Volume 70 No.2 October 2018

Transcription

1 Volume 70 No.2 October 2018 Dear Brothers in Christ, Columbiettes, and Squires: Come October, it may seem as though outdoor display of colors is only to be had by putting out bright pumpkins and by decorating our houses and yards for Halloween. We go to great lengths to transform our yards into a fun and creepy experience suitable for both kids and adults. The blooming of the summer grasses in August signals the transition of the seasons, even if it is not quite meteorological autumn. There are flowers to be enjoyed, too. Some will persist beyond October, as well, defying nature's signal to rest. Amber, burgundy and gold the deep, rich signature hues of fall are filling trees in parks, forests and neighborhoods across the country as fall foliage season begins to bloom. With the changing of seasons marks the time to start changing our wardrobe as well, sweaters and light jackets are replacing tee shirts and shorts. As the summer sun fades and autumn nears, it's inevitable to wonder What kind of winter will this year bring? A mild or wild winter or a wet or dry winter. But, October is much more than Nature s display of flowers, blooming colors of trees, Halloween decorations or what clothes to be taken out and what clothes to be put away. October is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Rosary. Since the prayers of the Rosary come from excellent sources from Our Lord Himself, from inspired Scripture, and from the Church it is not surprising that the Rosary is so dear to our Blessed Mother and so powerful with heaven. If we consider the power of the Rosary as seen in its effects, we find a great abundance of proofs of its wonderful value. Many are the favors granted to private individuals through its devout recitation: there are few devoted users of the Rosary who cannot testify to experiencing its power in their own lives. Today, when dangers far greater than those who would threaten not only Christianity but all civilization, we are urged by our Blessed Mother to turn again to the Rosary for help. If men and women in sufficient numbers do this, and at the same time carry out the other conditions that she has laid down, we have the greater reason for confidence that we will be delivered from our dangers. We all want to make a difference in the world. We want to know that our lives matter, that our presence on Earth has meaning and purpose. I can assure you that you have a Divine assignment -- an important mission to fulfill. The first step in discovering and fulfilling this mission is to take a leadership role in your life. Stand Up for Your Life. Stand with thousands of pro-life individuals throughout the USA and Canada on Sunday, October 7, 2018 in honor of millions of babies whose lives have been lost to abortion. Pray for people in crisis situations and for our nations. You'll be a light in a darkened world as you help put an end to abortion through prayer! On Sunday, October 7 th the exemplification of the Fourth Degree will take place at O Connell Council in Oceanside. Continued on page 4

2 Page 2 CLARION October 2018 The Clarion is published upon request, or visit our web site at Corpus Christi Council #2502, Knights of Columbus, and PO Box 243, Fraternal Chairman (To be notified in case of sickness, death or need) Ken Lyons (516) or (516) Mineola NY NYS 17th District SK James Corrigan, PGK, DD Corpus Christi Council Officers Chaplain Msgr. Robert J. Batule Grand Knight SK John Mallon, PGK Deputy Grand Knight Bruce Chester Chancellor Dave Redmond Warden SK Kevin Keenan Financial Secretary - SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, Treasurer Liam Patterson Recorder Mike Kiesel Outside Guard Bob Rina Inside Guard Kevin Mulrooney Advocate SK Dan Albano Lecturer Ed Pappalardo Trustee 1 YR SK Paul Kelly PGK Trustee 2 YR SK Mike Murtha, PGK Trustee 3 YR SK Peter Zayas Directors/Chairmen Council Director SK, John Mallon, GK Program Director Bruce Chester Church Directors SK Tom Kelly, PGK (CC), SK Jim Corrigan, PGK (St. A) Community Directors -- Ed Pappalardo (WP, EW), SK Tom Kelly, PGK (M) Council Chairmen SK Tom Kelly, PGK Pro-Life Chairman SK Jim Corrigan, PGK Vocations Chairman SK Jim Corrigan, PGK Parade Chairman OPEN Insurance Agent Will Havron Membership Chairman Recruitment Chairman & Admissions Chairman Dave Redmond II Retention Chairman SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN, FS Eagle Scout Chairman OPEN Communications Chairman Dave Redmond II Delegates to Nassau Chapter SK Peter Zayas GK SK Paul Kelly, PGK, SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK Delegates to Nassau Conference SK Peter Zayas, GK, SK, Paul Kelly, PGK SK, Steve Driscoll, PGK, Alt. to GK SK Mike Murtha, PGK, DD, Alt. to PGK Financial Secretary SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN, FS 241 Columbus Pkwy, Mineola (516) NFRANKP@aol.com Grand Knight SK John (516) Insurance Agent Will Havron, CLTC, (516) KofCWillHavron@gmail.com President of the Columbiettes Patricia Delaney (516) pdelaneycurtin714@gmail.com Squires Circle Chief Squire Nicholas (516) WILMIN CORPORATION: Bob Morrison, President, Charles Ribando, VP