Our Story
About JCDA
Rooted in the Catholic tradition, our court at St. Monica Parish has been forming young women of faith, service, and character for generations.
Our Mission
Growing Girls in Faith, Service & Sisterhood
The Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas is a national youth program for girls ages 6 through 18 that nurtures their Catholic faith, encourages service to others, and builds lasting friendships rooted in shared values. Founded in 1925, JCDA members have four basic goals: develop one's character as a Christian, learn to work for the good of others, grow spiritually, and be creative and flexible.
Our Court at St. Monica - St. Faustina - is a vibrant community of girls and families who gather monthly for faith formation, service projects, and joyful fellowship — all within the welcoming home of our parish.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Faith
We center everything we do in our Catholic faith — through prayer, the sacraments, and a deep love for God and neighbor.
Service
We teach girls that true joy comes from giving. Our service projects connect us to our parish, our city, and the wider world.
Sisterhood
The friendships formed in Junior CDA are built on shared values and mutual encouragement — bonds that last a lifetime.
Character
We help girls discover their God-given gifts and develop the courage, kindness, and integrity to use them well.
Meet the Team
Our Volunteer Leaders
JCDA is led entirely by dedicated parent volunteers from St. Monica Parish who give their time and hearts to our girls.
Amanda Jacot
director
Karin Richer
treasurer
Ashley Flores
CDA Liason
Lindsay Teefey
secretary
Rebecca Lee
community service
Natasha Sanchez
communications
Amanda Zimmerman
sashes and vests
Kirstie Espinosa
membership
Julia McDonald
slideshow
Lyndsay Wright, Nicole Darragh, Lisa Avedillo and Erika Goodson
first grade leaders
Sheila McWilliams, Caroline Sterling, Maryanne Kuc and Johanna Trevino
second grade leaders
Ashley Flores, Kati Furseth, Ana Smyczek and Martha Pier-Moron
third grade leaders
Amanda Zimmerman, Pam Hernandez and Jamie Haas
fourth grade leaders
Rebecca Lee, Sue McKamy and Melinda Yaklin
fifth grade leaders
Amanda-Rae Garcia and Mary Ellen McWilliams
sixth grade leaders
Natasha Sanchez, Katie Radigan, Wendy White and Denise Gamboa
seventh grade leaders
Julia McDonald, Erika Gonzalez and Quanna Newgene
eighth grade leaders
Our Home Parish
St. Monica Catholic Church
We are proudly rooted in the St. Monica Parish community in Dallas, Texas.