November 2017

November 2017 Meeting Minutes

 Call to Order       8:01 PM

• Warden’s Report (SK Don Williams)
• Opening Prayer (Our Father)
• Pledge Of Allegiance (SK Don Williams)
• Roll Call of Officers (SK Ralph Cooper)

   

•  Opening Ode (Melody set to “O Christmas Tree” )

Sing ye his praises loud and long, and let the unenlightened know. In ev’ry echo of your song, the great deeds done tho’ long ago. By Columbus of the valiant soul, who first old Neptune has controlled. Despite of Envy, Intrigue, Gold, in the dim past of long ago. With vessels three o’er stormy sea, he thrilled the world of long ago. While wisdom linked with destiny, in justice scales its weight did throw. We are his heirs; We wear his name; We boast his deeds; We spread his fame. Our order is the shining flame, that lights the gloom of long ago.

• Chaplain’s Message: As the Council Chaplain position is still open, the following was taken from the  State Chaplain Rev William P. Lesak message for the month of November. 
• We can overcome disagreements through, and for the sake of, our shared charity, unity and fraternity

ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER, the authoritative playbook on how to run a meeting, stipulates that meetings should include a segment called the “Good of the Order.” This is time that is reserved for participants to offer comments or observations about the organization and its work. It is also time set aside for disciplinary matters involving fellow members.
That’s what the phrase “the good of the order” means to those who are skilled parliamentarians. But when I hear this phrase, I also think about the Knights of Columbus. I think about the good of our Order, founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney. Not even he could have imagined how his beloved Order would grow and the world of good it would do for its members, their families, the Church, and communities all over the world.
STRONG OPINIONS          I think about who makes up the Knights of Columbus and all that it does in service of others, and I ask myself, “How can I promote the good of the Order?”
Left to my own resources, I can’t adequately answer that question, for the good of the Order cannot be reduced merely to my opinions. The same is true of every Knight of Columbus. The Order we joined is not a debating society, nor is it an arena where we play out a contest of wills. Rather, it is an organization rooted in charity, which expresses itself in genuine unity of mind and heart and in a brotherhood of service. In fact, our ability to do great good for our members, our Church and our world depends on our willingness to preserve and strengthen this solidarity.
Time and again, I have experienced the great dedication of many brother Knights. In their commitment to the Order, they are passionate about the principles upon which the Knights of Columbus was founded, about the brotherhood we share, and about the good works that we do. Such commitment and passion sometimes lead to strong opinions, and experience teaches that these opinions can differ. At times, we may disagree with a decision made by our local or state council, or with a decision that comes from Supreme. After we’ve expressed our opinion respectfully and cogently, we may be upset that our view did not prevail. When that happens, it’s easy to throw our unity and charity under the proverbial bus. Sadly, some brother Knights may even decide to walk away.
If and when we reach such a crossroads, I firmly believe that we need to stop, look, and listen. We have to stop being angry, look at what the Order is really all about, and listen to the voice of the Lord.
SOLIDARITY IN CHRIST  The first step is quelling our anger. There is such a thing as just anger when we see injustice or corruption. However, that is not the same as harboring enmity, grudges, rivalries or even thoughts of vengeance against a person who gets under our skin. When we nurture our anger against leaders or other members of the Order, we chip away at the unity and fraternity that makes the Knights of Columbus distinctive and great.
Second is the need to look carefully at what is central in the life of the Order. The charity we share is not merely our good will but the charity of Christ. The unity we share is not merely a human consensus but rather the unity of the Holy Trinity. And the brotherhood we share is that of the Son of God who became one of us and united himself to us. If you think this sounds a bit inflated, please reconsider! Our Order was founded as a Catholic organization by a parish priest to draw us closer to Christ and to the Church. Our principles come from the Gospel and lead us deeper into the Gospel.
Our solidarity in Christ, for example, is more than agreement based on common interests. It is a moral virtue and a God-given power to band together to do enormous good. Our fraternity is, to be sure, a path to great friendships that extend to our families and a source of real support in living our faith, especially in times of trouble. But in our solidarity, we are not confined to our individual interests and opinions. Rather, we participate in something much greater than ourselves and accomplish things we could never do alone. We share profoundly in one another’s faith and humanity, and together we open ourselves to God’s grace.
So, while it is natural to get upset when we don’t get our way and our views are overridden, we must not stay angry and forget to look at the bigger picture.
Finally, we need to listen – first to the voice of the Lord and of the Church, then to our loved ones, and then to our brother Knights. From time to time, our strong opinions can make it difficult to pray so as to discern the will of God and to hear what the Church or others are telling us. Therefore, we need to keep things in perspective by developing our life of prayer – listening to the voice of the Lord and seeking his will in our lives. Then, when we speak, even if we disagree, our words will have the ring of wisdom and authenticity.
With this in mind, let us all devote ourselves anew to the good of the Order!

• Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting Draft of October 10^th meeting were distributed on October 13, 2017.  After corrections, a final draft was sent October 22, 2017.  A motion was made to approve the minutes as amended.  This was seconded and approved by voice vote.
• Report of Admissions Committee and Reading of Applications (SK Dave Kuboushek)  None
• Balloting for Membership (New members, readmissions, reapplications, transfers). None
• Grand Knight’s Report (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • Durham Parks & Recreation Special Olympics’ Flag Football Tournament
    • 10/18/2017; 4– 7 PM; Old Chapel Hill Road Park, 3751 SW Durham Drive, Durham
    • Knights cooked hotdogs for this event.  
  • Durham Parks & Recreation Special Olympics’ Soccer Tournament
    • 10/28/2017; 9–1 PM; Herndon Park, 511 Scott King Road, Durham. 
    • Knights cooked hotdogs for this event.
  • Olympics Fund Raiser (Fish Fry)
    • Special 10/28/2017; 5:00–8:00 PM; St. Matthew’s Parish Hall.  Several council members helped make this event successful (see below).  Special thanks to Tom Clifton for his efforts in organizing this activity. 
  • 2^nd Annual Trunk or Treat
    • 10/29/2017; 4-7 PM.  Although weather did not cooperate, the event was moved inside the Parish Hall.  This option should be considered ahead of time for next years Trunk or Treat.
  • Veteran’s Day Weekend
    • 11/11 – 11/12/2017; Weekend Masses, Reading from Pulpit.  Thanks to all of the readers who recognized the veterans after each mass and to those in dressed in social attire who stood at the photo displays of Saint Matthews members who have served our country.  Finally, thanks to Dave Kuboushek for his tireless support of this effort. 
  • Knight of the Month
    • SK Tom Clifton/SK Chris Cushing are recognized for their efforts in many events during the month of October including cooking for the Special Olimpics Events (Flag football and soccer), the Fish Fry, Trunck or Treat and the Diaper Bank (see below).  These guys continue to go the extra mile and their efforts are appreciated.
  • Family of the Month
    • SK Joel and Kathy Lipsey are recognized for their many activities supporting the Knights and the Parish including Joel’s help with the recognition of veterans on Veterans day Kathy’s help with the TYM to mention a few.
    • It was noted by Grand Knight Andy Sciacca that the Family of the Month does not have to be a Knight to be eligible for this award.  Members of the council are asked to keep this in mind, especially if they become aware of Parish families whose efforts to support the church community go above and beyond.
• Auditor’s and Trustee’s Report (SKs Walter Preddy, Joel Lipsey & Chris Cushing).  None
• Treasurer’s Report (SK Tom Clifton)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
• Financial Secretary (SK Mike O’Kane).  There is no report from the FS as he is in the hospital.  We all wish him a rapid and full recovery and the reports will be issued at next months meeting.   
• Chancellor’s Report (SK Dave Kuboushek) none.

• Service Program Reports (Brother Ken Johnston).

• Church Director – SK Mike Memrick stated that 5^th Sunday Rosary after all masses was a success.
• Community Director – SK Joel Lipsey noted that the Durham Run and Roll event realized~$8000.00 for the Knights and the American Legion. 
• Council Director – SK Don Williams asked all Council members to turn provide a copy of their activity report (i.e., volunteer hours) into him mid-December so that he can collate and write-up these important activities.  When submitting their hours Brother Knights are asked to consider all activities such as serving as Eucharistic ministers, helping with TYM, ramps, taking communion to the homebound, etc.  We do a lot and documenting these hours helps the Knights of Columbus maintain their “tax free” status.  In addition, Brother Don noted that as his arm heals, he plans to complete maintenance around the shed and the inventory with Brother Art Saraphis.
• Culture of Life Director – SK Paul Hilchey thanked the council members who helped with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina that involved sorting and re-packaging diapers.  He also relayed a call for volunteer drivers to help deliver the diapers to their final destination (military families in Fayetteville (2 times a month). Please contact Paul for further information.  It was also noted that the biggest need is for size 5 diapers.  Donations of wipes, baggies, and feminine hygiene products are appreciated greatly.
• Family Director – Brother Paul Andrews.  None
• Membership – Brother Ken Johnston noted that member recruitment is an ongoing process and that this process is a shared responsible for all Council members. In other words, we should all be more proactive.
• OPLAMB – SK Chris Cushing thanked the council members for their contributions to OPLAMB in response to the call for personal donations.  He added that $1111.00 has been realized so far through from the Fish Fry (about $400.00) and member donations (a little over $700.00) and that the council is about $500.00 from meeting the goal set by State. 
• Parish Council – DGK Ken Johnston noted that in addition to him, SKs Willie Towell and Jacque McAllister attended the Parish Council meeting.  Brother Jacque reviewed the status of the Parish Hall addition for the council. 
• Public Relations – SK Dave Kuboushek reminded everyone that he needs pictures of all events for the scrapbook.  These help capture the breath of council activities for this award winning effort.
• Website – Brother Mike Peters.  None
• Youth – SK Willie Towell announced that Brother Conor Towell and SK Tom Clifton will be attending the Search Weekend in December.  The Knights are sponsoring the cost of two TYM youths to this event. 

