du Quoin, Illinois
One of the main projects of CDA court #795 in Du
Quoin, Illinois is the sponsorship of a young boy from
Kenya from Project Nairobi, through the UNBOUND
organization. UNBOUND works side-by-side with
people living in poverty in 21 countries around the
world. Our parish priest and CDA chaplain, Father
Joseph Oganda, was born and raised in Nairobi,
Kenya, which is another reason we selected a
youth from this specific country. Several individual
members of our court have also elected sponsorship
of children, youth/students and/or the elderly in
Shoperoo and Missions other countries.
Court St. Petronille Parish #1096, Glen Ellyn, Illinois Our second major project that we have planned
Court St. Petronille Parish #1096 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, added Shoperoo is to support a program our parish and diocese
as a new charity for this year. My Circle of Love chairman, Gertrude refer to as “Bibles for Life,” which funds the
MacPhail, started it. Shoperoo is a free app for your smart phone that purchase, translation and distribution of bibles to
turns pictures of your shopping receipts into cash donations for your underdeveloped countries throughout the world.
designated school. The school receives $1 for every $500 of grocery Again, several individual members of our court are
receipts. Gertrude gathers all of our shopping receipts and records personally supporting this missionary work through
them in her smart phone. These are raising money for our parochial voluntary donations. The cost of an individual bible is
school. greatly reduced when purchased in larger quantities,
At this coming March meeting, I will present a program at our which results in more bibles being donated.
regular CDA meeting featuring Mary Miller, our Youth Minister In recognition of our national CDA theme
from St. Petronille, and Karen O'Brien, our parish Christian Service “Whatever you do for the least of My brethren,
Minister. They will be presenting a film on their Mission trip to the De you do for Me” —Matthew 25:40, we are extremely
LaSalle Blackfeet School on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning proud and honored, as both CDA members and
Montana. This reservation is home to twelve thousand Blackfeet individuals, to support both this projects.
Indians who live in poverty and suffer many attendant problems such
as unemployment, high rates of alcoholism and family dysfunction. Brenda Sims, Regent
The average family income is $12,000 per year. Some years ago,
the De LaSalle Christian Brothers were asked to start an elementary
school to educate children and give them hope for a brighter future.
We understand that this school can use help with books and other
materials for the children who attend. After the presentation to our
membership, we hope to ask our group members if they would vote
to add this to our list of charities this year. If our membership votes
positively, we will then have our two new charities for this year as you
hope each of our courts would do.
Mary Ann Jung, Regent
8 Share Magazine • Spring 2015Catholic Daughter Projects
Quiet Bags
Court St Rita #409, Perham, Minnesota
Court St Rita’s project is “Quiet Bags” for little children. Our Court Treasurer
Rosie Altstadt’s son Dewey crafted four stands with pegs to hang bags
on. The stands were embellished with a cross to better suit the church
environment. Our bags were imprinted with the Catholic Daughter emblem
so everyone using the bags can see that CDA is sponsoring the Quiet Bags.
The bags are supplied with religious children’s books, color crayons and a
weekly children’s bulletin. Families with young children are encouraged to
use these bags during Mass if they would like, returning them to the stands at
the end of Mass. The children’s weekly bulletin is for the child to take home.
The bags are then updated by the Catholic Daughters for the next week.
Pictured in the photo are Father Matt Kuhn, our Parish Priest and National
Chaplain, Project Chairmen Janel Altstadt and Regent Dianne Rohde-Szarke.
