Volume 94 Winter Issue The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.

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1 Volume 94 Winter Issue The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. i n s i d e t h i s i s s u e New Supreme Knight New Executive Director District News Junior Division

2 2 Claverite The A Catholic fraternal magazine published by: The National Council Knights of Peter Claver and National Court Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Approbation The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New Orleans F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Supreme Knight Geralyn C. Shelvin, Supreme Lady Michael J. Taylor, Executive Director Debra Frazier, Assistant Athanase Jones, Publisher Liaison Ann Jacob, Editor KPC Public Relations Group, contributing The Knights Of Peter Claver Founded in Mobile, Alabama, in 1909 Headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana All items intended for publication in The Claverite must be submitted by: April 10 for summer issue and September 10 for winter issue. Please send your news items to claverite@kofpc.org, and include a photo. When taking photographs for the magazine, please make sure your camera is set on the highest resolution setting possible. Photographs should be 300 dpi or higher at full size for them to print well. Please provide stories in a Word document and photos as jpg files. Please do not submit any handwritten material or PDF files. 20 TRUST IN GOD is our password ONWARD is our war cry

3 3 Message from the Supreme 4Knight Message from the Supreme 6Lady Meet our new Executive 7Director Message from Bishop 8Perry in this issue 16 District news 2010 Convention highlights Junior 28Division cover story 10

4 4 Knights of Peter Claver Message from the Supreme Knight message from the supreme knight F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B., Supreme Knight and Chief Executive Officer T o each of you belonging to the family or promise of the gospel, but also incorporates one into Christ and of Claverism; to you, the People of at the same time into the eschatological community of hospitality. He goes on to say that Baptism into Christ and into his Church God; I express my sincere appreciation for your prayers, encourage- baptized into Christ; and his Church, and We can only deny this implies a bond of unity with all others who likewise have been ment, enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. Gracious objective bond of fellowship (koinania) if we radically limit the Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon and I are implications of baptism to the local Church (70). indeed humbled by your Christian witness. Baptism into the Church is not just a singular experience between the individual and Christ; nor is it an experience between The Gospel illustrates a challenge and question for Peter that are the individual and a particular culture. Cardinal Walter Kasper relevant in our own daily lives. Jesus asks Peter whether Peter shores up this notion by saying that... baptism is more than loves him (John 21:17). We, too, are asked the same question daily by inclusion in a local congregation and also more than inclusion in a the Lord: Do you love me? The question for Peter is not so much particular confession. Baptism incorporates us in the one and only about faith as it is about dedication and fidelity; about commitment for each of us. If we truly love the Lord, we must take care bond of fellowship, for through the sacraments of initiation we are body indivisible of Christ (530). The Christian cannot deny this of one another we must love one another. Illustrated throughout all one in Christ without regard to where we are from. the Gospel by his words and deeds is Christ s command to love When meeting with the African-American community of the one another (John 13:34). Archdiocese of New Orleans in September 1987, Pope John Paul In order to become a member of the Knights of Peter Claver II called on African-American Catholics to share the giftedness of and Ladies Auxiliary, one must first be baptized and have received their blackness. He charged, I urge you to keep alive and active the Holy Eucharist. These sacraments are catalysts of unity. It is your rich cultural gifts. Always profess proudly before the whole through our participation in Christian life, through this union of Church and the whole world your love for God s Word; it is a sacramental life, that we are united to Christ. My dear friends, let special blessing which you must forever treasure as a part of your us be as Christ expects us to be for one another. Let us illustrate heritage (Address 3). In an effort to show that this charge was in no and express more evidently the familial bond we share in faith and way limited to the African-American community, the pope continued by stating, It is important to realize that there is no black Claverism. There can be no true Claverism without love. As Catholics, even while we exist in a society in which secularism competes with our holiness, we all sit around the eucha- must be in the one Church of Jesus Christ a home for blacks, Church, no white Church, no American Church; but there is and ristic table without regard to distinction nationality, ethnicity, whites, Americans, every culture and race (7). The pope was age or gender. We are social people. After all, as illustrated by conveying that the Church, the revealed truth, is present in every our Lord s words and deeds in the Gospel and the Early Church s human environment. reflection on the mission, our faith in Jesus Christ is not as much As the largest predominantly African-American association of about us as individuals as it is about us as a loving family. Christ the laity, the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary must remains truly present in our world today through the Church. stand as a living testimony of the grace of God in the lives of the We are the Church. Church in America. Together, we, as members of the Church, The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that we cannot must ensure that the salvific message of the Gospel is a visible sign belong to Christ without being a part of the whole Body of Christ. in the lives of each of us, which becomes a discernible source of Being born again to new life in Christ brings forward a whole compassion, charity, hospitality and hope. While there are many community and family of faith. According to the catechism, influences that shape our lives, we must allow the message of faith is not an isolated act Each believer is thus a link in salvation to help us reorient society to God. the great chain of believers (166). Hans Boersma, in the Journal for Having heard from Grand Knights and Grand Ladies throughout the country, I recognize there are significant issues that we Christian Theological Research, explains well the call to hospitality in his interpretation of the catechism. As the prime sacrament of must face regarding fulfilling the noble objectives of the Order. initiation, he writes, Baptism not only signifies the universal call I am aware of the plight of Catholic education, particularly in

5 The Claverite Winter Issue minority communities. The merging of parishes and schools has caused tense relations among people throughout the country. While these issues are indeed unfortunate, let us not fail to remember our relationship with Christ. Let us praise God in thanksgiving that our tasks are not as overwhelming as the tasks of those who are much less fortunate. We must endeavor to use district/ zone meetings, conferences and conventions as opportunities to communicate, cooperate and collaborate for the good of the Order. Let these meetings become meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in our work in the name of the Lord. One of the major priorities I have set is that of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Each of us has a responsibility to foster vocations. Because our young people have an intense love for Christ, we must advance and cultivate vocations to serve Christ s Church. In my conversations with Bishop Joseph Perry, our well-regarded National Chaplain, Bishop Martin Holley and various other bishops and religious superiors, I have indicated quite openly the utmost priority of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary to work unceasingly on behalf of promoting vocations. I anticipate teaming up with various Supreme Knight s Activities organizations such as the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the National Black Sisters Conference and the National Religious Vocations Conference. As we move forward in faith, let us put aside personal agendas, prejudices and judgments in order to serve the community and give faithful testimony. Let us keep before us that as we serve the needs of the Church and the world, our faith must be supported by visible signs. Let our whole being be a manifestation of the theological virtues that we know so well: faith, hope and love. As eucharistic people, let us be willing to be transformed by the grace of God through the Holy Spirit. As members of our Noble Order, we must keep before us that we are an order of the faithful who are intrinsically Catholic. References Journal for Christian Theological Research 8 (2003): Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Community of New Orleans, Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans. 12 Sept Ecumenical Review 52.4 (2000): Aug , Staff interviews... KPC National Office... New Orleans Aug. 13, Meetings with attorney and bank officials... KPC National Office... New Orleans Aug. 20, Feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux... St. Bernard Abbey... Cullman, Ala. Aug. 21, Expansion reception... Christ the King Church... Jackson, Miss. Aug. 22, Mass of Thanksgiving for Donna Williams, Gulf Coast Conf. Pres.... Holy Ghost Church... Jackson, Miss. Aug. 25, Dinner with Bishop Robert Baker and Bishop Joseph Perry... Birmingham... Birmingham, Ala. Aug. 25, EWTN Live with Father Mitch Pacwa... EWTN Studios... Irondale, Ala. Sept. 5, St. Peter Claver Celebration... Prince of Peace Church... Mobile, Ala. Sept. 8, Meeting with Father Anthony Bozeman (NBCCC)... St. Raymond and St. Leo Church... New Orleans Sept. 9, Feast of St. Peter Claver... St. Joseph Church... Huntsville, Ala. Sept. 11, Mass of Thanksgiving for DeKarlos Blackmon... Holy Spirit Church... Huntsville, Ala. Sept. 14, Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross... Pope John Paul II Catholic High School... Huntsville, Ala. Sept , National Religious Vocations Conference Symposium... Catholic Theological Union... Chicago Sept. 27, St. Bernard Abbey Benefactors Day... St. Bernard Abbey... Cullman, Ala. Oct. 1, Dinner in honor of the Supreme Lady... Hamm-Hall Residence... Atlanta Oct. 2, Most Blessed Sacrament Prayer Breakfast... Most Blessed Sacrament... Atlanta Oct. 3, Rosary for Life and Vocations... Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament... Hanceville, Ala. Oct. 6, Meeting, Consortium of Pastors of Black Catholic Churches... Saint Francis of Assisi Church... Bessemer, Ala. Oct. 10, Mass with Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Father Edward Branch,......Lyke House and college students... Atlanta University Center... Atlanta Oct. 15, Dinner with St. Francis of Assisi Court # St. Joseph Church... Huntsville, Ala. Oct. 17, Mass... St. John the Baptist Church... Madison, Ala. Oct. 23, Mass... Our Lady Queen of the Universe Church... Huntsville, Ala. Oct. 28, Solemn Dedication of Pope John Paul II Catholic High School... Pope John Paul II Catholic High School... Huntsville, Ala. Oct , Meeting of the Executive Committee... KPC National Office... New Orleans Oct. 30, Scholarship Gala, New Orleans Coordinating Council and Courts... New Orleans Oct. 31, Final Mass before Relegation of the Church to Profane Use... St. Joseph Church... Huntsville, Ala. Nov. 1, Solemnity of All Saints... St. Paul Cathedral... Birmingham, Ala. Nov. 5, Solemn Vespers with the Superior General...of the Society of the Divine Savior... St. Joseph Church... Huntsville, Ala. Nov. 6, Solemn Dedication of St. Joseph Church with......bishop Robert Baker and Bishop David Foley... St. Joseph Church... Huntsville, Ala. Nov. 12, Meeting of the board, National Black Catholic Congress... Baltimore Nov. 13, Gala, Pope John Paul II Catholic High School... Von Braun Center... Huntsville, Ala. Nov. 14, Founder s Day Celebration, Council #2... St. Peter the Apostle Church... Chastang, Ala. Nov , Visit to Council and Court # Mary Star of the Sea Church... Isla de San Andres,... Colombia message from the supreme knight

