Msgr. Anthony Hildebrand, Pastor of St. John’s Parish in Oregon City, was instrumental in organizing the Catholic Daughters. He expressed his desire that the new Court be a success especially socially. He served as Chaplain until his death in 1940. Over the years, Court St. Anne has had 26 Chaplains. The Court has always strived to carry out the mission of the Catholic Daughters. Spiritual enhancement of our members, help for those in need, involvement in the community and support of our youth have always been goals.

In the early days of Court St. Anne, most donations and help were aimed at the local level, primarily the parish and school. The Sisters from the school used to ask for help in paying for the textbooks for students whose families could not afford them. Another big project was sewing baby clothing for the St. Agnes Baby Home, a local orphanage. There were times when the Court helped members with illness in the family. One time, the Court gave $2.00 to a member’s family with a serious illness. That amount would not do much today!

The Court supported many local, State and National projects. Help was provided for blood banks, Red Cross, USO, March of Dimes, St. Vincent DePaul and other local fund drives. Members helped regularly at the John McLoughlin House, a National Monument. Several members were active in legislation and were precinct committee people and election workers. Many members served with the Loaves and Fishes and Meals on Wheels programs. Some were Ombudsmen at local nursing homes.

Court St. Anne was active with the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women since 1936, and affiliated with District Seven. Many members held District offices and some were on the State Board.

Participation in the State CDA Court and sending delegates to the conventions and conferences has been a priority, and several members have held State Offices. A few have attended National Conventions and even been chosen as Woman of Achievement and CDA Daughter of the Year.

An Education Contest is sponsored each year for the local parish, school and beyond. We send the winning entries on to the State competition. We have had State winners and also one National winner. When awards were given, donations were made to the school library.

Court St. Anne was the first Oregon Court to institute a Junior Court. From the very beginning, the Junior Court was a big topic of discussion. It took until September 27, 1935, to finally reach reality. While it did not last too many years, another one was organized in 1945 and lasted until about 1955. The last Junior Court was formed on December 11, 1976, with 30 girls. It was a very active and industrious group for several years.

In the early years of the Court, they would divide the membership into two groups, the purple group and the gold group. They would compete against each other in bringing in new members. The winning side would be treated to a dinner by the losing side. It was fun and they increased membership. The hope was that increasing visibility would also increase membership. The peak membership was 103 in 1974.

The Court has always been actively involved with the local Knights of Columbus Council #2325. In the past, cosponsored Seminary Breakfasts were held with the proceeds going towards Seminarian needs. Dinners were also co-sponsored for the Elizabeth House, a home for unwed mothers in Portland. CDA and the Knights also worked jointly on many dinners for the parish and even celebrated together for Christmas parties.

A Past Regents club was organized in 1959. It was very active in mission work and rolled bandages made from old bed sheets that would then be sent for use with lepers. Hospital gowns were made from old white shirts and quilts were sewn for St. Mary’s Boys Home. Acts of charity continued as Ditty Bags were assembled (toiletries, games, toys, stationery, etc.) for the needy throughout the world. These were sent to the US Navy, where Project Handclasp delivered them to the Third World.

In 1985, the Catholic Daughters joined with Mt. Angel Seminary here in Oregon and instituted a program where various courts would adopt seminarians, or ladies studying to become nuns. We have supported several students each year remembering them with cards and gifts.

In 1998, we celebrated our 70th anniversary as a Court. At Sunday morning Mass, small certificates were given to long-time members and CDA’s role in the community was explained to the congregation. A reception was held in the Church Community Center where scrapbooks were displayed and hand-outs provided. The following year, we took part in our parish’s 1st Ecumenical Fair where each ministry explained their roles. We created quite a bit of interest.

In June, we took our Chaplain to dinner on Priest Appreciation Day. A parish-wide annual baby shower was coordinated for the Elizabeth House. Also sponsored, was a Fashion Show Luncheon where members modeled clothing from a local department store. This was the beginnings of the Mother Daughter Tea. This annual tea is now open to all, and today has become one of our largest fundraisers. In the Fall of 2007, we began selling the Mt. Angel Benedictine Nuns, Monastery Mustard. It was very successful. The profits from the mustard sales were donated to the new Youth Room which today is used by many Parish groups and the school.

We continue to semi-annually combine craft and bake sales with a Knights of Columbus Breakfasts. We also have adopted children through an adoption program.

In 2018, we celebrated our 90th Anniversary. The Knights of Columbus helped sponsor an evening dinner with many dignitaries including Auxiliary Emeritus Bishop Kenneth Steiner and our State Regent, Irene Duda. We shared our history and provided awards while enjoying the comradery of a celebratory dinner. There have been many changes over the years. In 1928, dues were $1.00, today they are $25.00. Banquets use to cost 75¢ and now cost $14.00. We no longer use Drill Teams. Robes use to be worn at every meeting but now are only worn for special occasions. Many offices have been eliminated.

In 2021, Court St. Anne has evolved, and continues in strength with 51 members. We joyfully support Local, State and National charities as we continue learning, giving and helping through our mission of Unity and Charity for all.