The Compass # # !! THE KNIGHTS OF SAINT BENEDICT COUNCIL 14654! FEBRUARY 2016 No Page 1

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1 No The Compass By The Numbers Membership News From Richard Conte, Financial Secretary Membership has leveled off at 83 with 26 Insurance and 57 Associates including 3 Honorary Life and one Associate being Honorary Member. Council records reflected the death of John Ferreira and Br. Peter Nelson s move to North Carolina and joined a council in that state. We wish Peter all the very best in his new home, council and state! We have formed a first degree team and will be practicing to be ready to admit new members once they have completed the initiation process. For the year, Supreme establishes goals for membership growth as a part of the Father McGivney Award and Founders Award. Along with the Columbian Award for service, achieving all three awards makes us Star Council. As of the January 1, 2016, we have 1 new member and 1 new insurance member in meeting these goals of 6 new members (17%) and 3 new insurance members (33%) respectively. A summary of our fraternal survey report is as follows. All fundraisers were profitable to varying degrees involving substantial time and talent by volunteers and enabling substantial contributions to charitable activities. The charitable acts (201) and service hours (3801) demonstrated in a small way the time and talent from our members. Our charitable endowments totaled $12,884 and about 50% were church related including the $5,000 (almost half our assets) to the St. Benedict Capital Campaign and $1,800 for seminarian support (2 fiscal years of support paid in 2015 for 2 seminarians). Contributions to Community totaled $1,674 and it included $1,000 in donations to charitable organizations in memory of deceased members. And Welcome to the new members noted on the next page! (continued from left) Contributions to Culture of Life Activities totaled $800 and it included support to the two key March for Life events. Contributions to Youth activities totaled $3,550 and it included $2216 profit sharing for the golf outing with the LaSalle CYO and $500 for the St. Benedict youth group. Member Birthdays God s Blessings on those Members with the following birthdays in January to March 2016 Jan. 4, Michael Maiers Jan. 9, Walter Wanas Jan. 13, Thomas Bertz Joe Reimels Eric Schmidley Jan. 24, John Shuff Jan. 27, Andrew Angstadt Jan. 28, Adam Sheidel Jan. 29, Nick Gatto Jan. 30, Jon Greenich Jan. 31, David Jones Feb. 10, Steve Wagner Feb. 11, Matt Karver Feb. 15, Patrick Kozlawski Feb. 20, Tom Less Feb. 29, Jim Gregor Mar 4, Anthony Crisi Mar. 7, Chris Kile Mar. 16, Bill Benonis Mar. 18, Ron Miller Mar. 21, Jim Crooks Mar. 27, Tom Gutherman Kerry Lanza Mar. 29, John McGranaghan Mar. 30, John Barse Mar. 31, Tom Knight For those members we missed in the last two quarters, Happy Birthday, also; and we will catch you on the next year s newsletters. Page 1

2 New Memberships in 2015 New Honorary Member John Shuff New Member Patrick Reagan With Dad New Member Chris Kile New Member Adam Schiedel New Member Ron Miller Page 2

3 PARTICIPATING KNIGHTS IN SERVICE TO ALL October to December COUNCIL On September 30 and October 1, 2015, eight (9) Knights and selected family members paid respects to the remains of John Ferreira at his wake and funeral led by Grand Knight Eugene Raser. 2. CHURCH On November 5, 2015 nine (9) Knights and family members led by Frank Burns helped set up the church social hall and gather space with tables and chairs for the Church Christmas Bazaar. 3. CHURCH On November 7-8, 2015 thirteen (13) Knights and a family member led by Frank Burns provided resources and donations for the Kitchen, Knight craft table and other church organization craft tables at the Church Christmas Bazaar. 4. CHURCH On November 8, 2015 six (6) Knights led by Frank Burns helped take down the church social hall and gather space after the Church Christmas Bazaar. 5. COUNCIL On November 14, 2015 five (5) Knights led by Richard Conte helps setup, implement, and cleanup for the Dinner portion of the Celebration of Life in Memory of the Deceased of the council. 6. CHURCH On November 27, 2015 five (5) Knights led by Jim Gregor setup the two outside Nativity scenes on the Church grounds. 7. CHURCH On December 22, 2015, seven (7) Knights led by Father Phil helped parishioners decorate the Church for the Christmas Services. DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS THREE CRECHES Page 3

