KNIGHTLINE N E W S F O R K N I G H T S O F C O L U M B U S L E A D E R S 1 C O L U M B U S P L A Z A N E W H A V E N, C T U S A

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1 KNIGHTLINE F E B R U A R Y V O L U M E 2 7 N U M B E R 2 W W W. K O F C. O R G KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS In Service to One. In Service to All. N E W S F O R K N I G H T S O F C O L U M B U S L E A D E R S 1 C O L U M B U S P L A Z A N E W H A V E N, C T U S A POPE JOHN PAUL II Knights Rejoice over Venerable Declaration; Sainthood Cause Advances Pope Benedict XVI announced the opening of the cause for sainthood of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyta, d. April 2, 2005), on May 13, On Dec. 19, 2009, Pope Benedict declared that John Paul lived a life of heroic virtue or holiness, and that the Church considers the late pope as Venerable. This important step allows for John Paul to be beatified after the Congregation for the Causes of Saints certifies a miracle through his intercession. The Knights of Columbus enjoyed a long and close relationship with Pope John Paul II, who reigned from 1978 to The timeline beginning on Page 2 in this newsletter tells the story of the Knights involvement with one of the most beloved and remarkable popes in the history of the Church. Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson issued the following statement on behalf of the Knights of Columbus regarding the Vatican pronouncements on Pope John Paul II and also Father Jerzy Popieluszko: In April 2002, Pope John Paul II granted Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson a private audience, at which time they discussed the Cause for Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney. Supreme Knight Anderson presented a bas-relief of Father McGivney, sculpted by Donatella Gismondi, to the Holy Father. SEE DECLARATIONS, PAGE 2 L'Osservatore Romano Order Rushes Aid to Haiti IN THE WAKE OF THE MASSIVE DESTRUCTION on Jan. 12, caused by the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, and the tremendous suffering of the people there in its wake, the Knights of Columbus sent an immediate contribution of $50,000 to Catholic Relief Services. Officials estimate that 200,000 people may have perished under the rubble of thousands of collapsed buildings. Among the dead is Catholic Archbishop Joseph Serge Miot of Port-au-Prince, whose body was found in the ruins of his office. Knights are invited to make contributions through the Supreme Council to maximize the impact of the funds raised, and document the amount donated in this tragedy by members of the Order. State and local councils, and individual Knights, have contributed a total of more than $150,000 to Haiti earthquake relief during the first 12 days following the disaster. Among these contributions were a $1,200 donation from the California State Council, approximately $3,500 raised through a benefit concert held by Edward Douglass White Council 2473 in Arlington, Va., and twelve $1,000 donations by individuals. DONATION CHECKS should be made out to Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. and mailed to 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT Please write Haiti Earthquake Relief on the memo line of the check. Tie Blitz to Founder s Day Honor the memory of our founder by inviting qualified Catholic men into his creation the Knights of Columbus. On the weekend prior to March 29, arrange for your council to conduct a church drive as part of the Orderwide recruitment blitz. A church drive is an ideal opportunity to reach an audience of qualified prospects. Its ultimate success depends on careful planning and execution. Start by obtaining your pastor s approval to hold a membership drive at all Masses on the target weekend. Order quantities of Prospect Cards (#921A), The Greatness of a Man flyer (#4496), What this Organization Stands for flyer (#4547), Membership Benefits (#2773), and the Membership Document (#100). SEE FOUNDER S DAY, PAGE 2 CNS photo MEMBERSHIP IN THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

2 Timeline: Pope John Paul II and the K of C For a more detailed account of Pope John Paul II and the Order visit S 1980S 1978 The Order underwrites the costs of the uplink and downlink of the telecast in mission countries of the installation of Pope John Paul II, and funds a film of his first trip to Mexico In October, the Order collaborates with the U.S. Conference of Bishops by providing funding for the filming of Pope John Paul II s United States visit The Order establishes the Knights of Columbus Vicarius Christi Foundation, the earnings of which will be presented to the Holy Father for his charitable purposes At the request of Canadian Knights, the Supreme Council authorizes a special $1 per capita on Canadian members to assist the Canadian Conference of Bishops in defraying expenses coincident with the Holy Father s visit to Canada The Order provides funding to enable the Vatican Television Center (CTV) to purchase a completely equipped television production studio housed in a van and trailer At the wish of the Holy Father, the Order is presented with the opportunity to restore the entire façade of St. Peter s Basilica The Holy Father