Hi, I am Susie Sammons, regent of Court St. Joan of Arc #1291, Cottonwood, Marshall, Milroy, and Tracy.
I grew up in Marshall Mn receiving my sacraments at Holy Redeemer Parish. My father belonged to KC and my mother to CDA. I really didn’t know anything about CDA except that when my parents were out of town, they asked me to attend the CDA Memorial Mass and bring up the rose when my grandmother’s name was read. I was always impressed that a group would remember all their deceased members every year and invite their families to come to pray with them.
In 2002, I was asked to join CDA and so I did. I attended a few meetings, didn’t get involved, stopped going, and just paid my dues. I did continue to attend the memorial Mass and brought up Grannie’s rose.
In 2007, I got another call asking if I would be vice regent/regent. I declined at first because I still didn’t know anything about CDA and I hadn’t been attending the meetings. After talking to her about the need for someone to step up and that I would learn so much by being involved, I accepted. I didn’t know how much of a blessing Catholic Daughters would be for me.
While serving on the board, I learned about the large variety of projects we were involved in. We contributed to International and National missions, we were actively involved in state projects, our court supported our parish and our community in several ways, and the gifts I received of friendship, growth in my faith, and a purposeful life were priceless. I got to work closely with faith filled women of all ages and walks of life. It was really rewarding to be part of a group like this. Over the next few years life got very busy caring for my family, and I eventually attended fewer and fewer meetings.
4 years ago, I got another call asking if I would consider being vice regent/regent again. I prayed about it and realized how much I missed being part of this wonderful group. I accepted and here I am. It is so refreshing to work side by side with women doing God’s work.
Our court is wonderful about seeing a need and doing what we can to help. A personal example of this is when my daughter spent weeks in the NICU with our grandson. The nurses showed her a Preemie Octopus and asked if she knew anyone who crocheted.
Research shows that crocheted octopuses for preemies have positive results, including improved physiological parameters like heart rate and oxygen saturation, reduced stress, and a lower likelihood of babies pulling out their own monitors and tubes. The tentacles provide comfort by mimicking the umbilical cord and calming the baby.
A member of our court had some yarn to donate, offered to help anyone who would like to try, and the crocheting began. We have given several octopi to the Sioux Falls NICU and also to some of our members when their families have had a need.
My heart is so full when I see the good that is being done by our court. The friendships I have made in catholic daughters are lifelong and I want to share that opportunity. I don’t think everyone should wait until they are regent like I did to learn what CDA is all about. I encourage you to get involved. Work, Pray, and Play with these wonderful women. It is the best way to learn about what your court is up to. Working together is fun and a great way to meet people.
We have made it a focus during this term to improve our courts’ communication. We have updated our email list as well as created a calling list for those without emails. We had a “taco” bout CDA event at our October meeting showcasing several of our projects and how they fit in the Circle of Love. We invited all women of our Area Faith Community. Our current membership learned a lot, and it sparked some enthusiasm to participate more. We are excited to welcome several new members at our November meeting. I have received so many blessings from being a member in Catholic Daughters. I am in awe at the hand of God in our projects and I invite you to share this wonderful experience with women in your own parishes.
Susie Sammons
Regent Court St. Joan of Arc #1291