October 2017 Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Council 13812 Business Meeting October 10. 2017


Pope John Paul II Council Meeting Agenda
             

• Call to Order by GK Andy Sciacca at 7:00 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” ) was sung

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:

The statistics are appalling: For every one soul that enters the Catholic Church in America, 6.45 Catholic souls leave; by the age of 29, over one-half of baptized Catholic young adults have joined the ranks of the “nones” or those having no religion; and 70 percent of young adult Catholics who leave the Church do so by the age of 23.
We can no longer take for granted that men who seek to join the ranks of our brother Knights have adequate intellectual and spiritual faith formation, nor have sufficient time and interest to attend fraternal meetings that seem to go-on ad nausea. I invite you as chaplains to do your part to form our men with the faith formation they seek and to encourage local council leaders to creatively find new ways to engage more men in the task of faith formation.
As Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori’s remarks make clear, our brother Knights need the evangelical witness, time and energy we can give to them to help them become deeper men of faith and action. No doubt if our own church was on the front line of a physical persecution, each of us would be in the ‘spiritual foxholes’ with our councils, engaging with them, forming them for the mission and encouraging their participation in the trails ahead.
In today’s day and age, our task is no less vital: Today’s Catholic husbands, sons, fathers and grandfathers have simply not been taught the virtues and responsibilities requisite to their vocational duties. Moreover, most of our brother Knights no longer have the luxury to take time away from their family, wife or job to join us on a weekday evening to discuss how much money to spend on the local fundraiser. In fact, for many good Catholics, it would seem like an abdication of their vocation to go to such a meeting.
Let us take the initiative with local council leaders to encourage more of the fraternal “business” be done at council officers’ meetings and assist officers in creatively finding new ways to bring faith formation, fraternal virtue-based discussions and spirituality to our regular council events and meetings. Whether by watching a video, encouraging faith-based discussion-sharing or simply engaging in an intercessory prayer for potential new men and members in need, we can positively show that evangelization first begins with those around us.

• Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting:  A draft of the minutes for the September business meeting was distributed on 9-16.  After minor corrections and additions, a corrected version was distributed on 9-20 -17.  A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the minutes as corrected.
• Report of Admissions Committee and Reading of Applications (SK Dave Kuboushek)

In response to the membership drive on the weekend (October 7 & 8th), Gregory Quisaro was welcomed as a visitor to our business meeting. We all welcome him and hopefully he has developed a positive opinion of the Council and its many activities.  He was escorted to another room during the financial reports.

• Balloting for Membership (New members, readmissions, reapplications, transfers) none
• Grand Knight’s Report (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • Parish Council Meeting (see below under Service Program Reports)
    • Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 7:00 PM
  • Durham Bulls Stand Down
    • Friday, September 15, 2017; 8:30 – 2:00 PM; NC National Guard Armory, Durham.  Council members (Brothers Ken Johnston, Willy and Conor Towell, Ralph Cooper, Dan Golombiskie and Dave Kuboushek) BBQed a lot of chicken for a very large turnout!  It should be noted, and nice to see, that other Knights attended this event serving other functions.
  • Bicycle Cleanup & Refurbishment
    • September 30, 2017; Morning at Brother Joel’s residence
    • No one attended?
  • Life Chain
    • Sunday, October 1, 2017; 2:00 PM; South Point Mall (Lower Portion (Pier One).  Brother Paul Hilchey noted at least 3 Council members attended (some with family) and our Worthy DD there with family members.
  • Reading of Necrology
    • Saturday Vigil Mass, Sunday 8:30 & 11 AM Masses.  Thanks to the readers for this important event
  • Membership Drive
    • 2 prospects (5 PM Saturday Vigil & 8:30 AM Sunday Masses).  A tentative plan is to repeat this event every quarter in an effort to reach the Council goal for the year, which is 5 new members. 
  • Submission of Program Activities for April – September 2017
    • Church, Community, Council, Culture of Life, Family, OPLAMB, and Youth.  GK Andy Sciacca noted that a new goal of “membership” has been added to this list. 
  • Knight of the Month
    • SK Dave Kuboushek was selected for his tireless support of the Council activities, especially in the role of Public Relations providing materials for the Baby Bottle Campaign, signs and banners and bulletin materials along with his photography.  And, for providing and setting up the tent for the membership drive.  Thanks Dave, we are all appreciative!
  • Family of the Month
    • SK Walter & Lori Preddy Walt and Lori were selected for their involvement in the choir (both singing and music), Walt’s role as a trustee and their many other activities for the church.  Congratulations to the Preddys!
• Treasurer’s Report (SK Tom Clifton)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
•  Financial Secretary (SK Mike O’Kane)The FS also noted that the Council completed the annual requirement to the Family Food Project and noted that Council 13812 was recognized for their contributions to the Food for Family project and a 2015-2017 medallion was awarded to the council.  Way to go!
• Auditor’s and Trustee’s Report (SKs Walter Preddy, Joel Lipsey & Chris Cushing) none
• Chancellor’s Report (SK Dave Kuboushek) activities covered in above material