Florence “Fuzz” Hammers
Gifts for the Pregnancy Center
Court Mother Frances Cabrini #1415, Lebanon, Oregon
Court Mother Frances Cabrini #1415 chose our local Pregnancy
Center as our new project of the new year. We began by holding
our November meeting at the center. With about 15 members
attending, we were given a complete tour of the facility. It was
followed by a brief history as they had just celebrated their 25th
year. We left excited to begin and did so by using our Christmas
party to collect personal items
for the women and men clients
of the center. With over 25 Moms and Munchkins
women attending our Christmas Court Howard #1882, Ellicott City, Maryland
party, we were able to deliver In September 2014, Court Howard #1882 from Ellicott
$300.00 worth of personal City, Maryland launched a new program, Moms and
items with gift bags and wrap Munchkins. The purpose of the program is to provide
to the center. They were thrilled. stay-at-home moms with an opportunity for a morning
Our next step was to host a out, to meet with other moms while their children are
baby shower in our parish with supervised in a Catholic setting. Members of Court
setting up a crib near the altar. We began on the Sunday of the Howard developed and led the program. The program
Feast of the Holy Family and it lasted a month, with our parish provides liturgy sessions, prayer, song and arts & crafts
members filling the crib to overflowing. We delivered a pickup activities for the children. The purpose is to bring the
truck loaded with almost 400 items and the crib to the center. moms closer to the love of Jesus along with their
We will continue with delivering $5.00 Dutch Brothers gift cards children. The sessions are on the third Friday of the
to the women on Mother’s Day and $5.00 gift cards to the men on month. Participants have expressed appreciation for
Father’s Day. We will also continue by walking as a court in PAC’s the program and the Court members involved are very
annual Walk For Life in May, one of their major fundraisers. pleased with the events to date.
Chris Williamson, Regent Mary F. Messina, Regent
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 9Catholic Daughter Projects
Neck Pillows for
Hospice Patients
Court Ludington #745,
Ludington, Michigan
We were approached by the father of one
of our members who is active in Hospice
of Ludington requesting assistance with
sewing neck pillows for their patients. I
made a few phone calls to members whom
I knew were sewers. I soon had a group
of able women to help with this project.
Hospice provided us with a pattern and
Spiritual Adoption Project
some material and appropriate stuffing.
We started this project the second week
Court St. Veronica #1273, Hardwick, Vermont
in December, which is busy for everyone, Baby Shower for Care Net
but we were able to complete enough For nine months, Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Veronica #1273,
pillows to take them through spring. One Hardwick, Vermont, prayed for an unborn baby in danger of abortion. The Court
of our members enlisted the help of her “named” the baby Veronica in their prayers. To culminate the nine months, the
granddaughter who had a new sewing Court held a baby shower on September 28, at St. Norbert Church in Hardwick,
machine to use. for Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Vermont in Barre, Vermont. Court St.
In the picture, Susan Boes is surrounded Veronica and other Vermont court members and parishioners of Mary Queen of
by a pile of neck bone pillows. All Saints Parish donated gifts for the baby shower. Sheila Bailey, Director of the
Care Net Pregnancy Center, spoke to the group about their work and the needs of
Rosemarie DeLoof, Regent the Center to counsel women and men faced with unplanned pregnancies. They
help support pregnancies and parents with their baby boutique of maternity and
baby clothes, diapers, equipment and parenting classes.
Just as in a real baby shower, games and refreshments were part of the day,
as well as eyeing all the cute baby outfits and gifts. Ms. Bailey brought back the
baby clothes, diapers, wipes, lotions, baby wash, blankets, and more that had
filled a table and display rack to replenish their baby boutique.
In the photo, front row, left to right: Pat Lemay, Robin Gauthier, Mary Jane
Fradette, Debbie Brown, Sheila Bailey and Anne Renaud Conway. Back Row,
left to right, Emma Pudvah, Doris Voyer (regent), Beverly Shepard, Jeannette
Brochu, Jeannine Young, Helen Willey, Jocelyne Lussier and Lindsey Warren.
Doris Voyer, Regent
Pennies for the Poor
Court Pere Marquette #1058, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Court Pere Marquette #1058 would like to do what it can, but our court has many elderly members, so some projects would be
too difficult due to limited physical abilities. The ladies of our court decided for this year our project will be Pennies for the Poor,
with the contributions added up at the end of the year, and given to either the Hispanic community, Feed and Clothe My People
(a local organization in our community) or the Christ Child Society.
