CIRCLE OF LOVE MEANING OF THE SPOKES
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) member’s activities are guided by the seven-prong program wheel, called the Circle of Love. The seven spokes represent the needs of church and community that can be best served by Catholic Daughters. The programs in the spoke are EDUCATION, FAMILY, LEADERSHIP, LEGISLATION, QUALITY OF LIFE, SPIRITUAL, AND YOUTH.
CDA members have in each spoke of the wheel many opportunities to serve whether in active service or in prayer.
Education is a key ingredient that significantly affects the long-term success of The Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Education helps bring us to fulfillment and improves attitudes. Educational programs or activities include those that assist members to learn about CDA, its history, its charitable projects and charities, as well as the programs on the spokes of the Circle of Love. Educational activities may lead to higher participation in a whole range of activities. The CDA sponsored scholarships through Education Contests are a part of the education spoke.
FAMILY
In today’s society, there are many different types of families, each of which is equally viable as a supportive caring unit. A family is two or more people, who consider themselves family and who assume ns and responsibilities generally essential to a healthy family life style. Courts are encouraged to strengthen family relations by interacting with one another in service and work of the family community. Families praying together, working together and playing together will fully encompass the Circle of Love Program.
LEADERSHIP
Dedicated and inspired leadership over the last 100 years in the Catholic Daughters has kept CDA the largest Catholic women’s organization in the world. You, as a member of CDA, have the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques of leadership and implement your talents as a future leader. This will give you the skills and confidence to step forward to become an officer in your local court. In so doing, you will become one of those leaders who have vision and get others to share that vision. You will be the inspiration for others to follow.
The CDA is primarily a service organization; however, service for the sake of service can become burdensome and more of an obligation than a joy. Through the spiritual program in each local and state court, we help our members to nourish and develop their relationships with God. Out of those developing relationships comes the realization of God’s love and everlasting mercy, and because of that realization, the desire to serve Him by serving His people grows.
Our service, then, becomes the way we witness our faith and share God’s love with a hurting world. Because of His guidance and support, we can serve with joy and faithfulness. In the Spiritual Enhancement section of the Circle of Love, you will find ways to provide opportunities for your members to spend time with God. You will find ideas for enhancing personal sanctification as well as suggestions for involving your members in the spiritual life of their parishes and communities. It is important that your court’s Spiritual Enhancement Program help your members to understand that they are truly a sisterhood and that they need to be church to one another before they can be church to others.
Quality of Life (Social Awareness) – issues of our national program are the heart of our ministering to the needs of all peoples. CDA members are called to reach out with compassion and support, to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow and sickness.
LEGISLATION
Our obligation is to become better informed on public issues, addressing the morals and human dimension, while supporting church teaching on human life, human rights, justice and peace. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas DO NOT ENDORSE CANDIDATES OR ANY POLITICAL PARTY!
Operation Morning Star is a program of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas to Our Lady under her title Morning Star, to encourage Catholic women to speak out in the legislative arena.
YOUTH
Tomorrow’s promise lives in today’s youth. In responding to their needs today, we shape a better future for all. Every Catholic Daughters of the Americas court can fulfill the goals of the Youth Program by committing itself to sponsor, participate in, and/or support at least one youth activity. This can be accomplished by working collaboratively with existing community and parish youth groups such as the youth ministry, social action groups, local schools, or by sponsoring a Junior CDA Court. The needs and/or interests of the youth in the community should determine the selection and scope of the activity. It is the mission of the Youth Program to nurture personal and spiritual growth to promote service to others and to foster an awareness and appreciation of diversity through a variety of suggested activities and experiences.
Learn More about Catholic Daughters of the America’s Circle of Love