John F. Kennedy Council 2952 Hammond, LA December, 2018

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1 the Knight s Herald John F. Kennedy Council 2952 Hammond, LA December, 2018 Grand Knight s Corner The holiday season is upon us and many of us will be very busy with many activities. As we go about our daily affairs during this busy time of the year, let us remember our roles as Knights and make a difference in the community. There are many needy people who will not enjoy the holiday season because they will be struggling just to make ends meet. Let s bring a little holiday cheer and a few blessings on those in the community who need a little help. I want to express my thanks to all who helped with the spaghetti dinners for the Holy Ghost Fair. Whether you helped cook the spaghetti sauce or showed up that Sunday to prepare and serve the meals, your help was greatly appreciated. The fundraiser was a huge success because we prepared and sold 400 dinners! The KC Christmas Social will be Saturday, Dec. 15 and will begin at 5:00pm. Please consider attending because we will be giving out checks to the organizations that are the beneficiaries of the Annual Benefit Raffle and Steak Dinner and we would like to have a good crowd present. May you and your loved ones have a safe and happy holiday season. Mike Pearson Artists begin work on Vatican Christmas nativity out of sand The Vatican s nativity scene will be a little bit different this year. In a departure from the traditional Neapolitan or Maltese figures of recent years, the scene of Christ s birth will be entirely sculpted from sand. Beginning Nov. 17, four artists are beginning their work in St. Peter s Square, crafting nearly 46,000 cubic feet of sand, equal to around 700 tons, into a grand Sand Nativity. The creators, who have been sculpting sand nativities in the Italian town of Jesolo for years, say on their website that the goal is to build the largest sand nativity in Christendom in the center of Rome in order to provide moments of authentic and joyful contemplation to all those who love Christmas. A partnership between the mayor of Jesolo and Patriarch Francesco Moraglia of Venice is what brought the famous sand sculptures to the Vatican for Christmas The Jesolo sand, as it is called, was brought to the square from the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy near Jesolo. The four sculptors who will transform the shapeless mounds into the traditional figures of Jesus birth hail from Holland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and the United States. Phase one of construction will begin with a large pyramid of sand; spaces will then be dug into the sides and the sand compacted. A few days later, a protective structure will be built around the sand. The true sculpting phase will begin Nov. 21 and go until the first week of December. In the final 48 hours, which will be Dec. 5-6, the final touches will be placed, before the big reveal Dec. 7, the same day as the annual lighting ceremony of the St. Peter s Square Christmas tree.

2 The Knights Herald Holy Ghost Fair Published monthly by the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council #2952, PO Box 2952, Hammond, LA, GRAND KNIGHT..... Michael Pearson DEPUTY GRAND KNIGHT.... Sammie Buono PUBLICITY & EDITOR..Joey Quebedeaux Hall Rentals Persons interested in rental of the KC Home should contact Brother Mike Perise through the Home at or evenings at Anyone sick or in need? Deacon Nat Garofalo, Andrew Mercante, Joe Patti and Nick Muscarello were tasked with cooking the spaghetti noodles and cooked many pots! If you know of a Brother Knight, or his family, who is ill, in the hospital, or is otherwise in need of aid, please call Grand Knight Michael Pearson at (985) Insurance Agent Blake Brady S. Evans Rd Independence, LA Cell (504) blake.brady@kofc.org KC Ministry Schedule The following Brother Knights are scheduled to assist in the Celebration of the Eucharist during the 9:30 am Mass at Holy Ghost Church on Sunday, Dec. 16, Bob Anders made sure the meatballs and sauce were heating up evenly and kept warm. Lectors: Vincent Gennardo Michael Dvornak Gifts: Bob & Rose Anders Eucharistic ministers: Joe Cerise Τ Francis Donner Morris Marlbrough Joe Tallo Michael Ralph Sal Lupo Kenneth Mayeayux Joey Quebedeaux Michael Perise Frank Cannino Ron Novak Jack Stang Τ = Tabernacle = Clean up The serving line.left to right were Joey Quebedeaux, Bob Anders, Chip Blessey, Alyssa Anders, Joey Demarco and Mike Perise.