Jean Austad, Regent
10 Share Magazine • Spring 2015Catholic Daughter Projects
Family Christmas for Christmas
Court #1377, Iowa, Louisiana
The members of Court #1377 of Iowa, Louisiana, always exchange gifts at our Christmas
meeting. This year we decided to adopt a family of three: a father and his two grown
sons. They have hardly anything. We filled the trunks of two cars, bringing them
clothes (all new), cleaning supplies, food items and wash cloths/towels. They were so
appreciative, and so surprised. One said, “this is for all for us.” Then the church parish
gave them a food basket. This was a new project our court took on and the members
really came out supporting this project. It was a great success.
In the photo, Dora LeBlanc, left, and Bobbie LeBlanc, right, show one of the car
trunks filled with donated items.
Vickie Broussard Melanson, Regent
Ruby’s Pantry—Food Distribution Nursing Home Visits
Court St. Joan of Arc #1291 Court St. Charles #472, Lincoln, Nebraska
Marshall, Minnesota Court St. Charles #472 in Lincoln, Nebraska, adopted a new project:
Court St. Joan of Arc #1291 in Marshall, Minnesota, Visits to Nursing Homes. We appointed a chairman and co-chairman
has adopted a new project called Ruby’s Pantry. The and the court members sign up to visit when the priests lead the
program is a monthly Food Distribution program. rosary and celebrate Mass at the local nursing homes.
Members of our Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Court have actively taken part in assisting with Alice Rotter, Regent
the food distribution by stocking tables of food,
organizing lines of people for the event, and being
cashier. We will continue to assist with this program Pro-Life Project
ongoing in the spirit of “Sharing the Love of Christ Court Washington #1651, Washington, Pennsylvania
Through Food.” This food distribution program serves Through the husband of one of our members, we learned of the
the entire community and is used by many. Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Machine Purchase Program,
which they launched as a new initiative aimed at providing women
Coleen Frye, Regent considering abortion a new way of viewing the life within them.
After presenting this information to our members in September,
they unanimously voted to adopt this as our Court’s Pro-life project,
using the monies that are available in our Pro-Life Fund to help
fund the ultrasound machines. Our Pro-Life Fund comes from
loose change, as well as paper money, which is collected in our
baby bottle at each meeting throughout the year. We then invited
the State Co-Chair of the project to speak to our members at the
November meeting. He explained that our donation would be
applied to the purchase of an ultrasound machine for the “Women’s
Choice Network in Oakland, Pennsylvania.” A check in the amount
of $150 was presented at this meeting and we plan to make an
annual donation to the Knights Ultrasound Project. We are happy
to be able to assist those women who might be contemplating an
abortion to recognize the miracle of a new life within her.
Laraine A. McGinnis
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 11Adoption Stories
B oth National Regent-Elect, Helene Shepard and Past National Regent, Claudia
Bosch have adopted children. As part of our “Life is a Precious Gift” issue, we asked
them to share their stories of adoption.
Helene Shepard Each year going to the March for Life has special
Becoming birth parents is a gift from God. Sadly, meaning for me because if their mothers had chosen
not every married couple receives this gift. It was not abortion, John, Patrick, and Allen would not have
given to John and me. However, we realized that some existed, and my life would have been vastly different.
children are born from their mother and father, and Life was given to Deacon John, and we in turn were
some are born from the heart. This was the case for able to give a new life to Patrick and Allen. If I could, I
Patrick and Allen who were born from our hearts. Once would do it all over again.
we found out that we were unable to have our own
children, adoption became our goal. Claudia Bosch
We adopted 10 year old, Patrick, and When Jim and I were married, we had hoped for a
two years after we adopted Patrick, we large family. Needless to say, when we became pregnant
found out that we could now adopt a with our son, we were overjoyed. I was positive I was
four year old boy named Allen. The the most beautiful mother-to-be who ever existed, even
twenty years Patrick was with us were though I gained 45 pounds. I was so happy I was a mother,
happy ones for each of us. He brought joy and happiness that I strolled the baby all around town so everyone could
to our home. We had the opportunity to become a see I was a “Mom.” I even wore an apron at home because
family. When he was thirty, he had a heart attack while that also was a sign of motherhood (in my mind)!