6 6 Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Message from the Supreme Lady Geralyn C. Shelvin, Supreme Lady message from the supreme lady G As we approach the beginning of yet another New Year, let us recall how we prepared ourselves during Advent to receive God s greatest gift of love, Jesus Christ. reetings Fellow Clavers: It is my hope that the reception of that gift of love in each of us will transform our membership so that we truly become Jesus Christ to each other. May we realize that loving each other, empowering each other, respecting each other, forgiving each other and challenging each other are all manifestations of His love for each of us. I express my personal thanks and gratitude to the members of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary for the confidence you displayed by re-electing me for my final term as Supreme Lady. With your continued prayers, support and love, our Noble Order will continue to experience success in all that we endeavor in order to be of service to those most in need. I again thank the 10th Supreme Lady, Leodia Gooch, and Sir Knight Theodore Wilson for their enthusiastic coordination and cooperation, which made the 2010 National Convention in St. Louis a most memorable event. This year, the Ladies Division utilized electronic voting, a long-time vision of mine that has finally come to fruition. I extend thanks to the following Ladies who assisted with bringing my vision to delightful clarity: Mary Robinson, Grand Lady Court #5, Renita Lloyd Smith, Grand Lady Court #162, Barbara M. Murray, Past State Deputy of Texas, and Micaela Leblanc, Immediate Past Western States District Deputy. The delegates and members in attendance at the 2010 National Convention also are to be commended for embracing positive change as we continue to move our organization forward. It was exciting to see committees utilizing electronic media for their presentations to the assembly, with plans to outdo themselves at the next convention. The Ladies Workshop was presented in a creative and interactive venue. I again thank the Ladies board members for their participation as presenters, and offer special thanks to our National Secretary, Lady DeLise M. Coleman, for her creativity and insight that led to a fun-filled delivery of pertinent information. Our National Lay Board Member, Lady Hilda Wiltz, gave new meaning to the position of roaming reporter during the workshop presentations. In the last few months, we have hired a new Executive Director, Brother Michael Taylor, and we look forward to working with him and the newly elected National Officers of the National Council and National Court Board of Directors. We welcome the inclusion of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary in planning and coordinating the future of our organization. We commend our Most Worthy Supreme Knight, F. DeKarlos Blackmon; under his leadership, the National Council Board of Directors has been inclusive and reminded us that we truly are one family. With a servant s heart, Geralyn C. Shelvin Supreme Lady,, In All Ways Acknowledge Him and He Shall Direct Your Path.

7 I recently had the opportunity to meet and conduct an interview with the newly hired Executive Director, Brother Michael J. Taylor, of St. Raymond & St. Leo Council #78, in New Orleans. When asked, Who is Michael Taylor? he immediately responded with a smile and said, I am a 20-year member of the Knights of Peter Claver, who eats, breathes and sleeps KPC...The Knights of Peter Claver is in my very being. Brother Taylor has family roots in the New Orleans area, originating in the neighborhood surrounding Xavier University. The Claverite Winter Issue Meet Our New Executive Director by Lady Gail Barnes Johnson, KPC PR Team A number of people in the organization encouraged him to apply for the position of Executive Director because they saw qualities in him that they felt would be valuable in that position. When first approached about seeking the position during the time of Brother Charles Keyes illness, Taylor declined because he was not in a position to relocate from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to New Orleans. He had a successful business and was heavily involved in his local community, both of which took precedence at the time. When Taylor was approached about applying for the position of Executive Director at the end of the 2008 National Convention, however, it seemed like the right time for him to begin focusing on applying for the position. I believe that things happen in God s time, not ours, he said. This was in reference to his unsuccessful bid for election as Supreme Knight that year. In retrospect, Taylor firmly believes that he can do more for the Order as Executive Director than as Supreme Knight. In his position as a National Officer for six years, Brother Taylor feels he gained a broad perspective of how the National Office operates, and a keen insight into the financial aspect of the organization. The time he spent in Montgomery, Alabama, and New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina gave him hands-on experience in the daily operation of the office. His business management skills have been sharpened over the 20 years he has been a business owner. Brother Taylor intends to utilize his customer service experience, when and where applicable, in order to make the National Office a member-friendly entity. On a final note, Brother Taylor expressed his personal guarantee that the best possible service will be given to the membership. 7 feature story Newly Elected Officers The Noble Order of the Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary would like to welcome the newly elected 2010 National Officers. F. DeKarlos Blackmon, Obl.S.B. Supreme Knight Jamaal Borum National Secretary William T. Everette, Jr. National Advocate Gregory Warner Western States District Deputy Curtis J. Guynn Northern States District Deputy Sam Sims Central States District Deputy Eva A. Volter Texas State Deputy Sharon Pietre-Williams Western States District Deputy Outgoing Officers The Noble Order of the Knights of Peter Claver and the Ladies Auxiliary express our appreciation for your dedication and services rendered as a National Officer. Thank you! Past Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr Past National Chaplain Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry, JCL, DD Past Western States District Deputy Anderson F. Shaw Past Central States District Deputy Garry Bostick Past Northern States District Deputy Howard Crawford Past National Secretary James Kelley Terry Past National Advocate Omar K. Mason Past Western States District Deputy Micaela Leblanc Past Texas State Deputy Nan Arceneaux

8 8 Message from the National Chaplain RMost Reverend Joseph N. Perry, National Chaplain, Knights of Peter Claver eflections on What We Have Seen and Heard the 1984 Pastoral Letter of the African-American Bishops on Evangelization in the Black Community 25 Years Later message from Bishop Perry In 1984, there were 10 African-American bishops and some 300 African-American diocesan and religious priests serving in the United States. In their pastoral letter of 1984, these African-American bishops acknowledged that the African-American community was making its way in the Catholic Church and had a good deal to offer as one among many constituent groups in the broad ethnic and racial portrait of the Church in this country. We who were served, ministered to and evangelized to are now capable of serving, ministering and evangelizing alongside others in the Church. The African-American bishops wanted members of the black Catholic community to recognize this confidently and see themselves assured in their own blackness and Catholicity, confident to offer their time, talent and treasure to the building up of the Church of Christ. The bishops rightly judged that the black Catholic portion of the flock had great potential and could grow to be even larger. Since then, African immigrants and their clergy have taken what might be judged as a guarded place amongst us with their gifts of Catholicism wedded to their culture and in certain respects, evidencing a surer footing amidst them. Although their Catholic praxis is usually deemed more conservative than what American black converts have received from the catechesis in the era after the Second Vatican Council, more firm connections with our brothers and sisters from African nations must yet take place. The summons emanating from the 1984 pastoral letter was a call to sow the gifts of Catholicism more effectively in the black community across the country. Father Augustus Tolton ( ) was the first to voice that the Catholic Church was the chief means of spiritual and material advancement for peoples of African descent. Tolton s wise insight remains with us still. The Church is more than just one among many varieties of religious experience for blacks. We black Catholics recognize the unique gifts of Catholicism and its benefits to us as individuals and as families. Our apostolic-, scriptural- and sacramental-rooted church tradition offers the fullness of Christian religious experience for anyone, black or white or brown, who desires to live the Christian lifestyle. In this age of syncretistic allegiance and ecumenism; in this era of a renaissance with the traditional black church and expanded nondenominational varieties therein; we still proclaim with faith that the Catholic Church represents the fullness of Jesus Christ and his intentions for the disciples he left behind. Twenty-five years later, not surprisingly, the concerns enunciated in the pastoral letter of the black bishops remain with us and, in some instances, are even more acute. In our urban areas, for example, many of our churches exist as islands in neighborhoods of unchurched or hardly affiliated families and individuals. The church campuses we have inherited, for the most part, are aged and of a size that matched a much larger and earlier population of European American Catholics who have shifted to outlying communities and who seldom, if ever, return to worship in these churches where their families were anointed with the crucial sacraments of initiation and vocation. African- American Catholics have expended millions of dollars in their stewardship maintaining these artistic structures. Why can t these same churches, emblems to earlier devout groupings, re-take the neighborhoods they stand in with an effective evangelization of the unaffiliated? It is with this purpose in mind that we launched an intensive evangelization for black parishes across the Archdiocese of Chicago two years ago to re-educate ourselves through a catechesis of evangelization and with methods of outreach to our surrounding communities. Some 200 participants have been routinely faithful to the meetings planned in this regard. And a number of parishes have revamped their parish evangelization teams and strategies to implement this program. Clearly, in these times, we must be preoccupied with the topic of growth in our churches. The traditional feeds of infant baptism and workable convert numbers are not so apparent today as they were two generations previous. Definitely, a more proactive ministry of neighborhood evangelization is called for in these times. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, for example, our parishes tend to be among the smallest in the archdiocese and struggle to pay their bills. This archdiocese is unique in its benefactions to its parishes, especially with major and emergency repairs. At the same time, the economic downturn has affected the coffers of the archdiocese and it is poorer than it was a few years ago, thus lessening its ability to come to the aid of its parishes. Our vicariate six has accumulated the largest debt among the parishes of any vicariate in the archdiocese. For these reasons I fear that, without shoring up membership in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the future of these same parishes is not guaranteed. The National Black Catholic Congress, headquartered in Balti-

