The Conferral of the ___Charter Members on March 4, 2002 was the culmination of almost a year’s work. Our Circle’s beginnings are traced back to a base of wives of some of St. Francis Xavier’s Knights of Columbus. In support of the KCs, the wives invariably volunteered to assist in their undertakings. These ladies found giving back to the parish in this manner was very gratifying as well as being a great source of fun! Discussions ensured about the need to start our own organization to support those causes dear to women. Many inquiries were made to various groups but one response was so warm and inviting with a mission statement that embodied the very essence of what we wanted that I immediately dashed off an email to the sender. Thus began my friendship with Elaine Leger, then Membership Liaison. Elaine guided me every step of the way, from sending publicity information and invitations, leading an informational meeting, signing up the charter members and planning a wonderful conferral ceremony. From those humble beginnings with ___ ladies of St. Franics Xavier parish, we have branched out to a diversified group of ___ women of all ages and parishes throughout New Orleans and Metairie.

We are proud to be the first Louisiana Circle of the Daughters of Isabella organization. Among our Circle’s accompishments over the last five years has been our dedication to Deacon Ed Coudrain’s “Helping Hands” programs, which aids the needy, our responsibility for the Christmas Giving Tree and our devotion to the annual St. Joseph Altar, a ritual of New Orleans’ Italian community. The Circle has supported the Battered Women’s Association, American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer, Dorothy Hall Fund for Catholic Teachers and the Girl Scouts’ Religious Awards. Our main source of income has been through our Annual Plant Sale including our assortment of painted pots, a garage sale, and the Daughters of Isabella Sweet Shop. We have held annual retreats and several Marian meditations. Our members are bound together in sisterhood and through our Catholic Faith and charitable works.