watching TV. This came as a shock to all of us. We felt, As the years went by, we prayed for
however, that it was, “Better to have loved and lost than more children, but apparently God had
not to have loved at all.” (Alfred, Lord Tennyson) other plans for us. When our son was
Allen on the other hand, had many needs, and he seven, I thought about adoption. Notice
presented numerous challenges to us. It is gratifying, I said ‘I’ thought about it. Jim wasn’t
however, to know that he did not have to spend his too sure about the idea because he was
life growing up in an orphanage. He could be part of a concerned that he may not be able to love another child
family through adoption. as much as our biological son. After discussing this with
Life to us has always been considered a precious our dear priest friend, we soon realized and understood
gift. Deacon John, my husband of happy memory, was that childbirth is an act of nature and adoption is an act of
not raised by his biological mother. The only contact God. We contacted Catholic Family Services and were on
he had with her was at the time of her death. He was our way to increasing our family. Seven months later, we
informed about it, and he insisted that we attend her got “the call;” our daughter was waiting for us. Talk about
funeral. When paying our respects, he put his hand nerves! Paintbrushes and baby clothes were flying all over
on her coffin and said something very powerful, “She the place - we only had two day’s notice! I had to call my
gave me life.” It made such an impression on me that parents to come and care for our son because he had the
I could not help but think that the world has been a measles and couldn’t come with us. Talk about anxiety!
better place because she gave him life. It also made me Driving the 100 miles to meet our daughter was
think of the many brave young women who choose to worse than the labor I experienced giving birth to my
give birth to their child rather than abort and allow
that baby to be raised by a new and loving family. Continued on page 14
12 Share Magazine • Spring 2015Living with Autism
Sherry Nilles
Second Vice National Regent
R especting life in all forms is one value that is central to Catholic teaching. Family
is where values, attitudes, and acceptance are learned.
“Emily doesn’t travel well.” patterns of autism. As a result of that, more individuals
—Anna, Emily’s sister, age nine. are diagnosed and have access to resources needed.
Additionally, a widened definition of autism has also
Emily is six years old. Her day is very structured. accounted for some of the increased prevalence.
Morning starts with choosing clothing for the day. But what causes autism? A common misconception
Shoes that were lined up perfectly the evening before is that vaccines caused autism. Vaccines do NOT cause
are slipped on. autism. The study that originally caused people to
She likes Pop Tarts with her milk for breakfast. believe that vaccines caused autism was found to be
Lunch favorites are chicken strips, fries and a milk fraudulent and has been retracted from Lancet, the
shake. The dinner menu includes spaghetti sauce with journal in which the study was published. In fact, the
noodles and milk. Snack specialties are grapes, Goldfish drug Thimerosal, thought to have caused autism, was
crackers or Alphabet cereal. Sounds pretty normal for a removed from vaccines in 1992.
child of six, doesn’t it? The items listed for Emily are the There is probably not just one single answer
only foods she will consume each and every day. Other or cause for autism. As the label Autism covers a
foods are not given consideration or tried. spectrum of symptoms and behaviors, so the causes
Emily’s favorite time of day is the bus ride to her may be many and varied. One of the observed factors
school. She has her self-assigned seat on the bus. Only common in autism is the age of the parents at the time
that seat will do for the bus ride. The same route must of conception. Another is exposure to certain agents
be followed every day. Any deviations cause distress, while the fetal brain is developing. Use of certain
anxiety and a very unhappy child. Travel because of medications is also on the list. In addition, there can
its unstructured pattern is nearly be some infectious agents that can
impossible for Emily. What causes cause autism. One area being studied
this behavior? This family lives with is specific genes that cause autism,
autism. not because genes are the only
One in sixty-eight children is cause, but that they can be readily
diagnosed with autism. Why did Emily defined and understood biologically.
