The nation’s oldest and largest organization of Catholic women in the Americas active in 45 states across the country, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands Founded in 1903. Local groups are affiliated with State and National Organizations. Groups are called “courts.” Courts usually meet in a particular parish, but membership is open to all Catholic women in the area.
At a time when so many diverse voices are speaking for women, membership in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas provides a strong united voice for women who feel that their sense of family and morality are not being articulated. The larger the membership the stronger our voice will be. Each member shares in the good works of the entire organization with little effort on the part of one individual.
The spiritual life of members is enhanced through the various spiritual and charitable activities of the CDA. Our Patroness is Mary in Her Immaculate Conception.
MISSION AND PURPOSE
Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.
OUR MOTTO: Unity and Charity
OUR TWO-FOLD PURPOSE: SPIRITUALITY AND SERVICE
- The integration of spirituality and service is the foundation of the Catholic Daughters.
- CDA helps women develop their spirituality and provides avenues of service to live out that spirituality.
- The CDA gives members a unique opportunity to share their faith with other Catholic women.
Helping others through charitable acts in the spirit of Jesus Christ is the heart of our organization.
Spirituality and Service: the heart and soul foundation of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
LOCAL COURT MEETINGS
Courts conduct 10 meeting per year, however at the 2002 National Convention it was changed that local courts can vote to have nine meetings each year due to inclement weather. The meetings are usually followed by a social and/or speaker according to the wishes of the members.
Court meetings are democratic: Members vote on the amount of dues, contributions to charity, and all decisions concerning their activities.