presents, as a gift to the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, the copper cross held in the arms of the statue of the Savior on the very top of St. Peter s façade. The gift is in appreciation for the collaboration of the Order in restoring the façade During the September visit of the Holy Father to the United States, and in particular to the Southwest, the pope grants an audience to the Board of Directors in San Francisco. Images courtesy of CNS photo/l'osservatore Romano/ K of C archives FOUNDER S DAY, FROM PAGE ONE Prepare an announcement for the parish bulletin and ask that it be run during the two weekends prior to the drive. Put together a tabletop display that highlights your council s activities and the benefits of membership. This display should include handouts with information about your council and copies of your council s newsletter. Select a spot near the main church entry for this display. Arrange for the pastor, grand knight or membership director to make a brief announcement before the Mass explaining the Order and encouraging men to complete the Prospect Cards and turn them in as they leave the church. Read a letter of support from the state council or the local bishop, or use a Sample Pulpit Announcement (#2678) available from the Supreme Council Supply Department. Collate materials for presentation to men as they leave the church. Have Knights in position at church exits to answer questions from prospects, and assist interested men in completing Membership Documents. Founder s Day, March 29 Founder s Day this year marks our 128th anniversary! Make it memorable by holding recruitment activities, or by honoring parish priests as a testament to our founder. Consider presenting priests with the In Solidarity with Our Priests certificate (#4362) from the Supply Department. For more information on Founder s Day, visit the Council section at After the event, deliver Membership Documents and completed Prospect Cards to the membership director for follow-up. Men who signed Membership Documents should be immediately informed of the date and time of their meeting with the Admission Committee and the First Degree exemplification. DECLARATIONS, FROM PAGE ONE The Knights of Columbus welcomes the declaration of John Paul II as Venerable and of Father Jerzy Popieluszko as a martyr. Both men were willing to lay down their lives for their sheep, and for speaking the truth of the dignity of their fellow man. John Paul was shot for his efforts, and Father Jerzy was killed. But as our members in Poland know well, the heroism of these men and countless others helped to create the Europe we know today, a Europe in which the iron curtain has fallen and opportunity for both individuals and evangelization is now possible. It is important that, true to the legacy of these men, we continue our efforts to evangelize our neighbors, bring the Gospel back to Europe, and strive to create a just society in which Father Jerzy Popieluszko, left, and Blessed André Bessette the rights of every human person are recognized. JOY OVER BESSETTE CAUSE Additionally, Supreme Knight Anderson issued a statement regarding the miracle for the cause of Blessed André Bessette: The Knights of Columbus share in Canada s joy over the approval of a miracle in the cause for canonization of Blessed André Bessette. Brother André is CNS file photo a shining example for the Knights and all Catholics in Canada of faith, humility and charity to those most in need. By allowing himself to be the instrument of God, he touched the lives of thousands of people. May we always follow in his footsteps of faith, humility, devotion to St. Joseph, and charity to his neighbors. 2

3 1990S 1991, AUGUST The Knights launch an Orderwide Quincentennial Prayer Service centering on replicas of the cross that had been presented, in 1984, by Pope John Paul II to the bishops of the Americas in the Dominican Republic. 1993, MARCH Renovations of the roof and mosaics in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Peter s Basilica (left) are offered as a gift to the Holy Father by the Order. 1990S CONTINUED 1995, JAN. 15 Supreme Knight Virgil Dechant (left) attends the closing World Youth Day Mass of the Holy Father in Manila. 1995, OCTOBER The Knights of Columbus and the Diocese of Brooklyn co-host the Holy Father s Mass at Aqueduct The Fourth Degree funds restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver to commemorate Pope John Paul II s visit there for World Youth Day. 1993, AUGUST World Youth Day in Denver The Order staffs a booth and distributes 100,000 Rosaries, 200,000 rosary prayer cards, and 100,000 confession cards. 