• Service Program Reports (Brother Ken Johnston)
  • Church Director – SK Mike Memrick reminded the Council members that the dates and times for the Rosary are: Cenacle rosary is every Tuesday @ 11:15 AM.  Two Rosaries are said before the noon mass.  All are welcome to attend both the rosary and daily mass.  The Rosary is also led by knights before each mass on the fifth Sunday of the month.   Please consider helping with these important activities. Knights are to arrive at least 1/2 hour before mass to participate.  Finally, don’t forget there is also a Church sponsored Rosary at 6:30 AM every 1^st Thursday.
  • Community Director – SK Joel Lipsey noted that the Bull City Stand Down was a great success.  He also announced that 60 bicycles were cleaned/repaired and donated them to the Loyal Park center which, in turn, distributes them to kids. We He also announced plans to do the same with 45 more before Christmas except they will go to another charity.  Finally, Brother Joel reminded the council members of the upcoming Flag Football event coming up on the 18^th of October, noting that cooks were needed (see below). 
  • Council Director – SK Don Williams
    • Update State’s Ceremony Calendar (1^st Degree)
    • 1 x 1^st Degree Ceremony per Quarter
    • SK Don also noted that he still plans to power wash the shed
    • A suggestion was put forth to organize a group event for Council members and their families to attend a mass at the Cathedral in Raleigh.  Maybe this could be followed by a group dinner.   
  • Culture of Life Director – SK Paul Hilchey announced that the payment of funds collected for the Pregnancy Support Services (Baby Bottle Campaign) has been scheduled.  He also noted that there will not be a January special collection for this worthy effort. 
  • Family Director – Brother Paul Andrews, none
  • Membership – Brother Ken Johnston
  • OPLAMB – SK Chris Cushing reminded the Council of the upcoming fish fry the October 28^th (details below).  SK Tom Clifton announced that sign-up sheets will be forthcoming.  Appended below. 
  • Parish Council GK Andy Sciacca, DGK Ken Johnston and SK Willy Towell (youth director) attended.  The minutes of the May and September Parish Council meetings are appended below. 
  • Public Relations – SK Dave Kuboushek is working on materials for the Trunk or Treat event and Fish Fry to make sure these two events are well advertised. 
  • Youth – SK Willie Towell.  Brother Towell reviewed some of the “sports” activities that are planned for the Trunk or Treat event. 

• Report of Standing Committees
• Unfinished Business
  • Committee Signups
  • Durham Parks & Recreation Special Olympics’ Flag Football Tournament
    • October 18, 2017; 4:00 – 7:00 PM
    • Old Chapel Hill Road Park, 3751 SW Durham Drive, Durham
    • Cooking Hotdogs for athletes and families
    • Everything provided by DPR, just need to cook and serve!
  • OPLAMB Fund Raiser (Fish Fry) Ticket Sales
    • October 21 & 22, 2017 (each Mass)
    • Selling tickets during and following each Mass
    • Signup Sheet
  • Durham Parks & Recreation Special Olympics’ Soccer Tournament
    • October 28, 2017; 9:00 – 2:00 PM; Herndon Park, 511 Scott King Road, Durham
    • Cooking Hotdogs for athletes and families
    • Everything provided by DPR, just need to cook and serve!
    • Signup Sheet
  • OPLAMB Fund Raiser (Fish Fry)
    • October 28, 2017; 5:00 – 8:00 PM; St. Matthew’s Parish Hall
    • $10 per plate, discount for families 4 or more
    • Supporting Special Olympics events in Durham County
    • Signup Sheet
  • 2^nd Annual Trunk or Treat
    • October 29, 2017; 4:00 – 7:00 PM
    • Trick or Treating between decorated cars parked outside the parish hall
    • Light Meal provided by Council (hotdogs, chips & refreshments)
    • Games: Bobbing for Apples, Halloween Bingo, Arts & Crafts
    • Signup sheet
    • The council will provide money for candy (~$40.00) and the GK is soliciting donations for Hot Dogs etc.
• New Business
  • Veteran’s Day
    • November 10 – 12, 2017
    • Submission of Write-ups to Brother Dave for insertion into posters
    • After Mass Collection (?)
    • Donation to Coats for Vets/Order of the Purple Heart
      • A donation of $250.00 will be made from the Council to the Assembly 3365 for this worthy event.
• Report of the 4^th Degree (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • Assembly 3365 Installation of Officers; August 22, 2017
  • Installation of Bishop Zarama; August 29, 2017
  • New Social attire and regalia discount extended to October 31, 2017/Back Order
  • Donations to Coats for Vets/Order of the Purple Heart
• Field Agent’s Report (Sir Knight Scot Catlin) SK Scot Catlin briefly discussed his reasons for taking this important role and what he hopes to accomplish in the coming months.  We are happy to have one of our own Council brothers to serve in this role, look forward with him and wish him the best of luck. 
• District Deputy’s Report (DD SK Tim Hall) the DD presented the Council with the Columbian Award for fulfilling several of the criteria required to meet this level of recognition.    The Columbian Award recognizes the council’s charitable service activities and programs in each of the six “Surge . . . with Service” program categories (Church activities, community activities, council activities, culture of life, family and youth activities).  Council 13812 readily met the criteria for this award.  In order to earn the Columbian Award, the council must complete at least four major programs or activities in each of the six “Surge . . . with Service” program categories.  

 
Finally, the DD reminded the council of the Mid-year meeting of council officers to be held January 6, 2018 in Kinston, NC.  The general purpose of the meeting is to share information among the different councils and recognizes achievements. 

• 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, Families affected by Hurricane Irma, the earthquake in Mexico, and the Las Vegas Shooting victims & families.
• Lecturer’s Class (SK Paul Hilchey) SK Paul Hilchey yielded his time to speak to our new Field Agent, Scot Catlin.  For those who still need a History Fix, Paul urges you to please read Columbia Magazine, October 2017, Page 28+, World War I and the Armed Forces: "The Men Who Cherished the Value of Brotherhood - The Values that had helped them to survive the darkest days of the terrible conflict" - From 1917 through 2017.
• 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
•  

Council 13812 October 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. (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, people and families affected by the recent hurricanes and the earthquake in Mexico; and the Las Vegas Shooting victims & families.) 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!