On Feb. 22, Mass was held at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church in Cortez to install officers and members of the Junior Catholic Daughters Sacred Heart No. 1606.
This court was founded in 2008 under the advisement of the senior court, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas No. 1606, and continues to be the only existing Junior Catholic Daughters court in the Diocese of Pueblo and the state of Colorado. The junior court consists of young women, ages 6 to 18, who promote charity and spiritual growth in the parish and community.
Ty Keel, Vice Mayor of the City of Cortez, issued a proclamation whereas the court would begin its seventh year in service to the surrounding parishes and communities.
The newly installed officers for the year of 2015 included president, Rachel Zetts; vice president, Zepphra Gallegos; secretary, Norah West; and co-treasurers, Elinore Muhonen and Julia West.
Catholic Daughters State Regent, Mary Helen Ganir, inducted the officers into the court, in addition to new members, Andria Battle and Alyssa Jaramillo. Out-going president Kayla Garchar completed her term and membership limit per state bylaws and became an adult sponsor, assisting in the installation ceremony. Officiating the Mass was Rev. Patrick Valdez, C.R. Advisers of the court are Margaret Martinez, Rachel Muhonen, Jill West and Chaplain, Rev. Valdez, C.R.
“Through their acts of mercy, they become women who are strong in their faith and actions to help those in need to build a world of love and faith in God,” stated Vice- Mayor Keel. Members of the court make frequent visits to the local nursing home to paint the residents finger nails and assist with writing cards during holidays. During Thanksgiving and Christmas they conduct parish wide food drives and prepare food baskets for less fortunate families in the Four Corners area. They are active in the parish through pro-life and anti-pornography campaigns and other service projects.
“It is our mission to be able to help others and impact the community,” said president Rachel Zetts, “We follow our motto, give your hands to serve and your hearts to love, very passionately.”