For The Catholic Messenger
ANKENY — Iowa Catholic Daughters of the Americas are working to increase their presence throughout the state. So, 17 board members met last month with Bishop Thomas Zinkula of the Davenport Diocese, Bishop Richard Pates of the Des Moines Diocese, Bishop R. Walker Nickless of the Sioux City Diocese, and Iowa Catholic Conference Executive Director Tom Chapman. Archbishop Michael Jackels of the Dubuque Archdiocese was unable to attend.
Members of the Iowa Catholic Daughters of Americas board met with the Iowa bishops last month.
According to their mission statement, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) “strives to embrace the principles of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.”
Iowa State Regent Jan Grundmeyer opened the May 17 meeting with prayer and introductions and gave a brief history of the CDA, its motto and purpose. First Vice State Regent Karen Kasparbauer, who also serves as Editor of the “Voice,” discussed projects completed throughout Iowa on Quality of Life Issues and Family. Information about state projects — the Lifesaver Campaign and Fall Food event — was also presented. The bishops received print materials about the organization as well.
Second Vice State Regent Kaye Stock Arndorfer spoke about Spiritual Enhancement projects — State Rosary Project and Adopt a Seminarian project. State Secretary Rita Carlson discussed CDA leadership roles, workshops that were held and state convention activities. State Treasurer Deb Steger presented information about Education and Youth projects completed by CDA Courts (scholarships awarded, support for youth conferences, an education contest and donations for priests’ education).
All attendees discussed state legislation and how CDA members can influence legislation through prayer and activities, such as speaking out on current issues.