Denis O Sullivan, Secretary, SK Sam Donato, PGK, Treasurer Dan Lynch, PGK, (medical leave) Bill Gyves, Marc Randazzo, John Macejka. PGK, John O Shea, President Emeritus 2502 ASSOCIATION Danny Donovan, President; Nick Passarella II, VP Jude Ohrtman, Secretary, Bob Redmond, Treas., Danny McWeeney, Bill Kessler, John Mucella, Billy Wisniewski, Jim Spollen, Ken Lyons, PGK, Dave Redmond II, Andy Bernstein STEWARD - Tom Doherty Fax # (516) Council Telephone (516) The Clarion For information on ads contact Bill Gyves, Business Manager at (516) Editor Ken Lyons (516) Deadline for submissions 15 th of the month If you do not have access to a computer, or if you know someone else who is not on Facebook, or do not go on Twitter and would like a hard copy or if you prefer a hard copy of the Clarion. Please contact Ken Lyons at (516) or (516)

3 October Calendar 2018 Tuesday, Oct 02 Feast of the Guardian Angels Wednesday, Oct. 03 DD 12 Apostles Council 7:30pm Thursday, Oct St. Francis of Assisi Business Meeting 8:30pm FRIDAY, Oct. 05 World Teachers Day Sunday, Oct. 07 Our Lady of the Rosary Stand Up for Life 4 th Degree Exemplification Football Sunday Monday, Oct. 08 Columbus Day Parade Tuesday, Oct. 09 Columbiette Meeting 7:30pm Wednesday, Oct Wilmin Meeting 8:00pm Thursday, Oct. 11 St. John the XXIII Day Officer s Meeting 8:00pm Sunday, Oct. 14 Football Sunday Be Bald and Be Free Day Monday, Oct. 15 I Love Lucy Day Tuesday, Oct. 16 CWV Meeting 8:30pm Wednesday, Oct. 17 St. Ignatius of Antioch Day Squires Meeting 7:45pm Thursday, Oct.18 St. Luke s Day Social Meeting 8:30pm Friday, Oct. 19 Nassau Chapter TBA 8:00pm Saturday, Oct. 20 Sweetest Day Sunday, Oct. 21 Football Sunday Monday, Oct. 22 St. John Paul II Day Thursday, Oct. 25 World Pasta Day Sunday, Oct. 28 Football Sunday Monday, Oct. 29 National Cat Day Tuesday, Oct. 30 Candy Corn Day Wednesday, Oct Halloween Bar Team Schedule October Monday, Oct. 01 Kelly s Heroes Monday, Oct. 08 McWeeney s Court Monday, Oct Jude s Teachers Monday, Oct Nick s Team Best Monday, Oct. 29 Kelly s Heroes

4 Page 4 CLARION October 2018 Continued from page 1 Council participation is a proven approach to addressing the financial shortfalls of Council events However, the quality of participation varies from event to event. The notion of member participation and involvement is to foster the growth of the Council. Every Council and volunteer organization wants to be successful and have desire to get constant progress. In the coming months members will be given an opportunity to attend the CWV brunch and the Members Christmas party. Please make every effort to attend one or both of these events. Fraternally yours, SK John Mallon, PGK The Right Corner Saying the Rosary: By the time I was 12 years old, I could recite the Rosary from the Creed at the beginning through the Hail Mary s, Glory Bes, Our Fathers and back to Hail Holy Queen. I was aware of the Mysteries and when to reflect on them. I knew that May and October were the months specially dedicated to praying the Rosary. Five and a half decades later, a few months ago when I was in a difficult situation, I got the Rosary I always prayed. Most times, we tend to resolve issues and find answers on our own. Just knowing there is a Higher Power is comforting but reaching out for divine intervention is a moment of clarity. Back to that situation, I was shocked when I could not remember the Apostle s Creed, which is the opening prayer when reciting the Rosary. It is said while holding the cross. I was equally blank on the bead before the three Hail Mary s. Then I could hardly go beyond the 10 beads known as a decade. I realized that I was not just being unfair to myself but I had to re-learn how to pray, to not only recite the words but search for the depth of each word and phrase uttered. Being a Roman Catholic, it was a shame that I had reduced the rosary to an accessory. It had become more of a symbol than a means to prayer, connecting with the Holy Trinity of God and reflecting on the life of Mary and Jesus. It is such a central part of the Catholic faith. I was taught about the Rosary and other tenets of the religion by my mother and father. These lessons were emphasized by my parents who ensured we said our prayers as and when required. They made sure we went to church every Sunday, reminded each of us about the feast days, and why we do certain things that people of other Christian persuasions find strange. One of these strange things is the significance of Rosary in the month of October. After my shock discovery in May, I resolved to relearn how to recite the Rosary. But I would do this with the benefit of hindsight as well as the foresight to impart the same lessons to others. Indeed God works in mysterious ways. It was through a rough patch that I realized I had neglected a cardinal duty of my life. St Louis de Montfort said, When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer. For this reason, I try to say it every morning and evening. I believe that The Blessed Virgin Mary always intercedes for me. Every request/favor I have asked for comes to pass. The older I grew, I noticed the Blessed Mother always took my prayer