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What is the CDA Circle of Love?
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he image on the right is symbolic of our CIRCLE OF LOVE program. By definition, a circle is a curved line with every point equal distance from the point of the center and bound together by the common interest. The seven point program of the CIRCLE OF LOVE is bound together by the common interest - LOVE.The small heart in the center is taken from the logo of the HEART SPEAKS TO HEART program. By utilizing this portion of the logo and part of the Heart Speaks to Heart program that is compatible with the Circle of Love, a smooth transition occurs.
The Cross and Crown in the center of the heart is the national symbol of the Order- the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
The seven points selected indicate the needs of the Church and community best served by the Catholic Daughters. The program itemizes these needs with suggestions on how Catholic Daughters can effectively serve.
The "CIRCLE OF LOVE" program portions of this Web site are gathered to assist Catholic Daughters in working with the Church and community. We are indeed very aware of the needs in society that are deeply affecting today's generation, the elderly and human life. To be effective in promoting good works, we must reach out and make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering, whether it be through their own fault or the circumstances in which they find themselves. If we are to be "Jesus hands and feet" as is pledged in the Act of Consecration during the Installation Ceremony, then we must use the talents He gave us, become educated in new fields, volunteer our services and financial assistance where needed.
Local courts are asked to select those portions of the programs that their members feel comfortable working on in their area. If many projects are selected, the task can become burdensome and little is accomplished. Members need to experience fulfillment when the projects are completed. This can happen when courts are selective in choosing their programs.
Many persons were involved in the formation of "Circle of Love". The National Board, members of the National Office and State Officers all had a part in the final adaptation. Thanks goes to each one of them.
Note: Circle of Love Awards ClarificationThere has been some confusion regarding Circle of Love Awards. There will be no National Awards this year. Second Vice National Regent Connie Dronette explains.
"Thanks for continuing to do all the wonderful Circle of Love (COL) projects! State awards COL every year. National does not award Circle of Love (COL) Awards this year. National presents COL awards at the National Convention every other year only. State COL Chairmen are to hold on to this year's first place entry and then judge it against the first place entry for next year. Only the winning project of the two years is sent to the National Chairman for judging. Please do not send in your first place winners into National this year."
Click here for Local to State Form
The Seven Circle of Love "Spokes"
Below are links with further detail on each of the spokes in the Circle of Love wheel.
***Please note: at the very bottom of the information on each spoke is a link to more detailed Supplemental Information.
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It has often been said that education literally means “a drawing out” of a person’s talent as well as a “putting in” of knowledge or instruction. Education is a key ingredient which significantly impacts the long term success of our organization. Education helps bring us to fulfillment and helps improve attitudes. Education should include programs or activities that assist members to learn about CDA, its history, its charitable projects and charities, as well as the programs on the spokes of the Circle of Love. This could include topics of a spiritual nature, safety concerns and medical issues. Education may lead to higher participation in a whole range of activities. The CDA scholarships and Education Contests are a part of the education spoke.
Below is information on contests and scholarships:
National Education Contest 2023-2024
Father Leonard Bachmann Scholarship 2023-2024 Application
For more information contact Education Chairman Darlene Moritz at [email protected].
Click here for Education Supplement
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The family is often called the principal cell or building block of human society. The family is the place where the Catholic faith is handed on and lived. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 2202 states, “ A man and woman united in marriage, together with their children, form a family.”
Families may include other family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. Some families may have only one parent.
CCC 2205 states, “The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit. In the procreation and education of children it reflects the Father’s work of creation, It is called to partake in the prayer and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Christian family has an evangelizing and the missionary task.”
A family provides its members with emotional and spiritual kinship through shared values, beliefs, traditions, common experiences, activities and unconditional love.
