Court Development Update

The Nevada State Court has been busy visiting women of faith at St. Christopher Catholic Church for the last few months. Pastor Father Gene Kinney is the force behind the push to establish a new Catholic Daughters court in his North Las Vegas parish. The Membership Drive Recruitment Kit, CDA info flyers and activities established Nevada courts are engaged in are a few of the tools the officers present to the group of women interested in becoming Catholic Daughters. Q&A sessions were held in the last two months with great exchanges of advice and ideas from women active in their local courts. Our next meeting is scheduled for August 24th. For more details for starting a new court, please email Leonie Frisbee, Nevada State Regent, at frisbee143@gmail.com or Eileen Quinn, Nevada State Membership Chair, at oloffski@yahoo.com.

You’re Invited

Members of the Nevada state Court and officers of Our Lady of the Valley, Court #2118, will volunteer at the First Choice Pregnancy Services’ annual Gift of Life fundraising banquet on September 27, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

The keynote speaker will be Abby Johnson, author of the bestselling book Unplanned, which was recently released as a movie with a record breaking box office in both the USA and Canada.

First Choice Pregnancy Services is a Christian ministry providing choices other than abortion to its clients. Their efforts have saved the lives of 2,300 babies from abortion in 2018. “Never Unplanned” is the theme of the banquet. Come and enjoy an evening with Abby and help kick off “40 Days for Life” which will be observed September 25th to November 3rd.

Nevada State Chaplain

Nevada State Chaplain, Father John McShane has been reassigned to a home he knows so well after serving many years in Ely, Nevada. Father McShane celebrated 45 years as a priest last December. He continues to serve his beloved St. Benedict Labre Homeless Ministry, Sister Thea Bowman Ladies Day, Sunset Hospital Catholic patients, as well as a weekly Bible /Book study at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Since the beginning of July this year, Father McShane is celebrating Mass at St. Anne Catholic Church.

State/Territorial Officers’ Training

The State/Territorial officer’s training conference was held from July 18-20, 2019 at the beautiful and peaceful Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Four of newly elected Nevada State Court officers were able to attend the conference. The weekend began with Adoration and Mass and many other opportunities for prayer were offered throughout the rest of the weekend. National Regent, Olga Samaniego and the rest of the National Board conducted the training with emphasis on the Circle of Love program and increasing membership.

Nevada State 21st Biennial Convention

May 3-4, 2019, the Nevada State Court held its 21st biennial state convention with the theme “I am the handmaid of the Lord”, Luke 1:38. Father John McShane, Nevada State Chaplain and National Director Connie Dronette were in attendance in addition to 14 delegates and 8 alternates.

Election Results: State Regent, Leonie Frisbee, First Vice State Regent, Jina Couvrette, Second Vice State Regent, Mary Lopez, State Secretary, Kathy Burns and State Treasurer, Leslie Valpiani.

Also elected to serve as the Nominating Committee for the 22nd Biennial Convention in 2021 were Erin McAloon, Court Ave Maria #1420, Chair, Loy Jo Prado, Our Lady of the Valley, Court #2118, Dolores Compuzano, Our Lady of the Rosary, Court #2226 and Nicole Hermes, Our Lady of the Valley, Court #2118 as alternate.

Scholarship Winner

Pam Petersen, Regent, Our Lady of Carson Valley attended the 8th grade graduation At St. Albert the Great to announce the winner of the 2019 Nevada Education Scholarship, Julianna Flores. Julianna was given a certificate and a check for $500.00. She will be attending Bishop Manogue HIgh School in the fall. Click on the Scholarship Program tab to learn more about scholarships available from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in Nevada and nationally.

Coming Fall 2019

The Nevada State Court will award the Southern Nevada scholarship at the National CDA Day celebration breakfast on October 20, 2019. The recipient must be a Catholic girl who will start the fall  2019 semester as a freshman at either Bishop Gorman High School or Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School in Las Vegas. Applications may be submitted by email or regular mail from September 1st through October 1, 2019.

Viatorian Catholic High School in Las Vegas

Cristo Rey St. Viator College Preparatory High School, at 2880 N. Van Der Meer St, North Las Vegas, is slated to open for its first freshman class in the fall of 2019. Father Tom Von Behren is the president of this new private Catholic high school. It serves only economically disadvantaged students. Students are required to participate in work study which help to pay for school. “More than two decades ago, Father John P. Foley and his team created the Corporate Work Study Program out of financial necessity to ensure Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago opened as both an academically rigorous and financially sustainable school. This innovative and unconventional mode has since developed into a network of thirty-five Cristo Rey schools nationwide that collectively partner with more than 2,500 companies. for more details, check out http://www.cristoreystviator.org.

