September 2017

Minutes  of Council 13812 Business Meeting September 12 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.
 

• Chaplain’s Message: GK Andy Sciacca asked that all Brothers read the following. 

As priests, we know that the first thing to go is prayer. When one is busy, weighed down by the burdens and demands of administration time and schedule, it is an act of faith to pause, stop what one is doing and seek the embrace of the Father. The Lord Jesus himself had to slip away in the early hours of the day to make time for his own conversation with the Father. When the disciples struggled to perform the duties expected of them and were straining under the spiritual burdens before them, Jesus reminded “things like these only come out by fasting and prayer” (cf. Mk 9:29). Many men seek to join the Knights because of the fraternal support and Catholic camaraderie it offers on the local level. Men usually grow close by doing things together. growing from the shared experience of serving the Church and community, good men become better Catholics. Others are equally attracted by the Order’s insurance program, which not only offers families financial protection, but also promises sound ethical investing, solid advice and the opportunity to reinvest in the Catholic Church through corporate donations made possible by the profits of the K of C. The March for Life, the saint John Paul II National shrine, World Youth Day and Christians at Risk are just a few of the many causes and events benefited by these donations. In both cases, the Knights of Columbus aids and protects men and their families and the causes dear to them. Many men are also looking to join the Knights of Columbus for spiritual and catechetical faith formation. How many men — knowing that their marriages and families are under spiritual attack — are looking for the armor of faith to defend themselves? Others are looking for an avenue to return to the Church as their children prepare for the sacraments. Many go through the laborious process of starting new men’s groups to find the support and accountability they need to survive. The Knights of Columbus was formed by Father McGivney to assist such men and help them thrive! Our parish-based councils exist to be the entry points for those who seek to return to the practice of the faith. Who is better positioned to notice and invite new or returning parishioners to re-engage in the faith? every man desires to give of himself. No man should have to endure endless business meetings where haggling over a donation or what to do for a fundraiser remains the center of the meeting. Instead, our councils must become places of invitation and engagement with the faith. I ask every chaplain to pray and meet (perhaps quarterly) with local council leaders to determine the most efficient use of business meetings (perhaps quarterly) and how best to ensure that the bulk of Knights of Columbus meetings are dedicated to meeting the spiritual, faith formation, charitable and fraternal needs of the members. The world needs our brothers to be men of faith, prayer and action. Thousands of good Catholic men are looking to become such men. May our work spur our brother Knights to live the attractive missionary dimension that will invite those on the margins to join them in such a task.

• Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting.  The corrected minutes for the August 10 meeting were distributed on August 22, 2017.  A motion to approve the minutes as amended was made, seconded and passed.
• Report of Admissions Committee and Reading of Applications (SK Dave Kuboushek) no report.  None to report.
• Balloting for Membership (New members, readmissions, reapplications, transfers). None made.
• Grand Knight’s Report (SK Andy Sciacca).
  • GK Andy Sciacca and Deputy Grand Knight: Ken Johnston will attend the Parish Council Meeting, to be held Wednesday, September 13, 2017, 7:00 PM in an effort to improve communications between the councils.
• Durham Bulls Stand Down
  • Friday, September 15, 2017; 8:30 – 2:00 PM
  • NC National Guard Armory, Stadium Drive, Durham, NC
  • The council will be "BBQing" chicken in the morning and cooks are needed. Meet behind the Armory.  Help is needed moving the grill from the shed to the Stand Down (Brothers Willie and Conner Towell were volunteered).     
• Life Chain.  All members are encouraged to attend this important event.  You just have to show-up as signs etc will be available. 
  • Sunday, October 1, 2017; 2:00 PM
  • Meeting area at South Point Mall (Lower Portion (Pier One)
  • Knight of the Month is SK Scot Catlin for his work as communications director and his new role as District Field Agent.  Congrats to Scott!  Also, a belated recognition was given to Serge Caitlin (Knight of the Month of May) for the speech he gave at the 4^th degree ceremony.   
• Family of the Month
  • SK Ralph & Carolyn Cooper

 
 
 