requests which would come to pass. She taught me that it required a contrite heart with devotion. When you pray the Rosary, you meditate on the events in Jesus life. There are the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. According to some specific benefits Catholics associate with praying the Rosary are the creation of peace, diverting the mind from material desires, increasing awareness and intuition and strengthening love in relationships. The rosary may also serve as a source of comfort during difficult times and is considered a form of spiritual protection against negativity. Did you know? The word Rosary comes from Latin and means a garland of roses, the rose being one of the flowers used to symbolize the Virgin Mary. The prayers that comprise it come mainly from the Bible. Nearly all of the 20 Mysteries of the most Holy Rosary are taken from some Biblical passage or Biblical scene. The decision to designate October as the month of the Rosary apparently stems from the Church s desire to extend its thanksgiving to Our Lady from one Sunday to a whole month. If you wish to convert anyone to the fullness of the knowledge of Our Lord and of His Mystical Body, then teach him the Rosary. One of two things will happen. Either he will stop saying the Rosary or he will get the gift of faith. Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

5 Page 5 CLARION October 2018 Chaplain Message: As you are aware, our council marks its 95 th anniversary next month. We are in debt to our predecessors a couple of generations ago who brought the Knights of Columbus to Mineola (although not the site we currently occupy on Jericho Turnpike). These pioneers did in fact bring our order here and we are grateful for their ingenuity. For we have had an opportunity to belong to the world s largest Catholic fraternal organization through Corpus Christi Council. We thus have had the good fortune to share in the vision of the Venerable Father Michael McGivney. Let us mark this occasion with pride then. At the same time, we ought not to rest on our laurels. There is always more to do and more to give. Don t think that our mission is over. Far from it! PGK Tom Kelly led the effort to commemorate our anniversary by arranging for the publication of a journal. I sincerely hope you considered taking an ad in it. We want our council to continue playing a big part in our community. Let s demonstrate our vitality with an people where food cannot. 100% of all the money we collect goes to Corpus Christi Parish Outreach. It doesn t have to cost a person a lot of money; it is the gesture that counts. If everyone just chips in a little bit, the world would be a better place for those who are less fortunate. When a person gives love to someone less fortunate than themselves it is a wonderful feeling. People really don t realize how fortunate they are until they look at the less fortunate in world. They are everywhere. It doesn t only happen in another city. It can happen in your own community. I will always continue to be a giver. Whether it is by a monetary donation, lending a helping hand, a hug, or a just pat on the back, I enjoy the love I feel from doing this. The smile I see or love I feel in my heart is the most rewarding experience I can ever have. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. (Matthew 25:35) impressive visual offering next month. And to Tom, thank you for your leadership on this project. We are very appreciative of your efforts. As always, I encourage you to attend our regular meetings on Thursday nights twice a month. I encourage you also to attend the functions we hold in our building. By my estimate, we have about one major event per month, many of them with meals and entertainment included. Commit yourself to be present on these occasions and share the time with your brothers in Columbianism. You won t regret your decision to be involved and engaged. October is the month of Our Lady. Ask our Blessed Mother to intercede for us when you pray the rosary. We need her help now more than ever. With so many disturbing things in the world and in the Church, we need the Blessed Virgin Mary s good counsel about how to meet our responsibilities as Catholic men. In Christ, Msgr. Bob Batule C & B News: On Sunday, Sept 16 th the Council participated in the Williston Park Street Fair selling 16 and 1/2 C & B books and a recruitment drive that netted (1) Membership application. I want to offer my sincere thanks to all the brothers who came out to man our table: On Sunday, Sept. 23rd the Council once again participated in the Mineola Street Fair with a recruitment drive and selling C & B books. The figures on how many books sold was not available and will appear in the November Clarion. Between the two street fairs, Mineola and Williston Park, there is no reason why with a little effort we can surpass last year s total. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. Jim Corrigan PGK C & B Chairman Council Chaplain Council s Food Drive Report: There are many less fortunate people than I who live an indigence life, and by no choice of their own. Helping these people has become a mission of mine. Many people don t realize how many ways there are to make someone else s life enjoyable. Many of these ways are very simple and can take very little time and effort. The only thing a person needs is to be a caring individual of not only yourself, but others. Giving money vs. donating food may sound avaricious to some. And I understand the argument, but there is something about the spirit of compassion which is sharing food. It's a different psychology of here's a can of food as opposed to here's a dollar. And it doesn't have to be that tradeoff. The idea of providing money instead of food is not new. Cash can get to New Officers: Last month we had our Installation of new officers for the 2018/2019 fraternal years on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 8pm. Installing new officers is a very important procedure in Council operations and has a very special significance to both the newly elected officers and to members. It is a time when the Council leadership is passed from our current officers to a new set of officers eager to place their plans into action. Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing well is it useful. It is time to stand up for our officers and stop making excuses. Ken Lyons, PGK & Editor

6 Page 6 CLARION October 2018 Here are some of the Charities supported by C & B books sales: Catholic Education, Catholic High School Scholarships and Grants, Children with Special Needs Programs, St. Mary's Hospital, Special Olympics, Disaster Relief, Bishops of New York Diocesan Programs, Sisters of Life and Other Pro Life Activities, Calvary Hospital, Religious Vocations, Coats for Kids, Food for Families And Catholic Television Broadcast. Donations: The following donations were made from May through September: Donations to both churches, Corpus Christi and St Aidan s, 106th Rescue Wing Group, Mineola Fire Dept. annual golf outing, hole sponsor. Denis O Sullivan, Donations Chairman Fraternal Corner: Please keep in your prayers the following brother knights and their families. Bernadette Ferguson, Vilma Doherty, PGK Ken Lyons, PGK Danny Lynch, Dick O Callaghan, PGK Marcel Chaillol, Tommy Hayden, John O Shea, PGK John and Hilda Macejka, Paul Libassi, PGK Richie Ryan, Donna Andanuy, Danny Donovan, PGK Carl Marchese, Denis Nolan, Matt Pennacchio, Bill O Leary, Richard Bulbrock, Zris Silva, Al Quinones, Frank Keenan, Msgr. McDonald, Tracy Abament, Ed Edele, John Spellman, PGK, Ed Panzella, Columbiette Lisa Simeone s father, for all the people affected by Florence hurricane, the souls in Purgatory, for all our first responders Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT s, safe return of all our soldiers in harm s way, and an end to abortions. Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer and God delivers by prayer. Columbiette News: The Corpus Christi Columbiettes are always looking for new members! We are a group of ordinary ladies who are proud of reaching out to people in our community. Last month the following officers were installed Trish Delaney -- President, Marge Lunden (PP) Financial Secretary, Bernadette Umbach Treasurer, the position of Vice President is OPEN. Tuesday, October 9 th the Columbiettes will hold a First Degree at Corpus Christi Council starting at 6:30pm The Columbiettes are planning a luncheon for the members. No date available at time of Clarion printing. Squires News: The school year is just beginning and the members are happy to be back at school! In the fall the Squires are anticipating attending an Islander game as a group. This event is likely to occur in December so stay tuned. A nostalgic Squires moment - reflecting on past Squire events in the last 2 years included- volunteering at Ronald McDonald House by making dinners for family members, cleaning activities at the Inn in Hempstead, assisting with the sorting of donated clothes for the Lighthouse in Queens, participating with the Nassau County Police in demonstrations of youth driving concerns and the dangers of drugs and drinking while driving, attending several Ducks and Met games, playing electronic and board games in the Father Tully Room, sporting events in the CC gymnasium, touring the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, attending 5 pm Mass at St. Aiden s and having Monsignor McDonald present the various oils and discuss the symbolism of the water and wine used in baptisms, and in communion to name a few The Squires meet at the Council on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:45 PM. To learn more, please call Chief Squire Nick LiBrandi At Congratulations are in Order: To Tom and Vilma Doherty on celebrating their 55 th Wedding Anniversary. Our apologies for omitting the birth of their daughter Emmy Shea born in May 2018 To Billy and Kathleen Wisniewski. To Michael Beatty who will be a Fourth Degree Knight on Sunday, October 7 th,2018 at O Connell Council in Oceanside. Catholic War Veterans Post 1949: This year the Post will have their Veterans Day brunch at the council on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2018 at 1 pm. Prior to the brunch all members are asked to attend the 11:30 am Mass at Corpus Christi Church. Cost will be $25.00 per person. The Greg Peppard Scholarship Award will be awarded to Nicholas Baker, son of Kenny Baker and grandson of the Ron Baker. Nicholas is a freshman at Chaminade High School Please contact Bill Kessler (516) for additional details. Bill Kessler, Post Commander Memorial Mass: Whether your family member has recently passed away or it has been many years, the void is felt on this day more so than any other. We will honor all our members who died this past year at our Annual Memorial Mass on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 8pm Mass at the Council. Letters will be sent out to the families of our recently departed members. A lite repast will be served following the Mass. All Brother Knights should make every effort to attend. Bruce Chester, DGK

