During the business meeting at Triennial several significant items were discussed.
There was a motion from the Finance Committee that the dues for senior daughters would be increased by $5.00. This would bring our dues to $40.00. This increase would be rebated back to the diocesan assemblies but would not be effective until dues are collected for the fiscal year beginning Sept. 1, 2013. Motion was passed. The last dues increase was in 2003 when dues were set at $35.00 with the increase remaining at the National Office.
The National Council also proposed some bylaw changes. Three articles were amended by the delegates present at the Triennial meeting and I have listed them below. All others articles were adopted as printed in The Royal Cross Winter 2012 Volume 79 Issue 4.
Article III, Section 3 D 4) A Junior Chapter of at least three eligible girls may be organized in any parish in which a Daughters' chapter is eligible to be formed with the approval of the clergy and a senior Daughter serving as Directress. ["adult Daughter" was changed to "senior Daughter"]
Article III, Section 4 C. When a Daughter dies:
1) The National Office shall be notified by her chapter president, or by the Diocesan Assembly President, if deceased is a Daughter-at-Large.
["immediately" was deleted]
Article III, Section 5. Reinstatement
A. A Daughter who is not in good standing may be reinstated at a Service of Rededication following a period of renewal and study with the approval of her clergy and upon payment of dues for the current year and a nominal reinstatement fee, set by National Council.
We have a brand new bylaw that I would like to call your attention to: Article III, Section 6, H Chapter Relief Status. Upon reaching the age of 85 a daughter may apply through her chapter or Diocesan Assembly President for relief of the obligation to pay dues. Upon approval of her application she would be relieved from paying national, provincial and diocesan dues for the remainder of her life. The rationale behind this new bylaw is that Chapters or members that pay dues for Daughters in deteriorating health could obtain relief.
When you apply for dues relief you will no longer receive The Royal Cross or be eligible to be a delegate at Triennial or hold office. This relief came about from a discussion that happened at an Open House at the National Office, September, 2011. The discussion was centered around those DOKs who were in failing health, could no longer take part in activities or meetings but the Daughters had meant a great deal to them. Chapters or Daughters would pay dues so that they could remain a Daughter. When a DOK is approved for dues relief that also means that no money will be returned to the diocesan assembly or the province in their name. They will be entitled to continue to wear the cross of the Order.
Your chapter president will have the application for dues relief. If you are a Daughter-at-large, please contact your Diocesan Assembly President for an application. If your Diocese is not assembled, then contact your Province President.
This new bylaw does not replace Dues Financial Assistance. Dues Financial
Assistance is still available through chapters, diocesan assemblies or provinces for those who need some help paying their dues.
A complete list of bylaw changes will be in the next issue of the Royal Cross.
Phyllis Larson,
2nd Vice-President National Council (2009-2012)
