SEWELL – Smiles mixed with tears of joy as more than 35 women were inaugurated into the new Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #2827 at Church of the Holy Family.
“Your desire to be a member is a sign of your commitment as a Christian,” Theresa Dieterich, N.J. state regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, told all those gathered for the inauguration of Holy Family Court #2827 and Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Williams.
Parishioners, family and friends joined 11 Catholic Daughters of the Americas courts from across the state for the celebration Jan. 17. Among the oldest courts in attendance were Stella Maris #288 out of Atlantic County and Blessed Katharine Drexel #2327, Glassboro, which is celebrating 36 years on Feb. 11.
In his homily, Bishop Williams praised the Catholic Daughters’ spirituality and service, calling those charisms “the twin pillars of your vocation – and it is a vocation.”
“The more I pray, the more I encounter Jesus, the more I want to serve others in His name. … For the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, your service is the proof of your closeness to Jesus,” Bishop Williams said.
After Mass, which was concelebrated by Father James Bartoloma, pastor, and Father Thanh Pham, parochial vicar, all enjoyed a banquet in the parish hall.
“This [court] means a lot for the parish,” Father Bartoloma said. “We have a lot of ministries and Catholic organizations that are strong here.” At the same time, “There was a need for a women’s group.”
For Susan Hession, regent of Court #2827, retiring from her job over the summer did not mark an ending, but the beginning of a new call. She had just told her employer she would be retiring, when three weeks later, Father Bartoloma shared news about forming a new Catholic Daughters of the Americas court.
“It felt like the Holy Spirit was tapping me on the shoulder and saying, ‘Susan, are you listening?’” she said.
Expressing pride in seeing a new court formed, Dieterich – of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish, Glassboro – said that the Catholic Daughters of the Americas builds community across multiple generations.
“Older members have wisdom to share, and younger women bring new energy,” she said. “Together, we build bonds that feel like a family.”
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