1996, FALL The Order publishes a study guide for Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) A grant is given to the Pontifical Council for the Laity to support World Youth Day in Paris. The Order sends nine college council representatives to attend. SHORT TAKES Ordering Supplies To order any of the items mentioned in this newsletter, or listed in the Supply Catalog (#1264) complete a Requisition Form (#1) and send it to: Supply Department, Knights of Columbus, 78 Meadow Street, New Haven CT The Supply Department also accepts fax orders at Only orders that are to be charged to a council, assembly, circle or agency account are accepted. Use the Requisition Form (#1) for fax orders. Include the council, assembly or circle number on all requisitions. Please be sure the return address on the form is written legibly. Do not mail in orders that have been faxed and send in separate forms for promotional, gift and print orders. Deadline for Star Council Now is the time to make sure your council has met all the requirements for the Star Council Award by qualifying for the Father McGivney, Founders and Columbian awards. The eligibility requirements for these awards are: conducting and reporting at least four major programs in each of the Service Program categories (using the Columbian Award Application found in the Council Report Forms Booklet (#1436) or on the Order s Web site by June 30), achieving associate member quota, and achieving insurance member quota. For more detailed information on achieving these awards refer to the Surge... with Service program manual (#962) or the Grand Knight s Handbook (#915). To ensure timely processing, all Form #100s must be received, processed and recorded at the Supreme Council before 4:30 p.m. ET by June 30, to be counted toward fraternal year quotas. All insurance policies must be issued and released by June 30 in order to count for the fraternal year quotas. Special Olympics Report The Knights of Columbus has always had a close relationship with Special Olympics. To further track local councils involvement, make sure that your council completes the Partnership Profile Report with Special Olympics (#4584) and submits it to the Supreme Council Office as quickly as possible, with copies to the state deputy, district deputy and the council s files. Fraternal Surveys Past Due: Submit Now if You Haven t Yet Councils, assemblies and circles should have completed the 2009 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728) and submitted it to the Supreme Council office by Jan. 31, Free Throw Participation If your council has participated in the Supreme Council International Free Throw Championship, and you have not yet submitted a completed participation form (#FT-1), please do so at once. K of C Receives CPTV Award On Dec. 12, 2009, Connecticut Public Television gave their Power of Giving Award to the Knights of Columbus and Newman s Own Foundation for their support of a special TV series on voluntarism and philanthropy. Pictured are (left to right): Robert Forrester, President and CEO of Newman s Own Foundation; Jerry Franklin, President and CEO of CPTV; Supreme Secretary Donald Kehoe; and Supreme Advocate John Marrella. The Supreme Knight s Book Club Discusses: The Difference God Makes: A Catholic Vision of Faith, Communion, and Culture (The Crossroad Publishing Company) Join Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Cardinal Francis George OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, for an online discussion of the cardinal s first book. The work explores our relationship with God, the responsibility of community and the transformation of culture. Visit to submit your questions online and participate in the discussion, which takes place Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. EST. Find archived book club discussions at Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest Participation If your council has participated in the Supreme Council Substance Abuse Poster Contest, please complete and submit the participation form (#4001). Semiannual Audit Have you planned your council s Semi-Annual Council Audit yet for the period ending Dec. 31, 2009? Make sure the treasurer and financial secretary are on hand with their records and that the trustees schedule the audit as soon as possible. These forms are available at or in the Council Reports Forms Booklet (#1436). 3

4 1990S CONTINUED , DECEMBER The Holy Father receives the Supreme Officers in audience. A spiritual bouquet of prayers is offered by Knights to mark his 50th Anniversary as a priest. 1998, JANUARY A grant is given by Knights to the bishops conference of Cuba to help with expenses of Pope John Paul s visit there. 1999, JANUARY The Order announces funding for the restoration of the 17th Century Maderno Atrium in St. Peter s Basilica as a gift to the Holy Father and to the universal Church for Jubilee , OCTOBER The Holy Father receives the Board of Directors in audience. He blesses a mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe commissioned from the Vatican Mosaic Studios for the Knights of Columbus Museum. 2000, FEBRUARY Then-Supreme Secretary Carl A. Anderson participates in Vatican events marking the fifth anniversary of Pope John Paul II s encyclical on life issues Evangelium Vitae. 2000, MARCH The Order funds the telecast of the Holy Father s visit to the Holy Land, and in particular to Nazareth. 