Volume 68 No.5/6 Winter Issue 2017

Transcription

1 Volume 68 No.5/6 Winter Issue 2017 Dear Brother Knights, Columbiettes, Squires, and all Catholics that are united in Christ, As we wind up 2016, it is important to reflect on the accomplishments of Corpus Christi Council Number 2502 during its 93rd year of serving Christ, our Church, and our community. We have celebrated and learned about different cultures with our Irish Night Dinner and Dance, our Oktoberfest Party, and our Italian Night outing. Together, our members also marched at the Mineola Irish Day and Memorial Day Parades, and the Williston Park Independence Day Parade. We also participated at the Williston Park Street Fair where we sold raffles for the New York State Council Charitable & Benevolent Program. Our council also assisted in this year s Knights of Columbus Nonpartisan Voter Registration Drive. Our members joined Corpus Christi Church parishioners and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard in the mass and procession for the solemnity Feast of Corpus Christi and the Memorial Mass for the Catholic Daughters of America. Two blood drives were conducted at the Church of Saint Aidan at Williston Park. The Squires helped in cleaning up our backyard and in decorating our two Christmas trees before they were blessed and lit by our Chaplain Msgr. Robert J. Batule. Last month, the Columbiettes graciously helped wrap the many presents that Santa Claus distributed at our Annual Children s Christmas Party. Corpus Christi Council held our Officer s Installation and the Columbiettes Induction ceremonies at our council, along with hosting the Catholic War Veterans Post Number 1949 Annual Brunch. Our members attended a well-deserved Testimonial to honor our Past Grand Knights Paul F. Kelly and Jim Corrigan, along with remembering our recently departed Brothers during our Annual Memorial Mass that was again celebrated by Chaplain Msgr. Robert J. Batule. Throughout the year, Brother Knights gathered together at a moment s notice at several wake services to comfort the families of deceased council members or their spouses. Recently, our council also hosted Knights of Columbus meetings for the Nassau County Chapter, the District Deputy, and the Bishop Walter P. Kellenberg Assembly #728. Along with our council s many Business, Social, Officers, and Program Committee Meetings, we hosted the meetings of our Columbiettes and our Squires Circle. The Catholic War Veterans, the Wilmin Association, and 2502 Association also used our facilities various times during the year. Our council afforded many activities where our families participated together. The Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game, the Belmont Day at the Races, and our annual Picnic in Wilson Park were attended by children of all ages. In addition, our Annual Golf Outing and Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament were both successful fundraisers that helped provide funding for the dozens of charitable organizations that we donated money to. In keeping with the mission of the Knights of Columbus, many volunteers helped with our Recruitment Drive at the Church of Saint Aidan and with our Open House at our council. Continued on page 13

2 Page 2 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 NFRANKP@aol.com The Clarion is published upon request, or visit our web site at Corpus Christi Council #2502, Knights of Columbus, and PO Box 243, Mineola NY Fraternal Chairman (To be notified in case of sickness, death or need) Tony Donnelly (516) NYS 17th District SK Thomas J. Liddy, DD Corpus Christi Council Officers Chaplain Msgr. Robert J. Batule Grand Knight SK, Peter Zayas Deputy Grand Knight John Mallon, PGK Chancellor James Tracy Warden SK, Kevin Keenan Financial Secretary SK, Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN Treasurer SK, Jim Corrigan, PGK Recorder Mike Beatty Outside Guard Brian O Donnell Inside Guard Frank McGuinness Advocate SK, Tom Kelly, PGK Lecturer Ed Pappalardo Trustee 1 YR John Macejka, PGK Trustee 2 YR Danny Lynch, PGK Trustee 3 YR SK, Paul Kelly, PGK Directors/Chairmen Council Director SK, Peter Zayas, GK Program Director John Mallon, DGK Church Directors - Tony Donnelly (CC), Dan Lynch, PGK (St.A) Community Directors -- Ed Pappalardo (WP, EW), Ken Lyons, PGK (M) Public Relations Chairmen SK Tom Kelly, PGK Pro-Life Chairman - Tony Donnelly Vocations Chairman SK Jim Corrigan, PGK Parade Chairman James Tracy Insurance Agent -- Will Havron Membership Chairman Recruitment Chairman & Admissions Chairman James Tracy Retention Chairman SK Nick Pennacchio, PGK, FDD, PFN, FS Eagle Scout Chairman SK Marcel Chaillol, PGK Chairman SK Tom Kelly, PGK 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) Grand Knight SK Peter (917) iplaychess@optonline.net Insurance Agent Will Havron, CLTC, (516) KofCWillHavron@gmail.com President of the Columbiettes Margaret (516) Margaret.Lund90@hotmail.com Squires Circle Chief Squire Nicholas (516) WILMIN CORPORATION: Bob Morrison, President, Charles Ribando, VP Denis O Sullivan, Secretary, SK Sam Donato, PGK, Treas. Dan Lynch, PGK, (medical leave) Bill Gyves, SK Tom Kelly, PGK, John Macejka. PGK, SK Jim Corrigan, 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, Billy Wisniewski Joe Conlon, (PP), Dave Redmond, Andy Bernstein Ken Lyons, PGK, John Mucella, 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 Doubt vs Faith Doubt sees the obstacles. Faith sees the way. Doubt sees the darkest night. Faith sees the

