August 14 was an exciting day as a new Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas (JCDA) Court in San Bernardino took wings. There was lots of enthusiasm in the air with giggles, nervousness, and laughter. The girls looked beautifully dressed in white as they prepared to process into Mass.
The institution of this new JCDA Court, Our Lady of Grace #1306 took place at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino during the 4 pm Mass. It is made up of 16 young girls ages 6 to17 years old.
The girls have been focusing on the JCDA motto which is “Be useful.” Their basic goals are to develop character as a Catholic; learn to work for the good of others, grow spiritually in their Catholic faith, and be creative and flexible. JCDA’s principal criteria are Love God, Serve Others, and Live Nobly.
The Celebrant of the Mass was Father Alex Gamino, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary, who gave a beautiful homily encouraging the community to follow the basic goals of JCDA. Deacon Steve Serembe and Deacon Mike Jelley assisted with the liturgy. The cantors were Deacon Eric Vilchis, his wife, Rosalie, and John Koss, Associate Director of the Diocesan Office of Divine Worship.
After the homily, Debra Burley JCDA State Representative, District Deputy Supervisor, swore in the 16 girls. They made their pledge, “I promise to be a faithful member of the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas, to promote development of myself as a whole person, to promote service to others, and to encourage spiritual growth in our members.”
The Charter members of the new JCDA Court are Teresa Garza, Milani Gutierrez, Isabella Gutierrez, Nataly Gutierrez, Emalyn Hernandez, Iliana Adriana Martinez-Hernandez, Jerusalem Hernandez, Christy Ibanez, Cali Ibanez, Mia Juarez, Ivy Martinez, Elena Moore, Alma Sanchez, Cristina Sanchez, Marilyn Solis, and Isabella Young.
During Mass, the officers presented the gifts and items of special significance to JCDA. The symbols were: a rose, symbolizing love; a shield, symbolizing honor; a sword, symbolizing obedience; a plant, symbolizing development; and a globe, symbolizing progress.
The new court convened in the parish hall after Mass where JCDA Chairperson Olivia Guerrero began the installation of officers. They were sworn in by the JCDA Adult Leaders Claudia Doyle, Pearl Ellis, Haley Hobson, Maria Lootens and District Deputy Lisa Corral. JCDA Adult Leaders Roselyn Hernandez and Denise Hernandez were on the sidelines as they watched their daughters sworn into their positions.
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran attended the swearing in to support these young girls. Mayor Tran awarded the newly installed officers with certificates from her office recognizing this milestone.