4 Grand Knight Message - Gene Raser Jr. Brother Knights, I hope you and your family are well this winter season. While the summer quarter is normally slow with respect to council activities, we had a very good representation of Knights at the biggest fundraising event of the year in the parish the Chicken BBQ (about 30 knights helped out). A lot of activity in the fall quarter is noted herein; and many thanks to all those you helped in our activities. It was nice to give back to the Church parishioners with the pancake breakfast. The beef and brew was a nice event of fellowship and having some fun with bingo. The Christmas Bazaar and other Keep Christ in Christmas events supported by the council were very successful. Much of the burden for planning a lot of those council events falls on the shoulders of the council officers. It would be nice to have more support from council members. Participation in the general membership meeting is poor. If you did not know that events were being planned then maybe you need to come to some more meetings or pay closer attention to s. We have tried to enhance our communication techniques with the re-establishment of the newsletter. Hopefully you found our first one for the first quarter of this fiscal year (July to September) informative as I hope you will find this one as informative. Volunteers are always needed to help write articles especially related to faith witnessing, charitable support, faith, and morals. I understand completely that attending 1 or 2 council meetings each month may be a substantial burden, but support on a project in a given time of year would be greatly appreciated. All we do is for our first cornerstone Charity, we are fraternally united in that effort. Finally, please remember in your prayers those listed in our meeting minutes. Members or their relatives are suffering from certain illnesses so please remember them in your thoughts and prayers. FYI on Schedule (2016) Remainder of FY 2016 Jan. 18 First Degree Practice Jan. 22 March for Life Bus Trip from St. Benedicts Jan 29 Free Throw Report Jan. 31 Fraternal Survey Report Due to Supreme Mar Lenten Crab Cake Sale Mar. 12 Man Up Conf. at St. Joe s University Feb pm Night at the Races (Sat.) Feb. 15 Semi-annual Financial Audit Due Mar Easter Triduum April 17-4th Degree Information 5:00 PM at St. Benedict April 24 - March for Life at Berks Catholic at 2 PM followed by the March April 30 Golf Outing May 5 Ascension Thursday May 15 Pentecost Sunday (last day to fulfill Easter Duty) May 29-4th Degree Exemplification June 5 or 6 Council Family Pot Luck Dinner (Sun or Mon) and Elections June 30 End of the Fiscal Year (FY) If you have any additions please let the Grand Knight know. Page 4

5 From the Chaplain s Desk DYING CATHOLIC Fr. Philip Rodgers Ash Wednesday begins with a stark reminder of our mortality, remember you are dust and unto dust you will return. This prayer with accompany ashes on our forehead sets us off on our Lenten journey. This journey of introspection and determination calls us to use wisely my allotted time on earth. Our Lenten journey takes us to Calvary, and the empty tomb. In the celebration of Easter, and our Lords Resurrection we pray, where He has gone we hope to follow. While we cherish our life on earth, we are ever on a journey that leads to our eternal life with Jesus. So how does a practicing catholic celebrate the end of our earthly life and the beginning of our eternal life? First we recognize the beautiful expression of faith that is found in the sacrament of the Anointing of Sick. While this sacrament may be received several times in our life, the last time we receive it is called Last Rites. Our final communion is called Viaticum. These prayers help the dying person be embraced by the merciful love of God. After the soul has left the body we face the difficult task of burying the deceased. The prayers that the church provides speak loud and clear about the mystery of life and death of a Christian. First there is the Vigil service the night before burial. These prayers remind us we do not know the time or hour of our death but must be vigilant always. Several scripture readings usually accompanied by a gospel reflection. We keep vigil beside the mortal remains of our loved one with prayers, psalms and hymns. The Second part of the Christian burial Rites is the Funeral mass that takes place in church. Here we pray and offer a mass for the repose of the soul of the deceased. The funeral mass provides a link between the death of the believer and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hymns, prayers and a homily that reflects the promised resurrection of the body is the focus of the funeral mass prayers. The body is incensed as a sign of honor of the dead person s dignity as a member of Christ. Then the family proceeds to the cemetery for burial. The Third and final part of the Christian burial rites is the committal at the cemetery. Catholic practice is that burial should take place shortly after the funeral mass. The cremains are not to be scattered or placed on a shelf at home, but properly interned in the ground. These final prayers at the cemetery help the mourners say farewell and turn our tears into prayers for a restful peace with Jesus, Mary and all the Saints. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen Make sure someone knows your plans when it comes time, so that you as a practicing catholic may insure you practice Dying Catholic. May the hope, peace and newness of Life that Easter promises enrich your life and direct you to Live Well! Page 5