3 January Calendar 2017 Sunday, Jan. 01 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God New Year s Day Outside Rental in CL Wednesday, Jan. 04 DD Meeting NHP Thursday, Jan Business Meeting 8:30 pm Friday, Jan. 06 PAL Dinner Saturday, Jan Outside Rental Sunday, Jan. 08 NFL Playoffs Monday, Jan.09 Columbiettes Meeting 7:30pm Wednesday, Jan.11 Wilmin Meeting Thursday, Jan.12 Officers Meeting 8pm Friday, Jan. 13 Outside Rental Sunday, Jan.15 NFL Playoffs Tuesday, Jan CWV Meeting 8:30 pm Wednesday, Jan Squires Meeting 7:45pm Thursday, Jan.19 Social Meeting 8:30pm Friday, Jan. 20 Nassau Chapter Meeting Farrell Council Saturday, Jan. 21 Bartender s Party 7:30 pm CL Line Dance MH Sunday, Jan. 22 Pro-Life Mass St. Patrick s 10:00am Friday, Jan. 27 March for Life in Washington,DC 3rd Degree 8pm Joseph Barry Council Sunday, Jan. 29 Long Island Conference - St. Sylvester Bar Team Schedule January Monday, Jan McWeeney s Court Monday, Jan Jude s Teachers Monday, Jan Nick s Team Best Monday, Jan. 23 Kelly s Heroes Monday, Jan McWeeney s Court

4 February Calendar 2017 Wednesday, Feb. 01 DD Meeting NHP Thursday, Feb Business Meeting 8:30 pm St. Blaize Groundhog Fay Friday, Feb. 03 Ballroom Dancing Sunday, Feb. 05 Super Bowl Sunday Monday, Feb.06 Columbiettes Meeting 7:30pm Wednesday, Feb.07 Wilmin Meeting Thursday, Feb.09 Officers Meeting 8pm Saturday, Feb. 11 Our Lady of Lourdes Outside Rental Sunday, Feb. 12 Lincoln s Birthday Tuesday, Feb.14 Valentine s Day Thursday, Feb.16 Social Meeting 8:30pm Friday, Feb.17 Golden Gloves at the Council Nassau Chapter Meeting Memorare Council Saturday, Feb Line Dance Sunday, Feb Outside Rental National Chocolate Mint Day Monday, Feb. 20 Presidents Day Tuesday, Feb CWV Meeting 8:30 pm Wednesday, Feb Squires Meeting 7:45pm Sunday, Feb Outside Rental Monday, Feb. 27 Polar Beer Day. Tuesday, Feb. 28 Mardi Gras. Bar Team Schedule February Monday, Feb Nick s Team Best Monday, Feb Kelly s Heroes Monday, Feb McWeeney s Court Monday, Feb Jude s Teachers