• Treasurer’s Report (SK Tom Clifton)
• Financial Secretary (SK Mike O’Kane)
• Auditor’s and Trustee’s Report (SKs Walter Preddy, Joel Lipsey & Chris Cushing), none at this time.
• Chancellor’s Report (SK Dave Kuboushek)

• 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 after each mass on the fifth Sunday of the month.  Please consider helping with these important activities.  Finally, don’t forget there is also a Church sponsored Rosary at 6:30 AM on every 1^st Thursday.
  • Community Director – SK Joel Lipsey reiterated the need for the help at the Durham Bulls Stand Down on Friday Sep. 15^th .   He also reminded the council that the next bicycle “clean-up” will be on September 30^th from 9-12 AM (note: helpers access work area using access road behind Joel’s house at  5007 Lazywood Lane, Durham, NC).
  • Council Director – SK Don Williams.  The key inventory is moving along and an e-mail has been sent to Council members.  A table based on the information he has currently is attached below.  Relevant parties should review this table and contact SK Don if there are any questions or changes, especially if there is an asterisk next to your name! Brother Don also noted that he will weed-wack around the shed and pressure wash if needed as soon as it is feasible.
  • Culture of Life Director – SK Paul Hilchey.  The Baby Bottle campaign is under way and will end officially on September 17^th (although a possibility of an extension may be considered).  To date Brother Paul estimates about $500.00 has been realized.
• Family Director.  This position was open until the current meeting at which time Brother Paul Andrews volunteered to fill this important role.  Congratulations Brother Paul!
• Membership – Brother Ken Johnston.  Brother Ken noted that there was nothing to report and then expressed his concern about current recruitment issues, especially the recruitment of  younger members which may be realized through better involvement with the Youth Programs.
• OPLAMB – SK Chris Cushing.  SK Chris reminded all members of the fundraiser scheduled for October 28^th.  Also, he will be making a plea to all Council members to consider a personal donation to this effort.  Finally, Brother Chris led a discussion of examining the possibility of enlisting local restaurants to consider donating a percentage of their earnings for a specified period of time to OPLAMB.  The mechanics of this effort will need further discussion.
• Parish Council – GK Andy Sciacca & DGK Ken Johnston plan to attend the next Parish Council meeting (see above).  A request was made that the minutes of this meeting be made available to the Council.
• Public Relations – SK Dave Kuboushek .  In lieu of Brother Dave’s absence, Brother Paul Hilchey noted that he has prepared the materials to send a letter to all members of the council reminding them of the importance of attending the monthly meeting, staying current with their dues and become more involved in Council activities.  He noted that the timing of the letter could be made to coincide with Columbus Day (October 12^th).
• Youth – SK Willie Towell.   To kick off the year the TYM will be at the beach retreat at Salter Path on the weekend of September 14-15.  May God be with them and their chaperones.  The younger group’s kickoff will be on the following weekend.  Trunk or treat will be held on October 30. 

• Report of Standing Committees. GK Andy Sciacca noted that he would like the Public Relations director be a part of all committees to so that their plans and activities are made available to the Council. He noted that the responsibility of the committees (listed below) is to cover all aspects of the events from organizing the efforts, identifying participants and maintain the continuity of the committee.
•  Unfinished Business.
  • Committee Signups
    • Church
      • 5^th Sunday Rosary
      • Parish Council
      • Ministry Recognition
    • Community
      • Boy Scouts
    • Council
      • 1^st Degree Team
      • 2^nd Degree Team
    • Culture of Life
      • Baby Bottle Campaign
      • Pro-Life Activities
    • Family
      • 40 Cans for Lent
    • Membership
      • Benefits Night
      • Membership Drives
    • OPLAMB
      • Fund Raising by Storefront Collections
      • Fund Raising - Meals
      • Fund Raising - Sponsorship
    • Retention
      • Retention Committee
    • Youth
      • Trunk or Treat
      • TYM
      • Catechesis
      • Santa Brunch
      • Posada
• New Business
  • Veteran’s Day
    • November 10 – 12, 2017.  All veterans, who have not done so, are encouraged to provide a photo and brief statement on their tour of duty for display on Veteran’s Day.  
    • Fund Raiser Meal
      • Following Saturday and Sunday 11 AM Masses  cancelled
    • Plans are in progress for a November Clothing Drive for homeless veterans and their families.  A box would be placed in the commons at each mass.  All donations would be sent to SK Tom Dupree (VAVS) for distribution.
• Report of the 4^th Degree (SK Andy Sciacca)
  • Assembly 3365 Installation of Officers; August 22, 2017.  District Master SK Jack Murray officiated during the installation and a pot-luck dinner followed the ceremony.  Although the event was a success, concern was expressed about the fact that essentially all the participants were from Council 13812. 
  • Installation of Bishop Zarama; August 29, 2017
  • New Social attire and regalia; September 30, 2017/June 30, 2018.  Discussions about the change over to the new Social attire continue.
     
