CDA court installed at Briar Cliff

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
May 10, 2007

Catholic Daughters of the Americas installed a new court at Briar Cliff University on May 2 in Our Lady of Grace Chapel.

The new court, Our Lady of Grace #2591, is made up of 26 women.

The Knights of Columbus presented an honor guard for the women as they processed into the church.

Father Paul-Louis Arts, rector at Cathedral of the Epiphany, presided at the Mass and installation.

"This evening we gather to bring these young women into the Catholic Daughters of the Americas," said Father Arts. "The Catholic Daughters had the mission 90 years ago when they were first inducted at the Cathedral of the Epiphany. It is marvelous to see this new group, council to carry on the mission."

The priest talked about how the projects of the Catholic Daughters may have changed but the mission has not changed.

"Their whole mission in those days, as it is today, is prayer and doing good works," said Father Arts. "Christ will be seen in you. The purpose is to help us individually and as a group to proclaim Christ, not necessarily from a pulpit but by the ordinary things we do in life."

Following the homily, the new court of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas was inducted.

The new members were called individually to sign an application and receive a sash representing their entrance into the Iowa CDA. The young women formed a semicircle after they were called and then recited an oath.

"We gladly accept membership in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and through the presence of the Spirit in our lives dedicate ourselves to the work of this organization, to foster unity and charity among all men and women through the love of God," said the women in unison.

The officers were called forward wearing robes signifying their office. Each of the five officers - regent, vice regent, recording secretary, financial secretary and treasurer - signed the application again, lit a candle and placed a rose in a vase next to a statue of Mary. The officers also recited an oath.

"We, the elected officers of Court Our Lady of Grace #2591, freely assume the responsibility by holding office in this court. Further we promise to act together in harmony and cooperation with one another and with those in the court at the state and national levels of the order. In this resolve, we humbly ask for divine help of the Holy Spirit and God," the officers repeated.

An explanation of the offices was recited as the young women were installed. The new members recited their support of the new officers.

"We the members of Court Our Lady of Grace #2591, one in unity and love pledge our allegiance to our church and our country to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and to our newly installed officers. We promise to do all that we can for the good of the order by our support," said all the members.

Sister Janet May, campus minister at Briar Cliff, was installed as the chaplain and spiritual guide of CDA Court #2591.

A letter was read from Msgr. Gerald Walsh, the national chaplain of Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Following Mass, the new members gathered for refreshments in Heelan Hall on BCU's campus.

"It provides an opportunity for young women to bond together, grow in their faith life and as a group become more active in service opportunities," said Sister Janet. "They are a group of women who have shared values and it is a support system for them. They can challenge one another to live the Gospel in greater ways."

She mentioned that the young women want to make a difference on campus and in the community.

Katherine Holtzmann, newly installed regent of Court #2591, pointed out that it was a member of the Knights of Columbus on campus who approached her about starting a CDA court at Briar Cliff.

"I thought it would be a great opportunity for the women on campus to have the same opportunity that men have," said Holtzmann. "We wanted to have a solid Catholic group of women to have faith sharing as well as share their faith with the community on campus and the Sioux City community."

She hopes to work with the Knight's council to have Bingo nights and other activities. As a court, the plan is to do service work such as making rosaries, helping with Habitat for Humanity as well as other opportunities that come along.

"I thought it would be a good way to take my Catholicism a step farther and get more involved in the church," said Christina Simons, a sophomore at Briar Cliff and new CDA member.

She hopes that having a CDA court at Briar Cliff will encourage other students to be active in their faith and get the word out about the Catholic Daughters organization.

"I wanted to become a Catholic Daughter because I wanted to try to be part of a foundation of women that can really make a difference by numbers and to express service work to others," said Ashley Sodawasser, newly installed recording secretary.

She commented that she is excited and honored to be an elected officer.

"I think by joining with the Knights of Columbus we can make a big difference in bringing awareness to the faith life of Briar Cliff," said Sodawasser. "We are a big group when we join together."