5 Page 5 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 We are more religiously and culturally diverse than Chaplain s W.I. Message: ever before and this diversity will automatically At our first regular meeting on December, I evoke some strong reactions. Plus, we have a announced that I would like to plan a visit to the Shrine rising population that does not feel affiliated with of Our Lady of the Island in Eastport in the late spring on any religious tradition and this too contributes to the a weekend day, either a Saturday or a Sunday. I made new cultural landscape. So, it is not surprising that the suggestion after giving some thought to what we might do as a sponsored spiritual exercise in Corpus those used to Christianity being the dominant Christi Council. religion in America feel unease in this new reality. A visit to the Shrine is a good opportunity to be So, consider this a primer to help all of us just get away from our usual routine and focus more deliberately along during this holiday season. on spiritual themes for a couple of hours. In a sense, it s a mini pilgrimage because it involves travel from one Let s start with the fact that there are several holidays that fall during December including location to another. It s also in the spirit of a day of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice recollection that is, we dedicate the better portion of a and the newly minted secular HumanLight. They all day to prayer, reflection and sacramental celebration. would like, and deserve to be acknowledged and Thus, I would ask all the members of our council respected. and their families to consider this an invitation to join us. More details will follow after I make contact with those So this brings us to the Merry Christmas vs Happy who administer the Shrine. Holiday debate that is not complicated and is You may be interested to know what I have in solved with basic etiquette. If you know someone is mind for the time we spend at the Shrine. After arriving, I a Christian who is celebrating Christmas you would anticipate that we use the property of the Shrine to take up one or more of our traditional devotions should say to them Merry Christmas. Likewise, say Happy Hanukkah to a person you know is outdoors. I am thinking of a communal recitation of the Jewish, etc. rosary and or a prayerful Way of the Cross. Depending For example, during the month of Ramadan I say to on the size of our group, I might offer a conference on my Muslim friends Ramadan Mubarak because it some topic which would be of my choosing. There is a shows them that I acknowledge their tradition and chapel on the property and we would use it for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. wish them well as they observe the holy time in We sponsor so many good works at our council their calendar. This courtesy and respect should be and we haven t done something like this in my time as part of what it means to live in a pluralistic society Council Chaplain. It would be good to add this exercise and it is easy for all of us to offer to those to whom to our annual repertoire and attend to more personal themes as a way of growing in holiness. we are close. However, there are some who might say if you I will be sure to keep you apprised of the don t know the spiritual tradition of a co-worker, developments of my plan by announcements at our friend, or stranger in the elevator but wish to offer regular meetings and by reporting about this initiative in them a Season s greeting a simple Happy The Clarion. Holiday is not at all an insult or a denigration of Best wishes for a happy, healthy and blessed new year. May it bring abundant opportunities to witness to Christmas, or any other tradition. our faith in the public square. That is the very reason that many stores use Happy Msgr. Bob Batule Holidays rather than Merry Christmas, because Council Chaplain they want to be inclusive and welcome as many dollars, ahem, people, into their stores as possible. The Right Corner: So, using Happy Holidays is not anti-christmas, it is Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas: The Last pro-business, and we don t want to be antibusiness do we? Thing That Ever Needs To Be Said About It. Every year at the beginning of December some Christmas is a time when most Christians around Americans engage in a ridiculous rhetorical ritual the world celebrate the birth of Christ our saviour. that recycles righteous arguments about whether Therefore the term Christmas should be used. people should say to one another Happy Holidays If someone feels offended at it, well that s their own or Merry Christmas. insecure problem. On one hand I feel that all of this is nonsense and All religions and faiths have their own time of major not worth engaging at all. But, giving everyone the celebration, should they all be told to use the term benefit of the doubt, it is true that our country is Happy Holiday if in public, I think not. undergoing some profound changes in Continued on page 6 demographics.

6 Page 6 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 5 Because for each it is not a Holiday it is a time of celebration and contemplation of their beliefs and faith so why can people not allow it to be just that, including Christmas Next on my list is the Holiday Tree... ok, no more Holiday Tree. Just call it a Christmas tree, because that is what it is. Again, this is just common sense, we don t call it a Holiday Menorah it is for Hanukkah, let s just call things what they are and then it isn t such a big deal. So, let a thousand flowers bloom let s have Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs; Kwanzaa lessons, HumanLight celebrations, and Solstice rituals let s do it all. It s so much more fun to cast a wide net where all can celebrate our traditions together rather than strip everything away to protect the delicate sensibilities of some very prickly few. America is about the people who are here now, and that is a much more diverse group. And that s good! It is time to stop insisting that everything revolves around us. Instead, let s join the wider circle of the many traditions that make up our country. Besides, any Christian knows that Christmas is not about displays in shopping malls, or capitols, or schools, it is about a spiritual event that we honor most in our families and our homes. So, Merry Christmas, to all my Christian friends; Happy Hanukkah, to all my Jewish friends; Super Solstice to all that celebrate it; and a Joyous Kwanzaa to my African Brothers. No longer can we feed people who insist upon saying Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays to the lions. It s not a pejorative word anymore! So get over with it, Keep your Christmas heart open all year around. Children s Christmas Party Report: It s all about the kids to begin with. I don t care where the kids come from or what religion they are, it s just to watch them come up and see Santa. A few years back, the Lord spoke to us from Luke 14 saying, "When you put on a party or a dinner, don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors This is what people do and what we used to do but not any more Instead, invite the poor. Following a tradition set forth many years ago by adopting struggling poorer families in both St. Aidan s and Corpus Christi Parishes and inviting them to attend our Children s Christmas Party. The job of planning the Council s Children s Christmas party can often seem something of an unwelcome and scary prospect. James Tracy with special help from the Columbiettes and their husbands might have felt they were alone as the time constraints and pressure of wanting to organize something that all your brother knights and their families will enjoy can make it a stressful ordeal. The extra challenges of budgeting and planning for an unknown number of children in attendance, attracting volunteers, buying and wrapping presents, supplying food and drinks, providing entertainment, takes special energy and commitment. The Knights of Columbus, like many organizations, depend upon volunteers who have day jobs, family commitments, and other hobbies, unless members are recognized for their achievements, it s easy for them to lose interest. The words Thank you to Santa (Danny Donovan), James Tracy, Barbara and John Mallon, Lisa Simeone, Marge and Stu, Bobby Redmond and Tim Clarkin seem totally inadequate. The Council has come to see how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence. Thanks so much for providing such a great day for everyone. People will be talking about it for some time! AROUND THE COUNCIL: Christmas Poinsettia s Report: Once again PGK, Jim Corrigan, and his committee deserve a round of applause for delivering poinsettia s to the widows and the Columbiettes of our Council. Many of the widows we visit were extremely happy that we took time to remember them throughout the Christmas season. This year we included the Columbietttes for all their good works in helping out the Council. They played an instrumental part in the success of our picnic and most recently children s Christmas party. Member s Christmas Party Report: On a very chilly Saturday night in December our Annual Member s Christmas Party was held in the Columbian Lounge, with many people in attendance. Flying by the seat of his pants, Mike Curley brought an evening of enjoyment to many of our members and their friends. Continued on page 7

