The Knights Line. Answering the Bishops' Call

Transcription

1 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Holy Family Council 9236 Blessed Theodore G. Romzha Assembly 2279 P.O. Box 1391 Windermere, FL The Knights Line MAIL TO: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY BLESSED BISHOP THEODORE G. ROMZHA 5/24/2012 Answering the Bishops' Call The witness of Knights during the persecution of the Church in Mexico provides lessons as we defend religious freedom today During my recent trip to Korea, I had the opportunity to pray at the Jeoldusan Martyrs Shrine overlooking the Han River in Seoul. On that site, as many as 10,000 Korean Catholics were martyred in the 1860s, nearly two decades Carl A. Anderson before the founding of the Knights of Columbus. These ordinary men and women of extraordinary faith were tortured and decapitated, and their bodies were then thrown over the cliff into the river. Catholics in Korea will tell you that this is one of the most sacred places in their country. I believe it is one of the most sacred places in the world. Today, South Korea has one of the fastest growing Catholic populations, with thousands of converts to the faith each year. We see there once again the mystery of salvation. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. It was an especially moving experience for me to be there since I had arrived in Seoul from Washington, D.C., after delivering an address at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on the new threats to religious liberty in the United States. WEB SITE - VOLUME 18, No. 6 June 2012 My visit to the Jeoldusan Shrine brought home the truth of what our bishops have recently written: Religious liberty is not only about our ability to go to Mass on Sunday or pray the rosary at home. It is about whether we can make our contribution to the common good of all Americans. The U.S. bishops have sounded a warning of emerging threats to religious liberty, threats to the integrity and continued existence of many Catholic institutions. The bishops ask, Can we do the good works our faith calls us to do without having to compromise that very same faith? This question must be of utmost concern to every Catholic and especially to the Knights of Columbus. The bishops have directed a clear call to action: Once more we see the need for an engaged, articulate and well-formed Catholic laity endowed with a strong critical sense and with the courage to counter a reductive secularism which would delegitimize the Church s participation in public debate about the issues which are determining the future of American society. As Knights of Columbus, we are proud of our reputation as the strong right arm of the Church. In 130 years, that arm has never tired, nor has it wavered. I am confident that in the days ahead we will increase our efforts to shield the Church and her institutions from the heavy hand of those who now seek to restrict what Pope Benedict XVI has called that most cherished of American freedoms, the freedom of religion. I urge every brother Knight and every state and local council to participate in the upcoming Fortnight for Freedom from June 21 to July 4 by contacting their local parish and diocese in (Continued on Page 6) Council - council9236@me.com Assembly - romzha@me.com