9 The Claverite Winter Issue more, reports that it is not easy to survey black Catholics and that to obtain even a somewhat reliable portrait of the black Catholic population requires a specially designed over-sample or a very large survey, which is often financially prohibitive. Two surveys done in recent years, however, are worth studying: The Religious Landscape Survey by Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life in 2007 and the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) in In the Pew survey, some 35,000 adults were interviewed, of which 252 self-identified as black and Catholic, resulting in a margin of sampling error for this sub-group of ±6.2 percentage points. Of all adults in the Pew survey who self-identified their race as black in the United States, 8.2 percent also self-identified their religion as Catholic (representing 4 percent of all adult Catholics in the United States). Extrapolating the results to the total population in 2010, it can be estimated that about 3.5 million U.S. residents self-identify as black and Catholic (this estimate includes adults and children). So, who are the adult black Catholics in the United States today? Following are some statistics from the Pew survey: 83 percent indicate that they were raised Catholic and 17 percent said they converted to Catholicism at some point after being raised in another faith. 96 percent say their religion is somewhat or very important in their life (70 percent indicated very important). 40 percent describe themselves as Charismatic Catholic and 16 percent as Pentecostal Catholic. 42 percent also self-identified their ethnicity as Hispanic compared to only 4 percent of black Protestants (the non-hispanic black Catholic population represents 2.5 percent of the overall adult Catholic population). 36 percent are foreign born (20 percent are non-citizens). 46 percent are married (including those married and currently separated) and 82 percent of these Catholics have a Catholic spouse. 65 percent describe their political views as moderate (33 percent) to conservative (24 percent) or very conservative (8 percent). 39 percent have attended college. 25 percent make $50,000 or more per year. 30 percent are aged 18 to 30 and 10 percent are aged 65 and older. The survey notes that a significant number of African Americans were raised Catholic and have subsequently left the faith. The retention rate for black Catholics is lower than for Catholics overall. This rate is the percentage of those raised in the faith who are affiliated with that faith as an adult. Overall, for Catholics in the United States, the retention rate is 68 percent. However, among African Americans who were raised Catholic, only 57 percent remain Catholics as adults. Thus, 43 percent of African Americans raised Catholic are estimated to have changed faiths at some point. Where do these former Catholics go? Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) affiliated with another Christian faith. Three in ten (30 percent) either identify with nothing in particular (28 percent) or say they are agnostic (1 percent) or atheists (1 percent). This result is also different from the overall pattern among adult Catholics in the United States who are less likely to adopt another Christian faith if they leave Catholicism and instead are slightly more likely to identify with nothing in particular. Thus, African Americans who have left the Catholic faith are more likely than all former Catholics in general to choose another Christian faith. It is important to note that these results are based only on 252 randomly selected individuals (N=851 when using the Pew weights). There is a need for a sampling design that increases the number of interviews in future studies for this sub-group of the Catholic population to ensure that a more reliable portrait is available. Also, both the Pew and ARIS studies are based on questionnaires intended to be used by people of all faiths. Thus, there is limited content that can speak to issues that are specific to Catholicism. At the same time, these sources represent the best available data to study this sub-group of Catholics. Other recent surveys have tracked the fluidity of church allegiance in these times. The study of black Catholics seems to coincide with the findings of those studies, which cite the following specific reasons for this fluidity, or what some might call hemorrhaging among black Catholics: First, Church teachings on marriage permanence and the inability to validly solemnize another marriage acceptable to the Church following divorce, bringing with it the penalty in which Eucharist cannot be received by the unlawfully remarried, remains one significant cause of disaffection of black Catholics. Second, traditional black Protestant churches are attractive in that they are, in most instances, owned and operated by blacks, were invented by blacks and the traditional churches among them are attached to the Civil Rights struggle in this country and therefore nurture the black American ethos; whereas in the Catholic Church we lack clergy numbers proportionate to even the small population of black Catholics. Third, the Catholic Church, like many other churches of European matrix, continue to struggle to effectively evangelize and minister to black Americans, notwithstanding the ministries of education and charity that have benefited the black community over the last century. Even these have not proven effective avenues for the entrance of black converts since the Second Vatican Council. Given the aging process of the religious and civic structures in our cities, lessened resources and lack of investment, the black Catholic community notices a diminishment of the Church in its midst evidenced by the closure of churches, schools and other programs that have assisted the black community in the last half-century. With rarely anything new replacing the closures, the community is exhibiting a definite closure-weariness, if not an anxiety about what the Church means and purports to do among a people who are not of a financial means to create new structures themselves. At the start of this new millennium, some renewed, as well as new, strategies are needed to gain an effective hold with black Catholic youth and young adults for the sake of the future. What We Have Seen and Heard still rings loud and effective in its message for what the black Catholic community can do to present itself ready-and-willing for service in the Catholic Church, and what leaders in the Catholic Church can do to assist in the evangelization of the African-American community. For those interested in more information, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Subcommittee on African-American Affairs (SCAAA) the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC), and Xavier University s Institute for Black Catholic Studies in New Orleans (IBCS) have additional information and resources regarding black Catholics in the United States. Please visit for information on any of these groups or to learn more about the Pew survey. message from Bishop Perry

10 10 cover story The Election of Our New Supreme Knight: F. DeKarlos Blackmon R unning on a platform of unity and progressive change, Fredron DeKarlos Blackmon, 33, of Huntsville, Alabama, was elected the Supreme Knight and CEO of our Noble Order at the convention this past summer at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis. Blackmon became the youngest Supreme Knight in the history of the Knights of Peter Claver, which many priests and bishops see as a sign that God is indeed with us. Blackmon has received numerous pledges of support from presidents of Catholic colleges and major superiors of religious men and women, including, most notably, the Very Rev. Edward Chiffriller, SSJ, the superior general of the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (Josephites), the order that helped found the Knights of Peter Claver in Blackmon addressed the postconvention Board of Directors meeting with the Ladies Auxiliary and said that he brought a vision that moves beyond the go along to get along politics that we have experienced in our Order, and the rhetoric that divides us. He continued: These times demand more than making each other feel comfortable with the status quo. I won t be satisfied until every Knight has a place at the table and is respected for the talents he can bring to the table. I won t be satisfied until a concerted effort has been employed to effectively grow this organization through recruitment, reclamation and retention. A lay ecclesial minister, Blackmon is the pastoral associate and director of liturgy and music at St. Joseph Catholic Church, adjacent to Holy Family School, in Huntsville. He holds a master s degree

11 in business administration with a concentration in public management, and is completing work on his thesis toward a master of arts in pastoral ministry from St. Mary s University of Minnesota. He was assigned to Huntsville when he served as a sergeant in the Army, and he served in Korea as a chaplain assistant. In addition to his military service, he has served as choral director, pianist, organist or music director for numerous Catholic and Protestant churches throughout the southeastern United States. Blackmon considered the priesthood, but chose to work in ministries that support the Church. He is an Oblate of St. Benedict, which means that he has committed to incorporate Benedictine spirituality into his daily life and strives to live the wisdom of Christ as interpreted by St. Benedict. Benedictine Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, of the St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, offered his congratulations in remarks highlighting the bond between the monastic community of St. Bernard and DeKarlos Blackmon through Benedictine spirituality. He also recognized Gracious Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon and spoke of the place the couple has in the hearts of the monastic community. Blackmon met his wife while he was in the minor seminary in 1995, on the weekend of the abbot s solemn abbatial blessing in September of that year. Prior to his election as Supreme Knight, he has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver for eight years, starting with leadership positions in his local council and moving to president of the Gulf Coast Conference. Now, as Supreme Knight, when Blackmon walks into a meeting of Knights, the leader of the group will announce: All rise. In an interview with the Huntsville Times in August, he said, I promised The Claverite Winter Issue that during my tenure I will try to be at each meeting on time. I d hate to disturb everyone like that. But he does want to disturb people enough to nudge them toward being better servants to their Church and in their communities. Blackmon s work at Holy Family School and at Pope John Paul II High School has influenced his vision for leading the organization, and made him realize that mentoring youth must be a priority. As he explained to the reporter from the Times, We need to clearly develop our youth.... We are losing our inner-city schools all across the country. And if the school goes, the community goes down. Blackmon s election as Supreme Knight of KPC was followed by several media organizations. In addition to the story in the Huntsville Times, a story appeared in The Catholic Review (Baltimore), the Clarion Herald (New Orleans), Catholic San Francisco, the Michigan Catholic, the Saint Louis Review and others. The National Black Catholic Congress sent out a press release covering the election of Blackmon, and also reported on the Mass of Thanksgiving at Holy Spirit Church in Huntsville on September 11, where members of KPC joined with students from Pope John Paul II High School to welcome and pray for him. On August 25, Blackmon and his wife, Gracious Lady Kanobia A. Russell-Blackmon, joined Bishop Joseph Perry on EWTN Live. The three KPC representatives sat down with the host of the television show, Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ, and explained the origins of the Noble Order and its purpose. Blackmon explained that in addition to the social component of the organization, the Knights and Ladies are committed to Catholic action and apostolic works. He stressed the development of youth and participation in the community. He told the viewers that the KPC is rooted in the Lord, and that Christ is its focus. Finally, Blackmon feels that in addition to helping and mentoring youth, the organization needs a new emphasis on evangelism in order to know Christ better and to make him better known. Therefore, his message going forward will be two-fold: To be growing in faith and getting out there to help somebody. To have achieved this position at such a tender age is an honor for you, your family and the Diocese of Birmingham. I am sure that with your vast experience and knowledge, you will bring a fresh vision to the work of the Knights. Bishop Baker went on to say, We are all proud of you and excited for the future of the Knights of Peter Claver. Be assured of our prayers and support. Most Rev. Robert J. Baker, STD Bishop, Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama 11 cover story