7 Page 7 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 6 Given a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush, many brothers and their wives came this year. Arditos supplied the food, light array of Christmas music and of course a raffle. Once again they set tone for the year by creating another successful Christmas Member s Party. We appreciated their unfailing attention to detail. If someone asked me to describe the ambience of the party in one word, I would say it was vivacious. Thank you Mike and Bernadette for all your hard work and dedication. Pro-Life Mass: On Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017 at 10:15 a.m. Cardinal Timothy Dolan will celebrate the Respect for Life Mass at St. Patrick s Cathedral. The Pro-Life Mass educates and advocates for all life from the unborn to the aged. Fifty billion babies aborted is enough for a hundred thousand lifetimes. Please contact the Grand (817) if you are interested in attending. Pro-Life March: The 44th annual March for Life will take place Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 in Washington, D.C., and tens of thousands of pro-life marchers from New York and around the country are planning to make the trip to the nation s capital to call for protection under the law for human life at all stages. The march marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court s Roe v. Wade decision, which made abortion legal throughout the United States. It also is a sign of the strength of the pro-life movement in the United States, and of the growing opposition to abortion and other attacks on life, including euthanasia. And if we can accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? Saint Mother Teresa Super Bowl Party: When it comes down to breathtaking, nail-biting excitement, it's tough to top the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl draws millions of viewers from around the world. Many of them don t tune in to watch the game. They watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. This year s Super Bowl 51 will be played on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 in NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. And the hype and hoopla for the 51st Super Bowl has begun. Our JETS are still deciding where they will be watching the game this year. Where will you be watching the Super Bowl this year? Why not watch the game in a smoke free building with your friends? So if you watch the Super Bowl for commercials, the game itself or root for the numbers you have in various football pools, you cannot beat the Super Bowl Party at the Council Association will hold its annual Super Bowl Party. The cost is $35 per person and $60.per couple, with reservations Open bar and buffet one hour before game and one hour after. Snacks, drinks and hot and cold buffet will be available. For additional details please contact Danny or Bobby or call the council Saint Patrick s Day Parade: The Annual Saint Patrick s Day Parade will kick off on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Nassau Courts and continue up Mineola Blvd. and onto Jericho Turnpike pass the Knights of Columbus hall and ending at The Irish American Center on Willis Ave. Following the parade come in to the Council for a bite to eat, a cold drink and listen to the music. All food and drinks will be available at Council prices. The Knights will hold its traditional breakfast before the parade at 10:30 AM. Following the parade all are invited back to the Council for drinks and corn beef sandwiches at Council prices. There will be NO COVER CHARGE. Saint Patrick s Day Dance: The St. Patrick s Day Dance will be held on Saturday, March 11, pm to Midnight. The cost of $55 per person includes dinner, open bar and music. This year s Irish Couple or Irishman names was not available to this reporter at the time of printing. The name or names will be revealed at one of the meetings in For reservations please contact PGK Jim Letters to the Editor: Dear Friends, Please accept our heartfelt thanks for your generous gift The INN in response to our appeal. Your generosity is truly appreciated. The gift will be used to provide food, shelter and supportive services for hungry and homeless Long Islanders. Continued on page 8