develop autism? Is there an autism Understanding how the brain works
epidemic? In the late 1980’s and early and the biology behind it helps to
1990’s, legislation was passed that come up with strategies to be able
provided autistic individuals with to more completely understand and
resources and access to educational intervene.
materials that would help them. Looking at the concordance rate,
Given this increased awareness, more that is the probability that more than
parents, pediatricians and educators Emily (6) and her sister Anna (9) by the one child in the same family will be
learned to recognize the behavior Christmas tree. autistic, gives a further understanding
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 13103⁄4
101⁄2
of genetics. Identical twins, fraternal twins and regular parents were very concerned. When Emily was finally
siblings were studied. The concordance rate was diagnosed, an intensive program was set up for her.
most prevalent in identical twins, yet only at a rate of At the tender age of three, Emily was immersed
77%. For fraternal twins the rate was only 31%. Genes in a daily program for autistic children. The morning
account for a lot of the risk, but not all, suggesting that was spent with a one-on-one therapist in the family
there are common exposures for fraternal twins that home. Afternoons involved a school setting with other
are not shared as commonly as siblings alone. In some autistic children. She now attends kindergarten with
individuals, autism can be genetic not because it runs in the assistance of an aide. Her speech, while not yet age
the family, but because certain individuals actually have appropriate, is understandable and logical. Medication
genetic changes or mutations that are not passed down has helped lessen the anxiety she experiences. Food
from the mother or the father, but actually start brand choices are still limited, but new foods are hesitantly
new in them. tried. Her parents continue, with normal discipline and
The current estimation is that there are 200 to 400 exposure to the outside world, to encourage continued
different genes that can cause autism. That explains the growth and the ability to function in society. She plays
broad spectrum of autism. Early diagnosis is critical quietly, mostly by herself, and loves to be tickled!
in the ability to transform and impact the growing Respect for all life from conception to natural death
developing brain. includes accepting children and members of society
Combinations of factors are being used to intervene. who have challenges. Emily’s mother commented that
Medications and drug therapy are commonly used. working and living with Emily has made her more
But beyond just drugs, educational strategies are used. compassionate and accepting of God’s plan, realizing
Autistic people are wired a bit differently. They learn that God provides strength. Advocating for all children
in different ways and absorb their surrounding in a who need assistance has made her stronger and given
different way. Although much is known, there is a long a greater understanding that God is good.
way to go and much more to learn along the way. Anna and Emily are my granddaughters.
What is Emily’s prognosis? Because her mother is a
registered nurse with experience in child development, For additional information on autism,
she recognized early warning signs. Her mom noticed please go to www.autismspeaks.org
no eye contact with mom during nursing. Speech that
normally would have occurred by age two did not. Even Sherry Nilles
though the pediatrician was at first not concerned, her
Adoption Stories (continued from page 12)
son! This beautiful gift from God was lying in a crib, beautiful gift. One needs to understand adoption is not
eyes wide open looking at her Mommy and Daddy and a birth mother’s rejection, but an unconditional love
smiling at us. I started to cry, and Jim gently picked that inspires her to put herself last and her baby first.
her up and held her. She just stared at him and smiled. My daughter is a product of two women - just two
Once my tears stopped, Jim handed her to me, and the different types of love. Today, this daughter is a mother
look I got seemed to say, “It’s okay Mommy, I’m yours.” of three children - one biological and two adopted.
Thus we became a family of four. Our birth announcement’s cover read:
There is absolutely no difference between being
biological or adopted - they are both special gifts from NOT FLESH OF MY FLESH, NOR BONE
God, and I am so lucky to be their Mother. OF MY BONE
Over the years, we had the opportunity to meet our BUT STILL MIRACULOUSLY MY OWN.
daughter’s birth family, as well as the foster parents. YOU DIDN’T GROW UNDER MY HEART,
It gave us the opportunity to thank them for this BUT IN IT.