6 Several Books in Review By Richard Conte Did you know you had it in You? and; Of all human activities, man s listening to God is the supreme act of his reason and will from Pope Paul VI One of the great environment s of St. Benedict Church is Father Phil s willingness to have a free exchange of ideas in a structured environment. A recent class conducted by Helen McMinn, a parishioner, was centered on the Book: A Miracle that Changed the World The Five Thousand Year Leap Principles of Freedom 101 by W. Cleon Skousen. The course made several points asking us to reflect on how our country, in this age, is living up to its founding principles. Two of the most significant points for me were as follows: 1) The freedoms established in this country directly induced ingenuity leading to inventions made by the human race for the greater good; and, 2) The country was based on natural law and any law that went against natural law was no law at all. On the first principle, a specific example was noted how man tilled the field with horse, shovels, hoes, and plow stick for 5,000 years now look at the machines that have produced plenty from the fields AND another, example, humans traveled by horse and buggy but can now go to the moon. The second point had intrigued me to do more reading. What exactly is the natural law and where is it written down so that all can know right from wrong? Is natural law just the ten commandments given by God to the Israelites? Of the 28 principles of our founding in the referenced book above, Mr. Skousen points out the first principle being: The only reliable basis for sound government and just human relations is Natural Law Re: The Natural Law by Heinrich A. Rommen which is a study in legal and social history and philosophy This book discusses the great leader that addressed the issue of natural law being St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica) who lived in the 1200 s. He drew on Catholic theology but also on the philosophies of St. Augustine, Aristotle, and Plato and law principles of Cicero. Note already that Aristotle, Plato, and Cicero were not Catholic, let alone Christian. But they knew something in their hearts (their souls were instilled in them with principles on how to live by their Creator, AND their Creator was not the God of Israel). Mr. Rommen points out the passage from St. Paul (Rom 2:12-16): natural law is inscribed in the hearts of the heathen, who not have the Law (of Sinai) and is made known to them through their conscience The author also points out that: Natural law is the consequence of the doctrines of the priority of the intellect over the will (law is reason) in both man and God. So what is the problem? All material things such as the planets, suns and galaxies follow natural law as applied to the material; even living things such as plants and animal follow the natural law working in uniformity to benefit each other. Man, however is the only being created in God s image with intellect and will, essential functions of the soul. With the intellect infused with God s will or perfect wisdom to Love Him and Neighbor, how can we go wrong our FREE WILL! Think about it, in temptation, how often to you know it is wrong but do it anyway to satisfy some other need or simply because you are free to do it and it gives you pleasure. The author of this book goes on to discuss the history of various philosophies that emerged on this issue such as with reformers and during the Renaissance period in which they discussed the primacy of the Will over the Intellect. Back to Mr. Skousen s book, the founding Father read these references extensively and created our government consistent with natural law and in order to form a more perfect union. In my reading, I will continue to research examples of how natural law can be applied to specific situations. As Catholics and, if we want to know how natural law applies to specific situations, we refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A good reference is from St. John Paul II s the Splendor of Truth encyclical. Don t you wish you can do a data dump on your intellect? You have it in you to know right from wrong you just need a little help sorting out all that WISDOM, it is from God directly! Contact me at or me conteitalia@aol.com on your thoughts. Page 6

7 A Veteran s Day Story By Richard Conte My grandson Chase Conte attends Kindergarten at the Cumru Elementary School and he invited me to the Veteran's day assembly. There aren't enough words in the English language to communicate how impressed I was. Since leaving the Navy in 1976, I have never been invited to such a celebration let alone such an uplifting celebration. As I looked around, I did not see many dry eyes. My hearty commendation and well done went out to Dr. Gebphart Superintendent of the Governor Mifflin School District and and Dr. Richard Kaskey, Principal of the Cumru Elementary School. Clearly the Prinicipal of that school was a primary mover and shaker for the success of his school's celebration. It was so emotionally uplifting to see the youth of our country and younger (than me at 68) teachers and parents singing, saying, and acting out patriotic venues. The highlight of the day was seeing the whole school doing the jitterbug dance, the dance in which many celebrated the close of World War II. At this time in our country, when the actions of our military and even law enforcement officials do not seem to be in high regard to some, it was a pleasure that morning to be in Cumru's environment of enthusiasm, respect, and gratitude. With such a small thing as Veteran's Day and all of the attention to detail exhibited to that day by the school's principal, teachers, staff, and volunteers, it is no wonder how much more detail the school must spend each day to the education of our children to not only the 3 R's; but also to the love of this country and patriotism. If someone wonders on the future of America, they need not go any further than the Governor Mifflin School District and, in particular, Cumru Elementary. With great respect and gratitude for that day, I said a simple thank you in an to those I mentioned above for what I know was a great deal of stress and hard work. A Prayer Moment - Papal Prayer By Richard Conte Re: A Larger Print Prayer Book, Alba House, 1979 When Pope Francis was in the States at the end of September 2015, a recurring theme of His was to pray for me. Although he exhibited great stamina while here, you can see in his eyes a great weight. The prayer below is taken out of the above noted reference book. It was bought at a Catholic book store but no imprimatur is on it. It sounds like a legitimate prayer giving worship and asking for mercy and petitions. The other two types of prayer are giving thanks and asking for forgiveness. The underlined portion was added by me in order to further honor Pope Francis request. The traditional Morning Offering also offers another opportunity to pray for Pope Francis and our Bishops and parish priests. In that prayer, we offer our prayers, works, joys, and suffering for various intentions one of which is the specific intentions of our Holy Father this month. Please note that the Holy Father s intentions for the month are listed in Knightline. Again adding the underlined phrase below further enhances the Pontiff s request as his intentions for the month are usually not for Himself. Papal Prayer - O God the shepherd and ruler of all your faithful people, mercifully look upon your servant Francis our pope, whom you have chosen as the Chief Shepherd to preside over your church; grant him we beg you, so to edifying those under his care, that he may have peace in his heart and attain life everlasting together with his flock through Christ our Lord Amen. Page 7