8 Page 8 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 7 Your kindness and concern inspire The INN s staff and volunteers to continue our efforts to care for all those who come to us for assistance. We are truly The total donations total $3730 which include the budget items for Dec Denis O Sullivan Donations Chairman blessed to be able to include you among our family and friends. Thank you again for your continued support. Sincerely, Jean Kelly Executive Director Dear Members of the Knights of Columbus: Corpus Christi Parish Outreach would like to thank you for your generous Thanksgiving donation to our food pantry. Because of your thoughtfulness and caring, many people will be helped at holiday time as well as the rest of the year. We thank you for your response to Our Lord s call and those we serve will keep you in their prayers. Sincerely, Nina Campos Coordinator Donations Corner: Throughout the 2016 fraternal year the following donations were made: Covenant House, Telecare, Mineola Junior Fire Dept. Pasta Dinner, Irish American Annual Journal, Little Sisters of the Poor, Capuchin Fathers, Prayer books for Easter distribution at Corpus Christi Church, Easter donation to Corpus Christi Church and St. Aidan Church, Corpus Christi spring raffle tickets, Mineola Fire Dept. Fraternal Order of Court Officers honoring Brother Knights Eddie Jakubek and Danny McWeeney, The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), St. Aidan s School (PACE), Parents Life Center of Long Island, Care Center for Kids (Winthrop Hospital), Msgr. Batule, Anthony House, Life Center of Long Island (Special Program), Mineola Fire Dept. (Golf Hole Sponsor) Fr Damian Halligan St Aidan's moving to Oceanside parish, St Pious x retired priests, Mineola Volunteer Ambulance, Squire Daniel Roach Eagle Scout project, Nassau County Animal league, Long Island hockey sled league (disabled men and vets playing hockey on sleds), Special Olympics(Nassau Conference chapter, Village of Mineola (Senior appreciation day). Dec Viscardi Center (handicap and disabled center, Irish American center (St Patrick's Day Journal, Fruit basket PGK Ray Ardanuy (due to illness). Christmas gifts to Corpus Christi, St. Aidan Churches and to our Chaplain Msgr. Batule. Fraternal Corner: Please keep in your prayers the following brother knights and their families. Vilma Doherty, Tommy Hayden, PGK Danny Lynch, Chris Lynch, PGK Marcel Chaillol, Arline Cavanaugh, Helen Melvin, John O Shea, PGK John and Hilda Macejka, Paul Libassi, PGK Richie Ryan, Donna Andanuy, Danny Donovan, Joe Conlon, PGK Carl Marchese, John Spellman, Maryann Ribando, Lou Pagano, Bobby McCabe, John Colbert, Rich Lindemann, PGK Jim Corrigan, Columbiette Lisa Simeone Father, the souls in Purgatory, Msgr. Batule, Pope Francis, 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. Squires Corner: Below is a current listing of upcoming events including opportunities to earn community service. Additional information and discussion of these events will occur at our Circle meetings. Other events are in planning stages and we appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Our thanks to all the Squires who completed the decorating of the Christmas trees and helped with gift wrapping for the children s Christmas Party Good teamwork. On December 28th we had a Squire meeting followed by our annual Christmas party. Up Coming events in 2017: Sat. Jan 7th, 2017: Evening of Holy Hour and Dodge Ball at Chaminade HS. We ask all to arrive by 6:30PM, from some time for prayer, pizza and play. Parents are also invited to join the Squires. Sun. Jan 20th, 2017: Pro-Life Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral, Knights, Squires and families are invited to join us at 10:15Am for the annual Pro-life Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral. Mon. Feb 6th: Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs at Barclay Center. Squires will be able to High-5 the players as they enter the Ice. Nicholas Librandi, Chief Squire Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

9 Page 9 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Catholic War Veterans News: Golden Gloves News: Post 1949 is open to all veterans with at least 30 days active duty. New Council members who are veterans can speak with the Post Commander at any time about joining this fine organization. We meet ten times a year on the third Tuesday of the month, excluding the summer. Our dues are a reasonable $40.00 per year. We march in parades and raise money for various veterans' causes. Any veteran interested in joining should contact me at (516) As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -John Fitzgerald Kennedy Bill Kessler, Post Commander Mark this date, on your calendars on Friday, February 17, 2017, Corpus Christi Council #2502 will host a preliminary round of the Daily News Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament. Currently 72 tickets have been reserved. Please come to our meetings on the first and third Thursday of the month to get updates and to find out how you can help make this a successful event for our council. There is plenty of work left to do. For additional information if you are interested in volunteering your time please contact me at our meetings, me or call my cell phone number, Mike Murtha Mtm125332@aol.com (516) COUNCIL DUES Brother Knights of Corpus Christi Council this is a reminder that your 2017 Council Dues are now due. If you have not yet sent in your dues, feel free to use the attached notice to remit your payment. Also, if you have not paid last year s dues please remit them with your 2017 dues. Remember, annual dues for regular members are now $40 and dues for honorary members are $15. Make your check payable to Corpus Christi Council #2502 and send payment to: Nick Pennacchio, Financial Secretary: P.O. Box #243 CORPUS CHRISTI COUNCIL #2502 K OF C MINEOLA, NY Name (print): Address: Address (if available): Tel. #: Columbiette s Report: The primary requirements to be a member of this organization is to be a Catholic female in good standing with her parish and to be 17 years of age or older. Secondary purposes include the spiritual, social and charitable welfare of their members. One of its purposes is to aid that Council spiritually, socially and financially in all its endeavors. Corpus Christi Columbiettes meet the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm. Supreme News: Worthy Brother Knights: Our responsibility as the leaders of the Knights of Columbus is to assure the continued growth and sustainability of our Order. This is our first and primary responsibility, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson told the gathered state deputies at the Mid-Year Meeting. The focus of this meeting was membership recruitment and retention. While we have other goals and activities that are necessary, no other task is sufficient to advance the Good of the Order if we do not advance membership growth. Everything we do depends upon membership, he added. Today there is a challenge that has to be met, he continued. Supreme Knight Anderson pointed out that the Knights of Columbus must recruit younger men and fathers of young families. Our councils need to emphasize programs more relevant to families with young children and we need to use recruitment tools that rely upon enhanced Internet and web-based connectivity. It is necessary, he said, to recruit younger members in ways that respect the more limited time they have to dedicate to volunteer activities and to schedule council activities in ways that respond to the more limited time young fathers have to participate in activities outside the home. Let s remember this: Father McGivney was not yet 30 when he founded the Knights of Columbus with what was described at the time as the 'young goahead men' of New Haven, the supreme knight continued. And I am totally confident that had there been a World Youth Day in 1882, Father McGivney would have been there with his brother Knights. Continued on page 10