Las Vegas Diocesan Conference

The annual Las Vegas Diocesan Conference will be held on September 6 and 7, 2019 at Texas Station, Las Vegas. United in Christ/Unidos en Cristo is this year’s theme. It “signifies our desire to address all people in our parishes with a reminder of Jesus’ prayer for the disciples in John 17:20, 21: I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they may also be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”

The Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D., Bishop of Las Vegas will offer Mass. Keynote speech on Friday, September 6, by ValLimar Jansen titled “That We May Be One in Christ.” Saturday, September 7, the keynote will be delivered by Julianne Stanz with the topic “Five Keys to Fully Alive Faith.”

For more Diocesan Conference details visit: http://www.lasvegasdiocesanconference.org.

Congratulations Alexis!

On June 6, 2018, Alexis Humphrey was announced as the winner of the 2018 Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Nevada State Court, Education Scholarship. At her eighth grade graduation, Pam Petersen, Regent, Our Lady of Carson Valley, Court #2132, presented Alexis with a Certificate of Award in recognition for academic and extra-curricular excellence. Alexis will be a freshman at Bishop Manogue High School. A check for $720.00 will be sent to the school on her behalf.

Two scholarships are awarded each year by the Nevada State Court to a graduating eighth grade  Catholic girl who will attend Catholic high school. One is given in Northern Nevada and one in Southern Nevada.

Catholic girls planning to enter Bishop Gorman High School as a freshman in Las Vegas in the fall of 2018 are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2018 to October 1, 2018 and may be obtained by contacting Jina Couvrette at cdascholarshipnv@cox.net after August 1, 2018.

Save The Date!

The Nevada State Board of Officers will host a local and state officer’s training conference on August 18, 2018 at Holy Family Catholic Church. The theme for this year’s conference is “Child of God”.

The day will begin with Mass in the St. Joseph chapel followed by a continental breakfast. In the morning session we will break into groups for specific training for the each office.  Lunch will be potluck; each court will be assigned a dish which will be determined at the next state board meeting. In the afternoon we will discuss working together as a board, and communication with the State and National boards regarding information sharing and maintenance.

The officer’s training is open to all local court officers and general members who may be interested in holding an office in the future. There is no charge for attendance, but donations to help offset the costs of printing and use of room will be gratefully accepted. Attendance is not mandatory, but all officers, especially first-timers are encouraged to attend.

Installation of Local Court Officers will be during the morning Mass. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the Mass and breakfast.

Come prepared for lots of fun and lots of information.

The Diocese of Las Vegas welcomes new Bishop

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Nevada State Court was pleased to be in attendance when Bishop George Leo Thomas was installed as the third bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas on May 15, 2018, at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of San Fransisco, His Excellency, The Most Reverend Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America and the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church were there to officiate at the installation. Other notable attendees were His Eminence, Roger Cardinal Mahoney, Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, His Eminence, William Cardinal Levada, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Archbishop Emeritus of San Fransisco and the two previous bishops of Las Vegas, His Excellency, The Most Reverend Joseph A. Pepe and His Excellency, The Most Reverend Daniel Francis Walsh. Many other Archbishops, Bishops and Priests were there to witness the installation.

The service was held at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer and was beautifully planned and executed by the staff of the Catholic Center of the Diocese of Las Vegas. Following the installation was a lovely reception at the Luxor Hotel across the street from the Shrine.

Congratulations to His Excellency, Bishop George Leo Thomas and many prayers for a fruitful tenure as the Shepherd of Las Vegas.

 Our Lady of the Rosary, Court #2226 Hosts Sale

Our Lady of the Rosary, Court #2226, Holy Family Catholic Church,  hosted a bake sale to benefit the Nevada State Court on the weekend of April 21/22, 2018. The State Board is so grateful to all the members who baked and then helped to sell after all masses that weekend.

The amount of baked goods was remarkable and illustrates the generosity of the members of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The funds raised will help the State officers travel to the 57th Biennial National Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in July.

Thank you for the great job and record sales!

Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas- JCDA

The Nevada State Court instituted its first official Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court at the annual Day of Recollection, Lenten Retreat in March of 2018.

The Court is under the guidance of Our Lady of the Rosary, Court #2226 at Holy Family Catholic Church and has 9 permanent members. The members have chosen Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta as their name and patroness.

