August 2017

Minutes for 10 August 2017 Pope John Paul II Council Business Meeting


Pope John Paul II Council Business Meeting Agenda
             

• Call to Order by GK Andy Sciacca at 7:02 PM
• Warden’s Report (SK Don Williams)
• Opening Prayer (Our Father)
• Pledge Of Allegiance led by Warden Don Williams
• Roll Call of Officers conducted by Recorder Ralph Cooper         

 
   

• Opening Ode (Melody set to “O Christmas Tree” )  Move to  omit opening ode was moved, seconded & approved.
• Chaplain’s Message:

The virtue of liberality is the good and just stewardship proper to organized mercy in the kingdom of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that immoderate and selfish love of riches is incompatible with love for the poor. “St. John Chrysostom vigorously recalls this: ‘Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.’ ‘The demands of justice must be satisfied first of all; that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity.’ When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice”. The vice of avarice gives primacy to the getting and keeping of material things, and in turn blinds one to the true needs of others. St. Thomas Aquinas sees avarice as the foundational sin of self-love, and warns of its ability to set the will against human rights and dignity. This attachment to wealth and material goods causes mercy to limp, as the daughters of avarice include treachery, fraud, falsehood, perjury, restlessness, violence and callousness. The restlessness that stems from avarice engenders anxiety and undue worry to such an extent that one is preoccupied with the pursuit of earthly goods and ignorant of the providence of God. “The Lord grieves over the rich, because they find their consolation in the abundance of goods. ‘Let the proud seek and love earthly kingdoms, but blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.’ Abandonment to the providence of the Father in heaven frees us from anxiety about tomorrow. Trust in God is a preparation for the blessedness of the poor. They shall see God”. We are invited to proclaim the closeness of the kingdom of God — especially to the poor — and to remind our brother Knights and their families of the imperative to check their inclinations to accumulate more than is necessary; they should instead view their wealth as a treasure owed to others. How many of our brother Knights engage in contraception out of an avarice that chokes trust in the providence of God? How many have participated in abortions because the time and money was not right to have a child? We are called to help our brothers seek conversion and God’s mercy for their sins.
Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  July 11, 2017 meeting minutes were distributed electronically with corrections on August 1, 2017 by Ralph Cooper.   The motion to approve as amended was made, seconded & approved.  

• Report of Admissions Committee and Reading of Applications (SK Dave Kuboushek): No report
• Balloting for Membership (New members, readmissions, reapplications, transfers): No report
• Grand Knight’s Report (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • Semi-Annual Council Audit Completed:  The audit was completed at the August planning meeting (August 1, 2917).  The regional manager (Tom Smith) was present in attendance at the business meeting to review.
  • OPLAMB: Storefront Locations and Dates
    • August 12, 2017: 8 AM – 8 PM @ Harris Teeter @ Hope Valley Commons
  • Ice Cream Social: KofC Family Week
    • August 12 & 13, 2017 @ Parish Hall
    • Three volunteers needed to serve following the Saturday Evening Mass and the 11 AM Sunday Mass. 
  • VA Bingo: August 16, 2017
    • 6:30 PM, 2^nd Floor CLC
  • Knight of the Month
    • SK Christopher Cushing was awarded for his role in organizing OpLamb and his involvement for many council activities. 
  • Family of the Month
    • SK Christopher & Marcia Cushing for generously offering their time to the council and church (Eucharistic ministry, OpLamb, & meals on wheels, to mention a few). 
• Treasurer’s Report (SK Tom Clifton).

 

• Financial Secretary (SK Mike O’Kane)
   
• Auditor’s and Trustee’s Report (SK Walter Preddy, Joel Lipsey & Chris Cushing).  See above    
• Chancellor’s Report (SK Dave Kuboushek) 

• SK Dave Kuboushek displayed T-shirts and polo shirts available and noted that he, the FS and GK will meet to decide how to restock these items and place an order.
• He made a plea to all knights to have their photograph taken (wearing the council T-shirt).  This is important and should be done as soon as possible for all council members and is especially important for council officers.
  • Service Program Reports (Brother Ken Johnston)
  • Church Director – SK Mike Memrick:  No report, but it was noted that GK that the Ice Cream social was announced by Fr. Thanh after mass.  Father also noted that he would be there!
  • Community Director – SK Joel Lipsey:  No report
  • Council Director – SK Don Williams:

• A plan has be initiated to organize the shed and closet in order to track and maintain inventory (in collaboration with SK and quartermaster SK Art Saraphis).  He also plans to pressure wash the shed in the near future.
• An inventory of members with keys will be made in the near future.
•  The Council Director also reminded those present that all council members should wear council badges at mass and briefly discussed the importance of doing so. 
  • Culture of Life Director – SK Paul Hilchey:  SK Hilchey noted that ~$251 was raised from the Fathers Day Big Dog Cookoff and checks will be issued to Pregnancy Support. 
  • Family Director – Open
  • Membership – Brother Ken Johnston.  DGK Ken reiterated the call for help filling all time slots in the upcoming OpLamb effort.  He recognized and thanked SK Chris Cushing for his efforts in organizing OpLamb.  To date approximately $1300.00 has been raised so far.  He mentioned the possibility of organizing a food event for OpLamb in the fall. 
  • OPLAMB – SK Chris Cushing.  SK Chris expressed his appreciation of those who have helped with OpLamb and a reminder of the upcoming OpLamb dates/times slots noted. 
  • Parish Council – GK Andy Sciacca & DGK Ken Johnston will be attending Parish Council meetings. 
  • Public Relations – SK Dave Kuboushek:  Signs for the Ice Cream Social will be posted and this event has been advertised as is notification of Baby Bottle campaign. 
  • Youth – SK Willie Towell:  In SK Towell’s excused absence, Brother Ken Johnston noted that the TYM kickoff event has been cancelled as the TYM youth will be at the beach.  He asked that we pray for them.  Brother Ken also noted that there are a number of opportunities for council members to get more involved with the TYM and encouraged all to explore these options. 

• Report of Standing Committees:  none
• Unfinished Business
  • Baby Bottle Campaign:  SK Paul Hilchey:
  • September 2-3, 2017 commencement and runs through the month of September:  The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a “Baby Bottle Campaign” again this year to raise funds for the Durham Pregnancy Support Services.   They are a Christian non-profit offering help and hope to women considering their choices in an unplanned pregnancy.
  • Envelopes vs. Baby Bottles:  After some discussion of the pros and cons of handing out actual bottles, it was decided that this year “flyers” will be distributed in the Church bulletin describing this important event and encouraging parishioner participation.  SK Paul Hilchey has distributed samples of the flyers.
• Safe Environment Training (SET) Training:  August 19, 2017 @ 10:00 AM
  • GK & Youth Director
  • All Brothers with expired certificates or never had the class should attend.
    This training is needed for all knights who will be attending events involving the youth.  Many council members have already received training and the certificate is good for 5 years.  Sue Clifton will notify those with those who may need renewal.
• Formation of Committees (no action taken, but the need to form groups/individuals to work with the following events was noted and a call for volunteers issued)
  • Membership
  • Admission
  • Retention
  • Lenten Events/Meals
  • Culture of Life Events/Meals
  • Advent Events/Meals
  • Easter Events/Meals
• Formation of Round Tables (as with committees, the GK wishes to form a point of contact to work with the following)
  • Scouting
  • TYM/Sunday School/Confirmation
  • North Carolina Central University
  • RCIA.
• Formation of 2^nd Degree Team
  • Signup sheet and email to be distributed.
  • Rehearsal on September 23, 2017 at Church/Parish Hall at 7:00 PM
• New Business
  • 1^st Degree Team
    • August 20, 2017, 5:45 PM Start time, Parish Hall
    • 1-3 Candidates from Council 3390
    • 0-3 Candidates from Council 9549
  • Necrology/Columbus Day
    • October 7-9, 2017
    • Reading of Necrology (volunteers are needed, dressed in social, to read Necrology at each mass). 
    • Fund Raiser Meal
      • Following Saturday and Sunday 11 AM Masses
  • Veteran’s Day
    • November 10 – 12, 2017
    • Fund Raiser Meal
      • Following Saturday and Sunday 11 AM Masses
• Report of the 4^th Degree (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • Assembly 3365 Installation of Officers
    • Tuesday, August 22, 2017
    • Itinerary
      • 6:00 PM – Business Meeting
      • 6:30 PM – Installation of Officers
      • 7:00 PM – Potluck Dinner
    • Social Attire for Officers
    • District Master Jack Murray will preside
    • SK Dave Kuboushek provided flyers of e-mail sent to remind all SKs to respond whether the plan to attend and to let him know what they plan to bring to the potluck dinner.  The Installation will be held in Saint Matthew Catholic Church, and the reception in the Parish Center. The Faithful Navigator will have a short Assembly meeting prior to the installation. 
• Field Agent’s Report (Brother Joseph Smolenski) No Field Agents Report
• District Deputy’s Report (RMPC SK Tom Smith) 
  • SK Smith thanked the Council 13812 members for all the good work they have done.  He noted that August 12^th was Father Michael J. McGivney’s birthday and August the 14 is the anniversary of  his death. 
  • He reminded the council to submit the Knight/family of the Month write-ups to Supreme as these may be selected for further recognition (some members of 13812 have already received such recognition). 
  • SK Smith reminded the council that the installation of  Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama as the 6th bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh. He will be installed at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral on August 29, 2017.  The Knights of Columbus will be furnishing an honor guard.  Time(s) and other specifics are being coordinated by Jack Murray. 
  • The due date for the filing the paperwork for establishing a Round Table is August 30, 2016. 
  • Finally he encouraged the Assembly to consider hosting a 4^th Degree installation.  This could be done by working with the District Director on the details of dates, meals, accommodations etc.
• Good of the Order: SK John Toohil, SK Chris Cushing, SK Mike O’Kane, Fr. Bob Diegelman, Brother Joe Marro & Family, SK Jim Godowitch, SK Mike Memrick & Family, Monsignor Keenan, Mr. Robert Kelly.
  • Prayer to Mary: Help of Christians  