3 The Life Story of St. Lucy Saint Lucy was born into a rich noble Roman family. At a very young age she lost her father who was a Christian. Lucy was left behind with a huge dowry. Lucy s mother wanted Lucy to marry a rich pagan man. Lucy being a virtuous young woman, did not want to marry a pagan man. Lucy asked her mother to distribute the dowry among the poor. The mother did not agree. As a young teenager, Lucy had already consecrated her virginity and life to God. She was zealously working in the service of God helping the poor. In addition, she helped her fellow Catholics hiding in the dark underground catacombs who were at risk of suffering persecution. She would wear a wreath of candles on her head to find her way in the dark, as her hands were full of food and drink for the people. St Lucy was also well known for her beautiful eyes. It was said that her eyes radiated her love for Christ. Lucy s mother became very ill from a bleeding problem. She had tried many treatments, but failed. Lucy then asked her mother to accompany her to Saint Agatha s shrine where they both prayed all night. Due to exhaustion, they both fell asleep near St. Agatha s tomb. St. Agatha had appeared to Lucy in a dream and gave her the good news that her mother was healed. Saint Agatha further informed Lucy that she will be the glory of Syracuse the city where Saint Lucy lived. Lucy s mother, convinced with her miracle cure, then complied with Lucy s request to distribute their wealth among the poor. The pagan man proposed to Lucy was furious when he heard the news. He decided to destroy Lucy s life denouncing her as a Christian to the Governor of Syracuse, Sicily. That was a time where many Christians were persecuted for their faith. The governor sent his guards to forcibly take Lucy to a brothel house and then insult her in public. When the soldiers came to take her, Lucy was filled with the Holy Spirit that she could not be moved. They claimed that she was heavier than a mountain. When the Governor questioned her as to how she could stay strong, she claimed that it was the power of Jesus her Lord and God. Finally, they tortured Lucy to death and she died as a martyr. There are two legendary stories about St Lucy s eyes. As Lucy had beautiful eyes, the pagan man who was proposed to marry Lucy, wanted Lucy s eyes. One story tells us that Lucy gifted her eyes to the pagan man and asked him to leave her alone. The second story tells us that during the torture, Lucy s eyes were taken out and that God had restored her eyes back. Either way, Lucy s eyes were taken out and God had restored her eyes. That was the reason she became the patron saint for people who are blind and with eye problems. The most important aspect of her story was that Lucy was a brave young woman who was zealous to give her life to God. She was ready to give her eyes and even her life, but stood strong in her faith at a time where Christians were persecuted for their faith. This is why Saint Lucy is venerated as a virgin and martyr. Lucy sets a good example to our young people today who are persecuted for their faith at school, at universities and work places. Her message would be to stand strong in your faith, no matter how hard the situation may be. St Lucy is also the patron saint of Syracuse. Over the centuries many people have been healed by God through the intercession of St Lucy. Prayer to St. Lucy Saint Lucy Whose beautiful name signifies 'LIGHT' by the light of faith which God bestowed upon you increase and preserve His light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, Be zealous in the performance of good works and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and sin. Obtain for me, by your intercession with God Perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God s greater honour and glory and the salvation of souls. St. Lucy, virgin and martyr hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.

4 Honoring our Veterans Led by Lt. Col. Jack Stang, the veterans of JFK Council 2952 get ready to march and post the colors. Grand Knight Mike Pearson chose Jack Stang as the Knight of the Month for November, while.. Grand Knight Mike Pearson recognized the oldest surviving veteran of JFK 2952, Fred Trapp, a veteran of World War II. Mr. Trapp joined the Knights of Columbus in 1948!.Bob and Rose Anders were chosen as Family of the Month for November. A video presentation, prepared by Mary Stang, recognized all the veterans of JFK 2952, living and deceased. Congratulations to Jana Perise for being chosen Lady of the Month for November by Ladies Auxiliary President Debbie Quebedeaux.