12 award winners Knights of Peter Claver 2010 award winners Gold Medal Award of Merit Brother David Clark Mobile, Council #1 Mobile, Alabama Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry, JCL, DD National Chaplain, KPC South Holland, Illinois Silver Medal Awards Central States District Brother Theodore Wilson Msgr. John Shocklee, Council #213 St. Louis, Missouri Gulf Coast District Brother Thomas P. Grant St. Peter and Paul, Council #313 Decatur, Georgia Northern States District Brother Lloyd Bearden St. Joseph, Council #93 Chicago, Illinois State of Louisiana Brother Alfred R. Dupree, Sr. Father John, Council #8 Opelousas, Louisiana Brother Rogers M. Jackson, Jr. Wilfred B. Ricard, Council #116 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Brother Michael R. Jarrett Wilfred B. Ricard, Council #116 Baton Rouge, Louisiana State of Texas Brother John M. Goodly St. Francis of Assisi, Council #231 Houston, Texas Brother Bernie Little Holy Cross, Council #284 Austin, Texas Western States District Brother Gerald Derouen St. Benedict, Council #336 Oakland, California Atlanta, Georgia Council of the Year Holy Cross, Council #284 Austin, Texas Grand Knight of the Year Brother Gene A. Phillips, Jr. Holy Cross, Council #284 Austin, Texas 2010 National Claver Family of the Year St. Mary of the Purification Unit #159 Houston, Texas Recipient of the Gold Medal Award of Merit (Non-Member) Knights & Ladies Division Rev. Sebastian Myladiylil, SVD Submitted by St. James Court# 6 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Ladies Auxiliary Gold Medal Award of Merit Lady Anita M. Herron Immaculate Heart of Mary, Court #134 Chicago, Illinois Silver Medal Awards Central States District Lady Beverley A. Cazenave Monsignor John A. Shcoklee, Court #213 St. Louis, Missouri Gulf Coast District Lady Gwendolyn Mcmeans St. Jude, Court #148 Montgomery, Alabama Northern States District Lady Alice Holmes Auigustine Tolton, Court #277 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lady Marie A. Copeland St. Thaddeus, Court #154 Chicago, Illinois State of Louisiana Lady Viola Snell St. Aubry, Court #119 Maringouin, Louisiana Lady Elizabeth Goodwill St. Theresa, Court #51 Crowley, Louisiana Lady Gloria Ingram St. Francis Xavier, Court #12 Baton Rouge, Louisiana Lady Birdie Harmon Immaculate Heart of Mary, Court #141 Lake Charles, Louisiana Lady Hilda Charles Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Court #54 St. Martinville, Louisiana State of Texas Lady Cynthia Mczeal Sinegal Cartagena, Court #32 Port Arthur, Texas Lady Mary Sias Queen of All Saints, Court #138 Houston, Texas Western States District Lady Michelle Wilson Transfiguration, Court #220 Los Angeles, California Court of the Year Our Lady of Guadalupe, Court #110 Charleston, South Carolina Financial Secretary of the Year Lady Cynthia Mczeal-Sinegal Cartagena, Court #32 Port Arthur, Texas Grand Lady of the Year Lady Carol W. Harris Presentation/Our Lady of Victory, Court #189 Southfield, Michigan

13 convention highlights

14 convention highlights

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16 16 district news northern states district western states district central states district state of texas state of louisiana gulf coast district = areas where there are no councils or courts state of louisiana district news Council and Court #36 New Orleans, Louisiana The Knights and Ladies of Council and Court #36 of All Saints Church celebrated their founding anniversaries: the council celebrated 87 years and the court celebrated 85 years. The celebration included a luncheon with entertainment provided by a live New Orleans Jazz Band. Grand Knight Herman Van Court and Grand Lady Francine Collins made presentations to six honorees for their years of membership and service: Brother Leroy Caravanas, 42 years; Brother Gistarve Joseph, 42 years; Lady Rita C. Freeman, 61 years; Lady Evelyn Warfield, 51 years; Lady Lois Vincent Jones, 50 years; and Lady Estelle Louise Vincent, 46 years. Brother Leroy Caravanas Brother Gistarve Joseph Lady Rita C. Freeman Lady Evelyn Warfield Lady Lois Vincent Jones Lady Estelle Louise Vincent

17 Council and Court #49 Breaux Bridge, Louisiana The Claverite Winter Issue Court #119 Maringouin, Louisiana 17 Council and Court #49 held their annual Christmas drive at St. Agnes Nursing Home in Breaux Bridge in December Pictured (left to right, seated) are: Clarisse Noel, Shirley LeBlanc, Prenella Celestine and Shirley Guidry. Standing (left to right) are: Grand Knight Joseph Robertson, Verlie Davis, Margaret Carson, Janet Mercier, Prenella Robertson, Grand Lady Rhona Wyche and Harold Celestine. Viola Hawkins Snell, a 54-year member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Court #119, was awarded the Silver Award of Merit in August. Lady Viola Snell has exhibited distinguished service to St. Aubry Court #119 in Maringouin and has held the following positions: Recording Secretary (20 years), Treasurer (10 years), Financial Secretary (1 year) and, presently, Outer Guard (4 years). She also has been a devoted religious education teacher for more than 25 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Her enthusiasm and can-do attitude continue to challenge the members of St. Aubry Court. She enjoys mentoring the younger members and encouraging them to learn more about KPC and become active members, chairpersons of committees and court officers. A new committee, called the Servicemen Care Group, was adopted out of her prayer group. Through the work of this committee, court members donate items and send care packages to military personnel from the Northern Iberville Parish Area. District 5 Mansura, Louisiana The Knights of Peter Claver welcomed 14 new members on July 24, in Mansura, Louisiana. District 5 Area Deputy Sir Knight Paul Deselle performed the initiation with assistance from Area Deputy Tim Ford. district news Court #160 Monroe, Louisiana The Ladies of Little Flower of Jesus Court #160 in Monroe banded together to form God s Little Flowers a community resource center that provides clothing and furniture (limited) for new moms who would not have the resources to purchase these items on their own. Items are donated by the membership and Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church parishioners and through fundraising efforts. The court also participates in the Backpack Buddies program, which is designed to provide tangible support to children by purchasing backpacks and needed supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, crayons, rulers and dictionaries. In August, approximately 35 backpacks were purchased and filled by the Junior Daughters and Ladies Auxiliary and donated to a designated school. Little Flower of Jesus Court #160 in attendance at 17th annual Red Mass. In September, the Ladies Auxiliary participated in the 17th annual Red Mass at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Red Mass, generally celebrated at the beginning of the judicial year, is the religious observance marking the opening of 4th Judicial District Court. Court judges, lawyers, state legislators, law enforcement officials, schoolchildren and the community filled pews to celebrate this annual Mass.

18 18 state of louisiana (cont.) Council #168 Lake Charles, Louisiana district news Retired Col. John J. Halloran, Jr. was recently elected Chair of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS). He was sworn in for a three-year term at the end of the 2010 Biennial Meeting in Richmond, Virginia. John is a 4th Degree Knight and Faithful Friar of Father Hannigan s Assembly #6 and the current Treasurer of St. Henry s Council #168. The purpose of the NCCS is to ensure the constructive use of the Boy Scouts of America program as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic youth of our nation. The NCCS has oversight of more than 291,000 Catholic Scouts and more than 9,200 Catholic-sponsored units. John has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver since 1990 and a 4th Degree member since He has received the Award of Merit from the Council and the Special Services Award and the Truman Stacey Memorial Award from the Assembly. Unit #267 New Orleans, Louisiana Oath of office taken by NCCS National Chaplain, Father Stephen B. Salvador (left) of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and National Chair, retired Col. John J. Halloran, Jr. of the Diocese of Lake Charles. St. Joseph the Worker Unit #267 celebrated its 25th anniversary and 25 years of service at Celebration Hall in New Orleans in April. Sir Knight Harry Beevers and Lady Rachel Hampton chaired the event. The celebration was attended by the members of Unit #267, as well as members from other councils and courts. Awards were given to the following charter members: Sir Knight Harry Beevers (first Grand Knight of Council #267), Lady Elvina Beevers, Lady Ursula Allen, Lady Inez Payadue and Lady Catherine Francis. Special recognition was given to the family of John O. Ferdinand, who was instrumental in forming Council #267, and Lady Gussie Weber was honored for her help in organizing the Ladies of Court #267.