Day of Recollection

The annual Lenten Retreat was hosted by Our Lady of the Rosary, Court #2226 at Holy Family Catholic Church on March 3, 2018. The day began with Mass celebrated by Father John McShane, State Chaplain and Father Steven Hoffer, Pastor of Holy Family. The Day of Recollection is open to all Catholic women.

Retreat Master, Father John McShane led an edifying and thought provoking discussion about God’s love for us and our response to His love. After his presentation, Father encourages attendees to ask questions or share their own experiences on the topic. The whole day is a time of prayer and fellowship.

The Nevada State Court thanks Father McShane for traveling all the way from Ely, Nevada to share his passion and knowledge of our shared faith. We also thank the members of Our Lady of the Rosary for the being such wonderful hosts to all of us.

Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma, a category 5 storm is bearing down on the Caribbean Islands and the State of Florida. Let us keep in our prayers the many Catholic Daughters in its path, especially those in Puerto Rico.

Hurricane Harvey

I received the following in an email from our Worthy National Regent, Helen Shepard. This is just the initial news coming from Texas and how our sisters there have been affected by this devastating storm. I can only imagine how bad it will be when the damage can finally be assessed.

Prayers are always needed when things such as this happen, but there will be a great need for material and monetary help for those who have lost everything because of this storm.

If a local court or individual would like to donate to help our CDA sisters, please send the donation to the National Office at

10 West 71st Street, New York, New York, 10023.

In the past few weeks we have sent Disaster Funds to Arkansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Iowa, Peru and others.   We normally send $2,000 to the Bishop in states requesting Disaster Funds, but in the case of Harvey they are in need of much more help and so we may have to send more in this case.

My purpose in writing this email is to inform you that our Catholic Daughter Sisters in Texas and Louisiana are in need of our prayers and at this time they also need our financial support as a result of Harvey.

We would like to give every state and territorial court the opportunity to help relieve the burden for these states in need.

If you are able to contribute to this worthy cause please send your donations to the National Office and remember to make checks payable to Catholic Daughters of the Americas. No donation is too small. Indicate in the memo of the check for Disaster Fund.

May God bless and reward you for your generosity. No kind deed goes unrewarded.

In Unity and Charity,

Helene Shepard, National Regent

FROM THE STATE REGENT OF TEXAS —

Good evening Helene and all CDA State Regents,

Thank you so much for your kind letter regarding Hurricane Harvey.

Friday night at 10:00 p.m. Hurricane Harvey made landfall between Port O’Conner and Port Aransas; it was a devastating hurricane that became a Category 4. We have a court in Aransas Pass — I was able to make contact with the regent and although they have no water nor electricity, they have been allowed to go back to their homes..

The courts located in the area where Hurricane Harvey made landfall are many —

I had targeted about 88 courts who were in the direct line of this storm but have now added 6 more for a total of 94 courts and possibly more will be added. I have been able to make contact with about 68 courts as of this evening and left messages with the rest. As power and cell services are restored, I am sure I will hear from them.

Texas has approximately 26 District Deputies and 20 State Chairmen in the areas affected. Past State Regents including Sheila Martinka, Libby Ramirez (also Past National Regent), Duchess Collins (also Past National Director), and Eunice Peusic live in the areas affected. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Texas State Officers, Mary Jane Albert (Houston) and Becky Brown (Angleton) are in the areas most affected; please include special prayers for them.

Please keep in your prayers the courts and members, as well as their families in Aransas Pass, Portland, Oden, Taft, and Corpus Christi (13 courts) where Hurricane Harvey made landfall. Most of these courts have now had power restored, with the exception of Aransas Pass. These courts are in the Corpus Christi Diocese.

The courts most in need are located in the Houston-Galveston Archdiocese and the Victoria Diocese; these total over 80 courts and too numerous for me to list. These courts are experiencing heavy rains. The rains are predicted to affect the areas up to San Antonio where many CDA courts are located as well.

The regent from Court St. Cyril, #2071 in Houston told me on Sunday afternoon that she and her husband were rescued after she ventured out on foot when 4 1/2 ft. of water rose in their living areas; she managed to get her husband to the attic since he is ill. She said that the emergency rescue boats appeared out of nowhere and she felt the grace of God. They were able to find shelter with a family friend.

Every regent that I spoke to on Sunday afternoon had a similar story; water rose quickly, rain is non-stop, no power, no running water. Many were grateful that Masses were held in their areas to pray together.

As far west on Interstate 10 from Houston in La Grange, the Colorado River crested at 51 feet and evacuation was recommended. Many other rivers (Brazos, Guadalupe, etc. and many bayous in Houston) also rose above their banks and put the residents in grave danger.