14 Share Magazine • Spring 2015
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©2015 BGE 01-21375-001-BDUPLife is Precious
By Vickie Broussard Melanson
Past National Director and Past State Regent of Louisiana
W hy do we get distracted by everyday living? What importance do we place on
our got-to-have list? Why has our must-do list grown so large? Why do we make life
so difficult? Why do we place so much importance on the trivia of living?
This all hit me July 2012, as Hospice was called in health, and your children. If everything else was lost and
for Johnny, my husband, who had cancer and there was only they remained, your life would still be full. Pebbles
nothing else to do for him. We traveled to MD Anderson are other things that matter—like your job, your house,
in Houston for three years praying for a miracle. The your vehicle. The sand is everything else, the small stuff.
name of his cancer, which I could not even pronounce, If you had put the sand first, there would have been
illustrated how complex we make life today. no room for pebbles or rocks. The same goes for your
As we prepared to leave Houston and return home, life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small
I was scared, upset, and worried. How would I be stuff, you will never have room for the things that are
able to care for my husband around the clock? How important. Pay attention to the things that are critical to
would I be able to make him comfortable for the last your happiness. Play with your children/grandchildren,
few months of his life? I said, “I cannot do this.” As I go dancing, go to the movies, sit and read a book, visit
was forced to build up courage to face what was ahead,
God was already delivering just what I needed. My
family, along with Johnny’s, came forward to be with
us during this time. My pastor, people of our church,
friends, and neighbors surrounded us with love by
doing things for us or just being there, but the greatest
of all were the ones who prayed for and with us.
The light and love of the people we loved showed
through the everyday cluster of trivia we all put in our
lives. Love flowed giving me strength and courage to
overcome my fears and doubts. The power of love took
over. Love soothed, healed, and showed the way of
hope. Yes, LIFE IS PRECIOUS. All of us matter. Always
remember, the greatest gift you can give to others is to
share your time and talents to meet the human needs
of others. Your love and your presence can change the
world. Do not allow stuff to rule your world.
I will explain to you what is very important and what
matters. Get a jar and fill it with rocks, then pebbles, and
last sand. That jar represents your LIFE. The rocks are
the important things—your family, your spouse, your
16 Share Magazine • Spring 2015friends/relatives, please hug your family members daily, others. LIFE IS PRECIOUS. Remember God expects
and let them know you love them. the best from each of us and our fellow man depends
Mother Teresa once asked, “What can you do to on us. LIFE IS PRECIOUS.
promote world peace?” The answer was to “go home During my husband’s last few months of life, he
and love your family.” Do not miss doing important or quoted these lines of Scripture many times, “as it is these
fun things with your family/friends because you have remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. Of the three of them, the
to do housework or other things like this. You see, your greatest is LOVE.” My husband passed away in October
family/friends may not be here tomorrow, but that of 2012 after we were married four years. Both of us
housework will still be there. Take care of the rocks learned during this time that LIFE IS PRECIOUS; we
first; these are the things that really matter. Set your already knew this, but we took life for granted as most
priorities, the rest is just sand. LIFE IS PRECIOUS. of us do. We found out what was important in our
Love truly matters; make one of your purposes in life. Praying was also very important to us, we prayed
life to be able to help someone today. Even if you do together daily. So you see my friends, we may not be
not have money or you’re not healthy—you can always here tomorrow, so make the most of today, and enjoy
help someone; there is always someone worse off every minute as if it were your last to live.
than you. I witnessed this many times going back and I want to leave you with something to think
forth to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. Johnny about: What is your plan to do with your PRECIOUS
and I met a woman in an elevator all alone, and she LIFE? As Dr. Seuss said so well, sometimes you will
looked like she had received bad news so, as we were never know the value of a moment until it becomes
exiting the elevator, I asked her, “you need a hug?” So, a memory. LIFE IS PRECIOUS. May God bless each
I hugged her, and she thanked me and cried saying she one of you and please enjoy each minute of your life,
needed that. See it does not take much to show love to because LIFE IS SO PRECIOUS.