7 Page 7 CLARION October 2018 Bernadette Dear Brother Knights, Bernadette s friendship is one of the purest forms of relation that exist on this earth. Getting a sincere and loving friend is perhaps the best gift from God, which only a lucky few get. In fact, life becomes so very meaningless without a true friend s presence beside you. Doesn t it? When you have a bunch of amazing friends, the journey of life becomes more joyous and vibrant. True friends are there to laugh at your joy. Again when you shed tears, who else can be beside you to lend a shoulder other than your friends? Bernadette s relation to many in our Council is truly priceless. We may acquire all materialistic pleasure, but even then life remains dull, unless you can share your life with one or handful of genuine friends. Friends like Bernadette will provide you with thousands of fun moments in life which you will memorize while you grow old. But side by side, at times this relation also passes through moments of crisis. Misunderstanding may crop in and this amazing relation may start shattering. She s always be the first one to save your friendship. Maybe I have not yet come to realize the true worth of my friend. It is written that human beings always tend to long for a social life and emotional support particularly in hard times. Sometimes in the vale of suffering we I urge you to contact your two U.S. Senators today, and tell them to support the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Senate Judiciary Committee recently concluded hearings on Judge Kavanaugh s nomination, and the full Senate is expected to hold a confirmation vote in the coming weeks. This means your immediate action is needed. Our Marist Poll has found that nearly 8 in 10 Americans say it is an immediate or an important priority to appoint Supreme Court justices who will interpret the Constitution as it was originally written. Judge Kavanaugh will be this type of Supreme Court justice. Judge Kavanaugh has a long record of public service in the Federal Government as well as more than a decade of experience as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit often referred to as the second highest court in the land. This impressive record of service, and strong commitment to interpreting the Constitution fairly, make Judge Kavanaugh an ideal nominee for service on the Supreme Court. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Fraternally, Carl A. Anderson Supreme Knight are emotionally, physically and spiritually down. We are in desperate need, feeling that we re unable to go on. It is then, more than ever, that we need to claim God s promise to assist us. One of those down times is hitting Bernadette, let us remember our sovereign Lord does not leave us to ourselves in a time of suffering. He does not leave us with no course of action, no place to turn. So tonight when you go down on your knees to New York State News: Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady Fatima - set for Sunday, Oct. 21at 1:15 pm Nass & Rosary Walk. NY State Council Convention - scheduled from November 30 th December 2 nd at Villa Roma Resort, Callicoon, NY. The final C & B drawing will take place on Dec. 1 st at the convention. thank God for all your blessings, ask God to send one of His angels with special blessing to watch over Bernadette in her time of need. Sometimes when I am alone and lost in thought, and all the world seems too far away, you come to me as if in a dream, filling my soul with the warmth of your presence. And I smile knowing that though we cannot be together now, we're always close in thought. Ken Lyons Supreme News: The Supreme letter is being reprinted in the Clarion because not everyone receives an from Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight and prion to a confirmation vote by the U.S. Senate. Nassau Chapter News: Charity Ball is scheduled for Sunday, April 7th, 2019 save the date plan to have a table or two from your council. Charity is for office of vocations. Charity drawing the Nassau Chapter is conducting a fundraiser for the diocesan office of vocations; two 100 box pools are being run the first costs $ 50 per box with a prize of a necklace (value $ 3,000+) the second costs $ 25 per box with a prize of a set of earrings (value $ 1,600+) the prizes would make wonderful Christmas gifts. The drawing to be held at the December Nassau Chapter meeting.