19 The Claverite Winter Issue northern states district 19 Council and Court #251 Harvey, Illinois Frank Houston, Jr. Council and Court #251 celebrated their 25th year under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with the leadership of Grand Knight Edward Taylor and Grand Lady Grace Dawson, they are still moving forward. Established in 1984 at Ascension-St. Susanna Parish in Harvey, Illinois, Council and Court #251 were named after and dedicated to the memory of Brother Frank Houston, Jr. and wife Dorothy, who died in an auto accident in The love and support shown by Chicago-area Clavers at the time of Brother Frank and Dorothy s deaths inspired Deacon Joshua Alves and Marcella Herndon to work to establish a Claver unit at the parish. They became the first Grand Knight and Grand Lady of #251. Over the years, the unit has been active in ministry, evangelization, religious education, and has supported community outreach activities such as the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner and the Soaring High Tutoring Program. Members of the council and court, as well as the Juniors, also are very active in the organization at the local, district and national levels. Court #297 Newark, New Jersey The Ladies of Bishop Joseph A. Francis Court #297 held a fundraiser in August to raise awareness of heart disease. The event was held on the lawn of our gracious host, Mr. Arnie Pinnix, son of Lady Dorothy Pinnix. We had a good turnout despite the torrential rain. Guests were served a healthy lunch and had the opportunity to listen to Louise Ragain, RN, and others speak on preventing heart disease. The Ladies continued to raise awareness with a Walk for Heart in October and gave a donation to help further heart disease research. We thank Grand Lady Shirley Rush, for her leadership, our chaplain, Father Luke, and the Ladies of Court #297. district news Court #386 Camden, New Jersey In September, Court #386 set up a table for Sickle Cell Anemia at Eastern High School in Voorhees, New Jersey, for the Camden County Women s Health Conference. The annual conference is sponsored by the Camden County Health Department; approximately 1,400 guests attended this year. In addition to the exhibits, the conference sponsors workshops such as Smart Eating Tips, Kids Have Stress, Too and Fall Prevention. Lady Ida Waters speaks with an interested attendee at the Sickle Cell Anemia table at the Camden County Women s Health Conference.

20 20 northern states district (cont.) Council and Court #346 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania district news St. Charles Borromeo Council #346 and Sr. Thea Bowman Court #346 held their first annual Morning of Prayer and Spiritual Renewal service in August. The prayer service was facilitated by Deacon Bill Mayes, our permanent deacon, and was attended by our pastor, Father Ed Kuczynski. The morning service was indeed a spirit-led activity providing contemplative, meditative and reflective opportunities for participants, and was followed by breakfast Philadelphia Claver Award Banquet In November 2009, 250 people gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia to celebrate 100 years of Claverism and 32 years in the diocese. Local news media called the Philadelphia Claver Award Ceremony the Black Catholic event of the season and the diocesan news media noted it as one of the most memorable events it had covered all year. The award ceremony was established to encourage people who step out from the crowd to do good works within our communities. By recognizing individuals and groups, Philadelphia Knights and Ladies hope to make our communities better places to live, work, practice our faith and pursue the American Dream. In 2009, there were 13 award recipients. Lady Sandra Layton, President of the Central Committee; Brother Larry Butts, Faithful Navigator; Father Rayford Emmons, Claver Diocesan Chaplain; and Brother Alonza Baker, Chairman of the Banquet Committee directed, led and inspired the festivities. The Philadelphia Claver Award was given to Sister Mary Roger Thibodeaux, the nationally known evangelization program director for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. This is the same religious order founded by social justice advocate St. Katharine Drexel in the 1890s. In addition, four young people were presented the Chaplain s Award by Father Rayford Emmons. The recipients are outstanding examples in the areas of religious commitment, community involvement and academic achievement. Eight other recipients were given the Body of Christ Award for their contributions to their parishes, schools, local businesses and charitable organizations.

21 central states district The Claverite Winter Issue Council #57 Kansas City, Missouri On September 18, the Knights and Ladies of Council #57, along with other parish organizations, celebrated 100 years of Black Catholicism in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. In the photo, at right, members of the council stood between two historic buildings in Kansas City the newly constructed St. Monica Church (2001) and the original St. Monica Church and School (1910). The original building was constructed with funds from the Katharine Drexel Foundation. Pictured with their families (front row, left to right) are: Shayla Sanders, Simone Marsh, Dexter Turner and C.J. de Dios. Christopher Ennis is not pictured. Court #261 Denver, Colorado The Ladies Auxiliary of Court #261 is proud to announce that academic scholarships were awarded to five high school graduates at the annual Julia Greeley Scholarship Reception in July. The five recipients are attending the following schools: Christopher C.J. de Dios, Denver University; Christopher Ennis, Tuskegee University; Simone Marsh, Colorado State University; Shayla Sanders, Denver University; and, Dexter Turner, Creighton College. Committee Chair Lady Eugenia (Ginger) Perkins told the gathering that the reception is named for an ex-slave who came to Colorado from Missouri. Although of little means herself, Julia Greeley spent her life in Denver working tirelessly with the poor and dispirited of all races. This work and her deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus were recognized by the Church. Upon her death in 1918, her body lay in state in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Denver, and her eulogy was reported in the Denver Catholic Register. Since 1995, with the generous assistance of the Bean Foundation and Donna Auguste and David Hayes, the Julia Greeley Scholarship Program of Court #261 has awarded more than $50,000 to assist college students in furthering their education. district news

22 22 gulf coast district Council #1 Mobile, Alabama The Gold Medal from the 2010 National Convention was presented to Brother David R. Clark, Sr., from Council #1 in Mobile. This is the highest award given by the Knights of Peter Claver and is presented to any person who has, in his or her field of endeavor or independently, contributed toward the advancement of mutual understanding, enhanced and enriched the prestige and dignity of the individual and fostered the cause of better human relationships. Brother David Clark is the recipient of the Silver Medal for the 3rd Degree and the Cartagena Medal for the 4th Degree. Grand Knight Anthony Burden (left) congratulates Gold Medal winner, Brother David Clark, Sr. district news Court #4 Pascagoula, Mississippi Our Lady of Lourdes Court #4 was organized in February 1929, and we are blessed to have one living chartered member with us: Mrs. Marie Gordon. Mrs. Gordon celebrated her 100th birthday in December May Mrs. Gordon be blessed and we give her thanks. Lady Beverly Grant, Court #110 Claver Lady of the Year. Court #110 Charleston, South Carolina Court #110 was honored with the coveted Court of the Year Award at the National Convention in St. Louis and Lady Barbara Birds received a trophy for the Gulf Coast Area Junior Daughter Counselor of the Year. At the Graduate Mass in June, more than a dozen graduates from different grade levels were honored and given certificates Founder s Day Honorees (left to right) are: Lady Vertelle Kenion, Grand Lady Francena Rogers, Lady Arnelle Grant, Junior Daughter Taná Johnson and Lady Patricia Mack. for achievement in education. The Ladies also have been active with community service, providing support to Interfaith Crisis Ministries, the Shaw Unit Boys and Girls Club, the Florence Crittenton Center for young mothers, the Teachers Closet and the Ronald McDonald House. A Founder s Day luncheon was held in May in observance of the 47th anniversary of the formation of the court. The theme was, Claver Ladies on a Journey of Service. The Ladies took a great deal of pleasure in recognizing the Charter Members: Lady Ruth Duncan, Lady Rosalind Martin, Lady Marjorie Steplight, Lady Vera Steplight, Lady Ida Pinckney and Lady Amelia Taylor. The following members also received plaques at the luncheon for service and commitment to the ideals of Claverism: Lady Beverly Grant (Claver Lady of the Year); Lady Vertelle Kenion (Symbol of Unity); Lady Arnelle Grant (Act of Charity); Lady Patricia Mack (A Labor of Love); Lady Kimberly Jones (Service to Youth); and Taná Johnson (Exemplary Junior Daughter Award).

23 The Claverite Winter Issue Council and Court #172 Prichard, Alabama Members of Council and Court #172 attended the Gulf Coast District Conference in Montgomery, Alabama, in May and the Senior Division was awarded the Certificate of Participation and the Certificate of Expansion. Congratulations to Lady Gwendolyn Lewis on winning re-election as Gulf Coast District Deputy. At the National Convention, Grand Lady Constance Taylor and Grand Knight Tyrone Rogers received the Millennium Hours Award for their volunteer services. In addition, Lady Valencia Lipscomb received the National Junior Daughter Counselor of the Year Award. Council and Court #172 are working to collect non-perishable food items to donate to the local food bank for those who have been affected by the oil spill. In September, the Senior and Junior Divisions welcomed our new Supreme Knight, F. DeKarlos Blackmon, to celebrate St. Peter Claver Day with a Council #223 Pensacola, Florida Council members with Father Patrick Foley in front of historic marker. turn-out at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Plans are being made to publish a cookbook of Court #172 s favorite recipes, and the Ladies celebrated Founder s Day in November with a Clavers Who Cook activity. Grand Lady Constance Taylor and Grand Knight Tyrone Rogers received the Millennium Hours Awards. Pictured with them are: Supreme Lady Geralyn Shelvin (left), Past Supreme Knight Gene Phillips (center) and Gulf Coast District Deputy Athanase Jones (far right). In September, Father Patrick Foley, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, blessed and dedicated the new historic marker adjacent to the church sponsored by the Knights of Peter Claver, Bishop René Gracida Council #223. The church is a Florida Heritage Landmark. Built in 1891, St. Joseph Catholic Church was the first African- American parish in the diocese. The first church was a two-story frame building. The present Gothic Revival-style church, built in 1894, cared for the needs of African Americans, Creoles, Germans, Italians and Irish immigrants. In the 1920s, Father Charles Hartkoff, the church s second pastor, built and operated St. Joseph s Orphanage, which took in homeless African-American boys. St. Joseph High School opened in 1941, and was the only Catholic African-American high school in Florida at that time. St. Joseph also supported up to four chapels while operating Maryall Negro Missions. district news Council #335 Jacksonville, Florida Knights from Monsignor Walter J. Darcy Council #335 recently came out to support the annual Church and School Festival at St. Pius V Catholic Church in Jacksonville. The local Knights were responsible for the barbeque and received numerous well wishes for their unfailing support of the parish and for their role in the success of the festival. Pictured (left to right) working the grill are: Knight John Nicholson, Junior Knight R Lauren Knight, Grand Knight Ricardo Stallings and Knight Robert Trotter.

