Circle of Love

By definition, a circle is a curved line with every point equal distance from the point to the center and bound together by a common interest. The seven point program of the “Circle of Love” is bound together by the common interest – love.

Circle of Love added Family to the seven points: Circle of Love Family

The seven points selected indicate the needs of the Church and community best served by the Catholic Daughters. The program itemizes these needs with suggestions on how Catholic Daughters can effectively serve. Please click on the heart above each individual point to learn more about it.

The “CIRCLE OF LOVE” program portions of this Web site are gathered to assist Catholic Daughters in working with the Church and community. We are indeed very aware of the needs in society that are deeply affecting today’s generation, the elderly, and human life. To be effective in promoting good works, we must reach out and make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering, whether it be through their own fault or the circumstances in which they find themselves. If we are to be “Jesus hands and feet” as is pledged in the Act of Consecration during the Installation Ceremony, then we must use the talents He gave us, become educated in new fields, volunteer our services and financial assistance where needed.

Local Courts are asked to select those portions of the programs that their members feel comfortable working on in their area. If many projects are selected, the task can become burdensome and little is accomplished. Members need to experience fulfillment when the projects are completed. This can happen when courts are selective in choosing court programs.

Many persons were involved in the formation of “Circle of Love”. The National Board, members of the National Office and State Officers all had a part in the final adaptation. Thanks goes to each one of them.

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 obligations, functions and responsibilities generally
essential to a healthy family life style.
A true family provides its members with emotional and spiritual kinship through:
shared values, beliefs, traditions, common experiences, activities and unconditional love.
Courts should continue 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.
Family Bible Verses:
John 4:19 1 Timothy 5:8
Ephesians 6:4
Acts 10:2 Colossians 3:13
Exodus 20-12
Proverbs 22:6
Joshua 24:15

LEADERSHIP
A few years back, Bette Midler had a hit with a song called “You Are the Wind
Beneath My Wings.” This song is really about leadership because it is the leader who is
the inspiration that allows others to “fly higher than an eagle.” 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. You will be the wind beneath
the wings of others and “let (them) fly so high, they will almost touch the sky!” Consider
becoming a leader in CDA!
Hopefully, 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.
Tips for Leaders
Complete Walk the Walk
Leadership Update

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. Learn
more about legislation efforts at Operation Morning Star.

QUALITY OF LIFE
Quality of Life (Social Awareness) – issues of our national program are the heart of our
ministering to the needs of all peoples. We are called to reach out with compassion and
support, to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow and sickness.

SPIRITUAL ENHANCEMENT
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is primarily a service organization; however,
service for the sake of service can become burdensome and more of an obligation than a
joy. That is why the Spiritual Enhancement component of the Circle of Love is so
important. 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 helps 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.

YOUTH/JCDA
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 selection and scope of the activity should be determined by
the needs and/or interests of the youth in the community.
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.

EDUCATION
It has often been said that education literally means “a
drawing out” of a person’s talent as well as a “putting in” of
knowledge or instruction. Education is a key ingredient which
significantly impacts the long term success of our organization.
Education helps bring us to fulfillment and helps improve
attitudes.
Education should include programs or activities 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. This could include topics of a spiritual nature, safety
concerns and medical issues. Education may lead to higher
participation in a whole range of activities. The CDA
scholarships and Education Contests are a part of the education
spoke.
For more information contact Education Contest Chairman.