Most holy and Immaculate Virgin, Help of Christians, we place ourselves under your motherly protection. Throughout the Church’s history you have helped Christians in times of trial, temptation and danger. Time and time again, you have proven to be the Refuge of sinners, the Hope of the hopeless, the Consoler of the afflicted, and the Comforter of the dying. We promise to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, your Son, to proclaim His Good News of God’s love for all people, and to work for peace and justice in our world. With faith in your intercession, we pray for the Church, for our family and friends, for the poor and abandoned, and all the dying. Grant, O Mary, Help of Christians, the graces of which we stand in need. ( SK John Toohil, SK Chris Cushing, SK Mike O’Kane, Fr. Bob Diegelman, Fr. Thanh Nguyen, Brother Joe Marro & Family, SK Jim Godowitch, SK Joel Lipsey, Monsignor Keenan, Mr. Robert Kelly) May we serve Jesus with fidelity and love until death. Help us and our loved ones to attain the boundless joy of being forever with our Father in heaven. Amen.  Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

• Lecturer’s Class (SK Paul Hilchey) SK Hilchey’s reading discussed the work of John J.  Phelan (2^nd Supreme Knight) in the early church highlighting some of the reasoning that has become a part of our 1^st degree ceremony emphasizing what it means to be a “Practical Catholic”  His presentation is presented in full in the attachment below.
• Closing Prayer

• The McGivney Prayer

God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

• Closing Ode Melody set to “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” a motion to dispense of the closing ode was made, seconded and the ode omitted. 
• Adjournment:  8:34 PM

 
 

 
Council 13812 Events Calendar  
 

• Daily Recitation: Great Prayer for Life

Eternal Father, Source of Life, strengthen us with your Holy Spirit to receive the abundance of life you have promised. Open our hearts to see and desire the beauty of your plan for life and love. Make our love generous and self-giving so that we may be blessed with joy. Grant us great trust in your mercy. Forgive us for not receiving your gift of life and heal us from the effects of the culture of death. Instill in us and all people reverence for every human life. Inspire and protect our efforts on behalf of those most vulnerable especially the unborn, the sick and the elderly. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, who by His Cross makes all things new. Amen. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Text for the Lecturer’s Class 
DID YOU KNOW?
 
Additional Constitutional Revisions
2017-08-10
 
One of the achievements of John J. Phelan as the second Supreme Knight was the expanding of the Order’s motto.  “Unity, Charity, and Fraternity”.  For this end Supreme Knight Phelan proposed the creation of a special fund, developed by a 50-cent per-capita tax, “for the assistance of (any) needy orphans of deceased members, a project appealing for consummation to the finest sentiment of humanity.” Although Supreme Knight Phelan frequently urged the Order to establish such a fund, it never received the majority support needed of the Board of Government. 
 
            Since the Supreme Knight devoted more than a quarter of his address to the topic “Practical Roman Catholic” as a necessary qualification for membership, this must have reflected a very serious problem.  He defended it as nothing more than his “declaring of the then implied law, that the Order as such, in membership and practice, should be, and continue to be, Roman Catholic absolutely.”  He noted that the Order was founded “as a refuge for Catholics only.” Who by becoming Knights implicitly rejected membership in those “societies condemned by the Church.”  No Knight who held allegiance to a condemned society “can be tolerated with our ranks.  The Order cannot stultify itself or allow itself to masquerade in the garb of a sanctity it willingly desecrates.”  Supreme Knight Phelan was aware that the false accusations of violating this law could be made in witch hunting or in vindictive ways. To remove authority for expulsion of non-practicing Catholics from the Council chamber, Phelan successfully urged the delegates to “invest the Supreme Knight with full powers to suspend or expel” such violators.  Phelan remarked that “The Order is to become in the near future the ideal of its founders, as well as a powerful factor in the elevation of the social and moral status of the Catholic people in this state and in neighboring states (as the Order was soon to expand into).”
 
Supreme Knight John Phelan led the Order to accept the 1886 Constitution with its rationalized governance system and its insurance program, even though these changes provoked some strong political dissent.  The membership requirement to be and to stay a “Practical Roman Catholic” was added to the bylaws. 
 
We, as an organization, became stronger Catholics!
 
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