10 Page 10 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 9 Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus for the young working men of his day, to protect their families. Young people, play a large role in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. which is a true witness to the devotion we and so many others hold to support a culture of life. Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight New York State News: Family of the Year: Do you have families involved in your Council? Let us give them some recognition! Every month the Supreme office sends out a list of those families it recognizes as families of the month and every month there are none from New York, shame on us! Grand Knights, let s give some recognition to our Brother Knights and their families who are active in our Council. There is no better way to show appreciation to those that work so hard to make your Council successful than to select a FAMILY OF THE YEAR. As Knights of Columbus, we have always been interested in the development of strong vibrant families. By participating in the Family of the Year program, your Council honors families who exemplify the values taught by our church and order. To participate in the Family of the Year program, choose a family that gives great contributions to our church, parish, community and council. It is extremely important to show great recognition to those members and families that keep our order strong. Last year, in all of New York State there was only twelve applications that were submitted. As a fellow Knight, I have confidence that there are many more families that are worthy of such a prestigious honor. Pro-Life Corner: SAVE THE DATE Please keep January 22, 2017 open to attend the New York State Council Pro-Life Mass to be held at St. Patrick's Cathedral at 10 am it is the Forty Fourth Anniversary of Roe vs Wade decision. The pro-life movement has won a great battle by convincing the American public that an unborn child is a person. But that is not enough. Every organization or movement needs to pause occasionally and take a critical look at itself: its goals, its agenda, and its tactics. Businesses stage retreats. Nonprofits schedule in-service days. Schools undergo periodic accreditation visits. They do so to refresh and, if need be, to revise their strategic vision. The younger generation has opportunity like never before to be light in a dark, uncertain time in history. Countless human lives are at risk from abortion, orphan status, human trafficking and malnourishment but we can help bring life and light, through both prayer and action. While human life has been devalued throughout world history, we have the ability through technology to advance the dignity of all human life like never before. The image of an unborn child or a Syrian toddler washed up on shore can travel to the farthest corners of earth by way of social media and the internet. The Pro-Life March in Washington on Friday, January 27, 2017 will surely address the defense of all human life, with speakers from Cheryl Calire, director of pro-life activities in Buffalo, members of the Knights of Columbus, Carolina Carver will br there talking about adoption, many of our prolife politicians and so many more. Can you just picture yourself standing among the many thousands of excited young people to be there, because you see sparks of light from some unlikely places? This new generation of millennials cares deeply about human rights and social justice, both globally and here in the United States. And this is good news for the entire pro-life cause, particularly for those who ve worked for decades to save unborn babies. The new generation includes Christians and non-christians alike, young people who ve grown up with breathtaking technological advances. These young adults have seen 3-D and even 4-D pictures of their little brothers and sisters in the womb. They don t buy into the lives of the abortion industry. They see fetal surgery on the internet, they understand the science of human development in the womb and they are pro-life in increasing numbers. This is incredible news. On the abortion front, a poll conducted by the Barna Group (for the Institute for Pro-life Advancement) found that 53 percent of millennials agree that the practice should be made illegal in all or most circumstances. And in a recent Gallup poll titled The New Normal on Abortion: Continued on page 11