24 24 gulf coast district (cont.) Council and Court #278 Savannah, Georgia Council #278 has been active in the community sponsoring the annual Blanket Drive for the elderly and homeless, joining with Court #278 in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Savannah, and staying active with the Keep Savannah Beautiful program by adopting a portion of ACL Boulevard. The council gave its full stewardship to the Parish Capital Campaign Fundraiser for Resurrection of Our Lord Church, and joined with Court #278 to purchase book bags for the students of the parish as part of the 2010 Back to School Celebration. Symon M. Jackson, a student at Savannah State University and Grand Lady of Junior Court #278, received a scholarship at the Back to School event. Our council and court, along with our Juniors, sponsored a successful fundraiser for Haitian relief in February. Our council is committed to maintaining awareness of Haitian relief by donating monthly to this cause. Council and Court #278 are committed to the objectives of our Noble Order and letting the light of the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver shine brightly in both our parish and community. district news Courts #376 and #340 Atlanta and Hapeville, Georgia With the election of Lady Valencia White, from Court #376, as Gulf Coast District Secretary in May, she and her daughter, Junior Daughter Alexis White, from Court #340, have the distinction of being mother/ daughter Gulf Coast District Secretaries for the Ladies and Junior Daughters. Zone 7 of the Gulf Coast District is proud of this mother/ daughter duo, and salutes the family s commitment to Claverism. Council #379 Tampa, Florida On September 13, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners dedicated the James Henry Dawkins Resource Center on the Lake Magdalene Children s Services Campus in honor of James Henry Dawkins for his many years of volunteer service to Hillsborough County s Children s Services, Head Start and Child Care Licensing. Sir Knight James Henry Dawkins. Sir Knight Dawkins was a charter member of both the Knights of Peter Claver, St. Martin de Porres Assembly #48, Tampa-Orlando, and Knights of Peter Claver, Council #379, Tampa. He provided leadership and coaching with the county s Head Start programs by serving on the Volunteer League for years. Sir Dawkins chose to use his own disabilities and the challenges of his own youth, including the discrimination he faced as an adolescent and young adult, to help frame a more positive approach and outlook for the young people who followed in his footsteps. A permanent plaque with the details of the dedication reflecting our brother will be attached to this beautiful Resource Center. Council and Court #376 Atlanta, Georgia The Knights and Ladies of #376 enjoy working in their parish and community through sponsorship and participation in numerous activities. The council and Ladies Auxiliary continue to offer parishioners a hot breakfast between Masses on the third Sunday of every month under the direction of Chef Rosalyn Hamm-Hall, Grand Lady. Proceeds go toward parish projects. In addition, the council and court continue to pray the rosary every second Sunday of the month between Masses in the church. Members of #376 also presented the 7th annual Prayer Breakfast in October at the Diamond Hall and Convention Center, a well-established African-American-owned business in our community. We were honored to welcome the most esteemed Supreme Lady, Geralyn C. Shelvin, as our guest speaker for the event. The theme of the Prayer Breakfast was, Reflections of Christian Values: Past, Present and Future. We honored our patron saint, St. Peter Claver, by attending Mass on Thursday, September 9. Both Knights and Ladies, along with others in our parish congregation, joined in this celebration to thank God for showing us how to worship Christ as faithfully as Peter Claver did throughout his life.

25 western states district state of texas Court #32 Port Arthur, Texas The Claverite Winter Issue Council and Court #296 San Francisco, California Council and Court #296 were asked to participate in the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect Robert McElroy, newly named 17th auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, at the Cathedral of St. Mary Assumption. The Knights and Ladies attended this most important event in full regalia to represent our great Noble Order, as well as Knight Rev. Ken Westray (WSD Chaplain) and Knight James Ned, Cathedral Council #136. Knight James Ned and his wife, Mary, were in the procession as representatives of the African-American Catholics of the San Francisco Archdiocese, and Lady Kathryn Parish-Reese of Court #296 presented the gifts of bread and wine along with three others. Bishop-elect Robert McElroy believes lay Catholics in the archdiocese have an important role to play in revitalizing not only the inner life of the Church, but also the public life of the Bay Area. Grand Lady Vivian Sneed and members of Court #32 held a breakfast attended by their priest, parishioners and other guests who wished to share their favorite Scripture prayer, favorite book of the Bible or own spiritual story. The purpose of the breakfast was to help strengthen spiritual relationships with one another. The court also hosted a meal at the end of 2010 to help raise money for an educational fund at Sacred Heart-St. Mary Parish in Port Arthur. Other church ministries also will participate in this project. We pray that we will raise enough money to support the needs of the Church. Court #98 Crosby, Texas During the Texas State Conference in May, Grand Lady Keema Volter-Jones and Lady Eva Volter, Treasurer, of St. Martin de Porres Court #98 became the first mother/daughter team to win state and national offices. Lady Jones was elected Vice President for the Ladies Division and Lady Volter was elected State Deputy of Texas. Lady Jones campaign vision was, We Are All One Family, because she believes that our Noble Order must function as a whole in order to maintain another 100 years. Lady Volter s campaign vision was, The Movement Continues, because she believes that we must move in a forward direction in order to retain and increase membership and strengthen our Noble Order. district news

26 26 state of texas Court #138 Houston, Texas Queen of All Saints Court #138 was honored at the 2010 Texas State Conference as the Court of the Year. Some of our many activities include the parish Mother/Daughter Breakfast, coordinating the parish picnic, coordinating the Senior Luncheon and hosting spiritual retreats. At the National Convention, Court #138 was pleasantly surprised to take home a Silver Medal for one of our longtime members, Lady Mary Sias. Lady Sias is a Claver legacy who joined the Junior Daughters in 1969 and then transferred from the Junior Division in She has served her court in many positions, and is currently the Lecturer and Awards Committee Chair. Court #138 works hard to prepare our young girls through mentoring and supporting their projects. In recent years, several Juniors have transferred from the Junior Division to our Senior Court, and we recently initiated five Ladies, including a Junior transfer. We are proud of Lady Ebony Graham, a former Junior, who is the National Emerging Leader Co-chair. In addition, we are honored to have Lady Leesha Miller, who transferred to us from Court #182 and is the Texas State Chair for the Emerging Leaders-Ladies Division. Lady Mary Sias, Silver Medal Award winner at the National Convention. district news Unit #159 Houston, Texas St. Mary of the Purification Unit #159 won the 2010 National Family of the Year Award. Our Claver family is involved in many aspects of St. Mary of the Purification Church, such as the Fall Festival, Spring Fashion Show, Liturgy Ministry, Eucharistic Ministry, Church Finance Committee and Pastoral Council. Our Juniors participate in the Fall Festival by providing baby-sitting services. Each month, the council and court sponsor a Feed the Homeless event. Hot meals (for at least 100) are prepared and donated to the needy in downtown Houston. In 2009 and 2010, Council and Court #159 issued scholarship awards through our Lloyd and Bernice Bourda Scholarship Fund. In addition, our Knights and Ladies raised funds for the Houston Inter-City Councils and Courts (HICC) Mardi Gras Contest, and the 2010 HICC Mardi Gras King and Queen are from Unit #159 Deputy Grand Knight McKinley Johnson and Lady Nedra Jackson. In March, our unit celebrated its 40th anniversary with a banquet at the Marriott Hotel. Council and Court #222 Houston, Texas In an effort to honor and promote clergy relations, Grand Knight Omar E. Jones and Grand Lady Barbara M. Murray of St. Philip Neri Council and Court #222 presented our deacons, who are members of the council, with the KPC stoles. Pictured (left to right) are: Grand Knight Omar E. Jones, Deacon Orrin D. Burroughs, Deacon Ronald Simon, Grand Lady Barbara M. Murray and Deacon James Brooks.

27 The Claverite Winter Issue Council #231 Houston, Texas John M. Goodly, Junior Knight Commander at St. Francis of Assisi Council #231, was awarded the 2010 Silver Medal of Merit Award at the convention in St. Louis. Brother Goodly was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the Junior Knights Division for the past 10 years, as well as outstanding service to his parish and community. During his tenure as Junior Knight Commander, Brother Goodly has grown Branch #231 into the largest branch in Texas. The branch is well-known for its consistently high turnout of Juniors at local, state and national events. Under his leadership, the members of Branch #231 have won numerous state and national awards (including four Most Outstanding Junior Knight Awards), held state and national offices and donated time and money to the parish and community. In addition to giving his time and sharing his resources with the parish, community and the Junior Knights, he is a hard-working role model who cares deeply for the youth. The council congratulates Brother Goodly, who continues to lead and inspire our youth. Pictured (left to right) are: Past Supreme Knight Gene A. Phillips, Sr., Silver Medal Award Recipient John Goodly and Grand Knight John Mathis. Council and Court #284 Austin, Texas district news Lady Dean Dorsey received the Inez Y. Bowman Award and Brother Johnnie Dorsey received the M.M. Hopkins Award at the 2009 Texas State Conference. They are the highest awards for Ladies and Knights. At the National Convention in St. Louis, Council #284 received the National Council of the Year Award and its Grand Knight, Gene A. Phillips, Jr., was awarded the National Grand Knight of the Year. In addition, Knight Bernie Little received the Knights of Peter Claver Silver Medal of Honor Award. During the National Conclave in St. Louis, Assembly #40 of the 4th Degree Division was honored twice. Sir Knight Willie Taylor, who serves as Faithful Navigator, received the Good Neighbor Award, and Sir Knight Gene A Phillips, Jr. was given the Cartagena Award, which is the highest award presented in the 4th Degree Division. The Ladies Division of Court #284 was extremely proud that Lady Jennifer Brooks received the National Junior Daughter Assistant Counselor Award and its Junior Daughters were awarded 3rd place for National Junior Expansion. Lady Linda Ridley serves as Grand Lady for Court #284. Father Michael Ajewole, MSP, pastor of Holy Cross Church and chaplain for the council, thanked all the Knights and Ladies of Council and Court #284 for their support of the Church.

