About the Catholic Daughters
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. With a presence in communities across the United States and beyond, the Catholic Daughters embody a unique blend of spirituality, service, and sisterhood. Our motto, Unity and Charity, speaks to a legacy rooted in faith and a future shaped by compassion and community.
By the Numbers
Today we have approximately 53,000 members in approximately 1,041 courts in 50 states across the country and in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
520.5
Courts
25
States
26.5 K
Members
Our Mission...
Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.
Our Mission...
Catholic Daughters of the Americas strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.
Our Motto: Unity and Charity
A simple phrase that encapsulates a powerful commitment. "Unity" reflects the solidarity and sisterhood among members, and "Charity" represents the core of their service, inspired by Christ’s love.
Our Two-Fold Purpose: Spirituality and Service
The integration of spirituality and service is the foundation of the Catholic Daughters.
CDA helps women develop their spirituality and provides avenues of service to live out that spirituality. The CDA gives members a unique opportunity to share their faith with other Catholic women.
Helping others through charitable acts in the spirit of Jesus Christ is the heart of our organization.
"Spirituality and Service": the heart and soul foundation of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
Organizational Structure
Local Courts
Most members belong to a local court — the foundational unit of CDA. These courts typically meet monthly to pray, plan charitable projects, and strengthen fellowship. Courts may be based in parishes or communities and serve the specific needs of their region.
State Courts
Local courts are grouped by state into state courts. State courts provide oversight, training, and coordination among local courts and help organize regional initiatives and conventions.
National Court
At the top of the structure is the National Court, which governs the organization as a whole. The National Board, including a National Regent and other elected officers, oversees major initiatives, national partnerships, and the biennial national convention where members gather for inspiration and direction.
Campus Courts & Junior CDA
The Catholic Daughters also invest in the next generation. Campus Courts bring CDA to universities, allowing college-aged women to serve and grow in faith during a formative time in their lives. Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas (JCDA) is a youth program for girls ages 6–18, teaching them about faith, service, and leadership.
