46th Biennial Texas State 2009 Convention
Feature story and photos by Terrie Vacek
State Regent Carolyn Bachmann, Scotland, called the convention to order Friday morning. State Chaplain, Reverend Donald Ruppert, East Bernard, led the opening prayer followed by the presentation of Colors, the CDA Banner, Introductions, Appointments, the Adoption of the 2009 Program and 2007 Convention Minutes. Carolyn Rapsilver of San Felipe led the Opening Ode. Regent Bachmann thanked Convention Chairman, Estela Ramirez, Los Fresnos, and the many members of the convention committee.
The Keynote Address was given by Reverend Eduardo Montemayor, Director of Evangelization, Diocese of Corpus Christi. His address, Together We Are Strong, emphasized the two year theme of State Regent Carolyn Bachmann, with four specific principles derived from the Orders Motto of Unity and Charity. First, ‘Spirituality of Communion is Seeing God’’ dwelling in our brothers and sisters. You are Catholic Daughters in solidarity with others.
Second, is to think of others within the profound unity of the Holy Trinity sharing the joy and suffering of our brothers and sisters with deep and genuine friendship. This proclaims ‘I Belong’. Montemayor challenged everyone to develop three genuine friendships mirroring what Christ did by His bond and companionship with Peter, James and John.
Principle three implies the ability to see what is positive in others as ‘A Gift for Me’. CDA members are a gift of God to one another and to the Church. To visualize this principle, Montemayor told a little story about the “Carpenter’s Shop” where the tools were having a big meeting to elect a leader (possibly a convention). The Hammer said she would be the leader of the tools. The Saw said, no way, you command others by force and you would become a dictator hitting everyone, adding, I’ll be the leader. No way said the Sand Paper, no one can come close to you because you cut them in half and I should be the leader. No one can come close to you either said the Screwdriver. You are always causing friction. I shall be the leader. Oh no said the Tape Measurer, you are just going to be screwing people around, I’ll be the leader. They all said oh no, you are always measuring people to see if they meet your standards.
This continued all night until the next morning when the Carpenter entered the shop, grabbed the tape saying I measure with you; with the saw he said, I cut with you; to the sandpaper, I sand with you; I hammer with the hammer; and I screw a bolt with the screwdriver. All day long he work and made beautiful things. The carpenter left at the end of the day and the tools came back to life asking who is going to be their leader. Unanimously they voted for the Carpenter.
The Carpenter works not with our defects, but instead works with our qualities. Montemayor said that CDA must also work with the qualities of others and not be limited by their defects. Spirituality of communion implies the ability to see what is positive in others.
The fourth principle means to know how to ‘Make Room’ for others. At the wedding of Cana, our Lady did not fill the jars with water, she did not turn the water into wine rather she taught us that together we perform miracles. Each fulfills their part and together, we are strong! Catholic Daughters must demonstrate emotional, physical and spiritual strength. The most important relationship in life is with God the Father.
Reverend Montemayor said that, “when Jesus spoke, a miracle took place immediately except once. In John 17:21-23 Jesus prayed “that they may all be one, as You Father are in Me and I in You, that they also may be us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Yet, 2,000 years later this has not become a reality. John Paul II said that “we must make the church the home and school of communion so that the world may believe. See the light of the Holy Trinity in the face of our brothers and sister.” CDA meets the deepest yearnings of the world through spiritual communion. In closing, Montemayor reminded each CDA members that she is “strong, holy and a princess, and a gift of God for one another”.
Reverend Ruppert was the celebrant for the Memorial Mass in memory of 2007-2009 deceased CDA members. Cantors were Heather Busk and Virginia Santa Maria with the Diocese of Brownsville Chamber Choir. For the memorial candle lighting procession, each District Deputy placed a red rose in the center of the White Memorial Cross as the number of deceased members from local courts was read.
Past State Regents participated in the Memorial Mass as gift bearers. They are: Margaret Cutbirth, Crosby; Cecina Koeijmans, Dallas; Eunice Perusic, Houston; Amy Rueda, El Paso; Libby Ramirez, Victoria; Duchess Collins, Sugar Land; Dee Scheetz, Austin; and Immediate Past State Regent Olga Samaniego, El Paso. Eleanor Trainer of Houston and Dolly Pena of Laredo were unable to attend. Olga Samaniego, Immediate Past State Regent and Spiritual Enhancement State Chair, read the following poem:
“She is Gone”
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.You can remember her and only that she's gone or
you can cherish her memory and let it live on.You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.by David Harkins
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Presiding over the Past Regents Club (PRC) of Texas “Women of the Bible” luncheon and meeting was Lillian Hansen, El Campo, 2007-2009 PRC President. The 2009-2011 PRC officers results are: Cathy Bittner, Rosenberg, President; Christine Moore, Columbus, First Vice President; Beatriz Gonzalez, Victoria, Second Vice President; Darice Miksch, Columbus, Secretary; Patricia Carr, Richardson, Treasurer. Financial support from PRC was provided to the following projects: five (5) new courts, one 50th Anniversary, the Memorial Scholarship Fund, JCDA, and the Sate Education Contest. There were sixty-four (64) new members in the past term with a total of four hundred thirty one (431) members.
Reverend Donald Ruppert served as Speaker and Master of Ceremonies for the Clergy/Men’s Luncheon on Friday. “Come Follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:18. Invocation was given by Most Reverend Raymundo Pena; Remarks by Carolyn Bachmann; Benediction by Reverend John Peters.
Various reports were given and delegates were dismissed to attend assigned workshops: New Membership Recruitment; JCDA; Can This Meeting Come to Order; State of Texas vs Texas CDA; Standing Rules and Budgets; Retention; Circle of Love Programs; Forms and Documentation.
Friday evenings “Fiesta Mexicana” Fun Night began with the 40 year tradition Border Buttermilk reception hosted by the McAllen Chamber serving ‘free’ frozen pink lemonade tequila drinks. Delegates, clergy and guests dressed for the occasion with a variety of clothing from south of the boarder. While enjoying dinner, the La Joya High School presented an outstanding show with their Folklorico Dance Team and the Mariachi Performers.
An opportunity to ‘Meet the Candidates’ was held in the Palm Lobby of the Mc Allen Convention Center for those running for the 2011 Nominating Committee and State Office for the 2009-2011 term.