8 From Supreme and State Councils Upcoming Events Jan. 1 Mary Mother of God Feb. 10 Ash Wednesday Mar Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter (Easter Triduum) May 5 Ascension Thursday May 8 Mother s Day May State Convention, Erie, PA May 15 Pentecost Sunday May 22 Trinity Sunday May 30 Memorial Day (4 th Degree Weekend) June 19 Father s Day June 30 - July 1 Routine End of Fiscal Year Reports (Awards, New Officers, New Program Directors, Financial) May 29 Feast of Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Supreme website: State website: Council website: Council Officers Chaplain, Father Phil Rodgers (Church Office) Grand Knight, Eugene (Gene) Raser Jr. C Deputy Grand Knight, Matt Reagan C Chancellor, John Cocco C Recorder, Matt Clayton C Treasurer, William (Bill), Brann C Advocate, John Coccia C Warden, Jim Gregor C Inside Guard, Zachary Brann C Outside Guard, David Jones C Financial Secretary, Richard Conte Sr. C Trustees One Year Trustee, Matt Martini C Two Year Trustee, Mike Mider C Three Year Trustee, Tom Connelly C Mail Inquiries to: K of C Council Chestnut Hill Road Mohnton, PA Page 8

9 Matt Maher - All The People Said Amen from the album All the People Said Amen Third Day Otherside from the album Revelation MercyMe Move From the album The Generous Mr. Lovewell Good of the Order Want to try connecting with your kids or grandkids? Try playing a few of these recommended Contemporary Christian songs! Jamie Grace Beautiful Day From the album Ready to Fly TobyMac Funky Jesus Music From the album Tonight Newsboys God s Not Dead From the album God s Not Dead Page 9

10 St. Benedict s Council Tim Lindley Memorial Golf Outing St Benedict Council s 5 th Annual Golf Outing A contribution from the proceeds will be made for Cancer Research in Tim s name Saturday, April 30 th 4 Person Scramble, Shotgun Start at 1:00pm Hawk Valley Golf Club 1309 Crestview Drive, Denver, Pa Phone Proper Golf Attire Required, including soft spikes $15, Hole in One Prize Putting Contest, Longest Drive, Raffle Prizes Registration - $75.00/Golfer includes green fees, cart, BBQ Chicken Dinner, unlimited drinks, free golf club certificates. Golfer Name Phone Make Checks Payable to: St. Benedict s Council Mail to: Michael Mider, 1360 Clearview Drive, Denver, Pa Dinner Only Reservation - $20.00, vegetarian meals available Sponsorship information on reverse Page 10

11 Gold Sponsor - $500 Sponsor Form Includes: Four greens fees, beverage cart sponsorship, exclusive sponsorship of one hole, pavilion banner, recognition at dinner. Silver Sponsor - $375 Includes: Four greens fees, putting green sponsorship, pavilion banner, recognition at dinner. Bronze Sponsor - $250 Includes: Two greens fees, choice of tee to sponsor, recognition at dinner. Hole Sponsor - $100 Includes: Sponsor sign at tee or green, recognition at dinner. Sponsor Type: Gold Silver Bronze Hole Sponsor Name: Sponsor Company: ( Name to appear on banner) Contact Name and Phone or Golfer Name Phone Make Checks Payable to: St. Benedict s Council Mail to: Michael Mider, 1360 Clearview Drive, Denver, Pa Page 11