"Spirit of the Living God Fall Afresh on Me"

Newsletter for November & December 2011

(Message from Father Scott)
Dear Catholic Daughters,
I pray that this message finds you well and at peace with each other in Christ, Jesus Our Lord. As I look out my window here from St. John Vianneys my eyes are fixed on the beautiful array of autumn leaves falling, one by one, like random snowflakes, from stately maple branches. During these seemingly shorterand still sunny days and even into the night, the street lights,too, cast their spell through their soft colors of the season. One by one the leaves steadily fall to the earth preparing it for winter and eventual rebirth.

These golden colors of falling "stars" remind me of so many friends in my life, like yourselves, who have showered me with gifts,. cards, prayers and good wishes during these past many years. Like the supple, falling leaves reflecting the beauty and silence of their Maker, you, too, continue to reveal the presence and goodness of God to me and to the many around us. Knowing how much gratitude pleases the heart of Jesus, there are many ways we can grow in this virtue daily. The little kindnesses all around us, which we so easily take for granted, furnish us with constant opportunities to give thanks. The humbler we are and the more aware of our own unworthiness of the many gifts we daily receive, the easier we will find it to practice this beautiful quality of Jesus' heart.

Let us give thanks to the Lord, Our God.
Happy Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.

Congratulations to our Catholic Daughters in Astoria who have recently celebrated their 100 years as a Ct. May He who has begun in you a good work, bless you and prosper the work of your hands

Father Scott

Dear Catholic Daughters, Regents, Father Scott and local court Chaplains
Fall and Winter are coming soon. Have you noticed the beautiful fall colors? November is the month we traditionally remember our Catholic Daughters who have passed on to be with our Father in heaven.  Many of the local courts be having memorial services in November for their deceased members.  Please remember Gladys Hammar, life time member of the Eugene Court, Dolores Burghardt and Mary Wert, members of the Tigard Court and all our deceased Catholic daughters and friends in your prayers.

The Day of recollection was held Oct. 1.  We had a wonderful and inspirationl presenter, Father Charles Zach, from St Henry's in Gresham. The Theme was "God's Call, Our Response: Can you hear Me Now?" Next fall we will be hold the retreat at the home of the Beneedictine Sisters at the Shalom Prayer Center in Mt. Angel. There is plenty of parking and they have an extensive gift shop. The date is Oct. 6, 2012.  We are exploring the idea of having a second Day of Recollection in the spring in the Medford area for those courts who often do not come because of the distance to travel.

On Oct. 15, Court Columbia #151 in Astoria celebrated their 100th  anniversary at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church.  There were nine priests celebrating Mass, including Archbisho John G. Vlazny. A reception and lunch was held in the beautiful old historic Elks Club. A history of the Astoria Court was given and a presentation from our CDA national director, Janet Martineau, who came from Montana for the event. The sun was shining and it was a glorious day. Truly a day of Unity and Charity on the Columbia"

Happy Birthday to Father Scott, our State Chaplain.  His special day is Dec. 15. Send a card and remember him in your prayers.  Address is 4630B St. John Vianney Way, Beaverton, OR 97007

Seminarian Cookie Day is December 12. This is the Day we take homemade goodies to the seminarians as they study for finals before their Christmas Break. It is a great was to get acquainted with your adopted seminarians.

The Oregon State Conference will be April 20,21,&22, 2012  at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (st Mary's) in Albany. Albany and Lebanon Courts are co- Hosting.

We have 6 JCDA courts in Oregon, Gresham, Hermiston, Mt Angel, Gervais, Corvallis & Eugene. Local court leaders work with the girls on service projects, fun days and a yearly convention at which they elect state officers.  We are currently in seeking a State JCDA Leader, if you know of someone who is intrested in working with the girls and the local leaders, please email your State Regent.

Check out the web site, standupgirl.com, our new state project. Invite them to speak at your court meeting and explain how they are changing the lives of so many girls.

Prayers are requested for Barbara Strahm's eight month old granddaughter, Lucy, she has been diagnosed with E Coli. 
Continue to pray for Sharon Anderson and her Family. Her husband, Bob, Passed away Oct. 22.  She needs our continuing support and prayers.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Blessed Christmas and a Happy new year.  May the Peace of Christ always surround you and your families.

Mary Saunders
State Regent