8 Page 8 CLARION October 2018 Membership News: A major challenge every Grand Knight faces is keeping members connected. It s hard to keep them involved with the general workings and mission of the Council. Regardless of the Council s purpose and goals, there are a lot of activities out there competing for your member s attention, so you must continually strengthen their bond with the group. Open communication is a concept that almost all Councils claim to value, but very few truly achieve. The importance of an open camaraderie environment cannot be overstated; a Council can survive without open communication, but very few organizations thrive without it. What is needed to nurture an environment of open communication? We need to talk to prospective leaders and committee chairs throughout the year. When you are young and presumably healthy, coverage will be very inexpensive when compared to purchasing the same policies when you are older. If you ve put off purchasing coverage, or you realize that you may need additional insurance, the Knights of Columbus may still be able to help you, even if other companies cannot. In fact, six years ago, the issue age of our permanent life insurance products was extended to age 80, and in 2014, the issue age of our term insurance was extended to age 70. Naturally, your health, and whether or not you smoke, will be taken into consideration, so underwriting standards for risk and age apply. But, the extensions are a great blessing for me and it could be for you too. Now I can help members that I couldn t help before. Are you or one of your brother knights one of those members? Emphasizing the benefits of building their personal network within the Council, communicating the big picture about the group s goals. We need to update them on strategic planning and solicit their input, deepen personal connections and ask them to spend one-on-one time with prospective leaders. These honored commitments are noticed by other team members, making them feel less vulnerable, which in turn opens the door to stronger relationships. Relationships are then built upon through continued open, honest communication. Constantly talking isn't necessarily communicating. Whether you re 18 or 80, the Knights of Columbus has products that will work for you and your family. You owe it to your family to make sure that their future is secure. I look forward to discussing coverage with you and, afterwards, you ll understand the importance of protecting your family s future. Will Havron, CLTC Knights of Columbus Field Agent KofCWillHavron@gmail.com Fourth Degree News: The 4th Degree Exemplification will be held on Sunday, October 7th at 2pm at the O Connell Council in Oceanside, Long Island. All Third Degree Knights are eligible to become a Fourth Degree Knight. Anyone interested should contact the SK, John Mallon, GK, SK, Nick Pennacchio, FS, PGK or SK, Peter Zayas, PGK. Conference News: The next Nassau Conference Meeting is scheduled for November 26 8:00 pm at St Mary/Maris Stella Council. Insure you have paid your Conference dues and submitted your delegate credential forms. Insurance Corner: Think you are too old for coverage? Maybe not. You are never too young or too old to consider purchasing life insurance. If you have a financial need for coverage, or will in the future, a permanent life insurance policy can be just the thing you need. Fr. Michael J. McGivney: A Rough Road to the Path of Sainthood: Pope John Paul II beatified more saints than all other popes combined. Now the Vatican will make the road to sainthood more difficult. The Vatican has announced that it's going to make it harder to become a saint. The Vatican's sainthood office is now finding it hard to deal with the backlog. So what does it take to be a saint? I imagine a candidate must have to have first a reputation for living a good life, a holy life. You have to have a sort of local devotion. People on the local level have to, you know, think you're worthwhile to pass your name upwards and then the bishop has to pass on that. And then once they send it to the Vatican, there's a huge investigative process that's pretty exhaustive. And then the Pope proclaims you Venerable, the next step is to become Blessed, you need one miracle. And then for canonization, when you're called a saint, you need another miracle. Continued on page 9

9 Page 9 CLARION October 2018 Continued from page 8 So it's really, it's a pretty arduous process. And for a lot of the saints it takes decades, if not sometimes centuries for others not so long. So at least two miracles. What counts as a miracle? Well, usually they're healing miracles, medical miracles. And it's very strict. I mean, they have to be permanent. It has to be instantaneous. It has to be medically verifiable. And it cannot be attributable to any other treatment. So anyone who's cured can't simply have just improved or you can't have a relapse. The path to sainthood for John Paul II and Mother Teresa was the fastest in modern history, raising eyebrows among traditionalists for packing a painstaking process that can sometimes take centuries into nine incredibly short years. Pope Francis has elevated saints without a single confirmed miracle under their virtuous belts. But for better or worse, Pope Francis s tendency to bypass the normal channels for certifying miracles is generating friction inside the ancient Vatican walls even as it reignites an age-old debate over the nature of Catholic saints. Some hope that the reforming new pope is moving to modernize the image of saints. One thing is certain we cannot have rules for the Church hierarchy and one rule for priests and nuns. Then Pope Francis can also change the rules for nuns and priests like Michael J. McGivney. Pro-Life Corner: Why do Pro-Lifers Focus on Abortion? It is a fair question since we do not self-identify as anti-abortion but rather as pro-life. The answer is simple and convincing. As in every other endeavor, one has to prioritize. Who here knows how many children have died from abortion worldwide last year? (Over 40 million) The leading recorded cause of death worldwide, is Heart disease with 7.4 million deaths according to the World Health Organization. Abortion takes about a million lives. The world mobilized against the AIDS pandemic from the 1980s and to the present. It is a truly horrific disease. What is the total number of people who have died of AIDS to the present? 