28 28 junior division news Junior Daughters of Court #12 Baton Rouge, Louisiana junior division Junior Daughters of Court #12 at May 2010 Installation. Junior Daughters of Court #32 Port Arthur, Texas In May, the Junior Daughters of Court #12 installed 18 new members, and recently received a 2nd place Expansion Award. They have participated in numerous service projects, including Pack the Pantry for St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in which a food drive benefited the church pantry, and the Stuff the Bus initiative for St. Francis Xavier to provide school supplies for students. In July, the Junior Daughters sponsored a fundraiser bus trip to Beau Rivage to help support future service projects. In addition, some members attended the Junior State Conference in Lafayette, as well as the Louisiana State Picnic. At the picnic, the Junior Daughters had the opportunity to meet Juniors from other courts and branches while participating in sack races, volleyball, jump rope and a dance contest. The Junior Daughters of Court #32 were reactivated in 2009 and were very successful in building their membership. The Junior Court was honored by receiving a 2nd place Expansion Award at the 2010 National Convention. The new members are: Amoni Alpough, Amirie Babineaux, Ashley Caddy, Kennedy Ford, Marissa Jacquet, Brionna Joe, Camryn King, Asa Lewis, Morgan Phillips, Mary E. Poter, Aaliyah Reed and Avery Wesley. The Junior Daughter Counselor is Yolette L. Sneed and the Assistant Junior Daughter Counselor is Elvira Narcisse. Juniors of #110 Charleston, South Carolina In May, the Junior Daughters of #110 participated in the Annual Crowning of the Blessed Mother during the celebration of the Mass and the Senior Court Turn-out, and the Junior Division prepared and served a hot meal to about 100 residents at the Interfaith Crisis Ministries for the Homeless. The Mother/Daughter Tea held in June was a successful first-time event. Mothers of the Juniors and Ladies of the Senior Division attended the affair wearing their fashionable hats as part of their attire for the Tea. Several of the Juniors welcomed the opportunity to attend the Archbishop James Patterson Lyke Conference held in Charleston from June Participants came together to celebrate their African-American history and culture in conjunction with their faith. In addition to their roles as altar servers and assisting with other activities in their church, the Juniors were busy volunteering with community projects, such as helping out at the Children s Day Program at the Annual Piccolo Arts Festival. Junior Daughters from Court #110, their mothers and Ladies of the Senior Court gathered on the steps of St. Patrick Church after Mass before enjoying food and fellowship at the Mother/ Daughter Tea.

29 The Claverite Winter Issue Junior Knights and Daughters of Branch and Court #101 Houston, Texas The teams (from left to right) are: The Celtics, Unsurpassable and Status Quo. The Junior Knights and Junior Daughters of Branch and Court #101 sponsored their first 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament and Festival in July. It was held at their parish, St. Anne de Beaupre Catholic Church in Houston. Under the leadership of Junior Knight Commander Joe Lewis, three teams and eight vendors combined to make the event most enjoyable. Brother Lewis said, Although we look for more participation in the future, we are pleased with the effort our Juniors put into this fundraiser. We see how our community and church members can work together to help support our Clavers by donating their time and treasure. Congratulations to our participating teams The Celtics, Status Quo and the tournament champs, Unsurpassable. Junior Daughters of Court #109 Indianapolis, Indiana The Junior Daughters of Court #109 have worked hard on service activities, including collecting canned goods for the Holy Trinity Food Pantry and working with the parish cleanup. The Juniors participated in Claver Day activities this year, and also attended a conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our Junior Grand Lady Mya Terrell assisted on the By-Laws Committee and Serena and Claressa Starks and Miranda Boler were guards for chambers taking the inner and outer password. Some Juniors participated in the talent show and the poetry and essay competitions, and the young ladies entered the Banner Contest as a court activity. Junior Knights Branch #167 Detroit, Michigan Two Juniors from Branch #167 were elected to the Northern District States Executive Board during the 2010 Junior Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. Courtney Barlow, Jr. was elected Recording Secretary and Markas Cunningham was elected Treasurer. The two Juniors worked very hard to achieve this honor and the members of Council and Court #167 are very happy for them. We wish them continued success within the organization. Junior Knights of Council #54 St. Martinville, Louisiana r division Markas Cunningham (left), Treasurer, and Courtney Barlow (right), Recording Secretary. Members of the Junior Knights of Council #54 in St. Martinville, Louisiana, turned out for Sunday Mass.

30 30 junior division news Juniors of #160 Monroe, Louisiana Daughters Little Flower of Jesus Junior Court #160 is one of the smallest units in the state (eight members), but members dream big! Lady Carla Mercy, Junior Daughter Counselor, and Lady Jannis Guice- Smith, Assistant Junior Daughter Counselor, traveled to Lafayette for the Louisiana Junior State Conference with five Junior Daughters: Breonda Simmons, Janae Tobias, Deja Pierre, Tarvie Wilson and Jaevyenne Williams-Taylor. By the conclusion of the 2010 conference, four had placed in their competition of choice. Court #160 is extra proud of these young ladies and their achievements. The Junior Court works hard all year in service to its church and community. At their church, the Daughters are altar servers, ushers and members of the choir. In service to the community, they assist the Senior Court with several projects, including Backpack Buddies, Thanksgiving baskets, Santa s helpers and participating in the Sickle Cell Anemia Walk/Run. Little Flower of Jesus Junior Court #160 members (left to right) are: Junior Daughter Counselor Lady Carla Mercy, Daisha Henderson, Janae Tobias, Junior Grand Lady Breonda Simmons, Deja Pierre, Tarvie Wilson, Jaevyenne Williams-Taylor and Jamia Allen. (Not pictured: Orlean Patterson.) junior division Knights The Junior Grand Knight for St. Francis Junior Branch #160, Blair Simon, was awarded the 2010 Louisiana State Conference Scholarship of $3,000. Blair is attending Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, where he is majoring in biomedical engineering. His career goal is to become a biomedical engineer and/or an orthopedic surgeon. Blair is the son of James and Brina Simon. Brandon Scott of Branch #160 was awarded the Lawrence Crayton Memorial Scholarship ($500) in May. Brandon is attending the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he is majoring in computer information systems. His career goals are to be employed by a major company such as AT&T, Entergy or Atmos Entergy. Brandon is the son of Lady Shivaran and Bobby Scott. Council and Court #160 are very proud of Blair and Brandon and their accomplishments. Juniors of #376 Atlanta, Georgia Junior Knights and Daughters of Council and Court #376 with their chaperones at the Jacksonville District Conference. The Junior Knights and Daughters of #376 continued their service projects during the year, with assistance from the KPC Ladies. These projects included Service for Christ parish activities, assistance with the parish Family Mardi Gras night and a dinner and movie for the residents of St. Joseph Place (a senior citizen housing community). The Junior Knights and Daughters presented the residents with a Wii game system for use in their recreation room. Six Junior Knights who graduated from high school have made arrangements to stay in contact with their Junior Knight Commander while away at college. Over the summer, Junior Knight Commander Preston Firmin worked with our parish elementary and high school youth ministers to recruit additional Junior Knights, and three new candidates were initiated in September. Junior Knight Marcus Phelps was awarded the parish Men s Club annual scholarship and is attending Tuskegee University. Rene Johnson received the KPC Council s scholarship award for 2010 and is attending Valdosta State University. Both scholarships are intended to assist with first-year college expenses.

31 The Claverite Winter Issue Juniors of #284 Austin, Texas Juniors from Branch and Court #284 braved the heat to march with much enthusiasm and excitement in the annual City of Austin Juneteenth Parade in June. The Texas state holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers landed in Galveston and read the Emancipation Proclamation to Texas slaves, informing them of their freedom. Juniors of #172 Prichard, Alabama Nine new Junior Daughters were initiated into Court #172 at a Gulf Coast District Zone 1 Cluster Initiation at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church in Mobile. The Junior Knights and Junior Daughters work diligently for their church, their community and the Noble Order. They turn out at all the designated Masses with the Senior Division and assist the Seniors with their community projects. They sponsored a reception for the First Communion candidates and donated canned goods to the Bay Area Food Bank for those affected by the oil spill. In September, the Juniors participated in the St. Vincent de Paul Friends for the Poor Walk ; in October, they hosted games and booths at the St. James Major Fall Festival and participated in the Inter-Parish Council Revival Youth Night; and in November and December, they sponsored a needy family by donating items for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. junior division Branch #278 Savannah, Georgia Branch #278 won the 2010 Gulf Coast District Junior Award for expansion. This is our third time to receive this award in the last four years. Nine new members were initiated in June: Antonio Dixon, Josh Flores, Brandon Harris, Robert J. Jones, Jr., Michael Lattimore, Nathaniel Lattimore, Jaquan Manigo, Anthony McNeil and Devon Moore. Within the community, we have volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank and collected toiletries and undergarments for the Old Savannah City Mission. We are proud of our commander, Brother David K. Wilson, on being named the 2010 Gulf Coast District Commander of the Year. The dedication of Brother Wilson and Darrell A. Jordan, Assistant Branch Commander, are an inspiration to us.