2000, MAY 21 Pope John Paul II canonizes 25 Mexican martyrs, victims of the religious persecution of the 1920s who were members of the Knights of Columbus, and of whom six were priests. The priests had been beatified on Nov. 22, INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM WINNER: Pro-Life Three silver roses were exchanged on the International Bridge on the border between the United States and Mexico, on Dec. 10, Fourth Degree Knights and Father Francisco Hernandez, administrator of San Agustin Cathedral, far right, helped escort the roses, shown here being carried by Grand Knight Pedro L. Garcia of Laredo Council SILVER ROSE RUN Celebrating 50 Years Three silver roses were exchanged on the International Bridge on the border between the United States and Mexico, on Dec. 10, It was the first in a series of events sponsored by the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the 50th running of the silver rose and the 478th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, on Dec. 12. The Running of the Silver Rose began in 1960 as an initiative of the members of the Columbian Squires, the youth arm of the Knights of Columbus. The roses, symbols of unity among the peoples in the Americas, are also symbols of the pro-life movement of which the Order is heavily involved. The program s devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe stems from the fact that she is considered the patroness of the pro-life movement. The roses began their journey in Canada last May, and spent the last six months traveling throughout the western, central and eastern corridors of North America, with Knights of Columbus from Canada to Mexico carrying them from destination to destination. On the morning of Dec. 10, runners carrying the roses began the final leg of the 50th Running of the Silver Rose. Their journey concluded in Mexico City at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec. SEE ROSES, PAGE 6 This year, we have added a category to our international service program awards: the best Pro-Life activity. The first winner in this new category is a council that has put together an especially noteworthy program to help mothers, who decide to have their baby instead of an abortion, care for their infant children. Recognizing that an estimated one-third of the million-plus abortions performed every year in the U.S. are done because the mother is afraid she won t be able to meet her baby s needs, Council 4226 in Murrysville, Pa., launched Our Rosebud Program back in 2004 and it is now in its fifth year. In cooperation with Welcome Little Ones of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the program pairs a young mother or couple with a sponsoring couple from the council. They provide emotional support throughout the pregnancy and for a full year after the child is born. They identify unmet needs, such as baby furniture and clothing, as well as ongoing needs like diapers, baby wipes, bath products and laundry detergent that are provided throughout the year. The council sponsors four little Rosebuds each year, and to date 17 mothers and 18 babies have benefitted from the program, including a 15-yearold mother from a dysfunctional family who had twins. With the help of the Our Rosebud Program, she has since gone on to graduate with honors from high school and is now in college. For more information on entering your council s top activities in the areas of Church, Community, Council, Family, Pro-Life and Youth in your jurisdiction s Service Program competition, please visit and then select the Council link. 4

5 , APRIL 29 In St. Peter s Square, Pope John Paul II beatifies Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, a member of the Knights of Columbus in Puerto Rico. 2001, JUNE The Holy Father makes a gift to the Knights of Columbus of a mitre worn by him during the Jubilee Year, specifically at a Mass celebrated on March 21, 2000, in Amman, Jordan, during his visit to the Holy Land Beginning on Sept. 30, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson participated as an auditor in the month-long Synod of Bishops, having been named to that post by Pope John Paul II, one of 22 auditors chosen by the Holy Father from throughout the world. On Oct. 10, the Supreme Knight addresses the session of the Synod of Bishops (shown above). 2002, JANUARY The Order authorizes a grant of $1 million to fund Duc in Altum park, where the sacrament of reconciliation was available to young people attending World Youth Day in Toronto. 2002, JANUARY The Order provides funding for the worldwide satellite coverage of the Jan. 24 peace summit, convened by the Holy Father in Assisi, which attracted more than 200 religious leaders from around the world. SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED Van Provides Freedom for Vets WHAT STARTED AS A NEED EXPRESSED by a member of the West Haven Veterans Affairs Health center s amputee support group for a means of transportation to allow veterans who use wheelchairs to attend outside events, grew into a project resulting in the purchasing of a van capable of carrying eight motorized wheelchairs and three aides thanks in part to the leadership of Knights. District Deputy Gary Thomas worked with the members of the amputee support group to raise the more than $90,000 for the vehicle. Through donations solicited from Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, local councils and assemblies, military support groups (e.g. American Legion, VFW, etc.) local and national businesses and the general public, and the sale of I Support Our Amputee Veterans pins by the veterans, more than $100,000 was raised. Excess funds will be given to the VA to buy non-standard accessories (e.g. PA system) and to pay for ongoing fees and routine maintenance and up-keep. This (the van donation) shows what dedicated Knights can do, said Assistant for Military and Veterans Affairs Chuck Gallina in referring to Thomas efforts. It s a perfect example of people working together for one purpose, said Sharon Croteau, Chief of Voluntary Services at the West Haven VA facility. This van brings the vets who use wheelchairs the gift of freedom. When our country needed them our veterans answered the call to serve. Now Knights are being called to serve our veterans through a new program: Serving Those Who Served. Our goal is to have an active corps of Knights serving, on an ongoing basis, as volunteers at every Veterans Administration medical facility in the nation. Through the Serving Those Who Served program, councils and assemblies are asked to form volunteer groups to regularly meet veterans needs. Some volunteer opportunities for Knights include: coordinating volunteer activities matching the volunteers available with the needs of hospitalized veterans. providing transportation for veterans. distributing toiletries, sweaters and other items that help make veterans more comfortable. providing Pet Therapy bringing pets to facilities to interact with the veterans at appropriate places and times. vocational rehabilitation helping or providing the opportunity for veterans to participate in job skills programs. arts and crafts providing materials and programs that help veterans use artistic and creative skills. patient visiting. patient check-in and escort and/or reception area and information services. offering holiday celebrations organizing parties for veterans. taking patients to sporting events or performances. hosting picnics, parties or recreational outings. Upon discharge from the VA facility some veterans find they have lost touch with friends and family. Discharged veterans need compassionate, caring and committed individuals, like a K of C volunteer, to: help them access community events and services. visit, listening to, and talk with them. Attendees gather for the dedication ceremony, presided by Father Cosmas Archibong, Catholic chaplain of the VA center. note changes in the patient s condition and inform the healthcare team. SEE IDEAS, PAGE 7 5

6 2002 CONTINUED , FEBRUARY 25 The Holy Father appoints Supreme Knight Anderson as one of 25 new members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. From the 2000 Vicarius Christi meeting 2002, MARCH As a sign of solidarity with the Holy Father, the Order establishes the $2 million Pacem in Terris Fund, the earnings of which will be used to promote peace initiatives in the Holy Land and assist the Latin patriarchate in supporting the Christian community there. 2002, APRIL Supreme Knight Anderson is granted a private audience by Pope John Paul II, at which time they discusses the Cause for Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney. A sculptural representation of Father McGivney created by Donatella Gismondi is presented to the Holy Father, who expresses keen interest in Father McGivney s cause. 2002, NOV. 23 Supreme Knight Anderson is given a letter on peace, personally handwritten by the Pope. The letter became the centerpiece of a display at the Knights of Columbus Museum: John Paul II A Passion for Peace that opened in For Christmas, the Order collaborates with the Pontifical Council for Social Communications in a streaming video production of a 24-hour television program celebrating the 25th Christmas of the Holy Father s Pontificate. 2003, JULY/ AUGUST The Holy Father s Encyclical on the Eucharist, Ecclesia de Eucharistia is the topic of the second Knights of Columbus Eucharistic Congress held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Aug Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child The Knights of Columbus has been a leader in the Right to Life movement for the past 37 years. With the Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child soon approaching on March 25, also the day of the feast of the Annunciation this year, Knights have the opportunity to stand up and speak out against the evil of abortion. All members of our Order are encouraged to participate by holding a special prayer service in council homes, meeting places or local parishes. When celebrating the Day of the Unborn Child councils are encouraged to conduct a pro-life Mass or rosary service. Remember to invite all members of the community, including public officials and health care workers. Strength in numbers gives others the courage to speak up and also lets the community know there is a group willing to help women in crisis pregnancies. To plan a service, councils should: Consult with your chaplain or the pastor of the local parish to establish a time and the kind of service (i.e. rosary, Mass, etc); Ask the pastor to make a pulpit or bulletin announcement regarding the program at all Masses the weekend prior to the event; Send a notice to the local diocesan newspaper and local secular media; Distribute Prayer for Life cards (#4665). Additional copies are available in reasonable quantities from