39 million. Less than one year s mortality from abortion. That leads me to ask, with an estimate of over 40 million abortions annually, how many human beings died by abortion since 1973? Over 2 billion people. It is shocking, and provides the definitive answer as to why pro-lifers prioritize ending abortion over other evils that take human lives. I know that some will object that preborn children are not persons yet; abortions are not officially included in world mortality statistics, etc. There are answers to all those objections, but the original question was why do pro-lifers, who know that life begins at conception and that human life is precious, why do they prioritize fighting abortion? I find it curious that pro-lifers are almost the only ones who are expected to solve all the world s ills while other campaigners are not Are those animal rights people trying to save the great apes taken to task for not doing more to end whaling? I have not seen that, but in the USA pro-lifers are frequently criticized for not fighting the Death Penalty, This has all the hallmarks of a red herring argument. I.e. you are not truly pro-life unless you devote as much energy to fighting drunk driving or smoking, or Fill in the blank with a problem besides abortion As pro-lifers we need to know why we prioritize abortion over other causes of death, and we need to educate others about the incredible damage that abortion is doing to our world. Abortion is presented above all today as a woman s issue a question of choice and even as a human right. This is all clever marketing for the atrocious reality of baby killing. There are car bumper stickers that read Against abortion? Don t have one. Now fill in the blanks with any other cause. Against the killing of baby seals? Don t club one The ridiculousness of this statement leaps out. Take the most commonly used slogan for abortion activists, Pro-Choice. This makes it sound like these people, calmly and dispassionately respect the informed choices that women make. In reality, they are ever more rabidly pushing abortion on many frightened and confused women and girls. Why is it that so-called pro-choicers fight tooth and nail against any attempt to inform women of the facts of the medical and psychological risks involved in choosing abortion? Why do Pro- Choice organizations oppose mandatory waiting periods that give women a chance to think through their abortion decision? The abortion movement calls itself Pro-Choice and the women actually undergoing abortion felt that they did not have a true choice, that they were being pressured into abortion and denied the objective information needed to make an informed choice. Continued on page 10

10 Page 10 CLARION October 2018 Continued from page 9 Pro-Choice is a lie. Pro-Lifers offer pregnant mothers many more choices than abortion campaigners do. It is amazingly simple to become a life-saving hero by contributing our time, our talents, and our treasure. There are many pro-life opportunities all around us if we care to look among our friends and family, co-workers and society at large. It can be uncomfortable to stand up and be a pro-life witness, but isn t saving human lives and the spiritual good we can do worth it? Vocations: We all know about the lack of vocations in the United States today. There just are not enough priests being ordained, except in Third World countries. The end result is the closure of churches across the United States and Europe. What is the solution - to allow married clergy? The Protestants allow married ministers, but their vocations are also on the decline. As far as the sexual scandal in the church, pedophilia preceded the vocation crisis. It is a bad thing but a small percentage of the problem. Throughout the ages, there seem to have been plenty of vocations. Monasteries were built in the early history of the church with many religious. Families existed with a loving faith in God, and those that had many children made possible the vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Today, in Europe and even in the United States, families have been hurt, just as religious vocations have fallen. Is there a connection in the crisis between religious vocations and vocations of marriage? It was Pope Benedict XVI who declared that in order to have a dedicated and growing priesthood, there has to be a faithful family life with dedicated marriages, instead of divorce. Jesus always said that the celibate had a special place for the sake of the kingdom. Yet, both vocations require holiness. Without the dedication of married life, there cannot be a serious attempt to look at a growth in religious vocations. The reasons for the crisis in both vocations is they are connected. Instead of partners married in faith in the Church, they live together in a trial arrangement. If it does not work out, they feel they can escape. It is proven that this situation is disastrous to what the marriage covenant is all about. Many couples also go into marriage and if it does not work out, then perhaps they feel they can divorce. If one party feels they will not give in to