• Field Agent’s Report (Brother Joseph Smolenski)
  • New District 10 Field Agent: SK Scot Catlin.  Again, Congratulations and good luck Scot!
• District Deputy’s Report (DD SK Tim Hall).
  • The District Director encouraged the council to consider taking part in the “Penny of the Day” project a 301-C3 effort to raise money.
  • He also reminded the Council that the Matrix form is Due September 30. 
  • He announced that there will be a retreat November 4^th in Louisberg, N.C. All are encouraged to attend.  State Chaplain William P. Lezak will be leading discussions on various topics.
  • The DD echoed the call that all Council members partake in the Life Chain on October 1 at South Point Mall. 
• 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, SK Mike Memrick & Family, Monsignor Keenan, Mr. Robert Kelly, Families affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

• 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, SK Mike Memrick & Family, Monsignor Keenan, Mr. Robert Kelly, Families affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.) 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).  Brother Paul’s Lesson for the meeting is attached below.  You are encouraged to view this informative passage concerning the life and death of Father Michael J. McGivney and the expansion of the Knights of Columbus outside the State of Connecticut. 
• 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 was made to dispense of the closing Ode, the motion was seconded and approved. 

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   8:20 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.
 
Attachments: Key Inventory from Don Williams.  For those named below, please be sure information is correct.  At the time of the meeting, t hose names with an asterisk had not responded to Don’s email, but they reported having keys last year.
 

 
 
Lecturer’s Notes from Paul Hilchey
 
DID YOU KNOW?
Father Michael Joseph McGivney
(August 12, 1852 – August 14, 1890)
2017-09-12
 
 
Father Michael J. McGivney's views on the interstate extension of the Order (into other states) had changed considerably since he made his 1883 statement in which he limited the Order's growth to the parishes in the state of Connecticut. As a very active Pastor in Thomaston concerned with the heavy indebtedness of the Saint Thomas Church, he deferred to the lay leaders of the Order. Though he must, as its Pastor, have been intimately concerned with its professional development and personally gratified by its “wondrous growth” there were no documents to reveal his role in the business of the Order. He continued an active role in this critical situation which indicated his consistent concern for the welfare of the Order.
 
At the Board of Government meeting held on June 27, 1889, Supreme Knight Phelan made an impassioned plea that the Order express its gratitude to its founder. The committee on the Good of the Order proposed a resolution authorizing the Order to pay $1,000 to Father McGivney “as a testimony of .the gratitude of the Order for his past services on its behalf”.  The resolution was adopted by a rising and unanimous vote.
                                                                                                                                   
On the Feast of the Assumption, the day after he died, the Waterbury Republican newspaper simply stated, “Father McGivney was well-known throughout Connecticut. Both his conception and execution of the idea of organizing the Order of the Knights of Columbus brought him great prominence. He was full of vitality and energy. His efforts were uniformly successful. His unassuming manner was symbolized at his funeral”. The Waterbury Republican newspaper also reported that there were counted more than 250 Knights in attendance at the funeral and that there were estimated to be more than 5,000 other people also in attendance.
 
Father McGivney was indeed a “Man of the People”.
 
We, as an organization, mourned his passing and we became stronger Catholics!
 
Did You Know?
 
Now You Do!
 
The rest you know from our “Highlights in History” Series!
 
Thank You for Your Attention!