2 Dear Brother Knights, Next Council meeting will be June 14th at 7:00 pm at St. Andrew. There will be food between 7:00pm and 7:15pm with the meeting starting at 7:15pm. We plan to make this a standard event. This will help those who have to rush to the meeting after work. We meet in the Parish Center conference. Turn right when you walk in. All those in choir practice please come after practice. The election of officers will be at this meeting. May was another busy month. We had five members of our council obtain their Fourth Degree. There is a possibility of a sixth by the end of July. Please congratulate them. Welcome our newest member, Juan Santiago. Also Diaz Rodriguez is transferring to our council. We have two future members awaiting their first degree. We had another Corporate Communion in May. This was for honoring those who received their Fourth Degree. Please check each week in the church bulletin for announcements. A big check for $1000 was given to Morning Star Catholic School for $1000 at the International Festival. Besides the 70 Altar Servers awards given at the International festival, three Altar Server Awards were given to St. Nicholas Altar servers. At the State Convention our council 9236 received second place for our division for Council, Community and Newsletter and third place for Family. It was disappointing that we did not receive an award for Pro-Life or Youth. I was there Thursday thru Sunday at the State Convention. Many of the speeches were on religious liberties. Do you know that about 50 lawsuits have been filed against the present administration as regards the administration health care bill? We as Knights must support Pro-Life and the sanctity of marriage, Did you know that 200,000 were murdered in by the Mexican Government? Twenty five of the martyrs were canonized as saints including six priests who were members of the Knights of Columbus? If you said that you were a member of the K of C you could be shot or hanged. Would you being willing to give up your life in defense of religious liberties? Father Sal will miss our next meeting because he will be in Rome seeing Pope Benedict XVI. I would like to thank the Kissimmee St. Cloud council for the great food spread at the convention. Pat Spears and I enjoyed the food. Note: Pat was our worthy delegate. Major upcoming Events: Possibly in June there will be a council social. It likely would be a pot luck dinner at some ones house. Maybe a picnic outdoors weather permitting. Details will be decided at the June 14th meeting. July 26th Our Lady of Guadalupe Siler Rose Major Event Jeff Jones is coordinating with Priests for Life for a tentative September 7th thru 9th Pro-life conference. Good of the Order: Please pray for Gene Hawk. Gene is at Colonial Lakes Health Care. Vivat Jesus, Joe Chenette, GK Grand Knight s Report 2 Sir Knights, District Deputy s Report No Report available for this newsletter 4th Degree Assembly 2279 Faithful Navigator s Report Faithful Navigator s Report for May Next meeting is June 11th at St. Nicholas at 7:30pm. Those who having calling list please call those on your list. Another busy month with the following requests for Honor Guard: St Andrew procession of International flags, May crowning at Holy Family and the State convention plus others. There were 21 Color Corp at the convention. Congratulations to John Butcher who was elected Faithful Pilot. John is a pilot for Republic airlines. The May meeting was John s first meeting. Always remember charity, unity and fraternity before during after the meeting. July 26th at St. Andrew and possibly other parishes Our Lady of Guadalupe Siler Rose Major Event Please pray for Gene Hawk. Gene is at Colonial Lakes Health Care. Joe Chenette, FN BLESSED BISHOP ROMZHA ASSEMBLY OFFICERS Faithful Navigator Joseph Chenette Faithful Captain John Adams Faithful Admiral Henry Abbott Faithful Pilot Joseph Mizii Faithful Comptroller Michael Krochmalni Faithful Purser Peter Shine Faithful Scribe Michael Crawford Faithful Friar Fr. Sal Pignato Yr Trustee Eugene Hawk Yr Trustee Donald Abate Yr Trustee John Long To request Honor Guard please contact the Faithful Navigator THE HOLY FAMILY COUNCIL OFFICERS Grand Knight Joseph Chenette Deputy Grand Knight Jeffrey Jones Warden Donald Abate Chancellor Dan Buckley Financial Secretary Michael Krochmalni Treasurer Joe Pompa Recorder Michael MacMenamin Advocate Ainsley Reid-Hart Chaplain Fr. Sal Pignato Yr Trustee Eugene Hawk Yr Trustee Alan Spears Yr Trustee Maurice Amadi Insurance Agent Alvin T. Smith, Sr District Deputy John Adams

3 I have fought in every battle of every war for more then 200 years. I Am the Flag of the Of America I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America s halls of justice. I fly majestically over institutions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me. I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me. I was there. I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired, But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud. I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have borne silent witness to all of America s finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier, Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice. I stand for freedom. I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud. I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, My colors a little truer. I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt for I am invincible. I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my country. And when it s done by those Whom I ve served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong. I am proud. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am saluted. I am loved - I am revered. I am respected - and I am feared. 3 PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY!

4 Our Flag: Did you Know? Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776? The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. 4

5 The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, In God We Trust. of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you ll see flags folded and now you will know why. After the flag is completely folded! and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces Share this with others who love the symbol of Liberty and Freedom If you can read this, thank a teacher... If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier. THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Red Skelton had a favorite teacher in school and that teacher once explained the origins and meanings of the Pledge of Allegiance to the class. Red Skelton never forgot it and recorded it as he remembered his teacher saying it. Here is a transcript of that recording. I Me, an individual, a committee of one. Pledge Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity. Allegiance My love and my devotion. With Liberty Which is freedom. The right of power to live ones own life without threat, fear, or some sort of retaliation. And Justice The principle, equality, for dealing fairly with others. To the Flag Our standard, Old Glory. A symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there s respect. Because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody s job. United That means that we have all come together. States Individual communities that have united into Forty eight great States, forty eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose. And that s love for Country. And to the Republic Republic; A state in which Sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people. And it s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people. For which it stands, one Nation One Nation; meaning so blessed by God. For All For all; which means boys and girls, it s as much your county as it is mine. And now boys and girls let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Since I was a small boy two States have been added to our Country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance Under God. Wouldn t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools too? ( Note: I have placed the audio and a video of this from the old Rush Limbaugh TV show on our web site Assembly Home Page) 5