Prayer for Life
O God, our Creator, all life is in your hands from conception
until death. Help us to cherish our children and to reverence
the awesom e privilege of our share in creation.
M ay all people live and die in dignity and love.
Bless all those who defend the rights of the unborn,
the handicapped and the aged. Enlighten and
be m erciful toward those who fail to love,
and give them peace. Let freedom be tem pered
by responsibility, integrity and m orality.
— from Catholic.org
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 17CDAInAction
www.catholicdaughters.org
California Court Holds Bake Sale Louisiana Court Members
Members of Court St. Raymond #2057, Dublin, California,
Gather in Peaceful Protest in
held its semi-annual bake sale with the generous support Front of Abortion Clinic
of parishioners who purchased and enjoyed homemade
baked items prepared and donated by court members.
The bake sale accommodated people with special
dietary needs, offering sugar free and gluten free baked
goods. The rain did not dampen the spirit of parishioners
who stopped by to either purchase baked goods or make
cash donations to the court.
Court members,
standing behind
attractively packaged
baked goods, are, left Members of Court Regina Coeli #2063, Baton Rouge,
to right, Sylvia San
Louisiana, rallied in front of the Delta Clinic (an abortion
Miguel, event chair,
Nubia Walker, Nicole provider) in Baton Rouge. The walk was part of the court’s
Allen, recording participation in the 40 Days For Life Campaign, which,
secretary and Annie according to its website, is “a community-based campaign
Brozosky.
that takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local
communities the consequences of abortion in their own
neighborhoods, for their own friends and families.” Six court
members and one guest participated. In the photo, left to
right, are Gail Harris, Charlotte Mathis, Mary Decuir (guest), Liz
Bennett, Joyce Eiserloh, Carolyn Bonfanti and Anita Harper.
New York Court Collects
Texas Court Helps Catholic Supplies for Schoolchildren
School Build Gymnasium
Court Our Lady of the Gulf #2267, Port Lavaca, Texas,
donated $10,000 to Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic School to
help complete the school’s new gymnasium. In the photo, left
to right, are Principal Theresa Dent, Margaret Rosales, Regent
Margaret Hilscher, Treasurer Margaret Yanta, Pastor Rev.
Tommy Chen, Vice Regent Georgia Mikosh, Nancy Thompson,
Recording Secretary Vonnie Greenly, Patty Weaver and Rose
Marie Knobles.
Members of Court St. Ann #866, Piermont, New York,
pack school supplies they collected for the People
to People “To School With Dignity Drive,” a program
dedicated to bringing confidence and dignity to needy
children. Standing, left to right, are Edna Blose, May
Pang, Therese O’Dowd, Janet Zahn, Bridget Rogan,
Barbara Volpe and Anne Marie Flynn. Seated, left to
right, Robin Miller and Maryann Beckerich.
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Catholic Daughters
the Reservation of the Americas
Application today! ©2014 The Bradford Exchange 01-19767-001-BI Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance. 19Leaders for Life
Helene Shepard
National Regent-Elect, National Leadership Chairman
B ecause of our past wonderful leaders, we have made a smooth transition
into the 21st century. We are proud and blessed to have many leaders who are able
to continue to serve our organization after their terms as National Regent are
completed. As a tribute to them, and also as a sign of gratitude, we are featuring
them in the following article.
Presently, there are seven living Past National experience for me to visit the membership and to see
Regents who have impacted the lives of all Catholic them in all phases of our programs.”
Daughters. They have reached the pinnacle of M. Joan McKenna served as National Regent
leadership in their terms as Local, State, and National from 2004-2006.
