Under our Circle of Love Program, there is something for everyone, and not everyone has to work on every phase of the program.  The program consists of Leadership, Spiritual Enhancement, Quality of Life, Youth, Education and Legislation. If you are looking for a way to make a difference in our Church and community, becoming a Catholic Daughter may be the answer for you.

Each year, we try to make it as successful as possible.  Our court of just over 100 may be small by some standards but our combined prayers and hard work brings mighty results.  Check out what we were able to accomplish in just one year! 

2024 in review

Education / Youth

In May, our Scholarship committee chaired by Theresa Simoneaux awarded two local students scholarships totaling $1,000.  A graduating student from Rayne High School and one from Notre Dame were awarded $500 each for their continuing education.  The committee awards the scholarships based on academic, spiritual and service achievements. Our Salad Fun fundraiser helps fund these scholarships. 

family / community

In January, we conducted a Bread & Wine Drive for St. Joseph Church to help defray costs of sacramental supplies.

In March, the beautiful St. Joseph’s Altar was celebrated with Court Rayne members Linda Ancona and Bonnie Demette as co-chairs.  Court Rayne donated funds, food supplies and many members donated their time to help with cookie making and Tupa Tupa meal and tour guides.

Also in March, some of our members gave their time and talents to assist Red Bird Ministries in a reception after the Mass of Remembrance for those who have experienced the loss of a child.

Our Fall Salad Fun was held on October 21 with much success.  We sold out of tickets in record time.  Elaine Miller chaired the event this year and had much help from so many members, as well as men from the community, along with a special group of young men from Rayne High who helped set up tables. 

During November, we adopted our CDA Kid, brought to our attention by our Recording Secretary Annie Leger.  Ridge Benoit was born  May 18, 2023. He has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). This is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder. It is present at birth and affects a person throughout their life. CCHS makes you hyperventilate, especially when sleeping. As a result, he doesn't get enough oxygen and has too much carbon dioxide in his blood. CCHS affects the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the bodily processes. Ridge lives 24 hours on a ventilator. Our Court gifted a new bed with mattress and bedding for Ridge.  We also received many donations from our members of diapers and toys for him and his brothers, as well as some things for his mother Kali, during our December meeting.

Also in December, we were able to write donations to St. Joseph Church.  Our Court donated $1,000 to the Church’s Igive Catholic Campaign to make improvements to the back parking area of the Family Life Center.  We also donated $250 to the campaign for Homeless to House-warmed being sponsored in our Parish.  

We provide financial support to several areas.  Donations were made to St. Joseph Parish for Christmas and Easter flowers, to the Diocese of Lafayette for the Bishops Services Appeal and Seminarian Fund, and to the State and National Catholic Daughters in support of their many Charities and Projects.

spiritual

At monthly meetings, we participate in a Spiritual Growth to help us grow in faith.

In July we were invited to participate in the Patriotic Rosary at St. Edmond Church in Lafayette. Court members dressed in patriotic colors, attended Mass and recited a decade of the Rosary.

October is the month of the Rosary and Court Rayne celebrated with a Rosary Pilgrimage to St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite, LA.  For those who made the trip, we were treated to a very informative guided tour.  The campus is a beautiful experience.  Court Rayne was also able to sponsor Father Poirrier’s wonderful October talk on the 10 Virtues of Mary.  

October finished off with our ability to make a  $500 donation to Cathy Breaux towards her efforts in bringing prayer of the Rosary for our country by use of the digital billboard on Adams Avenue.

In November under the chairmanship of Mary Comeaux, a candlelight ceremony and memorial Mass was held for the Catholic Daughters and Knights of Columbus members who have returned to our Lord during 2024.   Family members of the deceased were invited to participate in the ceremony and received memorial candles as a remembrance of the event.

Most importantly, we provide ongoing year-round prayers.  A perpetual rosary is recited by Catholic Daughters every day of the year for an end to abortion, peace in families and religious freedom in our country.  The Vocation Cross was a gift from Father Brent to Court Rayne.  It is taken into the home of a CDA member for a two-week period to pray daily for vocations to the religious life.  We have a St. Peregrine Traveling Statue, prayer book and novena that allows members to pray year-round for those suffering from cancer.  And, during the year, we attend Quarterly Communions, where every three months, members attend a Mass together as a group at one of the Sunday Masses.  

leadership

In August, representing our Court, our Regent Tammy Clark attended the National Catholic Daughters Convention for 5 days in New Orleans.  It was filled with many wonderful opportunities for her to learn even more about Catholic Daughters and to experience time with so many faith-filled women.  This year, it was voted to no longer use Ceremonial Robes for officers.

legislation

We make a difference at the State and National levels in legislation, but we are always open to ideas of how to change life for the better at a local level. We welcome your input and ideas!

just for fun

Of course, we take time out for fun times where we are able to just laugh and kick up our heals.  At every meeting, we have a social so we can visit and enjoy each other's company.

In November, Team CDA participated in the St. Joseph annual Chili Cookoff.  Our chair Beverly Wale and her husband the “Cook” JJ Wale, represented CDA very well by taking home 1st place.  I think JJ plans to retire from competition now that he has won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the last 3 years for Catholic Daughters.

and a legacy...

In December, we celebrated Court Rayne's 101st Anniversary with a Mass followed by a banquet in the Family Life Center. It is so humbling to follow in the footsteps of such strong and dedicated women who founded our Court and contributed in life-changing ways to our church and community throughout the years.  

We hope you join us! We need new ideas and inspiration so the years to come may be inspiring and life-changing to all we encounter in our Church and Community.