11 Page 11 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 10 Americans who are more Pro-Life found that support for making abortion broadly illegal was growing fastest among young adults. An additional study revealed that only 37 percent of millennials considered abortion morally acceptable. Data clearly show that millennials care deeply about social justice and human rights, and act with a contagious zeal. They may not look like their parents, talk like their parents or act like their parents, but seasoned pro-lifers can learn from their courage and passion. It s our job to earn their trust and help them make the connection between the justice issues they care deeply about and the dignity and sanctity of every human life. Life and justice go hand in hand. So, no matter your age or experience in the pro-life movement. Learn how to reach this new generation of young people, and get equipped to be a compassionate and compelling voice for life. Whether it s unborn babies or refugees, children dying from malaria or trafficked overseas, or even the elderly warehoused in an assisted living facility in your own community, Jesus views them all with the same eyes of compassion. He longs to see each receive justice and healing, and to experience a love that knows no bounds. Be a voice for these individuals as God calls you to act. Start your prolife journey on January 27th in Washington, D.C. Nassau Chapter News: The chapter serves Councils located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. Chapter Membership represents the nearly 18,000 members and their families among the 50 member councils in Nassau County. Chapter meetings are open to any and all Third Degree Brother Knights. Upcoming events in the chapter include Nassau Columbiette Past President Testimonial to be held on Sunday, January 15 th at Colonial Springs Golf Club in Farmingville, NY. The Nassau Chapter Annual Ball will take place on Sunday, March 26 th honoring the Morgan Center location TBA. Nassau Conference: LI Conference meeting to elect the next LI State Deputy Designee will be held Sunday, January 29th at 2 pm in St Sylvester Council, Medford. Ed Willie, Conference Secretary Insurance News: Begin the Year Right with a Financial Review: Where did 2016 go? It seems the years are just flying by. I feel like it was summer yesterday and wouldn t mind some warmer weather right now. I hope you and your family had a great Now is the time to start planning for 2017 before it too flies by. Hopefully, you ve established a few goals for this year. I ve learned a great tip regarding resolutions. First, write them down. It s not too late if you haven t already done this. Commit your goals to paper and post it someplace you will see it often. Writing down a goal is the first step towards achieving it. It may not make sense at first, but I m sure you have heard stories of the success this simple task can bring. Whether your goal is to exercise more, give more to charity, read more or watch less television, you re more likely to accomplish it if you write it down. Second, resolve to have an expert look at your finances. I recommend that you have a team of experts help you, and I would love to sit with you. Let s schedule time to meet together, you and I, to perform an insurance check-up to evaluate any gaps in your family s life insurance protection. Now might be the perfect time to fill those gaps, not later. Remember that we don t plan to fail, but sometimes we do fail to plan. Keep in mind that unlike many other products, you don t just need money to obtain life insurance; you also need good health, and no one knows when your health could change. Did I mention my check-up is free of charge? When was the last time you received something for free that could provide value to you and your family for generations? Let s have a conversation today. Vivat Jesu Will Havron, CLTC Knights of Columbus Field Agent KofCWillHavron@gmail.com Membership Corner: As the old Groucho Marx line goes, I wouldn t belong to any club that would accept me as a member. Smart growth is about recognizing and understanding the various facets of a vibrant Council and how to achieve and maintain them. After a period of slow but steady growth in the 1990s, we are now in a positioned for our membership drives to take off. Continued on page 12

12 Page 12 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 11 In order to make good on these ambitious plans, Councils around the county are gearing up for major recruitment efforts. Councils often pride themselves on top-quality service, and in some cases there s often little tolerance for errors and rookie mistakes. If you re confident in your ability to get up to speed quickly in an environment that can be very different from a public social club, the Knights of Columbus might be a great place for you. Volunteerism and commitment are kings in the Council, and members expect and demand only the very best. If you re a stickler for detail and you pride yourself on impeccable service, you re a shoo-in for success in the Council. Perhaps more than any other segment of the Councils are the camaraderie among the members that help make up the Council. Recognition, often lead towards rewards for workers, who dedicate long stretches of their careers to some Councils. But using your God giving time, talent and dedication allow the way to your great work to be guided by your service to others. Are you ready to join our Council? Third degree News: There is a 3rd degree ceremony scheduled for the Nassau Chapter. Candidates should be there at least a half an hour before the ceremony starts. The 3rd degree will be held on Friday, January 27th at the Joseph Barry Council located at 84 E John Street, Hicksville at 8pm. For additional information, please contact the Grand Knight or the Financial Secretary at Father McGivney, his life and works, and any favors attributed to his intercession. Father McGivney is a unique model for today s Catholic and today s Catholic priest because of his attention to the social ills and injustices of his day and his collaboration with the laity. He was zealous for the life of union with God through prayer and the sacraments, and he would have been right at home in today s world. He was then and would be today an eager apostle for the Gospel of life, and a determined foe of the culture of death. Membership in the Guild is open to anyone who wishes to share in this mission of making known the life and work of Father McGivney and of encouraging devotion to his memory. There is no charge to enroll, but donations are accepted. The Guild is anxious to receive reports of favors received through Father McGivney s intercession. It is not only miracles that are required to move the cause forward, but witnesses to the power of the servant of God s prayers before the throne of God. People who have filled out the form credit the parish priest with medical favors everything from relieving a toothache to surviving cancer to a deathbed recovery but also with many other favors, including finding or keeping a job. One escaped serious injury in a highway accident. As a member of the Guild you will receive a newsletter and periodic updates on the progress of the cause for canonization. We ask your prayerful support that God s will be done and that the Spirit guide us at each step along the way. Any questions about the Guild can be sent to mcgivneyguildchairman@kofcnc.org Fourth Degree News: In the absence of receiving any news from the Fourth Degree Knights, let me state equitably they will be at the Pro-Life mass and the March for Life in Washington, DC. How many of us will do the same? Sir Knight is more than a title it s an honor. Fr. Michael J. McGivney: The Order of the Knights of Columbus has established The Father McGivney Guild to promote the cause for canonization of our founder: Father Michael J. McGivney. The goal of the Guild is to spread the good word about his holiness of life, to encourage devotion to his memory, and to seek his intercession before the throne of God. The Guild serves as a clearinghouse for information about Vocations Lack of imagination and fear of innovation on the part of the church as a whole are two elements obstructing the renewal of contemporary religious life, for every baptized Catholic has a role to play in the task of reimagining this way of living. In declaring 2015 a year dedicated to consecrated life and challenging men and women religious to wake up the world, Pope Francis was speaking to the church s hierarchy and its lay men and women as well. Faced with fewer vocations and an aging membership, many believers appear to have forgotten the history of consecrated life and the Holy Spirit s role in the work of its renewal. Religious life has passed through far more difficult days than the present. Continued on page 13