5 Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas The Catholic Church has designated the four weeks preceding Christmas as Advent, a time to prepare the way of the Lord for His coming as our King and Savior. In addition, the Church teaches that: When the Church celebrates the Liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming. By celebrating John the Baptist s birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: He must increase, but I must decrease (Catechism, no. 524; original emphasis). By participating in various time-honored traditions, such as making Jesse trees or putting on a Christmas play at home, Catholic families can engage more fruitfully in the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Advent wreath: The Advent wreath, which has German origins, is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. It symbolizes the many years from Adam to Christ in which the world awaited its Redeemer; it also represents the years that we have awaited His second and final coming. The wreath holds four equally spaced candles, the three purple ones lit on the penitential Sundays and a pink one for Gaudete, the joyful third Sunday in Advent. There are many available prayers and hymns found in the reading list that can accompany your personal Advent wreath ceremony. The empty manger: Each child may have his own individual manger, or there may be one manger for the whole family. The idea is that when acts of service, sacrifice, or kindness are done in honor of Baby Jesus as a birthday present, the child receives a piece of straw to put into the manger. Then, on Christmas morning, Baby Jesus is placed in the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus bed as comfortable as possible through their good deeds. In the process, explain Christ s incomparable self-gift at Christmas and Easter that enables us to be part of God s family. The Jesse tree: The Jesse tree tells about Christ s ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ. The tree can be made on a poster board with the symbols glued on, or on an actual tree. For further information read, Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home. St. Nicholas Day: The feast of St. Nicholas is on Dec. 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts will pay a visit. The current Santa Claus is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both Dec. 6 and Christmas. Read about St. Nicholas in your favorite saints book. The Christ candle: Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. Use old Christmas cards, sequins, holly, etc. The candle can be lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection. The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose yes to God enabled our Lord s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary s eager expectation of the Light of the World. It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ s coming. St. Lucy cakes: The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, is on December 13th. This marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading. The Nativity scene: This is the event in which the entire family shares setting up the Christmas manger. Mary and Joseph should be far off traveling and their approach to Bethlehem can be adjusted daily. Older children can make life-size Nativity models, carve them, cut them out from cardboard, or set up pre-made figurines. The creative ideas are without limit. Make sure to place the Nativity scene where many can admire the children s efforts to give God glory. Christmas baking: There are many recipe books available to find great traditional Christmas baking ideas. The baking usually starts around December 20th. As Christmas approaches, the house will smell of baking and fresh wreaths. The glory of Christmas is at hand! Move the manger to a focal point, add lights to the Nativity to be lighted on Christmas Eve, and anticipate together. Blessing of the tree: More and more frequently families are blessing their Christmas trees. It is good to remind children that the tree relates to many aspects of our faith. For example, we are reminded that our first parents were not allowed to eat from one tree, and that Christ paid the great price for our redemption by hanging on a tree (cf. Acts 5:29-32).

6 December 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat KC Meeting Trustees 5:00 Rosary 6:30 Business 7:00 Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Party 6:00 Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Christmas Social 5:00 Social 6:00 Dinner KC Mass & Rosary 8:45am Holy Ghost Church Christmas Eve Christmas Day New Year s Eve

7 Ad space in the Knight s Herald is available for $60.00 for 1 year. To purchase ad space, contact the newsletter editor at: Joey Quebedeaux Marl Drive Hammond, LA (985) thesevenqs@bellsouth.net Please send a business card or a typed message to the above address. JFK Council 2952 Rentals Mike Perise This space for rent 8/18 8/18

8 Knights of Columbus JOHN F. KENNEDY COUNCIL No Oak St. and Columbus Dr. P.O. Box 2952 Hammond, Louisiana CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED One nation, under God Non Profit Org. Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 154 Hammond, La Announcements KC Meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 5, Trustees 5:00pm, Rosary 6:30pm, Business 7:00pm No Ladies Auxiliary Meeting! Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Party, Friday, Dec. 7, 6:00pm Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saturday, Dec. 8 KC Christmas Social, Saturday, Dec. 15, Social 5:00pm Dinner 6:00pm KC Mass & Rosary, Sunday, Dec. 16, 8:45am at Holy Ghost Church Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 25 New Year s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31 Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 4:00-5:00 pm at the council home as we stand by the street to protest abortion. If we can help save the life of at least one baby, it will be an hour well spent!