Patients from the 2 hospitals in Victoria had to be sent to Austin due to lack of power; so many stories, so many CDA members in need of our help.

I ask everyone to pray for the safety of all CDA Courts and CDA members throughout the regions affected.

Texas will be praying for the safety of our neighboring state of Louisiana as the storm heads in their direction.

The court in Fredericksburg, #1907 is offering lodging and help to anyone who is in need of a place to stay due to the storm; many CDA members have offered their homes as well and the word has been passed around.

Let us say this simple prayer for those CDA members and their families who have been displaced or have suffered losses because of Hurricane Harvey:
Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in times of trouble.

 State Officers’ Workshop

The Nevada State Court held a workshop for the local court officers and any members who may be interested in a future leadership position. The day began with a Mass offered by Father Steve Hoffer, Paster, Holy Family Catholic Church, for the attendees and all the Catholic Daughters in Nevada.

The first session concentrated on the duties of each officer with special emphasis on the little details that are often overlooked when creating a court calendar, budget and standing rules. The ladies were very engaged, asked great questions and even had advice for each other. It important that each of the board members knows the duties of her fellow officers so the group was not separated by office.

After a lunch of pizza, salad and ice cream,  and a fun ice breaker, we moved to the Circle of Love. The seven point program of the Circle of Love is the foundation of the mission of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. A large replica of the Circle of Love logo was laid out on the floor of the center. Each point of the program was represented by a heart. the heart next to it had a list of several ideas/ways that local and state courts can institute programs which promote the mission of that  particular spoke of the circle.

At the conference in Belleville, Ill this past summer, the officers attending were reminded that the Catholic Daughters is a charitable service organization and not one that only raises funds. Fund raising is what we do in order to carry out the service to which we are called. Women today want to make a difference in their communities and have very limited time to invest. The National Board is encouraging us to rethink our purpose and find ways to bring Christ’s love to our brothers and sisters. That may mean less fund raising and more hands on efforts.

While the donations we make, be it through the National office or the state court or our local court are much needed, the Circle of Love has suggestions for opportunities to give of our talent and time instead of treasure.

In addition, the Circle of Love is a foundation not a mandate for how to be a Catholic Daughter. Not every court can implement a program or event for each of the seven points of the circle. Concentrate on only one or two of the points and be open to changing it up by focusing on a different point each season. It is similar to the approach recommended for the Education Contests. Rather than avoiding the contests because all of the different areas and divisions can be overwhelming, look to hold a contest on just the poetry or essay or art divisions.

The point is that we are all busy working and fulfilling our duties to our families. With the time we have, we can make a difference, no matter how small the difference if “we are doing small things with great love.” –(Saint Mother Theresa)

 Nevada State Officers’ Training –

August 26, 2017 – 8AM to 3PM

The Nevada State Board will offer training for all local court officers on August 26, 2017 from 8AM to 3PM at Holy Family Catholic Church. Registration and continental breakfast from 8:00-8:45AM. A prayer service will be held in the chapel at 8:50AM. First training session begins at 9:30AM. Lunch will be a potluck, assignments to be announced soon. Following lunch there will be breakout committees for each office with question and answers specific to that office. More info to follow regarding topics and full schedule breakdown.  Also encouraged to attend are members who may be interested in holding an office. There is no charge for attendance.

Please RSVP to State Secretary, Kathy Balchunas.

Nevada State Chaplain, Father John McSane – Summer Retreat in Ely, Nevada

For the last four summers, since his assignment to Ely, Nevada, State Chaplain Father John McShane has offered a retreat in the quiet beauty of the desert.

The retreat begins Friday, August 11th with a Mass and picnic at Cave Lake at 11:30AM. A talk on the book of Ecclesiastes at 2:00PM and then a Holy Hour at St. Michael the Archangel Mission in McGill, Nevada at 5:00PM complete the first day’s activities.

Saturday, August 12 begins with breakfast at the All Aboard Cafe at 8:00AM. Another Mass and picnic, this one at Tillerico Ranch, at 11:30AM followed by a talk on Simone Weil. Confessions at Sacred Heart in Ely at 4:30PM Vigil Mass at 5:30PM, also at the Sacred Heart parish finishes the Saturday activities.

Sunday, August 13th, Mass at Sacred Heart at 9:30AM.

For more information, contact Father John McShane.

