SHARE - Fall 2008 - (Page 14)

Libby and Claudia crowning Mary. Libby Ramirez in festive dress during opening session. The Patriotic Mass drew police officers and firefighters to the convention. ings include discussions about faith and politics “Sometimes,” Mary says, “we have to explain to other groups like the Knights of Columbus that just because the Catholic Daughters do not endorse political candidates doesn’t mean that we can’t or don’t have strong opinions.” Court GWU #2577 has 55 members and is growing. Its existence and growth are part of a national trend. In her convention report on campus courts, Second Vice National Regent Anne B. Nelson said, “We are spreading the word about the campus Catholic Daughters. There was a slow start, but now they seem to have blossomed. We now have 10 courts throughout the country and several more in the planning stages.” A wonderful sense of humor, more often than not from the clergy, was evident at the convention. Picture the ever-charming National Clergy Consultant Reverend Michael Schommer, solemnly addressing the audience on Saturday night as one of the last speakers at the appreciation banquet: “I want you to know,” Father Michael said gravely, “that, even though I will no longer be your national clergy consultant, if you have any concerns, any questions, anything at any hour of the day or night…call Father Ruppert, and he’ll be happy to answer your questions.” (Father Ruppert is the new national clergy consultant). Also on the dais showing a wonderful sense of humor was National Chaplain Monsignor Gerald Walsh. They say that timing is everything, and Monsignior Walsh shared humorous stories one after the other with a perfect comedic tempo. The clergy were at their most giving celebrating the various Masses for the Daughters. Each celebration and homily was moving, healing and unique. Although space does not allow for a discussion of each, one Mass that seemed to have special impact – perhaps because of the dangerous times in which we live -- was the Patriot’s Mass. Small American flags about six inches tall were distributed before the Mass. People were very creative as to where they placed the flags: in button holes, lapels, belts, hanging, even hanging in their hair. Many people wore one or more of the patriotic colors of red, white and blue. Inside the banquet hall, the image of a slowly waving American flag completely filled each of the two large video screens. The effect of 1200 people waving their small American flags against this background was electric. Even more electric was the sound of 1200 Catholic Daughters and friends pledging allegiance to the flag. Anna Rockhill, from Court of The Holy Family #1794, Security Village, Colorado, was mesmerized. “The patriotic Mass The convention offered plenty of time for visiting with friends. Many convention goers sported colorful garb during Candidates Night. 14 Share Magazine • Fall 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHARE - Fall 2008

SHARE - Fall 2008 National Regent’s Message National Chaplain’s Message From the Editor’s Desk Mail Bag Book Corner CDA in Action National Convention Draws Record Crowd to Albuquerque Living as Women Embracing the Gift of Humanity A Tribute to the Retiring National Directors Vote November 4, 2008 Focus on Youth Anniversaries News & Notes People

SHARE - Fall 2008

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