2025-2027 CDA National Board & Directors

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) was founded in Utica, New York in 1903 by John E. Carberry and several other Knights of Columbus as a charitable, benevolent and patriotic sorority for Catholic ladies. It was originally called the National order of Daughters of Isabella,” and is dedicated to the principles of “Unity and Charity,” the order’s motto.  (For more information on CDA National Officers, visit National Website

The CDA initially was called the national order of the Daughters of Isabella and Carberry served as the first Supreme Regent. The Knights established the CDAs two standards of “Unity and Charity”.  In March of 1913, the Daughters of Isabella purchased a building in Utica belonging to the Knights of Columbus for use as its official headquarters. The CDA National office is located at 10 West 71st Street  New York, NY 10023.  

CDA had 90 courts by 1908, and has grown from a membership of less than 100 to more than 10,000.  In 2023,  CDA has approximately 63,000 dues-paying members in 1,150 courts (local chapters) in 45 states across the country and in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam and the Virgin Islands!  All local CDA courts groups are affiliated with State and our National Organization. See CDA National for more information

CDA STATE OF CALIFORNIA

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas California court was instituted on January 20, 1923.   In June 2023, The State of California CDA celebrated its 100^th anniversary. Today, the CDA State has numerous local courts throughout California.

These CDA Courts have a long distinguished history of  dedication to Church, our country and have evolved through the years to encompass local, state, national, and global concerns. We are one of the largest organizations of Catholic women in the world.

MILESTONE! CONGRATULATIONS TO LOCAL COURTS WITH 100+ YEARS OF SERVICE

Court Sacramento # 172 chartered in 1912
Court San Jose #281 charterd in 1916
Court Santa Barbara # 293 chartered in 1916
Court Whittier #519 chartered in 1920
Court Marysville #640 chartered in 1921
Court Salinis #686 chartered in 1921
Court Angelus #855 chartered in 1924
Court Compton #942 chartered in 1925

California State Board and Courts  Hosts National Conventions

CDA has has hosted the National Convention four times;  1925 in San Francisco; 1948 in Pasadena; 1974 in Los Angeles and 1988 in San Diego. Also, of great pride, California CDA has seen two of our State Regents become National Regents; Grace Rinaldi (1974-1976) and Emily Guilherme (2022-2024).

HISTORY OF CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS – CALIFORNIA