6 CONGRATULATIONS! BLESSED THEODORE G. ROMZHA ASSEMBLY 2279 Congratulations to the following Assembly Officers for the Fraternal Year Faithful Navigator Michael Crawford Faithful Admiral Joseph Chenette Faithful Captain John Adams Faithful Pilot John Butcher Faithful Purser Peter Shine Faithful Comptroller Michael Krochmalni Faithful Scribe Henry Abbott Inner Sentinel Donald Kahrer Outer Sentinel Vincent Samosky 3 Year Trustee John Long 2 Year Trustee Donald Abate 1 Year Trustee Eugene Hawk (Continued from Page 1) support of this program. And I ask every K of C family to take part in a novena for religious liberty beginning June 21, using the prayer that our bishops have asked us to pray: Almighty God, Father of all nations, for freedom you have set us free in Christ Jesus (Gal 5:1). We praise and bless you for the gift of religious liberty, the foundation of human rights, justice, and the common good. Grant to our leaders the wisdom to protect and promote our liberties; By your grace may we have the courage to defend them, for ourselves and for all those who live in this blessed land. We ask this through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, our patroness, and in the name of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, with whom you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Together we can safeguard our most cherished freedom. Vivat Jesus! HOLY FAMILY COUNCIL 9236 The Nominating Committee appointed by Grand Knight Joseph E. Chenette has presented the following slate of candidates for elective Council Officers for the fraternal year: Grand Knight Deputy Grand Knight Chancellor Warden Recorder Treasurer Advocate Inside Guard Outside Guard Joseph E. Chenette John Butcher Ainsley Reid -Hart Louis Ramos Alan Spears Joe Pompa Robert Crane George Davis Jean Claude Edme Modestus Amadi 3 Year Trustee Dan Buckley 2 Year Trustee Donald Abate 1 Year Trustee Michael MacMenamin Nominations may also be made from the floor at the next general meeting and prior to elections. Grandma s Lap Grandma told this interesting legend about a loud, noisy, and especially objectionable skunk who challenged a lion one day to a fight. The lion promptly refused to engage in such a combat. "Huh!" sneered the skunk, "you're afraid to fight!" No, answered the lion, "but why should I fight you? You would gain fame from fighting me, even though I gave you the Worst licking of your life; which I would do. How about me, though? I couldn't possibly gain anything by defeating you, while on the other hand, everyone whom I met for a month would know that I had been in the company of a skunk." St. John Chrysostom said once, "As long as we remain sheep, we overcome. Even though we may be surrounded by a thousand wolves, we overcome and are victorious. But as soon as we become wolves, we are beaten; for then we lose the support of the shepherd Who feeds not wolves, but only sheep" (Homily 34 on St. Matthew). Beware, lest in fighting a wolf, you yourself become a wolf. When someone hurts us we need to remember that stooping to the level of an enemy lowers us. Never descend to the level of a hateful person. Never stoop to the level of one who tries to abuse you. Never stoop to the level of a cruel person. This is what Jesus meant when He says: "A good man produces goodness from the good in his heart; an evil man produces evil out of his store of evil. Each man speaks from his heart's abundance" (Lk 6: 45). When a hawk is attacked by crows, instead of fighting back, it flies to higher altitudes where the crows cannot follow. It is to the higher altitude of love that Jesus summons us. So that like St. Paul who followed Christ so closely, we also may say: "When we are insulted we respond with a blessing. Persecution comes our way; we bear it patiently. We are slandered, and we try conciliation" (ICor 4:12-13). Grandma went on to explain how necessary it is to live in love and peace with one another. "Give him the devil!" said someone to a friend who had suffered an injustice at the hands of a third party. The reply he received was truly inspired. "He's already got the devil. I'd like to give him God." To love your enemy is to give him God. A man once bought a farm. Examining the property one day he met his next door neighbor. "Don't look now," said the neighbor, "but when you purchased this property, you also bought a lawsuit with me: your fence is ten feet over on my property. Now, this is a classic opening for a feud that could go on for generations and create generations of enemies. But instead the new owner smiled and said: "I thought I'd find some friendly neighbors here and I'm going to. And you are going to help me. Move the fence where you want it and send me the bill. You'll be satisfied and I'll be happy." Well, the fence was never moved, and the potential enemy was never the same again. He became a friendly neighbor. The water of love had quenched the fire of hatred. 6