32 32 junior division news Western States District Juniors The first-ever Western States District Juniors Regional Workshop was held in July at the Paradise Valley Ranch Retreat Center in Hemet, California. More than 90 Junior Daughters, Junior Knights, Counselors and Commanders braved the Los Angeles freeways and Mother Nature to gather for this workshop. Since there had been a fire in the mountains near Hemet a few days prior to our visit, several firefighters were on the scene and the Juniors had opportunities to play a few games of volleyball with them and to learn from them. We had workshops on topics such as relationships and character building, and had the privilege to fully experience God s love for us through his creations. With the support of our Area Commanders and Area Counselors, we created the Coordinating Junior Branches and Courts (CJBC) of Southern California. The CJBC gives the Juniors a voice in choosing our activities. junior division Houston Area Youth Celebrate 12 Years of Donating to the Homeless The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Houston Area Junior Knights and Junior Daughters, have contributed to the Houston-area homeless as a group for 12 years. The youth collect toiletries from their respective parishes and donate them to the homeless. This year s distribution occurred on Saturday, September 11, at Bread of Life Center in Houston. James Ellis and Eva Volter are the Texas State Deputies, and E. Desmond Taylor and Brianna Batiste, both of Houston, are the Junior Supreme Knight and the Junior Supreme Lady. Juniors of #325 New Orleans, Louisiana St. Francis de Sales #325 Junior Division represented well at the Louisiana State Conference in June in Lafayette. Lawrence Garrison is State Treasurer, Trenton King is 1st Lay Board Member, Tia Flotte is 2nd Vice President and Taylor King is Secretary. Branch #325 won a Participation Award and several members of the group placed in the dance competition. In addition, rosary beads created by Jazmine Marsalis will be the official rosary beads used for the Junior KPC Division. In July, Court #325 held its 2010 Christian Debutante Presentation: Young Christian Ladies Embracing God s Promise. The mission was to teach Christian girls how to serve the universal Church, as well as to graciously empower them as they mature. The girls wore floor-length evening dresses in white (debutantes), blue (princesses) and yellow (princesses-in-waiting) and carried bouquets of white and yellow flowers. They were escorted by their fathers, who wore tuxedos for the evening.

33 The Claverite Winter Issue scholarship winners Thomas R. Lee Winners Monique Guidry Dexter Uke Willie L. Polk, Jr. Winners Central States District Martilla Davis St. Louis, Mo. Che Andres St. Louis, Mo. Gulf Coast District Alaric Bruce Columbia, S.C. Brittany Forte Pensacola, Fla. Rene L. Johnson Fayetteville, Ga. Devon Narcisse Bay St. Louis, Miss. Northern States District Carl E. Wilson Norfolk, Va. Desiree Lewis Norfolk, Va. Joslyn Matt Bellwood, Ill. Delia Uke Livonia, Mich. State of Louisiana Alfred R. Sam Opelousas, La. Amistic Fontenette St. Martinville, La. Tyeka Takela Guidry St. Martinville, La. Shanice Durand St. Martinville, La Kasia Harry Vacherie, La. Sharnet K. Nixon Baton Rouge, La. Cierra Papillion Church Point, La. State of Texas Waylon J. Silverand Fresno, Tex. Alyssa M. Adams Houston, Tex. Christina Gibson Houston, Tex. Varah Thornton Houston, Tex. Western States District Tandia B. Elijio Los Angeles, Calif. Autumn Nailes Los Angeles, Calif. Lauren Gonzales Inglewood, Calif National Convention July 29-Aug. 3, 2011 Los Angeles, California The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites 404 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, California Phone: District Conferences Central States District Conference Senior 65th State District Conference April 28-May 1, 2011 Wichita, Kan. No Junior State Conference in 2011 Gulf Coast District Conference Senior Conference April 29-May 1, 2011, Embassy Suites North Charleston/Airport-Hotel No Junior Conference biennial event Louisiana State Conferences Junior State Conference March 25-27, 2011 Hilton Hotel, Lafayette, La. Senior State Conference April 29-May 1, 2011 Crown Plaza Baton Rouge, La. Northern States District Conference Senior State Conference, Washington, D.C. April 28-May 1, 2010 Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington, Va. No Junior Conference in 2011 Texas State Conferences Junior State Conference March 17-20, 2011 Omni Houston Hotel, Houston, Tex. Senior State Conference April 28-May 1, 2011 Omni Westside Hotel, Houston, Tex. Western States District Conference Senior State Conference April 29-May 1, 2011 The Hilton Hotel Newark/Fremont Newark, Calif. Junior State Conference Pending 2011 national convention and district conferences

34 National Council national council Knights of Peter Claver Mr. F. DeKarlos Blackmon Supreme Knight P.O. Box 231 Huntsville, AL Home: Bus: Fax: Mr. Paul Jones, Jr. Deputy Supreme Knight 3123 Country Club Rd. Lake Charles, LA Home: Fax: Mr. Jamaal N. Borum National Secretary 8550 S. Loomis Blvd. Chicago, IL Home: Bus: Mr. Philip B. Stiell National Treasurer P.O. Box 7827 Spanish Fort, AL Home: Mr. William T. Everette National Advocate 29 Park Timbers Dr. New Orleans, LA Home: Mr. George J. Williams Lay Board Member 828 Latiolais Dr. P.O. Box 1267 Breaux Bridge, LA Bus: Fax: Mr. Tilmon D. King Director General Jr. Knights 3713 Edgewood Ct. Avondale, LA Home: Bus: Fax: Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry National Chaplain Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago P.O. Box 733 South Holland, IL Bus: Fax: Mr. Gene A. Phillips, Sr. Past Supreme Knight Palomino Creek Ct. Tomball, TX Home: Fax: Mr. Oscar J. Benoit Louisiana State Deputy 201 Rue Des Etoiles Carencro, LA Home: Mr. James Ellis Texas State Deputy 7702 Chasecreek Dr. Missouri City, TX Home: Bus: Mr. Athanase J. Jones, Jr. Gulf Coast District Deputy Castlemain Circle E Jacksonville, FL Home: Fax: gulfcoast@kofpc.org Mr. Curtis J. Guynn Northern States District Deputy 3024 Sutherland Ave. Indianapolis, IN Home: Bus: , Ext Fax: curtis.j.guynn@hud.gov Mr. Gregory Warner Western States District Deputy th Ave. Inglewood, CA Home: Bus: Fax: gregrenraw@aol.com Mr. Sam Sims Central States District Deputy 1508 Dickerson Rd., B15 Nashville, TN Home: Bus: or Fax: CSD.DistrictDeputy@gmail.com Mr. James A. Neal Supreme Navigator Fourth Degree, KPC Torrey Village Dr. Houston, TX Home: Bus: janeal1@sbcglobal.net Mr. Michael J. Taylor Executive Director 1825 Orleans Ave. New Orleans, LA Bus: Cell: Fax: executivedirector@kofpc.org

35 35 The Claverite Winter IssueIssue The Claverite Winter and Court Board of Directors Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary Dr. Geralyn C. Shelvin Supreme Lady 121 Rimwood Ave. Lafayette, LA Home: Bus: Fax: Ms. DeLise Coleman National Secretary 2092 Mercer Ave. College Park, GA Cell: Fax: Ms. Melissa Sias National Treasurer 124 Castle Row Lafayette, LA Home: Fax: Ms. Hilda Wiltz Lay Board Member P.O. Box 752 Rayne, LA Home: Ms. Eva Volter Texas State Deputy Racquet Ridge Rd. Humble, TX Home: Cell: Mrs. Mary L. Briers Past Supreme Lady 4360 Sunnybrook Dr. Montgomery, AL Home: Mrs. E. Annetta Wilson Northern States District Deputy 4241 West 21st Pl. Chicago, IL Home: Bus: Fax: Mrs. Michelle C. Jackson Louisiana State Deputy th St. Lake Charles, LA Home: Bus: Ext. 132 Fax: Mrs. Audrey Woods Supreme Navigator 4th Degree, Ladies of Grace 5435 Providence Pl. New Orleans, LA Home: Cell: Ms. Sharon Pietre Williams Western States District Deputy P.O. Box Seattle, WA Home: Fax: Mrs. Gwendolyn Lewis Gulf Coast District Deputy 518 Rawls Ave. Prichard, AL Home: Fax: Ms. Janice M. Gray Central States District Deputy E. Hamilton Cir. Aurora, CO Home: Cell: Fax: Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and Joyous New Year! KPC/KPCLA Board of Directors natiiona al court Ms. Yvonne H. Jackson Vice Supreme Lady 8921 Shady Bluff Dr. Baton Rouge, LA Home: Bus: Fax: vicesupremelady@kpcla.info Mrs. Diane T. Asberry Nat l. Counselor Jr. Daughters 8253 S. East End Chicago, IL Home: Fax: counselor@kpcla.info