Officers, and, ultimately, as National Regents. They “Since my involvement with JCDA beginning in
were each asked to respond to four questions, and as 1948, I have honed my leadership and mentoring
you read, you will see that their service did not end skills and strengthened my spirituality.”
when their terms ended. They are Leaders for Life, Claudia R. Bosch served as National Regent
and they are all active members in their local courts from 2006-2008.
and have continued to serve in various capacities. “The road I’ve traveled as a Catholic Daughter laid
the foundation for my being today. The opportunities
How did your term as national Regent impact your extended to me provided an inner strength I wasn’t
life in a personal way? aware existed. I discovered becoming involved in
spiritual and charitable works with CDA provided me
Rayola McLaughlin served four years as with wonderful avenues I had not had the strength or
National Regent from 1986 -1990. courage to encounter.”
“It was invigorating to be alive and active, living Libby Ramirez served as National Regent from
and leading the Catholic Daughters in this Century. 2008 - 2010.
It truly made me much more aware of the many “My life was impacted when I was elected
challenges confronting us on a daily basis. It also National Regent-Elect and especially when the road
gave me a more reverent and respectful regard for the to National Regent began. I had the opportunity to
mystery of the Church.” meet so many people and members of the Catholic
Grace Di Cairano served as National Regent Daughters that I would not have had an opportunity
from 2002 - 2004. to meet. It gave me the assurance to finally realize
“I was proud and blessed to represent and lead that I could do anything God had in store for me.”
the members of our great organization of Catholic Joanne Tomassi, Past National Regent served
women. It was a distinct honor and a profound 2010 - 2012
20 Share Magazine • Spring 2015“Serving as National Regent was
an amazing experience. The work
seemed endless and very fulfilling.
Ultimately, my term gave me the
opportunity for a career change. It
opened doors for me to go to work
for my parish in a position that is
service centered rather than profit
focused.”
Anne Nelson served as National
Regent from 2012 - 2014
“Meeting some of the greatest
Catholic women in this organization
had a profound impact on my life. I
always stand taller knowing there
are women of great faith, vision and
energy carrying the CDA mission to
their parishes, communities, states
and world. I will treasure their
friendship.”
What projects or programs did you
pioneer during your term? Of what
are you most proud?
All of the accomplishments of
these women are too numerous to
include in this one article. However,
I do want to highlight one or two
from each of their terms. Past National Regents and the years they served. Back row, left to right, Claudia Bosch,
2006-08, M. Joan McKenna, 2004-06, Grace DiCairano, 2002-04. Middle row, left to right,
Rayola’s project was the Joanne Tomassi, 2010-12, Libby Ramirez, 2008-10. Front row: Anne Nelson, 2012-14. Missing
“Relocation Building Fund from picture: Rayola McLaughlin, 1986-90.
Project.” CDA made a pledge of
$500,000 to USCCB. The altar in the chapel of the of CDA, in New York and in Washington DC. The
bishops’ headquarters in Washington, D.C., was highlight in this term was the trip to Rome and the
designated as a gift from the Catholic Daughters. presentation of the Spiritual Bouquet presented to
Additionally, seed money in the amount of $20,000 the Holy Father for his anniversary and for the 100th
was given to SOAR 28 years ago, and we continue to anniversary of CDA.
support this as a National Project. The highlight of M. Joan fostered a monthly newsletter keeping
her term was the presentation of Development 88-90. Past National Regents abreast of pertinent
The plan was to get 10,000 new members. They organizational and personal information. It was also
exceeded their goal by 100% to 20,000, and 42 new sent to all Past National Chaplains. The National
courts were instituted. Directors Club was organized, which has provided
Grace’s major project was the publication of the past national directors an opportunity to grow closer
History Book – A Century in Review in concert and stay in constant contact with each other.
with the authors and Mercury Publication Company. Claudia stated that she followed in the footsteps of
There were two celebrations of the 100th Anniversary National Regents before her. “I do not wish to specify any
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas 21You can also read