• Report of Standing Committees
• Unfinished Business
  • VA Bingo, November 15, 2017: 6:30 PM, Durham VA, 2^nd  Floor CLC.
  • Roadside Cleanup, November 18, 2017, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, St. Matthew’s Parish Hall.
  • Interest Survey.  This survey was sent out with a previous e-mail asking for ideas for new activities and ways to augment ongoing efforts of the council such as new venues for OPLAMB fund raising (e.g. new store etc).
  • Volunteer Hours (Form 1728A).  Important, please take time to fill out this form as the more volunteer hours we can demonstrate, the better it will be for the Council.
  • Event Planning/Committee Setup.
• New Business
  • Santa Brunch
    • December 3, 2017, 12:30 – 3:00 PM, St. Matthew’s Parish Hall
  • SK Dave Kuboushek will do a flyer for this event.  It is planned that it will be the same as last year.  Hot dogs will be served and volunteers are needed for the many activities.
  • Posada (Room at the Inn)
    • December 15, 2017, 5:30 – 8:00 PM, St. Matthew’s Church and Parish Hall.  SK Dave Kuboushek will also provide a flyer for this event
  • Bahama Christmas Parade
    • December 16, 2017, 9:00 – 12:00 PM, Carpool @ St. Matthew’s Parish Hall Parking Lot
    • Help is needed to set-up and decorate the trailer and attend the Parade .  The trailer’s theme is “Keep Christ in Christmas” and has been well received in previous years. Partaking in the Parade is a lot of fun and all council members are encouraged to participate in this event that is well-attended by the public.
  • Roadside Cleanup (Christmas Weekend)
    • December 23, 2017, 9:00 – 11:00 AM, St. Matthew’s Parish Hall
  • 5^th Sunday Rosary/Family Rosary Program
    • December 30 & 31, 2017, TBD during weekend Mass (Father’s approval/Order materials).
• Report of the 4^th Degree (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • New Social attire and regalia discount extended to November 30, 2017/Back Order.
  • Donations to Coats for Vets/Order of the Purple Heart $750 each.
  • Bahama Christmas Parade, December 16, 2017, 9 AM; Meet @ St. Matthew Parish Parking Lot.
• Field Agent’s Report (Sir Knight Scot Catlin) N/A
• District Deputy’s Report (DD SK Tim Hall)
  • A second degree ceremony will be held December 4^th for those interested at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Apex NC (625 Magdala Pl, Apex, NC 27502).
  • The DD noted that a priest at Immaculate Conception Church has requested the presence of 4^th degree SKs to celebrate his 40^th anniversary as a priest.  The event will be in the evening on  16 December 2017. 
  • Remember that many forms have an end of the year deadline and asked that this be kept in mind (although keep your family first during the coming holiday season).
• Good of the Order: SK John Toohil, SK Chris Cushing, SK Mike O’Kane, Fr. Bob Diegelman, SK Don Williams, Brother Joe Marro & Family, SK Jim Godowitch, Monsignor Keenan, Mr. Robert Kelly, Mary Hilchey, SK Ray and Sheila Anderson,
• Lecturer’s Class (SK Paul Hilchey) SK Paul Hilchey gave a brief presentation on the Knights and the KKK based on an article that appeared in the Columbia (http://www.kofc.org/en/columbia/detail/knights-vs-the-klan.html) entitled “The Knights vs. the Clan”.  This article documents the history of the anti-catholic, anti-Knights of Columbus activities of the KKK.  One such episode occurred during the election of President John F. Kennedy in which the KKK disseminated a “bogus oath” attributed to the Knights.  Brother Paul distributed JFK 50 cent pieces to the council members and asked that they use this as a reminder of the dangers of the misinformation that exists.  Thank you Brother Paul. 
• Closing Prayer (Hail Mary & Glory Be)

• Closing Ode Melody set to “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”  A motion to dispense of the closing ode was made, seconded and the meeting adjourned.   

Now our evening’s work is done, then let us ev’ry one, join in a song. Long may our order stand, foremost in this free land, ready with heard and hand, to right each wrong. We have a mission great, true to our church and state, onward we move. We dry the mourner’s tear, the tired heart we cheer, faith in our works appear, upheld by love.

.

• Adjournment  7:59!  Way to go GK Andy. 

Council 13812 November - December 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.
 
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. 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!