7 REPORT FROM OUR INSUR ANCE AGENT ARE YOUR BENEFICIARIES CURRENT? 829 Grovesmere Loop Ocoee, FL Knights Of Columbus Florida State Council Donald T. Kahrer, Jr. State Advocate (407) happy birthday! To all brother Knights who were born during the month of June some years ago: Leonard Costa John A. Gabele Gerald P. Kinzler Diaz M. Rodriquez Joseph L. Territo CONGRATULATIONS! KNIGHT of the MONTH for May Michael MacMenamin Sometimes it is easy to overlook the simplest of things. Take the beneficiaries on your life insurance policies. If your policy was applied for and issued several years ago, it could very well be that the beneficiary originally designated to receive the proceeds from that policy needs to be updated. If you bought the policy when you were single, for example, you may have named your parents as beneficiaries. If you have since been married, that could be updated to reflect your spouse, and even your children. Most people list a primary beneficiary that person is specifically designated as the first in priority to receive policy proceeds. We also encourage the naming of a contingent beneficiary an alternate person designated to receive policy proceeds, usually in the event that the original beneficiary pre-deceases the insured. When I call to arrange your annual insurance checkup, one of the matters that we can discuss is the status of your beneficiary designations. If they need updating, and they often do, I can usually complete the paperwork during the appointment. I look forward to meeting with you to review all your life insurance policies. By the way, in most cases you should never name the beneficiary of your policy the estate of the insured. This opens it up to creditor claims. Always name a family member of a class, i.e. equal to all children. Call Alvin T. Smith at for his assistance in setting up a plan that will protect your wife and family. ( alvin.smith@kofc.org) For all your religious supplies and icons - Come visit our council website at and follow the link shown below FAMILY of the MONTH for May Family of Donald Abate 7

8 Dates to Remember JUNE 2012 Monday 11 7:30 P.M. Assembly business meeting Thursday 14 FLAG DAY Thursday Sunday Tuesday JULY Wednesday 4 Thursday 12 Monday Wednesday AUGUST :00 P.M. Council business meeting - Election of officers at St. Andrew FATHER'S DAY All articles and reports due for next month s newsletter INDEPENDENCE DAY 9 7:30 P.M. Assembly business meeting 18 All articles and reports due for next month s newsletter 7:00 P.M. Council business meeting Monday 6 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD Monday 13 7:30 P.M. Assembly business meeting Saturday 18 All articles and reports due for next month s newsletter Thursday Wednesday Wednesday :30 P.M. Council business meeting DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD If anyone knows of a member or family member that should be listed in our Pray For column please contact Michael P. Krochmalni at so that we can add their names. You can send this information by mail to: Michael P. Krochmalni 2207 Viento St. Orlando, FL or to: council9236@me.com Pray For HEATLH: Thomas Prebee Helen Obuch Lois Swirderski Anna Kocur John Wisdo Henry Dugan Juanita Ortega Josie Johnson Fr. Peter Boutros George Chandler Bob & Mary Jane Spencer Eugene & Shirley Hawk IN MEMORY OF: Marika A. Krochmalni 8 Charles Leppert George Molchan Joseph Obuch