46th Biennial Texas State 2009 Convention

Feature story and photos by Terrie Vacek

The Gavel is Passed.

2009-2011 State Regent Elect Sheila Martinka receives the gavel from State Regent Carolyn Bachmann

The sun was about to come out as the participants gathered at 6:45 A.M. Sunday morning at the Fountain of the McAllen Convention Center. Fifty (50) of the sixty eight (68) registered participated in the First Walk/Run Event include one spouse, four JCDA State Officers, one JCDA member, 2 State officers, 2 State chairmen, District Deputies, and National Regent Libby Ramirez.

The goal was to open up an activity to all members encouraging exercise with a heart happy & healthy way of life while raising funds for our Texas Missions of Mercy (MOM) Projects. Over $3,500.00 was raised for the following: The Colonias, Brownsville; Casa Juan Diego, Houston; Sisters of Charity, Dallas; Annunciation Maternity Home, Georgetown; Clinica de Guadalupana, El Paso; Texas Covenant House, Houston; Juarez Mission School; Texas Habitat for Humanity and Texas Disaster Relief. Thanks to everyone for your support!

Morning Praise on Sunday was presented by Olga Samaniego. Local Courts surrounding Houston portrayed the personality of the Houston area in their Invitation to the 2011 State Convention scheduled for Houston. San Antonio presented a bid for the 2013 Convention.

State Chaplain Reverend Ruppert was the celebrant for the Installation Mass with the Angelos Filippino Group as Music Ministers. Participating as Lectors were State Regent Elect Sheila Martinka; First Vice State Regent Elect Carolyn Malik; and Second Vice State Regent Elect Peggy Rosales. The newly elected State Board served as Gift Bearers. State Regent Elect Sheila Martinka installed Reverend Donald Ruppert of the Diocese of Victoria for a second term as State Chaplain of the Texas 2009-2011 State Court.

2009-2011 State Board L-R Duchess Collins, National Director, Sugar Land; Eve Trevino, State Secretary Elect, Corpus Christi; Carolyn Malik, First Vice State Regent Elect, Shiner; Sheila Martinka, State Regent Elect, Houston; Peggy Rosales, Second Vice State Regent Elect, Austin; Minnie Rodgers, State Treasurer Elect, Mission; Libby Ramirez, National Regent, Victoria.

JCDA State Officers with State Regent Elect, Sheila Martinka:L-R Laura Aguilar State Reporter, El Campo #2275; Ashley Stilley, State 2nd V-Pres, Sealy #1616; Sheila Martinka, State Regent, Houston; Sarah Ornelas, 1st State Vice President, Baytown #2197; Beth Krenek, State President, East Bernard #1108.

JCDA State Officers with State Regent Elect, Sheila Martinka L-R Laura Aguilar State Reporter, El Campo #2275; Ashley Stilley, State 2nd V-Pres, Sealy #1616; Sheila Martinka, State Regent, Houston; Sarah Ornelas, 1st State Vice President, Baytown #2197; Beth Krenek, State President, East Bernard #1108.

The final Registration, Credentials and Courtesy reports indicate 1032 paid registrations with 55 registered guests/priests/spouses totaling 1,087 in attendance!

There are currently 15,800 members in Texas who engage in creative and spiritual programs that provide members with the opportunity to develop their God-given talents in a meaningful way to positively influence the welfare of the Church and all peoples throughout the world. There are also six (6) College Campus Courts and 55 Junior Catholic Daughter Courts in Texas with 785 members.

State Regent Carolyn Bachmann said, “Texas CDA is thriving because of your faithfulness and enthusiasm. Texas CDA works because of your hard work and together we are strong!”