Belleville State/Territorial Officers Conference – July 13 – 16, 2017

Nevada State Regent, Jina Couvrette, First State Vice Regent, Leonie Frisbee, Second State Vice Regent, Mary Lopez and State Treasurer, Loy Jo Prado attended the State/Territorial Officers Conference in Belleville, Ill. held July 13-16 in Belleville, Illinois. The conference, held biennially, is a treasure trove of information to help state officers to train and inspire the local court officers in their respective states.

One hundred and forty-six officers attended the conference presented by the National Board and Directors. Off convention year awards and scholarships were announced, new strategies for gaining membership and instituting courts explored and information on the procedures, protocol and ceremonials found in the Tools of the Trade was offered in a CDA version of Jeopardy!. Since the last convention in 2016 the book has been made a feature on the national website, which makes the resource more accessible to the general membership and carting around that huge book no longer necessary. Updating the content is an onerous task, but will hopefully make it more relevant to the Catholic Daughters members of today’s courts.

Special emphasis was placed on the Circle of Love Program as the foundation of the complementary missions of Service and Spirituality that makes the Catholic Daughters unique among women’s organizations. The Circle of Love is the purpose of Catholic Daughters yet, sadly, many old and new members are not aware of the valuable guide the program is in forming the goals of individual courts.  The Circle of Love is a part of the TOTT and each member is encouraged to learn about the seven spokes that make up the circle. The ideas for projects is extensive though not exhaustive. It is a guide and the ideas presented should be tailored to the interests and concerns of the local court when considering service projects and spiritual activities.

The most powerful moments came in the prayer and liturgies interwoven throughout the conference. The weekend began with a beautiful Mass and Holy Hour in the shrine’s church, during which all were treated to the sights and sounds of a summer thunderstorm. Prayers, led by the National Chaplain, Father Maurer, to begin and end each session were recited together from the Magnificat monthly mass and prayer guide. Many thanks to Magnificat for the gift to each attendee of the July and August editions. The importance of a court’s prayer life cannot be overstated. The Catholic Daughters is first and foremost Catholic. Prayer connects and refreshes as it inspires true devotion and service to Jesus, Our Savior.

The Nevada State board officers are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference.  A rosary prayed at five of the representations of Mary found throughout the grounds was offered for each of the dedicated women of the Nevada State Court, past present and future. May the Lord grant that our hearts be as one as we strive to build His Kingdom on earth.

Team Huggy Bear is ready for members!

The Candlelighters SuperHero Walk/5K Run is Saturday, September 9, 2017. Team Huggy Bear will once again be a part of the annual fundraiser with a team of walkers. Our goal is to raise $500.00. The cost is $35.00 to register which counts toward the fundraising goal. If you cannot walk, donations to the team or individuals can be made by visiting candlelightersnv.org and in the events tab click on the register or donate button.

Another way to help is to sponsor a walker by paying the $35.00 registration fee.

Candlelighters is endorsed by the Nevada State Court as a state charity, so please support Team Huggy Bear by donating or registering to walk soon.

Vote for Living Grace Homes!

NVEnergy: Power of Good

Nv Energy is giving $10,000 to a Southern Nevada nonprofit organization. Living Grace Homes, a Nevada State endorsed charity is one of the organizations being considered. The winner is the organization receiving the most votes between July 10 and July 21, 2017. Voting is easy and you can vote once each day during the voting period.

Go to powerofgood and follow the prompts to choose Living Grace Homes!

An email is required to vote.

Congratulations to Helena Lebang!

The 2017 Educational Scholarship for Northern Nevada was awarded to Helena Lebang from Reno, Nevada. Regent Pam Petersen, Our Lady of Carson Valley, #2132, presented Helena with the scholarship at the eighth grade graduation ceremony at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. Attending the ceremony with Pam were, Anita Stoelton, Recording Secretary, Margaret Scholl, District Deputy and Jina Couvrette, State Regent.

In her remarks, Pam noted that Helena truly lived “Unity and Charity”, the national motto of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Helena received $720.00 which will be placed in her account at Bishop Manogue High School where she will begin as a freshman this fall.

The Nevada State Court hopes and prays for Helena’s success as she continues her Catholic education.

Las Vegas Diocesan Conference:

We Remember! We Celebrate! We Believe!

Friday and Saturday, September 8th and 9th, at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

There are less than two hundred spots left! View all the information regarding, time, place, speakers etc. at tmconferenceservices.com, or follow the link in the news section at dioceseoflasvegas.org. Online registration is available for the full conference price of only $65.00. After July 15, price increases to $75.00. Register now before all of the 800 spots are gone!

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas will have an information table in the common area all day Saturday, September 9th.

Nevada State 20th Biennial Convention