the Supply Department. Also, utilize this sample prayer service in planning your council s event. The Knights of Columbus Day of the Unborn Child was instituted as an addition to the Order s commitment to build a culture that respects and protects every human life from conception to natural death. IN ADDITION, TO FURTHER ASSIST your pro-life activities, the Supreme Council offers the following materials (all of which are free of charge when ordered in reasonable quantities; there is only a shipping charge): The brochure A People of Life And for Life (#4795) outlines the Order s commitment to reversing the trend toward a culture of death and building a culture that values human life at every stage. The beautifully designed, full-color brochure explains the common sense and common law basis for the protection of life, and also offers five practical action items to help members, their families and all concerned individuals get involved in building a culture of life. A poster, shown at right, (#4804) with a similar design is also available. Pray the Rosary to End Abortion poster (#2073) and prayer card (#2072) Gospel of Life poster (#4238) and prayer card (#4237E, F, or S) in English, French or Spanish For more information on the Knights of Columbus Day of the unborn Child see the community section of ROSES, FROM PAGE 4 12, where the roses were presented to Our Lady. Each part of the bouquet has an important meaning. The five roses (one of the three is a bouquet of three roses) represent the five decades in which this tradition has been in place. The seven guides carrying the roses represent the sacraments of the Catholic faith and the ways to approach God. The thorns represent all the efforts and sacrifices of the Columbian Squires and Knights of Columbus along the way. And the strong stem represents faith. Also in attendance at these events was Msgr. Eduardo Chávez, postulator for the cause for canonization of St. Juan Diego. Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego on that fateful day in Msgr. Chávez recently co-authored a New York Times bestselling book with Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson titled: Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Civilization of Love, which reached No. 6 on the bestseller list in August (For more information on the book, visit For more information on the history and origins of the Running of the Silver Rose as well as more detailed information about that weekend s events, please visit 6

7 2003 CONTINUED , OCTOBER At an audience granted to the Board of Directors, Pope John Paul II encourages the Knights as follows: In fidelity to the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney, may you continue to seek new ways of being a leaven of the Gospel in the world, and a spiritual force for the renewal of the Church In October, the Order begins a year-long prayer program in honor of Pope John Paul II and priests through a Divine Mercy Prayer Service, featuring the image of Divine Mercy blessed by the Holy Father. 2003, OCT. 9 The Holy Father receives the Board of Directors in audience, at which time Supreme Knight Anderson presents the pope with a gift of $2.5 million, including earnings on the Vicarius Christi Fund. 2003, NOV. 24 The Holy Father names Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson as a consultant to the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the only American among 10 new appointees In solidarity with the Holy Father and his proclamation that October will be the Year of the Eucharist, the Knights of Columbus plans a third Knights of Columbus Eucharistic Congress that takes place immediately following the Supreme Convention in Chicago. 2005, APRIL 8 Supreme Knight Anderson, past Surpreme Knight Dechant, their wives, and Coun Enrico Demajo (the Order s Rome representative) represent the Knights of Columbus at Pope John Paul II s funeral. Coats for Kids Initiative Moves to Canada Canadian Knights joined the Order s plan to bring warm winter coats to children through the Order s Coats for Kids initiative, with the first distribution held in Canada as part of the program. On Dec. 7, 2009, the Ontario State Council of the Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with Father Paul J. F. Wattson, S.A. Council 8919 (Windsor) distributed 600 coats to children in Windsor (shown at right). Distribution took place at the Unemployed Help Centre which, along with the Windsor- Essex Catholic District School Board, assisted in the distribution. Coats were given to students from several local Catholic schools including: Assumption Secondary, St. Bernard, WJ Langlois, St. Francis, St. Anne, OLPH, Holy Name Elementary, Cardinal Carter, St. John, Catholic Central, Our Lady of Lourdes, Queen of Peace, Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, and St. Jules. In addition, on Friday, Dec. 18, the New Jersey State Council of the Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with several local councils in the Newark area, began distribution of new winter coats to area children in need. The first distribution took place at the Mt. Carmel Guild Academy in West Orange, where special needs children received winter coats (left). Additional distributions