State Convention: The 48th Biennial State Convention held April 24-27, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East was "one of the best ever" experiences for the 112 delegates, 7 alternates, and 4 other non-voting persons who attended. For the 30+ delegates who attended their first convention, it was a "hugh eye opener" and a "great learning experience." For others who've attended conventions in the past, it was "truly the best convention in many years." 41 of our 89 local Courts were represented, and it is our wish that the remaining Courts will realize the importance of sending delegates to State Conventions. It was not only a time to conduct business and make important decisions, but we had the opportunity to meet other Catholic Daughters who are excited about our faith and share the same concerns and goals -- how to promote CDA and increase our membership. And we had fun making new friends and renewing old acquaintances during the four days!

PA State Officers 2007-2009 at the Opening Mass. Pictured from left to right:

• Dolores Croyle, State Treasurer
• Margaret Novak, 1st Vice State Regent
• Laraine McGinnis, PA State Regent from Washington, PA
• Fr. Don Chortos
• Letty M. Calvetti, Immediate Past PA State Regent and National Director from PA
• Peggy Guckin, 2nd Vice State Regent
• Peg Rafferty, State Secretary

The delegates elected the following individuals to serve on the 2011 Nominating Committee: Mary Ann Galonski, Chair; Lisa Taglieri; Millie Bondeschatz; Margaret Giordano and Connie Geary. Alternates are: Melody Yeardie, Mary Marzen, Audrey Albaugh, Loretta McClintock and Eva Coho.

After considerable discussion, the delegates unanimously voted on the State Board's recommendation to increase State dues from $1/per member per year to $2/per member per year starting with the September, 2009 billing. This is the first dues increase in over 30 years and will be reflected in the Fall, 2009 dues notice.

Membership Awards were presented to the three Courts who received the most new members for the two-year period - April 1, 2007 - March 31, 2009:

We hope that you will begin making plans to attend the 49th Biennial State Convention in 2011 when we will celebrate the State's 100th anniversary -- time and place to be announced.

District Deputies: New District Deputies will be appointed for the two-year term January, 2010 - December, 2012.

Refer to part of the speech given at the State Convention on April 26, 2009 by Karen M. Hurley, President General, World Union of Catholic Women's Organization (WUCWO), under the category above "Chaplain's Message." It corresponded with the State convention theme of "Living in the Glow of Mary."