the other and always wants his or her own way, then the marital relationship will be in jeopardy. If one feels that he or she can disobey the laws of God and the Church, then the vocation of the priesthood is in jeopardy. This is not to minimize other important reasons why two people are not meant to be together or that a person should not have been permitted to be a priest in the first place. With obedience comes understanding. With understanding comes love. With love comes faith. Otherwise, what is happening today without commitment, sacrifice, and regulations of the appetite, will continue to bring the fruits of ruin to the culture of Europe and our own here in America. Seminarians: Millennials are leading the way to be Catholic priests: To say the seminary has struggled for years to attract men to the priesthood would be an understatement. Then something changed. Their numbers are up nationally, too, though the increase is not as dramatic. More surprising than the sudden growth is the source of it. Millennials, or those roughly between the ages of 18 and 34, make up the vast majority of new recruits. This is notable not just because seminarians are getting younger, but also because polls and statistics show no generation has strayed further from the Catholic faith than millennials. They are less likely than their parents and grandparents to attend Mass, to marry in the church or to identify as Catholic. Their generation came of age as society was becoming less religious overall and as the Catholic Church was suffering through a years-long clergy abuse crisis that tested their faith in Catholic institutions. Yet no generation today is providing more men to lead the church than millennials. Nationally, three of every four seminarians are 34 years old or younger. So how did the church begin to turn things around with a generation that seemingly wants little to do with it? By using millennials skepticism as a selling point to young men wary of the changing culture around them. The approach is similar in some ways to military recruitment, which extols the virtue of taking on a challenge that few others will. The message is one of sacrifice: This is a big job and not everyone is cut out for it, but maybe you are. Continued on page 11

11 Page 11 CLARION October 2018 Continued from page 10 The new breed of seminarians has embraced the notion they are taking on a secular world that s sometimes hostile to their beliefs. They see themselves as part of a counter-culture movement, pushing back against consumerism, greed and other forces, which, in their eyes, make America a less faithful nation. They came from that culture. They lived in that culture. They know that culture doesn t have the answers they were looking for. Despite its recent successes, including an uptick in the number of seminarians nationwide, the church still has a long way to go. Weekly Mass attendance has fallen from about 55 percent in 1965 to 22 percent last year, marriages are down by more than half over the same period. wanted to wear cleats to commemorate the 15th anniversary of 9/11. So tell me again how the NFL supports free speech and expression. It seems quite clear based on these facts that the NFL has taken a position against any action by NFL players demonstrating RESPECT for any issue: For God, social causes such as mental health, cancer, domestic violence, for cops killed arbitrarily for being cops, or for the Memory of 9/11... But they will allow demonstrations of DISRESPECT for our National Flag, our National Anthem, for America, and for the American People, if it will help mollify a particular Group and its supporters. That is who and what the NFL now has shown itself to be. Submitted by, James Keeshen Millennials are fueling those trends, even as they begin to restock seminaries. And it may look like the church is turning a corner, But the rest of the world is waiting with skepticism and questions. NFL "Refresher" NFL History History not often reported or leaked to the ticket holders. I hope this helps you; it opened my eyes, to better understand when and why the public s respect for the NFL organization started to crumble... * In 2012 the NFL had an issue with Tim Tebow kneeling before each game to pray, they also had an issue with Tebow wearing John 3:16 as part of his eye-black to avoid glare, and made him take it off. * In 2013 the NFL fined Brandon Marshall for wearing green cleats to raise awareness for people with mental health disorders. * In 2014 Robert Griffin III (RG3) entered a postgame press conference wearing a shirt that said "Know Jesus Know Peace" but was forced to turn it inside out by an NFL uniform inspector before speaking at the podium. * In 2015 DeAngelo Williams was fined for wearing "Find the Cure" eye black for breast cancer awareness. * In 2015 William Gay was fined for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for domestic violence. (Not that the NFL has a domestic violence problem...). *In 2016 the NFL prevented the Dallas Cowboys from wearing a decal on their helmet in honor of 5 Dallas Police officers killed in the line of duty. * 2016 the NFL threatened to fine players who FOOTBALL SUNDAY BARTENDERS VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE: Tom Kelly Timmy Clarkin John Musella Pete McCormack Kevin Keenan Jude Ohrtman Mike Beatty Dave Redmond Liam Patterson Jack Grafing Ray Lopez Nick Passarella Danny McWeeney Lou LiBrandi Mike Curley Mike Villa Pete Augello Please come down on Sundays and help support these volunteers. When you are lonely, I wish you love. When you are down, I wish you joy. When you are troubled, I wish you peace. When things are complicated, I wish simple beauty. When things look empty, I wish you hope. But above all, I pray God will bless you.