are planned at Blessed Sacrament and St. Michael s schools, as well as at other locations around New Jersey. These events were part of the second annual Coats for Kids initiative of the Knights of Columbus. Similar distributions have taken place in eight U.S cities, and approximately 12 more distributions are in the works in the weeks to come. In total, the Knights of Columbus will distribute approximately 10,000 Ultimate Apparel coats this winter. For more information on this program, visit coatsforkids. IDEAS, FROM PAGE 5 remember them on birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Sometimes councils and assemblies are not located close enough to a veterans medical facility to make regular efforts practical. However, they may still participate in and make a valuable contribution to, the Serving Those Who Served program. The possibilities are limited only by the imagination and the needs of the veterans. For instance: Organize a drive to collect clothing, coats, gloves, pajamas, robes, toiletries, etc. Organize program to provide rosaries, Bibles, Catholic literature, and Chapel items like Mass bells, Easter candle holders and altar lines. Volunteer as Eucharistic Ministers to take Communion to bed patients. Collect and donate to veterans facilities TV sets, DVD players, stereo equipment, audio books, DVDs, CDs, personal computers and computer programs, printers (as well paper and ink). If possible, plan and conduct a special outing or holiday event for veterans and travel to the facility to conduct it. Or, adopt veterans at a distant facility and remember them regularly with cards and letters. For more details on volunteering as an individual, or as a council/assembly, contact the Chief of Voluntary Service at the nearest VA Medical Center to arrange an initial screening. Volunteering opportunities are also listed at Assemblies can honor military personnel and veterans by presenting them with Patriotic Service Award certificates (#839). These vertical certificates are available for 25 cents each from the Supreme Council Supply Department. Specify English, French, Spanish or Philippines. 7

8 KNIGHTLINE 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE P A I D NEW HAVEN CT PERMIT No. 400 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INSURANCE: MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR LIFE Momentous Milestones Thomas P. Smith Jr. Executive Vice President (Agencies and Marketing) This past year was a momentous one for the Knights of Columbus Insurance program. Let me just highlight a few of the many milestones. The Order issued more life insurance than ever before in our history: $7.57 billion. Our total insurance in force reached a new high of $74 billion. To put this remarkable number in perspective, consider that at the end of 1999, just 10 years ago, we stood at $38 billion. Our field force continues to grow, and we finished the year with a net gain of new agents. In July, we held our first ever Field Agent Sales Conference in St. Louis, Mo., an event that gathered nearly half our field force for presentations on how to better serve their members and their families. During 2009, we celebrated an extraordinary nine months that were in the best ever category. Records were set in February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Our annuity business saw record growth from 2008 to The number of annuity plans issued in 2009 more than doubled from those issued in 2008, with over 19,000 new annuities issued to our members and their families. Our AAA (Extremely Strong) rating from Standard and Poor s was reaffirmed for the 17th consecutive year and our A++ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best was reaffirmed for the 34th consecutive year. Additionally, we were again certified by the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association (IMSA) for our ethical business and marketing practices. At the close of 2009, we were among only three U.S. insurers with all three of these distinctions. In Canada, we were the only insurer with these three marked the ninth consecutive year our issued life insurance increased over the previous year. Our number of associate members becoming insured members also grew, showing more of our brothers availed themselves and their families to our products. When the 2009 totals are included, we can claim that during the past five years, more than 103,000 members of the Knights of Columbus joined the ranks of our insured members by whether purchasing life insurance, long-term care or a retirement product. What does all of this mean to you? First, it means that you can take great pride in the success your organization is having in fulfilling the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney by caring for the financial security of our members and their families. Second, in case you haven t already, this would be a great time to get on the bandwagon and have a discussion with your agent. If you don t know who he is, please visit and click on Find an Agent. You ll be glad you did. PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR BY THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SUPREME COUNCIL 1 COLUMBUS PLAZA, NEW HAVEN, CT KNIGHTLINE@KOFC.ORG