Courts should continue to strengthen family relations by interacting with families. Projects for family should include programs or activities that assist and support the family. Families praying together, working together, and playing together will fully encompass the Circle of Love Program.Family Project Examples:
Family Movie Night
Summer Family Picnic
Plan a Pilgrimage for Families
Family Game Night
Date Night for Couples (Babysit for a few hours)
Faith Formation
Sunday DinnersFor more information, contact the Family Chairman: Connie Dronette [email protected]
The Family spoke replaced what was previously "Projects." There is no supplemental information on "Family"
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A few years back, Bette Midler had a hit with a song called "You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings." This song is really about leadership because it is the leader who is the inspiration that allows others to "fly higher than an eagle." Dedicated and inspired leadership over the last 100 years in the Catholic Daughters has kept CDA the largest Catholic women's organization in the world. You, as a member of CDA, have the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques of leadership and implement your talents as a future leader. You will be the wind beneath the wings of others and "let (them) fly so high, they will almost touch the sky!" Consider becoming a leader in CDA!
Hopefully, this will give you the skills and confidence to step forward to become an officer in your local court. In so doing, you will become one of those leaders who have vision and get others to share that vision. You will be the inspiration for others to follow.
For more information contact Leadership Chairman Brenda Anderson, [email protected]
Click here for Leadership Supplement
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Our obligation is to become better informed on public issues, addressing the morals and human dimension, while supporting church teaching on human life, human rights, justice and peace.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas DO NOT ENDORSE CANDIDATES NOR ANY POLITICAL PARTY!
Operation Morning Star is a program of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas to Our Lady under her title Morning Star, to encourage Catholic women to speak out in the legislative arena.
Learn more about legislation efforts at Operation Morning Star, or contact Legislation Chairman to be determined. For more information click the links below:
Operation Morningstar
Read the March 2023 Operation Morningstar NewsletterGuidelines on Election Politics
Contact Legislative Chairman Margaret Sitte, [email protected].
Click here for Legislation Supplement
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Quality of Life (Social Awareness) - issues of our national program are the heart of our ministering to the needs of all peoples. We are called to reach out with compassion and support, to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow and sickness.
For more information contact the Quality of Life Chairman, Nancy Bambenek, [email protected]
Click here for Quality of Life Supplement
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The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is primarily a service organization; however, service for the sake of service can become burdensome and more of an obligation than a joy. That is why the Spiritual Enhancement component of the Circle of Love is so important. Through the spiritual program in each local and state court, we help our members to nourish and develop their relationships with God. Out of those developing relationships comes the realization of God's love and everlasting mercy, and because of that realization, the desire to serve Him by serving His people grows. Our service, then, becomes the way we witness our faith and share God's love with a hurting world. Because of His guidance and support, we can serve with joy and faithfulness.
In the Spiritual Enhancement section of the Circle of Love, you will find ways to provide opportunities for your members to spend time with God. You will find ideas for enhancing personal sanctification as well as suggestions for involving your members in the spiritual life of their parishes and communities. It is important that your court's Spiritual Enhancement Program helps your members to understand that they are truly a sisterhood and that they need to be church to one another before they can be church to others.
The Spirituality of ServicePrayer for the Intersession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reverend Ed Lamp Spirituality talk at 2012 National CDA convention
Prayer Service Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe
Spiritual Enhancement Workshop from the National Convention
Prayer Service Stars in Mary’s Crown
A Catholic Prayer in Praise of the Saints
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit - PDF format
Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Microsoft Word format
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
For more information contact the Spiritual Chairman: Brenda West, [email protected]
Click here for Spiritual Enhancement Supplement
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Tomorrow’s promise lives in today’s youth. In responding to their needs today, we shape a better future for all. Every Catholic Daughters of the Americas court can fulfill the goals of the Youth Program by committing itself to sponsor, participate in, and/or support at least one youth activity. This can be accomplished by working collaboratively with existing community and parish youth groups such as the youth ministry, social action groups, local schools, or by sponsoring a Junior CDA Court. The selection and scope of the activity should be determined by the needs and/or interests of the youth in the community.
It is the mission of the Youth Program to nurture personal and spiritual growth; to promote service to others and to foster an awareness and appreciation of diversity through a variety of suggested activities and experiences.
Youth Scholarship
National Scholarship for 8th Grader Entering 9th Grade in Catholic School -- 2023-2024
National JCDA Scholarship -- 2023-2024
For more information contact the Youth Chairmen: Yvette Griego, [email protected]
Click here for Youth Supplement
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