13 Page 13 CLARION Winter Issue 2017 Continued from page 11 Vivat Jesus and Keep Christ in Christmas. Just before the Second Vatican Council, the And have a Healthy Happy New Year. Catholic Church resembled a pyramid, with the SK Peter Zayas, Grand Knight clergy, men and women religious and the laity occupying the structure s top, middle and bottom tiers respectively. The council s unequivocal statement that all Christians, clergy and laity alike, are baptized into the one mission of proclaiming the kingdom of God and its imminence put an end to that view of the church. This shift in understanding moved religious life from being within the hierarchical church to its rightful place within the charismatic church, helping to clarify its nature and purpose. Never intended to be an ecclesiastical workforce, sisters, religious priests and brothers are meant to be the church s living memory of what it can be, longs to be and must be. Their job is to continually remind the larger body about its true nature. I don t want my life to be mine, I want it to be Christ s. Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Continued from page 1 Grand Knights Winter Issue Message: We welcome all of our new Brother Knights and have escorted them all as they went through the different degrees. Yes, I am proud to be a member of Corpus Christi Council and I am lucky to be surrounded by so many faithful and caring members. By the time this article is published, volunteers would have delivered poinsettias to the widows of past members of our council. We will end this year by celebrating with family at our Members Christmas Party and our New Year s Eve Party. Keep reading this award winning newsletter, Clarion, to stay informed on the latest in upcoming events for the New Year. On Sunday, February 5, you can join friends to watch Super Bowl 51 where you can eat to your heart s content for only $35.00 per person. Call PGK Ken Lyons for further information. Contact PGK Mike Murtha to purchase tickets for $30.00 per person for our Second Annual Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament be held on Friday, February 17. Please come to the Nassau County Conference Fundraiser for Special Olympics that Corpus Christi Council will be hosting on February 25. PGK and Nassau County Conference Treasurer Anthony Marengo is selling tickets for $50.00 each. Reminder, January 1st is the Solemnity of Mary and January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany. Editor s Editorial: A favorite theme we see in almost every plot ever made is good versus evil. We thrive off of the constant battle between what we think is right in opposition to the bad, evil or wrong. So when was it that police officers became the bad guys? Did it all start with the Michael Brown incident in Missouri, or has this been a major issue hiding in the shadows waiting to emerge until recently? Whatever the case, we are seeing more and more instances of the police becoming the bad guys in our society. But are there some things the media is hiding behind its constant coverage of rioting and police hate? I have been raised to respect the men and women who bravely go out day after day to keep their community safe. I also get the opportunity to see what police officers are like when they don t have the uniform on, and they are normal members of our society. However, police are just regular people who have lives outside of work, just like the rest of us. The reason cops usually get a bad rap is because of the nature of their work. Let s make one thing clear right away: there are bad police officers out there. Those who abuse their power or are underqualified can be the source of grief for hundreds of citizens. When you listen to all the news coverage and hear all the bad stories about cops and then assume all of them are like that, you might be surprised when you actually encounter some officers and realize that most of them are really nice people whose major concern is your safety and the safety of the people around you. If you still have an issue with the way the police enforce things in your area. You need to take into account that these are men and women like you who are trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability but are constantly under the scrutiny of the public. So maybe in the near future, police will no longer be the bad guys. Maybe, just maybe, we can see them as the good guys they are again. As you step into another year, here s wishing that God fills it up with the right ingredients that could be used to cook up a success story.

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