Catholic Daughters court celebrates 75 years of unity and charity
These members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Maria Goretti 1545, attended the 75th anniversary celebration held July 1 in Monona: front from left, Lois Goerdt, Cheryl Whalen, Pat Peck, Mary Erickson, Betty Evers, and Joyce Voss; middle row, Ellen Zwirlein, Lillia Tinderholt, Ludy Grady, Sue Bolsinger, Kay Cherne, Kathleen Keenan, Dorothy Wille, Mary Pat Voss, Jeanette Jensen, Dorie Neiers, Kris Sass, and Karen Kreiman; back row, Marguerite Clinton, Joyce Melcher, Mary Martinson, Lisa Johnson, Louise Loeffelholz, Betty Heins, Janet Happel, Lois Bries, Anna Wille, Joan Saunders, Kris Bee, and Linda Plaht. Not pictured are Barb Westhoff, Beth Sadewasser, Elaine Bries, Karen Torreyand and Diana Kirby. (Photo submitted)
By Audrey Posten
St. Maria Goretti Court 1545 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas celebrated its 75th anniversary in July.
The court was incorporated in McGregor on July 2, 1950, just days after its patron saint—an 11-year-old Italian girl noted for forgiving her attacker while on her deathbed in 1902—was canonized by the Catholic Church.
Thirty-three ladies from 10 surrounding towns were installed that day, including Bernita McGuire as the first regent, Genevieve Hohman as vice regent, Lorene Hearn as secretary, Catherine Schnilte as treasurer and Erlene Hunter as financial secretary.
One of the original charter members, 96-year-old Betty (Henry) Brunson, is living today at the Elkader Care Center and still included by the group.
By 1950, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas organization was nearly 50 years old, having been founded in Utica, N.Y., in 1903 by John E. Carberry and several other Knights of Columbus as a charitable, benevolent and patriotic society for Catholic ladies.
“It was later, in 1921, when they said, ‘It would be nice if you have your own independent organization,’” explained current regent Janet Happel.
The Knights severed ties, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas became an independent organization dedicated to the principals of “unity and charity,” and a mission which “strives to embrace the principles of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.”
Today, there are approximately 68,000 members and 1,250 courts across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Peru and even Kenya.
St. Maria Goretti Court 1545 currently has 49 members spanning churches in Guttenberg, Garnavillo, North Buena Vista, McGregor-Marquette and Monona.
One of the McGregor members, Marguerite Clinton, can’t recall when the court expanded to more of a county-wide scope, but said it’s been helpful to sustain numbers.
“It started in McGregor, but the group got to be so small. Then there was a separate group in Monona, a separate group in Guttenberg, a separate group in Garnavillo, so we consolidated,” she explained.
Similar to its inception, the current court has a regent, vice regent, recording secretary, financial secretary and treasurer, as well as chairpersons who uphold the “circle of love.” This symbol includes the tenets of spiritual enhancement, quality of life, charity, leadership, family and legislation.
“We work on different projects to fill that out,” said Happel.
Father Martin Coolidge from the Trinity Cluster serves as chaplain.
According to Happel, the group meets the first Tuesday of each month, except in January, rotating between Guttenberg and Monona. That month’s hostesses provide a luncheon, and the group begins with a rosary, sharing intentions for those within the organizations. A “Prayer Partners” initiative bestows prayers on one person whose name is drawn each month.
Chair people and other members also provide updates on the group’s church and community work.
St. Maria Goretti Court 1545 stays busy throughout the year. Members serve meals for CCD classes and collect funds to provide dinner, gas and gifts for families in need at Christmas time.
“They go through our resource center [to participate]. It’s all anonymous,” Happel said. “We take care of them.”
This year, member Kathleen Keenan is proposing an idea to make “Birthday Bags.” Working with the Clayton County Food Shelf or Family Resource Center, the group will put together bags containing cake mix, frosting, candles, plates, napkins and other goods so families have all the fixings to celebrate birthdays.
Additionally, the Catholic Daughters attend services for members who have passed away, and if the family wishes, lead the rosary.
“We also have a beautiful plaque that fits in the coffin and says they’re a Catholic Daughter of the Americas. They’re recognized at the funeral,” Happel said.
“And we escort the coffin out,” added Lois Bries. “After you pass away, you get three masses said in your honor, and then you get a mass said at the state convention or the national convention. They pray for all deceased members of the Catholic Daughters.”
In October, Bries said there is a special Catholic Daughters mass.
“We do the readings, play the music, distribute communion, take up the collection. Everything is done by the Catholic Daughters,” she shared.
Each April, the Catholic Daughters spearhead “Lifesaver Month.” According to Clinton, money is collected for domestic violence awareness and members pass out Lifesaver candies. Funds collected are split between the archdiocese and the Family Resource Center.
As regent, Happel hopes to continue growing the local court—both in outreach and in members.
“We’re going to have more projects this next year and we’re going to work on getting new members,” she said.
Bries said women of all ages are welcome. For younger women with families and careers, there’s no expectation to attend all the meetings.
“Just join,” she encouraged. “I like it because you are with like-minded women. I’m with women who are my sisters.”
Happel agreed.
“We all have the same motto and principles. It’s a stronger feeling of faith and love for our neighbor,” she reflected.
If you have questions or would like to join, contact Happel at (319) 530-9121.
