In January, the Oklahoma Catholic Daughters of the Americas celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Court Salve Regina No. 847 in El Reno. They began with Holy Mass led by Sacred Heart Pastor Father Lance Warren, with dinner following.
The attendees were treated to a musical performance by Jamie Biller Landry. In attendance were the state officers: regent Karin Dudash, first vice regent Joella Newbury, second vice regent Karla Ludwig, secretary Debra Brzozowski and treasurer Laura Hamilton. On behalf of all the Oklahoma Catholic Daughters, the State Regent presented Court Salve Regina with a framed certificate recognizing their 100 years of “Spirituality and Service.”
Court Salve Regina was instituted on Jan. 13, 1924, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in El Reno, with 55 charter members. After the initiatory ceremonies, a banquet for the charter members and over 50 visiting members was held across the street at the Oxford Café. Following the banquet, they returned to the hall for the election and installation of officers. By the end of 1924, there were 107 court members.
Their most visible court projects are the stained-glass window, which was donated when the church was built in 1952, and the baptismal font which is still in use. In 1952 the members provided religious instruction and transportation to and from a church for Navajo children located in Concho. They furnished clothing, books, medals, and rosaries for the students and entertained them at Christmas parties. Their work resulted in 39 baptisms in three years.
Over the years these busy ladies have held rummage sales, bake sales and various dinners. The money they have earned has been given to the 15 CDA national projects and charities. They also contribute to the 1903 Society to maintain the CDA National Headquarters in New York.
Locally, they support Love for the Children, Blessing Baskets, Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Center for Family Love, Mobile Meals, Lord’s Harvest, Taste of Sacred Heart, Girl’s State, Lenten Supper and Seder Meal. Each month the unborn babies are remembered at Mass on the first Saturday and a Rosary is said to begin each of their monthly meetings.
Each June the court hosts a clergy appreciation supper for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church pastor and deacon. They have also adopted a seminarian. They pray for him and send cards and gifts of encouragement.
Members give their time, energy, stewardship, hearts and finances to help others in the service of Christ in the local parish and community, as well as at the state and national levels.
Martha "Karin" Dudash is an Oklahoma State Regent for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
The Oklahoma Catholic Daughters of the Americas celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Court Salve Regina No. 847 in El Reno. Seated, left to right: state treasurer Laura Hamilton, first vice state regent Jo Ella Newbury, state regent Karin Dudash, state secretary Debra Brzozowski, second vice state regent Karla Ludwig, and Sherri Koos. Standing, left to right: Loretta Valdez, Michelle Brothers, Paula Porter, Rosie Church, Amelia Henderson, Natalia Valenzuela, Kathy Hauenstein, Karen Huber, Nancy Lembke. Photo provided.