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Catholic News Herald

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070816 CDA courtWAYNESVILLE — Two more faith communities in the Diocese of Charlotte have inaugurated a Catholic Daughters of the Americas chapter.

On June 5, St. John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville and Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton instituted the Court Immaculate Heart of Mary 2715 with a total of 28 charter members. It is the 18th and newest local CDA chapter in North Carolina.

The CDA is the oldest and the largest Catholic women's group in the Americas. Formed in 1903 in Utica, N.Y., today it numbers 70,000 members in 1,250 courts in 45 states across the country, and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Members are dedicated to the principles of "Unity and Charity," the order's motto. CDA tools of the trade are considered the Circle of Love, including Spiritual Enhancement, Education, Family, Leadership, Legislation and Quality of Life.

The chartering ceremony in Waynesville was the culmination of months of work by parishioners and CDA leaders from elsewhere in the diocese, including State Regent Essie Walker of Charlotte; District Deputy Diane Clark-Hawkins; Jo MacWilliams, Regent of the Court St. Joan of Arc 2471 in Candler; and State Secretary Gwendolen Parris of the Court St. Mary of God in Sylva.

Officers for the new court are: Regent Jean Burton, Vice Regent Christine Ryan, Recording Secretary Mary Harrah, Financial Secretary Gail Webb, and Treasurer Norma Waring. Father Christopher Riehl, pastor, wll serve as court chaplain.

National Director Sheila Storey of Durham swore in the new officers.

070816 New CDA courtAttending and serving at the ceremony were Brend Spizo and Vice Regent Sue Harris, both of Court Durham 1576 in Durham; Teresa Cornett, State Treasurer and Regent, of Court St. Bernadette 2629 in Fuquay Varina; and Janet Rapiey, Vice Regent, Court St. Philip the Apostle 2593 of Statesville.

District Deputy Diane Clark-Hawkins organized the court and and the event was hosted by the Court St. Joan of Arc 2471. The Knights of Columbus Father Bernard McDevitt Council 15085 helped with the reception that followed.

— Catholic News Herald